fardell24b

[fardell24b]

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 5

“Daria Morgendorffer, please report to the principal’s office,” Ms. Li announced straight after Homeroom.

Daria sighed. She knew that was going to happen.

“How are you feeling?” Ms. Li asked when Daria had sat down.

“My best friend has been kidnapped! How do you think I’m feeling?”

“Mrs. Manson is ready to talk if you…”

“No!” Daria said. She didn’t want to deal with that quack of a school counsellor.

“Are you sure, Ms. Morgendorffer?”

“Of course I’m sure, Ms. Li. The best way for me to keep from thinking about what might be happening to Jane is for me to be in class doing schoolwork.”

“I see that you have made up your mind on that.”

“Yes,’ Daria said as she took the hall pass off the principal’s desk.

At the same time, as she went to her first class, Andrea looked for one of the students she knew had at least one sibling at Lawndale State.

She soon sighed one of them. “Tania!” she called out.

Tania Ashworth turned upon hearing her name. “Yes, Andrea?”

“Your brother is at Lawndale State, right?”

“He is,” Tania answered. “What is this about?”

“Ninja Talon and SpiderGirl asked me to help search for Jane.”

“And how would my brother be able to help with that?”

“He could give me access to one of the computer labs,” Andrea answered.

“I see, you want to access camera footage,” Tania surmised.

“Yes, I still have dial up at home.”

“I’ll if I can contact him at lunch.”

“Then that is what I’ll tell Ninja Talon later,” Andrea said as she left.

“Wait…” Tania said as Andrea disappeared into the distance. ‘Does she know who Ninja Talon is?’

She thought about it more. ‘Quite likely, but I’ll keep it to myself. Besides, I need to focus on the play tonight.’

Agent Leung returned to the Lawndale Field Office, where he typed up his notes and started writing on the whiteboard in the office. He started with the timeline. “Quentin Beck. Arrived in Lawndale on Saturday, 17th February, whereupon he goes to the Historia and is immediately hired by Quinn Morgendorffer as the theater’s special effects person.” There wasn’t anything suspicious there.

“Anything on the four business partners?” One of his fellow agents asked.

“Daria and Quinn Morgendorffer, sisters who have recently lost their father,” Leung said as he put up recent photos of the two, reflecting their changes in appearance. “Their mother, Helen, is associate in Vitale, et al.”

That brought about a silence. Jim Vitale’s reputation was well known in the field office.

“Daria is Jane’s close friend,” Leung added. “Thus she has no motive.”

“And the other two?” the other agent asked.

“Joseph Green and Robert Allen, cousins who are also nephews of the Historia’s former owner. All four are students at Lawndale High.”

“Could Angela Li be a suspect?”

“Unlikely. There is no impact on the school from the Historia opening. The Morgendorffers grades appear to be unaffected by their involvement in the theater. Quinn won the spelling bee, the day before the theater opened,” Leung said.

“And the cousin’s grades?”

“Steady,” Leung said as he turned back to the timeline. “Sunday, February 18th. The first rehearsal for Tempest. And later, Kalina Ondrovick says it’s amateurish on radio and Daria calls in to argue with her. That’s the first time the play is mentioned on the radio. That’s the main connection. That the play was mentioned on the radio.”

He continued through the timeline up to Jane’s abduction.

“But one thing is eluding me,” Leung said when he was finished. “And Peterson too. Motive. What reason does Quentin Beck have to disrupt the play.”

“Jealousy?”

“Quinn said that he was condescending of her age.”

“Which is?” the other asked.

“She turns 16 next week,” Leung said, and wrote her birthdate in late February of 1985 beneath her photo.

“And Daria?”

“Seventeen and half,” Leung added, writing her birthdate in late July of 1983 beneath her picture. “The cousins are 16, born in late 1984.”

They continued their brainstorming.

Between classes, Quinn caught up with Anna and Ben. “We have to do the mentoring at the Historia, rather than the Library,” she said.

“Any reason?” Ben asked.

“I’ll also be re-interviewing the previous applicants for the special effects position.”

“Because of what happened to Jane?” Anna asked.

“That’s part of it,” Quinn answered.

“Because Quentin Beck is responsible,” Anna surmised.

Quinn nodded.

“We’ll be there,” Anna said. “But what about Gerald? He won’t like it.”

“I know,” Quinn said. “He’ll be difficult to convince.”

At lunch, Tania went to one of the school’s payphones straight out of class. “I hope his in his room,” Tania murmured as she put in a couple of quarters. She then dialled the number.

“Yes?”

“Scott! It’s Tania.”

“Why are you calling me in the middle of the day? I have a class in twenty minutes.”

“Sorry about that. I have a favour to ask of you.”

“I’m already seeing the play.”

“That’s good but that’s not what this is about.”

“What is this about then?”

Tania then began explaining what Andrea had asked her about.

“You want me to allow this Andrea to use my account to try to find this Jane? Because of SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon?”

“Yes,” Tania said.

“I’ll have to think about it,” Scott said.

“Let me know before the play starts tonight.”

“I shall, bye.”

In the library, Andrea found Brittany hiding somewhere near the back. ‘She looks 100% the cheerleader she has been the past few years,’ she thought. ‘Apart from that time in the Zon when she had her hair dyed dark.’ She shook her head. That wasn’t what she wanted to think about. She saw that she was reading a book on the history of Lawndale. “Brit?” she asked.

Brittany looked up. “Hey, Andy,” she said with a slight smile.

She almost ignored the nickname. Brittany was the only one who could get away with calling her that. ‘Still is, it seems,’ Andrea thought. “I found Tania Ashworth. She said she would talk to her brother.”

“Tania. She’s in the play too,” Brittany acknowledged.

“I had heard about that.”

“I’ll let Spidey know, later.”

“Good, I’ll be off,” Andrea said.

“You don’t have to.”

“We’re still too different.”

“I’m in the play because I want to change,” Brittany said in a vulnerable tone.

“So, you’re a cheerleader and an actor, as well as a vigilante, not the imaginative girl you were.”

“I guess so,” Brittany said with a twirl of a pigtail. “But small steps?”

“Yes,” Andrea said with a slight smile as Brittany went back to reading her book.

Daria and Sandi entered the cafeteria at the same time. “How are you after last night?” Daria asked.

“I just needed to rest,” Sandi answered. “I’m fine now. Mother says that when she had overextended herself that way, it took overnight for her.”

“Does she usually search for people like that?” Daria asked.

“Not often. But she was active in Boston before I was born.”

“Meaning…”

“Exactly,” Sandi confirmed.

‘That’s something. I think Boston does have hero vigilantes occasionally. It happens more often in New York.’

They came to the usual table to find only Harry and Tania waiting.

“So, any clue as to where Jane is?” Tania asked, hoping that she get some clue to tell Andrea and Scott later.

“No clue, but probably near the lake,” Daria answered. “Also, the FBI are now involved in the investigation.”

“Not surprising,” Sandi commented between bites.

“But the play is going ahead?” Harry asked.

“Of course,” Daria answered. “The show must go on. It’s what Jane would want, and tonight is sold out.”

“That’s good,” Tania said.

“Are you ready?” Daria asked.

“I am,” Tania said. “Last night was a bit scary, but I’m ready.”

“You’re in the play?” Harry asked. “You haven’t said.”

“Yes, I’m playing Ceres, one of the muses.” Tania answered.

“But what if something happens again?” Harry asked.

“Not only would Peterson be there, but the FBI agent as well,” Daria said. “Besides the theater has been checked over many times.”

“So, it won’t happen?” Harry asked.

“No,” Sandi answered.

Quinn joined Stacy, Tori and Tiffany for lunch. “What’s up, Tori?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” Tori said. “But now the paper has mentioned the play.”

“They did have to report that something happened last night,” Quinn pointed out.

“That’s true, but what if Mom is targeted, even if it’s not her byline? Like, I know that being a reporter can be dangerous, even a local one. But with everything going on in Lawndale…” Tori said before shedding a tear.

“I’m sure she’ll be safe,” Quinn said.

“Safer than the critics and Jane?” Tori asked.

“Yes,” Quinn said. She looked at Stacy, who was fretting as she usually did. She took her hand. “It’s going to be fine.”

“But, Jane? What if Mom’s in danger because she works there?”

“She hasn’t mentioned the play on radio,” Quinn said. “And I’m sure Jane will be found soon.”

“But she has been mentioning it in the café,” Stacy said.

“By SpiderGirl?” Tiffany asked.

