"Spin Cycle"
“We thought it was possible,” Mohinder said, shifting his eyes from Angela to Bennet, “To reanimate corpses using brain waves from individuals like you.” Here he looked at Nathan. “The only problem presented was that it obviously meant that we had to sacrifice one life for another.”
“Hammurabi’s Code,” Micah offered, having only just awoken. Mohinder nodded. “But that would mean that all of our powers are equal, right?”
“That is the implication,” Mohinder responded, not at all phased being spoken to like an equal by a twelve year old. “However, we all know that that can’t possibly be true, because of Sylar and Peter.”
“How so?” D.L. asked, resting his hands on Micah’s shoulders.
“Peter and Sylar’s capacity to absorb and acquire other powers makes them, in a sense, superior. It’s a common theme in genetics and evolution; a superior race always eliminates the less adapt and able. In this case, however, I fear that it will be more an instance of superiority ousting superiority.”
“So what does that have to do with us?” Niki asked, her eyes clouded with worry.
Mohinder thought for a moment before shrugging slightly.
“I don’t precisely know yet, but I think there’s truth to power in numbers. Of course, for as long as Sylar is in our control, it’s not anything to be reckoned with, but he’s proven, on two separate occasions, that keeping him in a cell is near impossible. As it is, there’s no way of telling how long we can keep him here.”
“You’re actually predicting Sylar’s escape?” Nathan asked, incredulous. Mohinder opened his mouth to speak when Bennet cut in.
“Of course not. We’re not worried about him staying in, we’re worried about those who are willing to get him out.”
“Rand raises a point that I’ve been grappling with,” Angela interrupted. “If Sylar was able to coerce Candice, who’s to say that he couldn’t get others? This is why we had to reanimate Dale Smither. We have reason to believe that Sylar has also mastered reanimation.” The reaction throughout the room was similar.
“That’s absurd,” D.L. grumbled, his face etched with anger. “What...”
“If there are bodies out there that at one time had abilities, then there’s a means to an end. If...”
Mohinder was cut-off as three loud knocks sounded on the study door. Angela rose and crossed the room quickly, pulling the door open enough to reveal a sliver of face. She spoke in whispers for a moment, before closing the door again and facing the group.
“Sylar has escaped,” she said, almost lamely. Nathan sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Predictable,” he groaned.
“Excuse me?” Angela tested, her eyes narrowing. Nathan straightened up and faced his mother squarely.
“I said predictable, Mother. This whole adventure has been predictable. Claire’s death, Candice’s involvement, Eden’s return, even Peter’s overreacting. You tailored all of this!” Nathan’s voice rose as he stepped closer to Angela. “You’re the reason why all of this,” he waved his arms around, “is happening. You’re willing to sacrifice your own son, not to mention other people’s children to satiate Linderman. It’s all about money!” He had backed Angela into a corner and was face to face with her. “You’re going to do us all a favor and butt out.”
Without another word, Nathan tugged Angela to the window, wrapped his arms around her waist, and flew out. The others stared at the open window for a moment, before turning to stare at each other.
“Erm... We need to... I actually don’t have a plan for this,” Bennet stuttered, lacing his arms together over his chest.
“Well, we need to do something,” Niki said, her voice low and husky.
“Jessica’s right,” D.L. said, ignoring Bennet and Mohinder’s questioning looks.
“She has dual personalities,” Micah whispered to Mohinder, causing his eyebrows to soar.
“Really? I’ve always...”
“Shut it, Chutney,” Jessica snapped; Mohinder shut his mouth immediately. “We need to get the hell out of here and find Sylar before he gets Peter. I would have thought that was obvious,” she said, glancing at Mohinder momentarily. “Bennet, take Micah and go hide somewhere inconspicuous. D.L., you’re coming with me. Mohinder?” Mohinder grunted noncommittally. “Do whatever it is you’ve done that’s kept you alive this long.” They all stared a moment too long.
“Look, do any of you have a better idea?” Jessica asked, crossing her arms and cocking her hip, “Because if not, we need to just go with it.”
“Claude and Eden,” Bennet said suddenly. “I’ve just... Angela is the one setting them up for Sylar. Nathan is in danger,” he said, hurriedly. “Angela sent Eden with specific orders to kill Claude and herself and that would mean that their bodies would stay where they fell so that Sylar would be able to find them when he conveniently escaped. If Sylar finds Eden and Claude, we’re in insurmountable amounts of trouble.”
