Recalling the monster monstera plant to mind, WiLo flexed her power and slipped them through the "world root," a realm of vegetative consciousness quite unlike animal or human consciousness. But before her companion could even begin to quantify the differences they were stepping out of the monstera and into the deserted primate habitat.

"Okay," Lotus whispered, stretching out her sight to all the plants in the building. "What now?"

The primate habitat was empty – cages open and food strewn all over. The area felt like an African rain-forest, but on the cheap. In the back of the exhibit, there was a door that led into a concrete bunker of sorts. The door was open – as if were a movie set. Sensing nothing inside, Shimmer and Wild Lotus pushed past the door and into a long concrete corridor that sloped down. Compared to the outside world, it was very quiet here.

After about 50 meters, they began to notice that the air handlers were turned off and the air down here was musty, with a sickly-sweet smell. The first door on their left was marked “Primate Medical” across from it was a door marked “Primate Infirmary”.

Shimmer sensed five minds behind that door: all frightened and desperate. They were all human minds.

Shimmer held her hand up to indicate caution while she simultaneously sent the information to Wild Lotus over the link. There are five people in this room, they're all very scared. Shall we?

Anna activated her forcefield just in case they ran into unexpected trouble. She kept her mind scan active while cautiously turning the knob of the door to gain entrance.

Lotus nodded to Shimmer and took a deep breath. The encounter with the giant ape had rattled her more than she wanted to think about, and what might be behind this door made her distinctly uncomfortable as a result. Rise to the fight, she urged herself. This isn't in your hands anymore than the Mahabharata was in Arjuna's. Bracing herself, she waited for Shimmer to open the door if she could.

Shimmer pushed the door open – the room was trashed. The room was a mixture of oddly sized hospital beds, cages and cabinets. In the middle of the room was a dead body.

“Oh! Thank God!” A man shouted from a cage across the room. “You *have* to get us out of here before … it … comes back!” The man was practically screaming in terror.

“Hurry!” A woman said from inside one of the cages. “The keys are in that cabinet … there!” She pointed urgently.

The body was that of a man in his mid-30s. Other than an arm that had been badly broken and dislocated, his body showed no signs of trauma. He was lying face up; eyes open, but one had been blackened by a so-called “eight-ball hemorrhage” giving him an eerie gaze.

His name tag said “Dr. Evert, Primate Specialist”.

"Please, everyone, calmly," Wild Lotus said, moving into the room to retrieve the keys from the indicated cabinet. “Base, Wild Lotus. Shimmer and I are in the Primate Infirmary. We found five captive humans locked into cages and one dead body." WiLo shivered; she still wasn't used to being around corpses. "Releasing and retrieving the captives now."

**Understood, good work.** Was the reply from the AEGIS command center. **Do you require assistance?**

“I don't think so. The body can stay here until the zoo is secured. We'll be bringing the survivors out momentarily. Lotus out."

Shimmer, she sent through the mind link as she began fitting keys into locks, can you calm them down and find out what happened here?

An unpleasant taste pervaded Shimmer's palate as she looked at the dead man. The memory of the syringe sprang vividly into her mind and made her suspicious of her surroundings. If it weren't for the convincing fear that she felt from the prisoners she would have delayed longer before releasing them. I'll do what I can. I'm leery of the situation...I think this dead man might be responsible...somehow.

Lotus' agreement was mostly wordless. If he is, or was, he paid the ultimate price for it.

Knowing that she couldn't cease the mass panic of the hostages she scanned the group trying to determine by their lab coats and mannerisms who was in charge. After selecting one of them she forced her will upon them to calm down and explain what happened. It concerned her that she did this so blatantly and without regard to the technicians right to privacy, but this was no time to question her morality.

“People.” The African-American woman said from the back of the cage. “We need to get it together and get out of here.” She looked at the Guardians. “Thank you; but I can’t leave just yet. I need to get George’s files.” She said, pointing to the dead man. “I’m not sure what he did to Louie – but it’s probably in his files. I need to go to his office.”

"I'll go with you." Shimmer was concerned for her safety and very interested to see what had happened to cause this hideous situation.

"Louie -- is that the name of the giant gorilla standing on the parking garage right now?" She clicked open another lock. "Whatever he did, I hope you can undo it, Ma'am. And quickly, before Louie kills someone." She glanced at the corpse. "Someone else."

A confused look passed her face, “Oh no, dear. Louie’s not giant – he was … oh God … how to say. Whatever he was injected with mutated him horribly, all I am completely certain of his that his mind was … expanded; but at the cost of his body. When we saw him, he was very intelligent and in very much pain.” The faces around her all seemed filled with the same sense of loss, horror, shame … they all hurt for the gorilla.