Stacy looked at Tiffany. “Maybe. Or maybe Ninja Talon or this Dafoanairi.”

“Probably the fourth vigilante,” Quinn said. “Besides, I’m sure the vigilantes have been in the Historia as their secret identities.”

“Weren’t most of them there last night?” Tori asked.

“They were, but it seems that things happened too fast,” Quinn said. “But they will probably be prepared for tonight.”

“I hope so,” Stacy said.

Kevin looked around after he had got his lunch. Most of the students were as usual. He had heard about what had happened the previous night and hoped that Jane would be found soon. He looked around again and didn’t see who he wanted to see. He knew that something was going to change soon, but Brit had been a constant since they had started going out.

Mack saw Kevin sit across from him. “Hey, Mack Daddy, do you know where Brit is?”

“I don’t, and how many times I have I said not to call me that?”

“She’s probably preparing for the play,” Robert said.

“Oh yeah, that’s tonight,” Kevin responded.

“But I have seen her today. She is at school,” Mack said.

“But where in the school?” Kevin asked.

“You know where she will be,” Robert said.

“But Mom and I won’t see the play until tomorrow,” Kevin said.

Quinn caught up with Gerald after leaving the cafeteria. “Gerald!”

“Quinn?” Gerald asked as he approached the cafeteria himself.

“We need to do the mentoring at the Historia today,” Quinn said, and then explained as she did to Anna and Ben.

“I don’t think trying to mentor and do job interviews at the same time is a good idea,” Gerald said.

“I know, but I didn’t want to cancel, and besides the play is starting tonight.”

“Is that a good idea?”

“There will be police, and the FBI there, and maybe one or two of the vigilantes,” Quinn said. “Besides, Jane wouldn’t want the play to not go ahead on her account.”

“I suppose. I’ll be there.”

“Great. It’ll be in the bookshop.”

Quinn caught up with Brittany between classes. “What did Andrea say?” she asked after they ducked into a bathroom and made sure that the stalls were unoccupied.

“That she will be able to do it with Tania’s brother,” Brittany answered.

“That is, Tania Ashworth?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. But does she know when?” Quinn asked.

“Tania hadn’t got back to her yet.”

“She’ll probably get back to her this afternoon.”

“I’ll try to find out before school finishes,” Brittany said.

“You’ll know where I’ll be.”

Brittany nodded and headed out.

As school finished, Andrea caught up with Tania. “I told Ninja Talon that you would call your brother,” she said.

“I did,” Tania responded. “He said that he would get back to me before the play starts tonight.”

“Got it. I guess I’ll be waiting at the Historia, then.”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

Daria came to the Lexus to find not only Quinn, but also, Anna, Ben and Gerald waiting. “Just as well there aren’t more people,” she said.

“True,” Quinn said with a giggle.

“Let’s just get there,” Gerald said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be driving safely,” Daria said as she opened the driver side door.

“You should have seen her on the way to Freemont,” Quinn said.

Daria sighed. “I never imagined that a crime I’ll be trying to solve would be Jane’s abduction.”

“Same,” Quinn said.

“Any clues?” Anna asked as she got in after Ben.

“Other than the stormwater system, none,” Daria answered as she turned on the engine.

“What did Ms. Li want to talk about earlier?” Quinn asked.

“Offering Mrs. Manson’s services,” Daria answered.

“And you turned her down, of course,” Quinn said.

“Yes. I don’t want a repeat of self-esteem class,” Daria said.

“Of course.”

Brittany and Andrea caught up in the parking lot after the Morgendorffers’ Lexus had driven away. “So, what did Tania say?” Brittany asked.

“She’ll get back to me before the play starts,” Andrea answered.

“I guess I have to wait at the Historia too.”

“Or you can come and go.”

“That’s true, but I’d be patrolling close to it,” Brittany said.

Daria and the others entered the Historia from the rear and saw Peterson in the lobby when they got there.

“How was school?” she asked.

“It went well,” Quinn said.

“But Jane’s absence was noted,” Daria aid.

“I have heard from Leung. The local field office has started a search of the Creek between the Jefferson Bridge and where it flows into the lake,” Peterson said.

“That’s great, isn’t it?” Anna asked.

“It is, Ms.”

“Coultard.”

“Coultard,” Peterson repeated. “It is, as you put it, great. It means that something is being done.”

“Thanks for the information, Ms. Peterson,” Quinn said. “But we need to start our session now. I have a busy afternoon ahead of me.”

“Of course.”

Officer Peterson waited until Quinn and the others had entered the bookstore. “I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to make your own search of the area, but if you do be sure to keep out of the agents’ hair.”

Daria sighed. “I wouldn’t, although the temptation is there. It would take me too long. Dafoanairi is remaining downtown this afternoon. Besides, I need to prepare for tonight. You know that I’m the director, as well as the playwright.”

“Of course.”

“Now, write about your experience with Shakespeare’s works, or adaptations of it,” Quinn said. “The first of the previous applicants should be here in five minutes.”

“Including The Tempest?” Anna asked.

“Of course,” Quinn said with a giggle. “But the play doesn’t count.”

At the same time, Brittany, Andrea and Tania arrived at the Historia separately. Brittany went over to Daria. “How are you holding up?” she asked.

“Well enough. Peterson told me that the FBI is searching downstream of the Jefferson Bridge.”

“I see,” Brittany said. “I’m sure that she will be found soon. If not tonight, then, tomorrow.”

“We can only hope,” Daria said with a slight smile.

[fardell24b]

Aurora in 1025

[fardell24b]

The Youngest Barksdale - Part 9

It was disappointing that there wasn’t anything she could use against Ms. Li in what Quinn had told her, Daria considered as she entered her room. But she was sure that there was something else she could use. ‘Just not right now.’ She had to settle into Lawndale first.

“Daria?” Helen asked. “You talked to Quinn?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Nothing I can use against the principal, just the modelling agency,” Daria explained.

“I expected that,” Helen said.

“It’s going to take a while,” Daria said. “Probably longer than with the previous schools.”

Helen wondered what those other schools were like.

The next day, Daria met Scarlett and Andrea before school.

“So, what did you find out?” Scarlett asked.

Daria then told them of what her sister and niece had said.

“Nothing new then,” Scarlett said when Daria had finished.

“That’s right,” Andrea said.

“And so, we’ll need to find out other stuff,” Daria said.

“I agree,” Andrea said.

“Same,” Scarlett added.

The day was as usual, although rumors about what had happened to Val spread. Daria did her best to ignore them. However, Quinn and her friends came up to her as school let out.

“Quinn?” Daria asked.

“I should let you know, um, Daria,” Stacy said.

“Let Quinn say!” Sandi interjected.

“Sorry!” Stacy said.

“What?” Daria asked with a glare at Sandi.

“Rumors about what happened to Val,” Quinn answered.

“I see, although I should say that it was Andrea and Ms. Li who were actually there,” Daria said.

“I know that,” Quinn said.

“So, what are these rumors?” Daria asked.

“That you had sabotaged Andrea’s chances,” Sandi said.

“And how would I have done that?” Daria asked.

Sandi shrugged and looked at her pedicured nails.

“Well?” Daria asked.

“Like, I’m not sure how, but that’s what I heard,” Sandi answered.

“Or are you spreading them yourself?” Daria asked.

“Dar-i-a!” Quinn exclaimed.

Sandi was aghast. “Of course not!”

Daria could see that she was telling the truth. “Then it was someone else who started it.”

“I have some idea,” Sandi said.

“Which is?”

“Tori Jericho, or someone she’s friends with,” Sandi answered.

“Tori is well known for repeating anything she hears,” Stacy said.

“Then let’s find her,” Daria suggested.

“OK,” Quinn said.

“But we have to be quick. She leaves rather quickly when school lets out,” Sandi said.

“Got it.”

They quickly walked out of the school to the front entrance.

They looked around, but they didn’t see Tori. “So, she’s blonde, right?” Daria asked.

“Yes,” Quinn answered.

“To her shoulders, usually worn loose,” Stacy added.

“Got it,” Daria said. “But I have noticed that there are many blondes at the school.”

“Like, we’ll see her,” Sandi said.

“Got it.”

[fardell24b]

Church notes - 22nd June 2025

Matthew 3:13 -17 Jesus's baptism Look at it in context.

Bringing the message of who God is.

The start of Jesus's Ministry.

[fardell24b]

Mysteries of Aurora - The Manuscript Part 6

Janara and Olivia were looking at the information on the remaining manuscripts. “Most of these are from the same era,” Janara said.