“Bennet’s right,” D.L. said, hurrying to cloak Micah. “Nathan has put himself in the path of danger and now... wait, do you think Eden is dead? That Claude is dead?”
“Of course not, Eden wouldn’t...” Mohinder started, shut up immediately by Jessica’s hand.
“She did it once before, she’ll do it again and she won’t hesitate to take Claude down with her.”
“You don’t know her like I do!” Mohinder countered, his dark skin tinging with anger.
“And neither of you know her like I do. Eden will do what she’s told, so it may only have a small window of time to act,” Bennet hurried towards the door. “D.L., go with Mohinder, get out of here, take Micah. Jessica...”
“Niki,” she corrected.
“Right, Niki, come with me. I think I know where Nathan would have taken Angela and you’re the only person who can help me. I... I’m just a paper salesman.”
**************
“Tell me about yourself,” Eden said testily, “And stop dragging me!”
“Well, walk faster,” Claude grumbled. “And no.” Eden rolled her eyes and lengthened her stride a little, her legs aching in protest.
Claude and Eden had been running for nearly three hours, non stop, since they’d almost been bowled over by an errant homeless man, stumbling drunk. Since them, she’d kept her lips pursed.
He was used to running, Claude was, and, despite how he looked, was in good shape because of it. Eden was used to fast cars and delinquency.
“Why won’t you tell me about yourself?” Eden asked, fully aware that she was borderline whiny. Claude stopped and heaved a sigh, still clutching her hand.
“There’s nothing to tell. Stop asking questions.” At this, Eden jerked free of Claude’s grasp, materializing immediately and backing up against the wall. Claude’s eyes grew wide as he acted quickly, diving forward and smothering Eden’s body in his, covering her from plain view. “What did I tell you?” he hissed, his nose touching Eden’s.
“Give me something,” she said, her voice shaking, “Anything to go off of. I only know what Primatech says.”
“It’s not important,” he said, unsure if she would run if he stepped back. “Who I am isn’t indicative to your survival, don’t worry about it.”
“Claude,” she said, her voice softening as her eyes misted. “We can’t just be a file for the rest of our lives.”
“Yes, we can. It’s worked out fine for these past years, there’s no reason why we should change now.”
“No one knows we’re alive, Claude. They... Angela thinks we’re dead.”
Claude mulled this over for a minute before taking a small step away from Eden, his fingertips just barely brushing the bare skin at her waist.
“You’re right. You don’t need me.”
With that, he disappeared, leaving Eden alone in the street. Panicking, Eden looked around to make sure no one had seen her reappear.
“Claude!” she called, spinning in her spot, feeling the panic rise in throat. “Claude!” Tears welled in her eyes and she thought, feeling stupid, that she was really in a jam now. In the way of oncoming traffic, Eden was oblivious to the danger, until it was too late. A second before the car collided with her, Claude grabbed her, diving and catching her, slamming into the curb. His shoulder shattered immediately, leading him to swear loudly.
“Claude,” Eden gasped, grabbing him around the waist and tugging him into the alley. “Claude, are you okay?”
“No, I’m not bloody okay,” he hissed, his teeth gritted. His face blanched as shock began to set in. “Don’t ever, ever tell me that I don’t care about you again, alright?”
Eden smiled softly, resting her hand on his brow. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Absolutely not, no way.” Claude sat up against the wall, clenching his eyes shut. “Have you lost your ever loving mind? We’re invisible, Biscuit, and if we show up at a hospital, that would be decidedly hard to explain.”
“You’re hurt, in pain, please just...”
“I don’t need you to tell me I’m in pain. I’m acutely aware of it. And stop hovering.”
“You...”
“Please, just stop.” Claude sighed softly, tracing small circles on Eden’s thumb unconsciously. “I’ll be alright. You need to run.”
"No. I... no way.” Claude rolled his eyes.
“Fine, then saddle up. It’s going to be a long night poppet.”
Dusk settled over New York City, casting shadows over long brownstones. Curled up together, Eden slept peacefully against Claude, rested against a building off 73rd. As the pain in his arm subsided, an odd sensation flowed into his heart.