Mark, the man who had been yelling when they first walked in, “He injected Louie and his brother Norman with something this morning. Norman collapsed first and was brought here. His fever was high and his body in distress. I gave him a sedative and was about to run some scans on him when I was called back out to see to Louie.

“When I got back, Norman had ripped off the restraints, and tore open the back wall and escaped into the zoo. Shortly thereafter, Louie corralled us here and killed George.” From the look on his face, Lotus and Shimmer could tell he was re-living the entire morning.

“Mark.” She said, “I need you to lead everyone out of here. She turned back to Wild Lotus and Shimmer, “I’m Erica Stinnett and I’m the head of the Primate department here at the zoo. I need to get the keys out of his pocket.” She said, bending down to check the dead man’s pockets.

“All right. Shimmer, I can get the rest of them to safety in seconds then come back for you and Ms. Stinnett." Keep this link active between us though, she advised. If you run into trouble I'll come right back to help.

“Absolutely. If the link goes down then I'm in trouble." Shimmer watched as Wild Lotus freed the hostages and watched closely as Erica gathered the keys that she needed.

Down the hall and two turns later, they were in the office of George Evert. What had once been well maintained was now mostly destroyed. The door, had been forced open and was hanging off to the side.

Shimmer entered the room first. Sitting at the computer was the gorilla from her trip to the astral plane – Louie. The effect of seeing him in person, rather than seeing the astral image he wanted her to see took her aback. His head was bulbous; fractured plates of bone held together by thick skin held the head together as best it could. “You’re Shimmer, why aren’t you getting everyone else out of here? Why are you here?” His use of language was much better than it had been just those few short minutes ago.

Anna held her hand out protectively behind her to slow Erica's approach into the room. The sight of Louie effected her and her eyes creased in concern. "Yes. Thank you for the time you gave us. The rest of my team is pulling them out of the zoo. I came here to see if I could help you."

Even as she spoke she sent her situation over the link she shared with Wild Lotus. "WiLo, I've found Louie, down the hall after two turns. He's non-confrontational at the moment, but the situation is tenuous. Let me know when you return so that we can try not to startle him."

"I've got the last group in triage right now. I'll be with you in just a few seconds. Be careful, Shimmer."

Louie looked up from the computer screen, “The things that Dr. Evert did to Norman and I were very creative; I think that I could refine the process and make it less destructive; I could refine it and elevate the intellects of gorillas to that of human or even beyond. Think of that.” There was a smile stretching across his misshapen mouth. “That would be a legacy for him, don’t you think?”

Shimmer couldn't keep the grimace from her face or the horror from her eyes at the notion.

He folded up the laptop and put it under his arm. “I’m ready to go back to Africa now; when will my transport be ready?”

Anna was confused and looked behind her for a moment to make sure that he was addressing her. "Your transport?"

“Yes.” Louie said, “Earlier, I asked that you simply vacate the zoo and leave it to us; but I realize that the city would never agree to this – and this climate is simply not to my liking. Yes, I think it would be easy enough to transport me – and all my fellow primates to Kampala, Uganda. From there, we will arrange transport into a wilds. And, we’ll all be out of your hair.” Louie’s lips turned up in a smile; it was friendly – if creepy.

"On my way in now, Shimmer. Coming down the hall behind you. Is Ms. Stinnett still with you?"

Shimmer looked backwards. Dr. Stinnett was standing behind Shimmer. Her mouth was agape; shock and horror filled her face. She was unable to speak, but tears welled in her eyes.

Shimmer was surprised at Louie's thinking process and quickly relayed it over her link to WiLo. um...ok. Stop. Dr Stinnett is with me but we may have a problem with Louie. He wants a transport back to Africa and I think you may be it.

"Louie." Shimmer's tone was firm. She felt bad for him and a part of her even thought he made a good argument about going to the Wild. But facts were facts and justice was justice. "I am very sorry that this happened to you. ...but it did and you killed a man. You will need to answer to our laws for that. We can't let you go, not yet, not without you understanding the impact of what you did." Her tone softened as she continued. "But there were extenuating circumstances and I will help you as much as I can."

“You speak of laws; I cannot know of your laws. At the time of Evert’s killing, I was unaware of – incapable of understanding – your laws. I only knew my law; nature’s law; survival. He did this to me, and my brother; and so, I did this to him. It was a simple matter: easily done and easily explained.” Louie said, his language skill and vocabulary were increasing with nearly every sentence.