Olivia togged the audio function on the catalogue terminal.

“…These manuscripts date from a time when Aurora hadn’t yet expanded to the entire island.”

“We’re going to need someone who studies the period,” she commented.

“They shouldn’t be hard to find,” Talia said.

“Then I’ll go and find someone,” Olivia said.

Freya and Alexia returned after Olivia left.

“You found something?” Janara asked.

Freya nodded enthusiastically and showed her the rune in the book.

“I don’t read Auroric.”

“Oops,” Freya said.

“This is the Auroran version,” Alexia said as she showed her the page on the other copy.

“…Said to provide protection,” she murmured. “It kind of reminds me of some of the lore in some of the RPGs I play.”

“Which would those be?” Alexia asked.

“There are a few,” Janara said. “Mostly Quests of Alanara. It was developed here in Aurora.”

“I might have heard of it,” Freya said.

“Same here, put in passing,” Alexia added.

“There should be a game book, in one of the more modern sections,” Janara said.

“Back to the Information Science Section then,” Freya said.

“They may be near the Computer Science Section,” Janara mused.

“I’ll go to the Information Science Section,” Freya said.

“Aren’t we being distracted?” Talia asked.

“Maybe,” Janara admitted.

��Not really,” Freya answered. “This is how I work things out; by using tangents.”

“I suppose so,” Talia said.

“Come on,” Freya said as she twirled around.

Talia rolled her eyes.

“I’ll go with her this time,” Janara said.

“So, what does that say?” Janara said as the left the Ancient Section into the Late Roman Section.

“It’s the same as the Auroran version,” Freya answered.

“I guess so, but sometimes I listen to Auroric songs as I game.”

“I’ll read it and translate it.”

“And your translation will be different,” Janara said.

“That’s obvious.”

“I’d like to hear it.”

“Sure,” Freya said. She opened the book again as she walked. “The rune was used as protection in the pagan traditions brought by the Viking settlers in northeastern Aurora…”

They soon came to the Information Science Section.

Freya flipped open one of the Library catalogues. “Game Design… In the Post-Modern Section.”

“On the other side of the Grand Atrium from here,” Janara commented.

“That’s good,” Freya commented as she flipped a page. “Looks like it’s near the back.”

“Next to the information on board games. That makes sense.”

Only several other students were in the Game Design area as they entered.

“The games should be listed by genre,” Janara said.

“You said it was Real Time Strategy?” Freya asked.

“One with RPG elements.”

“Then we’ll start with the Real Time Strategy.”

The RTS books were arranged on a middle shelf between Turn Based Strategy and Platformers

“Here it is,” Janara said.

“Quests of Alanara game guide, Auroran edition,” Freya said with slight disappointment. She had wanted to find the Auroric edition.

Janara grabbed it. “Lore…” she murmured as she turned to the index.

Freya continued looking for the Auroric version.

“Here it is.”

“A rune of protection,” Janara said. “There are many such runes.”

“It’ll go quicker with both books.”

“Sure.”

Olivia wandered through the History Department. The faculty offices were all over the place and the signs were often not in a font she could read, so she had to rely on the online directory. “Up on the third floor. Why?” It was one disadvantage of the University being so old.

She eventually found the office she was looking for. “Professor Hrafsson?” she asked.

Professor Harald Hraffson responded. “Who is it?” he asked as he stood from his desk.

“Olivia Marcus. I’m a first-year student.”

“Why are you here?”

Oliva finished explaining about the missing manuscript and what Freya had found.

“I am not an in expert in the Mid-Ancient Era or the Nordic Era, I’m afraid.”

“But you are an expert in the Late Inter Roman-Nordic Era, right?” Olivia asked.

“Yes. But what did this Freya find again?”

“That the outline of the university buildings from that time match a rune.”

“I can’t help you there,” Hraffson responded.

“But you were only one person I was looking for.”

[fardell24b]

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 4

Linda had felt Sandi’s search for Jane and thus knew what had happened when she opened the door to find Daria holding up her daughter.

“I know about her powers, Mrs. Griffin. I promised to keep them secret.”

Linda took Sandi into her arms. “You know everything, I suppose?”

“Not everything,” Daria said. “She did tell me about her powers and that the ESP only works within Lawndale, or very close to it.”

“And about her mentor?”

“I think it might be you, Mrs. Griffin. I’ll keep your secret as well. You didn’t look that surprised when you opened the door.”

Linda sighed. “Come in.”

“Will Sandi be OK?” Daria asked after Mrs. Griffin had placed her on the couch.

“She just needs to rest,” Mrs. Griffin said as she went over to the kitchen. “Yes, I am her mentor and I have had similar experiences in the past.”

“And I suppose you still don’t approve of her being the fourth vigilante?”

“No,” Mrs. Griffin said with shake of her head. “She’s being rebellious, challenging my authority, going through a phase. But at least she’s accepting my advice. But what about your mother? What does she think about what you’re doing?”

“She’s supportive,” Daria answered. “She’s worried, of course, about both of us taking on too much with the Historia and investigating what’s going on in Lawndale. But otherwise, she’s still working overtime and coping with her own grief.”

“Good to hear,” Mrs. Griffin said as she turned on the kettle. “Cocoa?”

“Sure,” Daria answered. ‘Better than the energy drink I got earlier.’

Daria stayed just long enough to have the cocoa, to be sure that Sandi would be fine and to tell Mrs. Griffin about what happened at the Historia. There was a lot she wanted to ask Mrs. Griffin about, especially what she thought about the recent events in Lawndale since SpiderGirl appeared, but she decided that it could wait until after Jane was found and the opening weekend of the play.

Linda watched Daria go. ‘I’m certain that she will keep the secret. She seemed very sincere about that.’ She turned back to where Sandi was sleeping on the couch. ‘I hope she has learned something from this, but I also hope that Jane and the critics will be found soon.’

Daria changed to Dafoanairi as soon as she was out of sight of the Griffin’s place. She then headed back home through the back alleys, keeping alert for anything that might happen.

At the same time, Quinn arrived home.

“Quinn, what happened?” her mother asked.

Quinn then explained what had happened at the theater.

Daria entered the kitchen as Quinn finished explaining what had happened.

“Daria! Are you alright,” her mother asked.

“I’m fine,” Daria answered. “Concerned for Jane and determined that the show must go on, but fine. It’s Trent that you should be worried about.”

“Good. I will call Trent shortly,” her mother responded.

“That would be a good idea,” Daria said.

“And the show will go on?” her mother said.

“Of course,” Quinn said. “It’s what Jane would want.”

“Of course,” their mother said. “I haven’t heard back from the PI about the other theaters. They could still be behind the abductions. They could have hired Beck themselves.”

“That’s a possibility,” Daria allowed.

“Or Beck could have been approached by people in Oscorp,” Quinn said. “Those illusions couldn’t have come cheap. And how would he have knowledge of the stormwater system otherwise?”

“That’s a good point,” Daria said. ‘The others would have told her about the stormwater system,’ she thought.

“Stormwater system?” Helen asked.

Daria then explained about what the vigilantes had found.

“Oh my. It is unlikely that someone new to Lawndale would know how to use it without help. But Oscorp would have to have Council files.”

“I wouldn’t put that past them,” Daria said.

“Good point,” Helen said. She then wrote that down. “But it’s still far from proof.” She decided to call Trent.

Trent was in the kitchen, wondering how to go about searching for Jane when the phone rang.

Jesse picked it up. “It’s Mrs. Morgendorffer,” he said as he handed it over.

‘Of course,’ Trent thought. “Hello?”

“Hi, Trent. How are you holding up, with what happened?” Mrs. Morgendorffer asked.

“I’m worried for Janie, but otherwise I’m fine.”

“That’s good to hear, but you’re welcome to come over if you want someone to talk to.”

“Thanks. I might take up that offer.”

“I’ll be up for a while.”

Trent hung up. He knew what he was going to do. He wasn’t going to mope around. But he wasn’t going to the Morgendorffers either. “Time for the Shadow’s off sider to look for her.”

“Offsider?” Jesse asked.

“I’m sure that’s what either SpiderGirl or Ninja Talon called me in Middlebury.”

“Right.”

Trent then suited up as he had when the cheerleaders were rescued and went to the garage.

“This is the Shadowcar? It looks like an ordinary car,” Nick said.

“It’s been modified,” Trent said. “It will help me find Janie.”

“But where are you going to start?” Nick asked. “Are you just going to drive around Lawndale aimlessly?”

“To start with,” Trent said. “Be ready to follow with the Tank or the Plymouth.”