She rested on Claude’s hip, her eyes shut and her face lax. Claude decided that he liked her much more like this, tangling his fingers in her short hair and rubbing her neck gently.
The flush that crept across his neck and chest wasn’t one of pain or even cold. As a dewy mist settled over the city, Claude found himself oddly drawn to protect the sleeping woman in his arms.
“Girl, really,” he thought, feeling old for the first time in years. Moving his hand to rest on her hip, Claude jerked it back to his lap as Eden stirred suddenly. Her eyes slid open as she scooted up against the wall and yawned.
“What time is it?” she asked, rubbing her eyes. Claude shrugged.
“No clue. Sun’s only been down for a couple hours,” he said, his voice deep and husky. “Here.” Claude slipped his jacket off with some struggle and draped it around Eden’s shoulders. “Wouldn’t want you to die from pneumonia or anything.”
“Claude...”
“What do you want to know,” he conceded, looking her in the eye.
“Where’re you from?”
"Kentucky,” he quipped sarcastically. Eden rolled her eyes. “I’m from Bristol. Where’re you from?”
“Morris, Maine. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“A brother, David, but I haven’t spoken to him in years. He’s a doctor. You?”
“Two sisters, Grace and Helena, but they’re both dead. They died in a fire.” Claude raised an eyebrow.
“Fire?”
“I’m not related to Meredith Gordon. Have you ever been married?”
“What makes you think I’m not married now?” Eden smiled.
“I don’t know, just a hunch.”
“Yeah, I was married, right out of university. Didn’t work out, though.”
“What happened?”
“She had boyfriends and I was the invisible man. Am the invisible man.” A moment was spent in silence, before Eden leaned forward and chastely pressed her lips to Claude’s, curling her fingers around his shirt and pulling him to her.
“I...”
“Really,” Claude said, resting his forehead against hers, “Anything you say right now won’t be good enough so just stay buttoned.”
Eden nodded and kissed him again.
**************
“Nathan, you don’t want to do this,” Angela begged, as Nathan held her over the ledge of the Deveaux building. Nathan’s eyes blazed.
“You’re right. I don’t want to, but I have to.”
Releasing Angela’s throat, Nathan didn’t even look back as his mother plunged to the ground.
“Hammurabi’s Code,” Micah offered, having only just awoken. Mohinder nodded. “But that would mean that all of our powers are equal, right?”
“That is the implication,” Mohinder responded, not at all phased being spoken to like an equal by a twelve year old. “However, we all know that that can’t possibly be true, because of Sylar and Peter.”
“How so?” D.L. asked, resting his hands on Micah’s shoulders.
“Peter and Sylar’s capacity to absorb and acquire other powers makes them, in a sense, superior. It’s a common theme in genetics and evolution; a superior race always eliminates the less adapt and able. In this case, however, I fear that it will be more an instance of superiority ousting superiority.”
“So what does that have to do with us?” Niki asked, her eyes clouded with worry.
Mohinder thought for a moment before shrugging slightly.
“I don’t precisely know yet, but I think there’s truth to power in numbers. Of course, for as long as Sylar is in our control, it’s not anything to be reckoned with, but he’s proven, on two separate occasions, that keeping him in a cell is near impossible. As it is, there’s no way of telling how long we can keep him here.”
“You’re actually predicting Sylar’s escape?” Nathan asked, incredulous. Mohinder opened his mouth to speak when Bennet cut in.
“Of course not. We’re not worried about him staying in, we’re worried about those who are willing to get him out.”
“Rand raises a point that I’ve been grappling with,” Angela interrupted. “If Sylar was able to coerce Candice, who’s to say that he couldn’t get others? This is why we had to reanimate Dale Smither. We have reason to believe that Sylar has also mastered reanimation.” The reaction throughout the room was similar.
“That’s absurd,” D.L. grumbled, his face etched with anger. “What...”
“If there are bodies out there that at one time had abilities, then there’s a means to an end. If...”
Mohinder was cut-off as three loud knocks sounded on the study door. Angela rose and crossed the room quickly, pulling the door open enough to reveal a sliver of face. She spoke in whispers for a moment, before closing the door again and facing the group.
“Sylar has escaped,” she said, almost lamely. Nathan sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Predictable,” he groaned.