“I am not here to make demands.” He said easily. “I am here to defuse a situation. I can control almost every animal in this zoo. They are like a family to me. Humbly request that you allow us – any African animal who so desires – a trip back to our homeland. In exchange, I promise you that none of the animals under my control will make any further threats to these people here.”

“Can you see the logic in this? An end to violence.” He held out his large, once-hairy, gorilla arms. They were nearly devoid of hair now, the white of his skin showing through.

Wild Lotus had stopped at Shimmer's direction and remained standing out in the hall, out of Louie's line of sight but where she could still hear the conversation. She had no intention of taking him or any of his animal friends anywhere -- and from what little Shimmer had said, she was afraid Louie could force her to do just that if he wanted. "Shimmer, we don't have the power to grant him what he wants. It's that simple. He's going to have to talk it over with those who do have that power."

As Louie spoke Shimmer's face twisted with the conflict she felt. He made sense. She was grateful to feel Wild Lotus' presence over the link and her more grounded sense of logic. "Louie, I do see your point, and we also want to end the violence. But I don't have the power to negotiate with you about this. If you can control the animals, have them stand down and I'll arrange a meeting with someone that has the power to negotiate with you."

“I am in control of all those I can control. And, they are all waiting for the resolution of this conversation.” Louie began. “We are giving you enough time to evacuate the rest of the humans from this place. I have met my side of the bargain. Now – you – an agent of your Government, can act for them.” His body language expressed a frustration and agitation. It wasn’t directly threatening – Shimmer found it hard to believe that this creature could threaten anyone physically ever again. But, his disposition was changing.

"Louie, you present a very persuasive point of view. My team may well think I'm crazy but I will do what I can to get you back to the wilds of Africa. I'm new to this job and I don't have the power to negotiate this on my own. All I can do is give you my word that I will stand with you on this, not in violence but by helping them understand the unusual distress you were in. Come with me Louie and I'll take you to my superiors." Anna knew that she was getting herself in over her head but she'd promised this beast when she first met him that she would help him.

Louie dropped his hands. “I – I want to trust you.” He said, haltingly and less agitated. “I want to believe that you’ll see justice done for me and for those who have been so horribly wronged here.” It was clear from his speech and mannerisms that he was talking about himself, his brother, but also others. He lifted the laptop and cradled it under one arm. “I will go with you; but I will not be your prisoner. Here – I have some power. When I leave here, I will be exposed and my leverage will be gone. I will require your promise that I will not be detained – should I wish to leave. And – I keep this.” He patted the laptop. Everything that was done to me in on here and I will not have it fall into the wrong hands; or any hands other than mine.”

Shimmer knew that Wild Lotus was within ear shot and wondered if she had any better ideas. WiLo, I'm out of ideas. I can't harm or control this beast unless he gives me additional cause. Do you have any ideas?

Amrita's heart was also aching for the creature, but she agreed with Shimmer -- what he wanted was not in their power to give. "I'm coming in to back you. Be ready, because if you're right about him, I'm vulnerable."

Taking a deep breath, Wild Lotus stepped around the doorjamb, carefully moving Ms. Stinnett aside as she did so. "Hello Louie. I'm Wild Lotus. I'm truly sorry, but Shimmer doesn't have the power to promise you what you're asking," she said, as reasonably as she could, careful to stay out of his arm's reach. "We are servants of the law, not its interpreters, nor its makers. Your choices are to come along quietly and trust that Shimmer, Ms. Stinnett and I will do all we can to protect you and help you -- or to refuse. Resist. In which case not only you might be harmed, but the many other innocent animals here as well."

She paused, and took a deep breath. "Come with us, Louie. Please. There has been too much violence here already."

Louie looked cautiously at the new-comer. “You are right – there has been too much violence here already today. What would it be to you to imprison or kill another monkey? You will give me no promise of safety; but you want me to give you back this place and all the people. Was I not innocent before being – transformed – by your monstrous scientist? Was my brother, who right now, has been driving mad with pain and rage, also not injured in such a way?” Both women could hear rage growing in his voice.

He stepped down from the chair, still clutching the laptop between his arm and his body. “I will not be your prisoner anymore – ever again!” He shouted. Then, his face changed, softened a little.

“I will go with you. I place myself in your charge; however, if I am not allowed to go free … can I have your personal word that you will destroy it? The research contained here cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.”

It took Shimmer a moment to respond as she considered his request. "You have my word on this, Louie. I hope that it won't come to that, but if it does I will honor your wishes. What has been done is inhumane and I never wish to see it happen again."

Louie nodded and hung his head as if defeated. “Thank you.” He said as he walked toward the women in surrender.

OOC: Will need to catch the other thread up. Sorry.

OOC: Is okay, just let WiLo know when she can respond to Paladin's hail.