A while later, Sandi awoke. She regretted it, as she still had a headache and was still woozy. “Ugh!”

“You shouldn’t be up yet,” her mother said.

“I searched for Jane…”

“Daria told me.”

“Of course she did,” Sandi groused.

“She also told me about what happened at the theater. It seems to be the same person who was at work.”

“That makes sense. How long does it take to recover? You haven’t told me that.”

‘You’ll feel better in the morning,” her mother said.

After midnight, Daria crept out onto the roof. She looked out over Lawndale, and wondered where Jane was being held. ‘It has to be somewhere close by.’ She took out a map of Lawndale County. ‘She said that Oakwood is too far for her locate ability to work. Five miles between Lawndale and Oakwood.’ She looked at the area south of Lawndale, and saw that Lake Lawndale was only three and a half miles from the center of Lawndale at the closest point. ‘Or maybe she’s being held somewhere there. But I can’t get there tonight.’

She then went down to try to get some sleep.

SpiderGirl arrived on the roof of the Historia in the early hours to find Ninja Talon waiting. “Hey.”

“Hey, Spidey. It was an interesting evening.”

“And complicated. I got the impression that the Enigma doesn’t like the civilian me personally. I’m not sure why.”

“I got to the creek with Trent and Dafoanairi but we were too late,” Ninja Talon said.

“They said that.”

“What happened with the theater?”

“There were no traps, and most of the other actors were still there. But you weren’t the only one who left,” SpiderGirl answered.

“Good.”

“Your secret identity is still safe.”

“I still took a risk,” Ninja Talon said.

“So did I.”

“And you still think Dafoanairi might be Daria?”

SpiderGirl nodded. “She had run off and said that she had gave chase to the abductor when she returned.”

“But she could have done that anyway.”

“That’s a good point.”

“But now we need to find Jane,” Ninja Talon said. “I have an idea.”

“We’re going to ask Andrea?”

“Yes. Either that or infiltrate Oscorp again to get the CCTV footage.”

“Andrea first,” SpiderGirl decided. “But would she be up?”

“We could go there anyway.”

SpiderGirl agreed, and so they headed in that direction.

As it turned out, Andrea was up, gaming, as she couldn’t sleep with everything that had been going on. She heard Ninja Talon and SpiderGirl enter the house from the back door. Just as well her parents were heavy sleepers. She met them in the hallway. “Why are you here?” she asked quietly. “You’re not asking me to hack Oscorp again, are you?”

“Maybe,” SpiderGirl said. “It’s to do with the missing critics.”

“I doubt Oscorp is responsible,” Andrea said as she lead them into her room.

“Jane Lane is also missing,” Ninja Talon said.

“I heard her interview about the play,” Andrea said. “Wait, are you saying that something happened?”

“Yes,” SpiderGirl said and explained what had happened at the Historia earlier in the night.

Andrea took it in. “I’m not sure what I could do about it. Even if there are cameras outside the Historia that might have seen this mysterious person take Jane into the stormwater system, trying to download the video over a dial up connection won’t work.”

“I see,” SpiderGirl said.

“But there could be a way,” Andrea considered.

“What would that be?” Ninja Talon asked.

“If I had access to one of Lawndale State’s computer labs, I would be able to do it.”

“I have no idea about that,” SpiderGirl said.

“My mother will refuse to help,” Andrea said to Ninja Talon, “But other students at Lawndale High have siblings at Lawndale State, could get back to you at lunch. What do you say?”

“That could work. We can meet in the library. But Spidey won’t be there!”

“I won’t,” SpiderGirl said.

“Relax. I still don’t want to know your identity.”

“Good. Then Talon can tell me later.”

Ninja Talon nodded.

“Then I’ll see you later.”

The two heroes didn’t leave immediately, rather they then swung up from Andrea’s window onto the roof  “What was that about her mother?” SpiderGirl asked.

“She’s a professor of Ancient History,” Ninja Talon responded.

“I see,” SpiderGirl responded. “Anyway, it’s complex.”

“I know, but I’m not sure what else we could do.”

“True.”

“I’ll make sure no one else is around as we usually do,” Ninja Talon said in a reassuring tone.

SpiderGirl nodded, and then yawned. “I need to get going. Daria and I will be talking to Joey and Robert. And I need to find a new special effects person before the play opens.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Lawndale Sun-Herald

Friday, February 23, 2001

Abduction from Historia in the midst of illusions. Is Tempest Cursed?

… 17 year old Jane Lane is the latest victim in the serial abductions related to Tempest being mentioned on radio.

Tori Jericho took the paper inside. “Mom!”

“What is it?” her mother, Penelope, asked. “That was entirely on Melinda. I don’t think the play is cursed.”

“No, but now the paper has mentioned the play…”

“Don’t worry. The paper has security.”

Daria was also reading the paper. “A curse?” she asked herself incredulously.

“What’s that?” Quinn asked as she entered the kitchen.

“Speculation that my play is cursed!”

“Of course there isn’t. It’s just one person out to get it.”

“Or more than one person,” Daria responded.

“Still, not a curse.”

“True.”

“Besides, ticket sales are still going up,” Quinn said as she grabbed some cereal.

“Or they were last night.”

“That’s true.”

After a quick breakfast, Daria and Quinn arrived at the Historia, where they found Robert and Joey waiting, along with Peterson and another man.

“Daria, Quinn, this is Agent Leung from the FBI,” Peterson said.

“Of course,” Daria said.

“Peterson has told me everything the LDPD has about the case.”

“So, the critics and Jane and what the vigilantes had found?” Daria asked.

“Yes. I will need to make my own search of the Historia of course.”

The four looked at each other and found they were in agreement.

“Go right ahead,” Joey said.

“Some good news,” Joey said after Leung and Peterson had gone on their search. “Tonight is sold out, and Saturday has 243.”

“That’s great!” Quinn said. “But we still need a special effects person, given that Beck has gone off.”

“He’s missing?” Robert asked.

“He hasn’t been seen here since Tuesday, when we talked to him about his backstage measurements,” Daria answered. “Although he was sighted here just before the rehearsal.”

“So that’s why he’s a suspect in Jane’s abduction?” Joey asked.

“Yes,” Daria answered.

“So, you’re just going to call the previous applicants?” Robert asked.

“Yes, I will be back here as soon as school lets out,” Quinn answered. “It’s going to be a long day.”

“Amazing,” Agent Leung said as he looked around the theater. “I thought it was crazy that teens were running this place after they convinced Osborn with a business plan.”

“The business plan was Daria’s,” Peterson said.

“I had heard that.”

“And what do you think now?”

“That they seem to be doing very well,” Leung answered. He then came to the end of a row. “You say that he used projectors for the illusions?”

“That’s what I saw when the power was interrupted last night.”

“There seem to be a lot of them.”

Sandi awoke again and saw that it was the morning. She felt a lot better. “I better get ready for school,” she said.

“How are you feeling?” her mother asked, as she handed her a plate with bacon and eggs.

“A lot better,” Sandi answered as she took the plate.

“And what have you learned?”

“Not much, other than that Daria is becoming a friend, much like Harry Osborn.”

Her mother smirked. “Just don’t expect me to accept a dinner invitation by Helen.”

Sandi nearly spat out some egg. She swallowed and said, “Of course not, Quinn would be there!”

“Anyway, what else have you learned.”

“That I know my limits. My perception didn’t even reach the Lake. Jane is being held further out than that, maybe even at the Lake.”

“Or maybe in Oakwood or Middlebury,” her mother responded. “You can’t jump to conclusions.”

“Of course not.”

“And you’ll take your brothers to school again.”

‘Of course,’ Sandi thought. It seemed to be a way of teaching her responsibility as well as a punishment.

Back at the Historia, Agent Ken Leung had examined the entire building, including the various apartments. There was nothing to indicate that Quentin Beck had been there since the previous night’s incident. “Other than the projectors, it appears completely normal,” he said to Peterson and the four teens.

“So, we’re still at square one?” Quinn asked.

“Not necessarily,” Agent Leung said. “There is what the vigilantes said. That he took a boat southwards from the stormwater outlet.”

“That’s true,” Daria said. “But that would be a large area, wouldn’t it?”

“True, but the Agency can concentrate their searches in the area downstream of Lawndale between the town and the Lake,” Leung said.

“I see,” Quinn said, appearing to be in thought.

The four then ordered breakfast and Quinn started calling the previous applicants.

“Done?” Daria asked Quinn as they left for school.