“Excuse me?” Angela tested, her eyes narrowing. Nathan straightened up and faced his mother squarely.
“I said predictable, Mother. This whole adventure has been predictable. Claire’s death, Candice’s involvement, Eden’s return, even Peter’s overreacting. You tailored all of this!” Nathan’s voice rose as he stepped closer to Angela. “You’re the reason why all of this,” he waved his arms around, “is happening. You’re willing to sacrifice your own son, not to mention other people’s children to satiate Linderman. It’s all about money!” He had backed Angela into a corner and was face to face with her. “You’re going to do us all a favor and butt out.”
Without another word, Nathan tugged Angela to the window, wrapped his arms around her waist, and flew out. The others stared at the open window for a moment, before turning to stare at each other.
“Erm... We need to... I actually don’t have a plan for this,” Bennet stuttered, lacing his arms together over his chest.
“Well, we need to do something,” Niki said, her voice low and husky.
“Jessica’s right,” D.L. said, ignoring Bennet and Mohinder’s questioning looks.
“She has dual personalities,” Micah whispered to Mohinder, causing his eyebrows to soar.
“Really? I’ve always...”
“Shut it, Chutney,” Jessica snapped; Mohinder shut his mouth immediately. “We need to get the hell out of here and find Sylar before he gets Peter. I would have thought that was obvious,” she said, glancing at Mohinder momentarily. “Bennet, take Micah and go hide somewhere inconspicuous. D.L., you’re coming with me. Mohinder?” Mohinder grunted noncommittally. “Do whatever it is you’ve done that’s kept you alive this long.” They all stared a moment too long.
“Look, do any of you have a better idea?” Jessica asked, crossing her arms and cocking her hip, “Because if not, we need to just go with it.”
“Claude and Eden,” Bennet said suddenly. “I’ve just... Angela is the one setting them up for Sylar. Nathan is in danger,” he said, hurriedly. “Angela sent Eden with specific orders to kill Claude and herself and that would mean that their bodies would stay where they fell so that Sylar would be able to find them when he conveniently escaped. If Sylar finds Eden and Claude, we’re in insurmountable amounts of trouble.”
“Bennet’s right,” D.L. said, hurrying to cloak Micah. “Nathan has put himself in the path of danger and now... wait, do you think Eden is dead? That Claude is dead?”
“Of course not, Eden wouldn’t...” Mohinder started, shut up immediately by Jessica’s hand.
“She did it once before, she’ll do it again and she won’t hesitate to take Claude down with her.”
“You don’t know her like I do!” Mohinder countered, his dark skin tinging with anger.
“And neither of you know her like I do. Eden will do what she’s told, so it may only have a small window of time to act,” Bennet hurried towards the door. “D.L., go with Mohinder, get out of here, take Micah. Jessica...”
“Niki,” she corrected.
“Right, Niki, come with me. I think I know where Nathan would have taken Angela and you’re the only person who can help me. I... I’m just a paper salesman.”
**************
“Tell me about yourself,” Eden said testily, “And stop dragging me!”
“Well, walk faster,” Claude grumbled. “And no.” Eden rolled her eyes and lengthened her stride a little, her legs aching in protest.
Claude and Eden had been running for nearly three hours, non stop, since they’d almost been bowled over by an errant homeless man, stumbling drunk. Since them, she’d kept her lips pursed.
He was used to running, Claude was, and, despite how he looked, was in good shape because of it. Eden was used to fast cars and delinquency.
“Why won’t you tell me about yourself?” Eden asked, fully aware that she was borderline whiny. Claude stopped and heaved a sigh, still clutching her hand.
“There’s nothing to tell. Stop asking questions.” At this, Eden jerked free of Claude’s grasp, materializing immediately and backing up against the wall. Claude’s eyes grew wide as he acted quickly, diving forward and smothering Eden’s body in his, covering her from plain view. “What did I tell you?” he hissed, his nose touching Eden’s.
“Give me something,” she said, her voice shaking, “Anything to go off of. I only know what Primatech says.”
“It’s not important,” he said, unsure if she would run if he stepped back. “Who I am isn’t indicative to your survival, don’t worry about it.”
“Claude,” she said, her voice softening as her eyes misted. “We can’t just be a file for the rest of our lives.”