“Yes. They will meet here straight after school. Looks like I’ll be doing that at the same time as my usual session with Anna, Ben and Gerald.”

“I’m sure they’ll understand cancelling,” Daria said.

“True, but at this short notice?”

“Good point.”

“I can handle it,” Quinn said.

‘I hope so.’

[fardell24b]

Brittany: Party Time

Brittany Taylor and her friends Andrea Hecuba, Donna Bolton and the newest one, Daria Morgendorffer, organise a party at her house when her parents go away for the weekend.

fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14471868/2/Brittany

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/66577342

[fardell24b]

Aurora in 1000

Aurora in 1000.

[fardell24b]

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 3

SpiderGirl re-entered the theatre area and saw that it was still full of the green mist, she saw Peterson nearby, as well as three young men, including Trent, talking to her.

“I tried going in there,” Trent said. “But it was disorienting.”

“He clearly rigged this,” Peterson said. “But your sister could be gone by now.”

“I’ll find her,” SpiderGirl said as she came over. “They can’t have gone far, even if they’re in the drains.”

“Quickly,” Peterson said.

SpiderGirl nodded and dashed off.

“We may need to interrupt the power,” Dafoanairi said. “But the power box is out the back. It will take a while to either go around the block or over the building.”

“The latter can be quick,” the Enigma said.

“Or we could try the basement,” Dafoanairi said. “There are two entrances, but there’s a lot of props down there.”

“Lead the way.”

Backstage, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon met up. “What’s the situation?” the latter asked.

“There’s an illusion of green mist in there, like at the bridge,” SpiderGirl answered. “And Jane has already been abducted, but he could still be here or nearby.”

“Then we have to get out there and make sure he doesn’t enter the drains again.”

“Got it.”

They then ran out back.

The emerged from the Historia and looked around the parking lot quickly. The found a manhole. “It doesn’t look like it has been used,” SpiderGirl said.

“Probably one on the street,” Ninja Talon suggested.

SpiderGirl nodded and shot a web to the roof of the theatre. “Let’s go.”

Shortly after SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon had swung away, the Enigma and Dafoanairi emerged from one of the back doors. “It’s over here,” Dafoanairi said. She then went over and opened the power box.

“What are you waiting for?”

“I’m going to turn it off and then off again. That should stop the illusions.”

“Should?” the Enigma asked.

“It might not, but we have to try. When I turn it back on, we’ll rush back in.”

“Ready.”

Dafoanairi then switched off the power.

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon swung down in front of the Historia and looked around. “There it is!” Ninja Talon said.

They ran to the spot and saw that the manhole cover had been displaced. “Right!” SpiderGirl said.

“Right after you,” Ninja Talon said. They then went down into the stormwater system.

Dafoanairi turned the power back on after ten seconds. “That should do it,” she said.

“I’ll go first, just in case,” the Enigma said.

Dafoanairi nodded.

The power went out and there was darkness.

“More brownouts?” Trent asked.

“No, someone switched off the power,” Peterson said. “Probably as a way to disrupt the illusions.”

“Probably,” Jesse said.

“No, if it was a brownout, it would have been different,” Nick said.

The power returned, showing that the theatre was now devoid of illusions filling it.

“It seems most of the people fled,” Peterson said.

“Probably a good thing,” Dafoanairi said as she and the Enigma entered from backstage.

“True,” Peterson said. “But it will make things more complicated to solve.”

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon searched a short way along the drain before returning to the area near the Historia. “Any idea where they went?” the latter asked.

“No idea, let’s return to the theatre and try to deal with the situation,” SpiderGirl said.

“Sure, but they might ask where we are.”

“But without arousing suspicion, especially from Peterson.”

“I’ll say that I saw myself going somewhere,” Ninja Talon said. “And you can say the same for either of us.”

“That will work,” SpiderGirl said as she shot a web up through the manhole.

“The Enigma!” SpiderGirl said as she and Ninja Talon came to one of the doors.

“I’ll go in,” Ninja Talon said.

“Right,” SpiderGirl said. “And I’ll be back as, myself.”

Ninja Talon nodded and entered the theater.

“We need to search the Historia again,” Peterson said.

“But SpiderGirl and I saw a displaced manhole cover,” Ninja Talon said as she entered.

“And where is SpiderGirl?” the Enigma asked. “Not that I would have confronted her right now.”

“Where do you think?” Ninja Talon asked.

Dafoanairi sighed. “We need to work together on this, like at the solarium.”

“True,” the Enigma said.

“So, we search?” Peterson asked.

“Wait,” Trent said. “Janie’s still gone, and SpiderGirl is on her own.”

“I wouldn’t recommend chasing after your sister all half cocked,” Peterson said. “Take one of the vigilantes with you.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Jesse said.

“Maybe,” Trent considered.

“But there’s another elephant not in the room,” Claire Dafoe said.

“Which is?” Peterson asked, although she had some idea.

“Any idea where the Morgendorffers have gone?” Claire asked.

She glanced at Dafoanairi, but said nothing.

Quinn entered the theater after having changed from SpiderGirl on the roof. She heard Ms. Dafoe ask her question. “I’m here, but I haven’t seen Daria.” She saw that Dafoanairi was there. ‘Or maybe she is here.’

“Maybe she already went off after Janie,” Trent said.

“Right, one group searches the Historia. The other goes after Jane and her abductor. I’ll call it in,” Peterson said.

“You haven’t yet?” Ninja Talon asked.

“It was chaotic and it only has been several minutes,” Peterson said. She went off to the side.

“We need to look at how Beck has modified the building too,” Quinn said.

“Special effects,” Trent murmured. “It’s probably just the projectors, right?”

“Probably. But that’s not my area,” Quinn said.

‘We need to find Jane, but we also need to know if the building isn’t booby trapped,’ Dafoanairi thought. ‘But who’s going after Jane and Beck, if it is Beck?’

“Who can cover the most ground?” Ninja Talon asked. “I have a grapple gun.”

“I could join you,” the Enigma said. “But I could possibly find traps here, if there are any.”

“I think that would be the better idea,” Dafoanairi said. “Join Peterson on her search. While I go with Ninja Talon and Trent.”

“That makes sense,” the Enigma said.

“Let’s go then,” Ninja Talon said. She exchanged a quick look with Quinn, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod of agreement. Not that she needed it.

“Two vigilantes are better than one, even if they don’t have powers,” Trent said. He lead the way out of the theater.

“We’ll start backstage,” Peterson said.

“Then we’ll work our way forwards,” Quinn said.

“Good idea,” Claire said.

Trent, Jesse, Nick, Ninja Talon and Dafoanairi emerged from the Historia. “So, you said there was a manhole cover loose?” Trent asked.

“Yes, he may have taken her through the stormwater system to the creek, as he did with the WSBC critic,” Ninja Talon answered.

“If we’re quick, we might be able to get there before he does,” Trent said, as he headed towards the Tank.

“It might be better to go without a vehicle,” Dafoanairi said.

“We can get close to the creek faster,” Jesse pointed out.

“Then let’s go.”

Ninja Talon didn’t like the van the band called ‘the Tank’ at all. “What are those smells?” she asked.

“You don’t want to know,” Trent said as he started the engine. “Besides, you should be used to weird stuff.”

“I don’t peek into windows as part of what I do, you know,” Ninja Talon said.

“Good, but that’s not what I meant,” Trent said.

“People to get up to stuff when they’re out, and there’s a lot of stuff I have seen as my secret identity, so I can guess,” Ninja Talon said.

Trent pulled out into the street. “You know, I have written a song about you and SpiderGirl.”

“I don’t think now’s the time,” Dafoanairi said.

“Right, Janie, we’re coming,” Trent said.

Back in the theater, they had found that there were projectors backstage that were running. ‘Nothing is running on them now,’ Peterson said.

“Some of the actors are still in the dressing rooms,” the Enigma said.

“So, your powers work at short range?” Quinn asked.

“They do,” the Enigma said simply, trying not to let her resentment towards Quinn show. “How do you know?”

“Daria told me, duh!”

‘Of course she would,’ the Enigma thought.

They found Veronica, Tania, Cindy and Jennifer in one room. Tania and Cindy were talking. “…We need to go out there,” Tania said.

“The illusions are gone,” Quinn said, to Tania.

“Good, but what about Jane?” Tania asked.

“She was taken,” the Enigma said.

“Is that the fourth vigilante?” Veronica asked.

“It obviously is,” Cindy said.

“Yes, call me the Enigma, if you want.”

“I’d keep it yourself,” Quinn said.

“Let me say that,” the Enigma said.

‘Oops,’ Quinn thought. “Sorry.”

“Sure,” Cindy said. “I won’t say anything about it online.”

“But what about Jane?” Tania asked again.

“Ninja Talon and Dafoanairi are searching for her,” Quinn answered.

“What about SpiderGirl?” Veronica asked.

“She’s somewhere,” Peterson said. “Now we need to find the other actors.”

“I saw Brittany run out somewhere,” Cindy said.

‘I hope no connection would be made,’ Quinn thought as she glanced at Peterson.

‘I’ll follow up on Brittany later,’ Xanthe thought. ‘If she left, she should be safe.’

“There are the other dressing rooms,” Quinn said.

“Good point,” Peterson said. “The backstage area is safe, but we’re not sure about the theater room itself, or the adjacent rooms.”

“We’ll come with you,” Tania declared.

“You can,” Quinn said. “Safety in numbers, right?”

“That’s right,” Peterson said.

The Tank parked close to the Creek and everyone got out. “So, he had a boat waiting when you and SpiderGirl followed from WSBC?” Dafoanairi asked.

“That’s right,” Ninja Talon answered.

“We’ll have to be careful,” Trent said.

“I can fire a zip line into a tree and lower us down,” Ninja Talon said.

“Not much light, but it will have to do,” Dafoanairi commented.

Back at the Historia, the group found most of the male actors in one of the other dressing rooms. “Let’s see,” Quinn said, as she read from the cast sheet. “Elias, Corey, Wolfgang and Ted.”

“Yes,” Elias Howarth said. “Is that mist gone? Tom wanted to go into it.”

“And where is this Tom?” Peterson asked.

“He came back,” Elias said, “but then he went out back to go home. So, he’s gone.”

Peterson sighed. “Another thing, but many people left.”

“But what about Jane?” Corey asked.

“She was taken,” Quinn answered.

“We have to continue searching the rest of the building,” Peterson said.

“Of course,” Quinn said.

Ninja Talon and Dafoanairi rappelled down the creek bank to the stormwater outlet. Ninja Talon shone a flashlight around it. “Looks like we’re too late,” she said.

“Are you sure?” Dafoanairi asked.

“The boat was quite close yesterday.”

“Then we have to go back.”

“Yes, this was a wild goose chase,” Ninja Talon said.

Trent waited for the two vigilantes to return.

“What if something happened to them?” Jesse asked.

“I’m sure they can handle themselves,” Trent responded.

“But Dafoanairi is new.”

“Ninja Talon wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”

It wasn’t too long before they returned. “I’m afraid that we were too late,” Dafoanairi reported.

Trent was more anxious. He didn’t know what he would do without Jane.

“Oh,” Jesse said.

“We need to head back to the theater,” Trent said.

“Sure,” Ninja Talon said.

Back at the Historia, Peterson, Quinn, the Enigma and Ted checked over the lobby. “All clear. No traps and the Illusions are gone on the ground level,” Peterson said.

“Now the basement,” Quinn said.

“Dafoanairi and I went through there earlier,” the Enigma said quietly. “There were no traps.”

“Right,” Quinn said. ‘What is up with her? She’s not as boisterous as when we fought the Goblin.’

“That leaves the upper levels, the box seats and the roof access.” Peterson said.

“Yes,” Quinn said. ‘Daria isn’t here. It’s more likely that Dafoanairi is her, but I won’t ask. Neither her nor Brit.’

Trent, Jesse and Nick then entered. Quinn saw Ninja Talon rappelling over the building.

‘We’ll catch up later,’ she thought. “Did you find anything?”

“No, it was too late. They got to the creek before they got there,” Trent said.

Dafoanairi entered the Historia through a side door into the bookstore before changing to the ordinary Daria. She then went to the lobby.

“Daria! Where have you been?” Quinn said.

“I tried to give chase to Jane’s abductor,” Daria answered. “He moved too quickly. What happened here?”

“There are no booby traps that we could find,” Peterson said.

“That’s good,” Daria responded.

“But what will happen now?” Ted asked.

“The show will go on,” Daria said. She looked to Quinn.

“It will,” Quinn said. “Because we don’t want whoever is behind this to win. Teens are just as capable running a theater as adults.”

“Exactly,” Daria said. “Besides, it’s what Jane would want.”

“The show must go on, as they say,” Ted added.

“But what now?” Trent asked.

“We’ll keep searching,” Peterson said.

Mrs. Rowe emerged from the café. “I have got a call from Brittany. She said that she’s alright after running from the illusions in the theater.”

“That answers that,” Peterson said.

‘That’s one way to deflect attention, Brit,’ Quinn thought. “But we also need to clean up the theater.”

“And find another special effects person,” Daria said.

“At this short notice?” Quinn asked. “I’ll see if any of the previous applicants are still available in the morning.”

“That would be for the best,” Daria said. “Although we could probably go without one.”

“I’ll go,” Peterson said. “Try to organise a search for Jane.”

‘I’ll catch up with Brit at the usual early hour, or maybe a little earlier,’ Quinn decided.

They soon all left to go home.

Daria left with the Enigma, who soon changed to the usual Sandi. “Complicated,” the latter said.

“Working with Quinn?” Daria asked.

Sandi nodded. “I still don’t think I knew her.”

“Oh, you knew her. The way she wanted to present herself.”

“I don’t want to argue with you about it.”

“Fair enough,” Daria said.

“You know, I think I’ll take the risk and try to search for Jane.”

“But you don’t know she’s still in Lawndale.”

“True, but I probably would regret not trying,” Sandi said. “Usually I have an energy drink, but I can make do without one.”

“Usually?”

“The last time I did it was in the solarium, but that was quite close range.”

“That’s how you knew where the power switch was; because you searched for Sam or one of us?” Daria asked.

“For Sam, yes. But anyway.”

Daria could tell Sandi was hesitating. “We could get one from a convenience store.”

“Good idea.”

They soon bought a couple of energy drinks and snacks from a convenience store on Grandstaff Drive, close to the Griffin’s. They then crossed the road to a small park.

“Here?” Daria asked.

Sandi nodded, sat down, and downed her energy drink. “Findu mann sem heiter: Jane Peyton Lane!”

Sandi’s concern manifested into a field that Daria could barely see. ‘Does this happen all the time, or only sometimes?’

Sandi’s perception spread outwards as it usually did. However, Jane was no longer in Lawndale proper, and unconscious besides. So, she ended up perceiving the whole town and some of the surrounding countryside. She then collapsed.

“Sandi!” Daria said.

“Jane not found,” Sandi murmured with fatigue in her voice and clutching her head. “Get me home. I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not sure.”

“My mentor parent will know what to do.”

“You can tell me which one it is,” Daria said as she took Sandi in her arms. ‘This is going to be difficult. At least it’s not far to her place.’

[fardell24b]

Church notes - 8th June 2025

8th John 1:1 - 4

Mark 10:17 - 32 Mark 12:28 - 32

Psalm 67 Genesis 12:1 - 3

Journey to Mission Preparation for Mission Who is an intercessor? A person who allows God to do in them what they want God to do in others.

Delving Deeper Sacrifice is giving of something valuable - time, comfort, possessions or desires - for a cause, person or higher purpose.

Agape Unconditional - includes being gracious. Selfless Action-oriented Enduring Divine - God's love for humanity

Spirit-led voluntary self sacrifice

What's most important?

Hypocracy Contradiction between words and action

Matthew 24:13

Finishing Well Avoid the regret Be proactive and being willing to sacrifice but remember that God forgives when we repent from stumbling.

Remember that our mission field is around us.

Our commitment. Lets get out of our spectator stands and enter the mission field. Lets experience personal transformation - be blessed. Lets experience communal transformation - be a blessing Lets remember the message from Psalm 67.

Being blessed by God.

People everywhere knowing God.

The nations praising God.

1 Samuel 3

[fardell24b]

Aurora in 976

Aurora in 976

[fardell24b]

Reflections (A)

Reflections A

Quinn awoke and opened her eyes. She took in the sight of the Lane’s guest room as she got out of the bed. ‘It’s not as messy as I thought it was,’ she thought. As she changed into her usual outfit, she remembered the night before. Talking to Jane and Trent with her eyes closed. She smiled, talking to them had helped her deal with the emotions from what her frenemies did. For that was what they were, frenemies. ‘But what to do about that?’ That was another thing she had to figure out. She decided to talk to Daria when she got home.

Jane entered the kitchen and saw Quinn eating breakfast, and that her eyes were open. “Good Morning.”