“Yes, we can. It’s worked out fine for these past years, there’s no reason why we should change now.”
“No one knows we’re alive, Claude. They... Angela thinks we’re dead.”
Claude mulled this over for a minute before taking a small step away from Eden, his fingertips just barely brushing the bare skin at her waist.
“You’re right. You don’t need me.”
With that, he disappeared, leaving Eden alone in the street. Panicking, Eden looked around to make sure no one had seen her reappear.
“Claude!” she called, spinning in her spot, feeling the panic rise in throat. “Claude!” Tears welled in her eyes and she thought, feeling stupid, that she was really in a jam now. In the way of oncoming traffic, Eden was oblivious to the danger, until it was too late. A second before the car collided with her, Claude grabbed her, diving and catching her, slamming into the curb. His shoulder shattered immediately, leading him to swear loudly.
“Claude,” Eden gasped, grabbing him around the waist and tugging him into the alley. “Claude, are you okay?”
“No, I’m not bloody okay,” he hissed, his teeth gritted. His face blanched as shock began to set in. “Don’t ever, ever tell me that I don’t care about you again, alright?”
Eden smiled softly, resting her hand on his brow. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Absolutely not, no way.” Claude sat up against the wall, clenching his eyes shut. “Have you lost your ever loving mind? We’re invisible, Biscuit, and if we show up at a hospital, that would be decidedly hard to explain.”
“You’re hurt, in pain, please just...”
“I don’t need you to tell me I’m in pain. I’m acutely aware of it. And stop hovering.”
“You...”
“Please, just stop.” Claude sighed softly, tracing small circles on Eden’s thumb unconsciously. “I’ll be alright. You need to run.”
"No. I... no way.” Claude rolled his eyes.
“Fine, then saddle up. It’s going to be a long night poppet.”
Dusk settled over New York City, casting shadows over long brownstones. Curled up together, Eden slept peacefully against Claude, rested against a building off 73rd. As the pain in his arm subsided, an odd sensation flowed into his heart.
She rested on Claude’s hip, her eyes shut and her face lax. Claude decided that he liked her much more like this, tangling his fingers in her short hair and rubbing her neck gently.
The flush that crept across his neck and chest wasn’t one of pain or even cold. As a dewy mist settled over the city, Claude found himself oddly drawn to protect the sleeping woman in his arms.
“Girl, really,” he thought, feeling old for the first time in years. Moving his hand to rest on her hip, Claude jerked it back to his lap as Eden stirred suddenly. Her eyes slid open as she scooted up against the wall and yawned.
“What time is it?” she asked, rubbing her eyes. Claude shrugged.
“No clue. Sun’s only been down for a couple hours,” he said, his voice deep and husky. “Here.” Claude slipped his jacket off with some struggle and draped it around Eden’s shoulders. “Wouldn’t want you to die from pneumonia or anything.”
“Claude...”
“What do you want to know,” he conceded, looking her in the eye.
“Where’re you from?”
"Kentucky,” he quipped sarcastically. Eden rolled her eyes. “I’m from Bristol. Where’re you from?”
“Morris, Maine. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“A brother, David, but I haven’t spoken to him in years. He’s a doctor. You?”
“Two sisters, Grace and Helena, but they’re both dead. They died in a fire.” Claude raised an eyebrow.
“Fire?”
“I’m not related to Meredith Gordon. Have you ever been married?”
“What makes you think I’m not married now?” Eden smiled.
“I don’t know, just a hunch.”
“Yeah, I was married, right out of university. Didn’t work out, though.”
“What happened?”
“She had boyfriends and I was the invisible man. Am the invisible man.” A moment was spent in silence, before Eden leaned forward and chastely pressed her lips to Claude’s, curling her fingers around his shirt and pulling him to her.
“I...”
“Really,” Claude said, resting his forehead against hers, “Anything you say right now won’t be good enough so just stay buttoned.”
Eden nodded and kissed him again.
**************
“Nathan, you don’t want to do this,” Angela begged, as Nathan held her over the ledge of the Deveaux building. Nathan’s eyes blazed.
“You’re right. I don’t want to, but I have to.”
Releasing Angela’s throat, Nathan didn’t even look back as his mother plunged to the ground.