“Morning, Jane.”

“I see you are… seeing.”

“I guess I just needed to sleep on it,” Quinn responded. “But last night was interesting.”

“That’s one way of looking at it.”

“Anyway, I’ll look at the picture when I have finished eating.”

“Of course,” Jane responded.

Jane brought the painting down to the kitchen. “Here, all your poured out emotion.”

“Thanks,” Quinn said. She looked at the painting closely. “Blue base. Then green,” she said.

“It’s good that you started out like that.”

“Yes, given that the red represents Sandi and Tiffany.”

“You want to talk more about that?” Jane asked.

Quinn took the painting. “Not at the moment, except to say that I’m still angry at them.”

“I’m here if you want to.”

Quinn gave a smile. “Thanks. Orange for Stacy.”

“So…”

“It was creepy.”

“You said she was copying you?” Jane asked.

“She wanted to dye her hair the same color.”

“But there was more than that, wasn’t there?”

Quinn nodded. “She was also dressed the same. It was then that I ran off.”

“And then came here.”

“That’s right.”

“Then…” Jane prompted.

“Yellow for the calm after I got here, and I started to think on things.”

“You certainly seemed to calm down.”

Quinn smiled. She then added. “And purple swirls, for flair. They certainly do add flair.”

Jane stepped closer. “I think they say, ‘Quinn Morgendorffer is dealing with something in a new way’.”

“You think so?”

“From the way you talked to us afterwards, I think so.”

Quinn thought about that. She wouldn’t have talked as openly with the frenemies, or Daria. “I guess so.” She looked at the clock. There was still some time left. ‘You wouldn’t have any unused sketch books I could doodle in?’

“Being creative already? That’s good. There should be something around here, even if I don’t,” Jane responded with slight surprise.

Quinn nodded.

Jane soon found a sketch book that had slipped behind the couch. It looked like she hadn’t used it. ‘Perfect for Quinn to use,’ she thought.

“Thanks, Jane,” Quinn said as she opened the sketch book

Jane watched as Quinn sketched some abstract shapes.

Quinn looked at the time after she had filled a page with shapes. 8:20. “We should get ready to go.”

“Are you sure?” Jane asked.

“Quite sure. We can go slowly.”

“I’ll get ready.”

It didn’t take long for them to leave the house. Quinn looked at the other houses along Howard Drive. The street seemed different to her, but then realised that she was different. She was more reflective than before. ‘Amazing what a night can do.’

They approached the Morgendorffers to see that Daria, Helen and Jake had just got back. “What are you going to say?” Jane asked.

“The truth. That Sandi forced me to leave. That will probably get her into trouble as well as her mother facing my mother’s ire.”

“I wouldn’t want to be Linda Griffin at that moment,” Jane said. “I know how your mother can be when she’s determined.”

Quinn smiled.

Daria saw Jane approaching with Quinn. ‘Wasn’t she at Sandi’s?’ she wondered. “Hi Jane.”

“Quinn has a lot to say,” Jane said.

“This I’d like to hear,” Daria said.

“Hear me out,” Quinn said.

“It’s Mom you have to tell,” Daria said.

It was something Helen didn’t want to have to deal with, having just got back into Lawndale after the experience with Grove Hills and her clashes with Michele Landon.

“So, Sandi forced you to leave and her mother didn’t stop her?” she asked.

“Yes,” Quinn answered.

“I shall call Mrs. Griffin as soon as we unpack. Jane, could you stay for a while?” Helen asked.

“Of course,” Jane answered.

It didn’t take Helen long to unpack and come back down to the living room. She saw that Daria had also unpacked and that Quinn and Jane were waiting.

“Now. I’m calling Mrs. Griffin,” Helen said as she dialled the Griffin’s number.

“Hello? Griffin’s here.” It was Sandi.

“Sandi? Is your mother there? Tell her it’s Mrs Morgendorffer.”

“I’ll tell her right now.”

Helen turned to Quinn. “She didn’t say anything about you.”

“I didn’t expect her to,” Quinn said quietly.

Linda soon came to the phone. “Helen?”

“What’s this I hear about Sandi forcing Quinn to leave?” Helen asked.

“Oh, Helen! Quinn left on her own,” Linda responded.

“That is not what she said,” Helen said. “She said that Sandi forced her to leave!”

“You only have Quinn’s word for that.”

“I trust Quinn is telling to truth, Linda.”

“I’ll put Sandi on.”

“Sandi’s going to deny it isn’t she?” Quinn asked.

“That’s obvious,” Daria said.

“Quiet, Daria. I need to hear what Sandi is going to say,” their mother said.

Sandi came to the phone. “It is as Mother said. I didn’t force Quinn to leave.”

“Quinn says differently,” Helen said.

“She couldn’t handle something.”

“Couldn’t handle what?”

“It’s difficult to explain,” Sandi shot back.

“It’s just that you don’t want to explain! Put your mother back on.”

“You heard Sandi, Helen,” Linda said.

“You were responsible for Quinn and you abrogated that responsibility…”

Linda interrupted. “She left on her own. You can’t prove that Sandi had anything to do with it.”

[fardell24b]

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 2

It wasn’t long before Peterson arrived at the Historia. “I knew you would be here, Daria,” she said after she had ordered breakfast herself.

Daria saw that she was off duty, as she was in plainclothes. “I knew you would be here. Has something come up?”

“Very perceptive. I suppose that’s one reason why you’re now fighting crime,” Xanthe said quietly.

Daria nodded. “Something else, to do with what’s going on.”

“You’re planning something and you’re putting it by me.”

“It’s Jane,” Daria said. She then explained Jane’s plan.

“I see,” Xanthe said when Daria had finished. “It’s very risky.:

“I’m sure she’s already talked to the DJ.”

“True. I will try to be there tonight.”

“Of course, nothing might happen. Or Jane could be abducted as she heads home,” Daria said.

“Make sure that the latter doesn’t happen.”

“The Enigma will be here. I’m sure she won’t let it happen.”

“You know who she is, don’t you?” Xanthe asked.

“I’m not answering that.”

“I’m taking that as a yes. The same with SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon.”

‘That makes sense,’ Daria thought.

“Anyway, I came because another critic is missing and I want you to have heads up about that.”

“WSBC?”

“How did you know?” Xanthe asked.

“Because the Enigma and I looked around the studio last night.”

“You did?”

Daria nodded.

“What did you find?”

“Not much, other than that they may have used the stormwater system.”

“How do you figure that?” Xanthe asked.

Daria explained what she and the Enigma had found.

“I see. You are right, of course. Trying to search the storm water system would be difficult. And it’s also unlikely that the abductees would be down there, given that the are forecasts for some storms this weekend.

“So, we’re still at square one,” Daria said.

“Pretty much. It could still be Quentin Beck.”

Xanthe soon finished and left, to get ready to go on duty. Daria grabbed ordered a coffee, and then Quinn entered the café. “Hey, Daria.”

“Hey, Quinn.”

“Something up?” she asked.

“Jane has come up with something.”

Quinn took in what Daria had said. ‘I guess I will have to be ready to be SpiderGirl and also find Brittany before the rehearsal starts,’ she thought.

“What do you think?” Daria asked.

“It’s quite risky, but I’m sure Jane has taken that into account.”

“She has, and I have also asked the fourth vigilante to be present.”

‘That will complicate things,’ Quinn thought. “I guess so. I just hope her powers don’t prove destructive.”

“I’m sure she can control them.”

“You haven’t met the others?”

Daria shook her head.

‘If she is Dafoanairi she didn’t want to answer verbally because she knows that I can tell when she’s lying,’ Quinn thought. She still wasn’t sure of that. “Right.”

‘I don’t want to her to know that I’m Dafoanairi. She would probably worry too much,’ Daria thought. She didn’t want Quinn to worry about her, on top of her ongoing grief for their father.

“So, what’s the plan?” Quinn asked.

“There isn’t one. Just for the fourth vigilante and Peterson to be ready to intervene.”

“I suppose that’s the best we can do.”

Sandi arrived at school, and soon found Harry.

“Sandi?” he asked. “Something up?”

“It’s just that I’m looking for an extracurricular activity after the last one ended abruptly.”

“I heard about that.”

“I’m trying not to be like that,” Sandi said. “That was me being who Mother wants me to be.”

“I get it,” Harry said. “I don’t want to be who my father wants me to be either.”

They were silent.

“Sorry,” Sandi said, sincerely.

“His condition is unchanged. But there is hope.”

“I’m sure he will get better.”

“Thanks, but anyway, take your time. You shouldn’t rush into these things,” Harry said.

“Pretty much what Daria said.”

Harry chuckled. “I guess we agree on some things.”

At lunch time, Quinn entered the library and found Brittany looking at a math book with a perplexed expression. “Hey, Brit,” she said.

“Hey, Quinn. I’m trying to get my mind around this Algebra, using what Daria told me.”

“How are you going so far?”

“Slightly better, but It’s still difficult,” Brittany answered. “Is something up?”

“You could say that,” Quinn said, and she then told Brittany what Daria had told her about Jane’s plan.

Brittany thought after Quinn told her Jane’s plan. “There’s not much I can do, given that I’ll be on stage most of the time.”

“That’s true, but I thought that I should let you know.”

“I’ll have my gear in my car, just in case something happens afterwards.”

“Thanks,” Quinn said.

Soon afterwards, Angie arrived there. “Quinn? You wanted to talk?” she asked,

“We have to be at the Historia again this afternoon,” Quinn said.

“I suppose that’s fine,” Angie said in a resigned tone.

“Daria?” Jane said as she left the science classroom.

“Yes?” Daria asked.

“I’m going to talk to Ms. Dafoe.”

“About your plan?”

“Yes,” Jane said.

“Got it, see you later.”

Daria arrived at the lunch table to find Sandi, Harry and Phillippa there. ‘Philippa Bynon again?’ she asked herself.

“Hey, Daria,” Sandi said.

“Hey,” Daria said. “Ted will be here with one of the seniors again, given that the Historia has been taking priority in the afternoons this week.”

“What’s that?” Philippa asked.

“I have been interviewing each senior about their experiences since SpiderGirl appeared in November.”

“So, you can understand what’s happening in Lawndale overall, not just Oscorp is up to and now the missing critics?” Phillipa asked.

“That’s right,” Daria responded.

It wasn’t long before Ted Dewit-Clinton and Lawrence Callaghan arrived. “Hey, Daria,” Ted said.

“So, you want to know what I know of SpiderGirl and the others?” Lawrence asked as he said.

“Yes,” Daria answered.

At the same time, Jane entered the Arts staff room.

“Jane?” Ms. Claire Dafoe asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing wrong per se,” Jane said.

“But something’s bothering you?”

“Yes. I’m kind of putting myself in danger,” Jane said before launching into a description of her plan.

Claire listened what Jane had to say. “You don’t have to do this, if you don’t want to.”

“I do want to. I want to stop this happening and for the Historia to have a chance. Not just for Daria and the others, but for Lawndale overall.”

“But you’re having second thoughts?”

Jane shrugged. “More like being in need of reassurance.”

“So, you do want to go ahead with it?”

“Yes.”

“I could be there, at the Historia if you want,” Claire offered, although she still needed to do some lesson planning for the next week.

“You don’t have to, but thanks for the offer.”

“Tell you what. I’ll be there for dinner at least.”

“Thanks,” Jane said.

Jane was still anxious as she arrived at Lawndale State’s studio shortly after school let out. She met Sarah in the staff room.

“Having second thoughts?” Sarah asked.

“A little,” Jane admitted. “It probably be better to do it in the form of an interview, rather than a simple announcement.”

“I can do it that way.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re listening to 107.1 WLDS The Voice of Lawndale State Students.”

“And not just Lawndale State today,” Sarah said. “Lawndale’s youth in general. Joining me this afternoon is Jane Lane, who is involved in the Historia, which has been in the news recently, as a new café and bookshop and now as a Theater. Good afternoon, Jane.”

“Afternoon, Sarah,” Jane said.

“I understand that a play is due to open at the Historia tomorrow night.”

“Yes, Sarah. Daria Morgendorffer’s Tempest adapted from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest into a modern day story. It will run for four weeks.”

“Thanks, Jane. But you have concerns?” Sarah said.

“I’m sure that people have heard about the missing critics who disappeared after the play was mentioned,” Jane said. “I will be at the Dress rehearsal tonight to help prepare for tomorrow night.”

“Three critics so far?”

“The police are searching for them and I have heard that the vigilantes are searching for them to.”

“You mean SpiderGirl and the others?” Sarah asked.

“Yes,” Jane answered.

Daria turned off the radio, along with the engine after parking behind the Historia. She grabbed her backpack, containing her Dafoanairi outfit, and her staff and then went inside.

Trent, and his band mate Jesse Moreno, had also listened in. “What do you think, Jesse?”

“We better be ready,” Jesse said.

“We will be,” Trent said.

Claire turned off the radio as the interview concluded and looked around the Art staffroom. As usual, she was the last teacher out for the day. ‘I’ll be there in ten minutes,’ she thought. She hoped that nothing would happen to Jane.

Brittany entered the café at the Historia. She had heard Jane’s interview and knew that something was sure to happen. She went up to the counter where Stacy was serving.

“Hi, Brittany, may I take your order.”

“A Latte, please,” Brittany said. It would be another hour before the dress rehearsal would start.

“Coming right up. Three dollars fifty.”

Brittany paid for the latte and turned around, and saw someone she hadn’t expected to see. “Mrs. Brown?”

“Hi, Brittany,” Alex Brown said.

“How’s Sarah Robyn?” Brittany asked. She hadn’t heard anything since she had left the hospital.

“Still much the same,” Mrs. Brown said quietly. “She still can’t speak after what happened. But that doesn’t stop her from wanting to see the play.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Brittany said. “I hope she’ll enjoy the play.”

“I heard that you’re in it?”

“Yes, as Ariel. I like, wanted to do more than cheerleading.”

“That sounds great,” Mrs. Brown said.

Sandi arrived at the Historia and ordered dinner. She saw Daria enter the café. “I’m ready,” she said.

“Good,” Daria said.

“I heard the interview.”

By the time the rehearsal started, everyone was as ready as they could be.

Peterson arrived five minutes beforehand. “I had to call in a few favors so I could be here,” she said to Daria.

“I hope it wasn’t too much trouble,” Daria said.

“Not too much,” Peterson said with a shrug.

‘I still hope it won’t cause problems in future,’ Daria thought. She then saw Jane arrive. “I need to talk to her.”

“Go ahead.”

“Are you ready?” Daria asked Jane.

“As I’ll ever be,” Jane said.

“Peterson’s here, and I saw the fourth vigilante in the café earlier.”

“That’s all we can do, and the band is in the café too.”

“All of Mystik Spiral?” Daria asked.

“Max may be cowardly, but Trent, Jesse and Nick aren’t.”

Claire ordered another coffee and looked around the café. She saw that there were mostly Lawndale High students there, although she also saw Trent Lane and his friends. ‘Of course, he would be even more concerned for his sister.’

The rehearsal started.

Quinn, Angie and Robert looked around the theatre as the rehearsal continued. “I did see Quentin Beck here shortly before it started,” Robert said.

“Where did he go?” Quinn asked.

“I’m not sure,” Robert said. “He could be anywhere.”

“Then we need to tell Peterson,” Angie said.

“She would say there’s not much to go on,” Quinn said.

“We should tell her anyway,” Angie argued. She turned to her boyfriend.

“We’ll tell her,” Robert decided.

They quickly found Peterson. “So, he was here, but he isn’t now?” she asked as she looked around the theatre.

“Yes,” Quinn said.

“There isn’t much to go on,” Peterson said. “But I could search the building again.”

“Go ahead,” Quinn said.

Robert nodded, showing his agreement with Quinn.

“I’ll start right now.”

“As I told you before, I am subject to a tyrant, a sorcerer, that by his cunning has cheated me of this place,” Wolfgang said as Caliban.

“Thou liest,” Brittany said as Ariel, from behind a tree prop.

“Thou liest, you jesting monkey, you! I would have my master destroy you. I do not lie,” Wolfgang said as Caliban.

“Trinculo, if you make him more trouble, I shall punch out some of your teeth,” Corey said as Stephano.

“Why, I said nothing,” Skyler said as Trinculo.

“Then no more,” Corey said as Stephano.

“I say by sorcery he has this place in the palm of his hand. For he took it from me. If your greatness will bring about revenge on him, for I know not, but dare not,” Wolfgang said as Caliban.

Peterson returned to Quinn and the others. “He’s hiding somewhere,” she said.

“Then we have to be vigilant,” Quinn said.

The rehearsal went better than the previous two. Daria sighed in relief as the curtain went down at the end. But then something happened!

Illusions appeared. Green mist appeared throughout the auditorium. “Evacuate!” she said. She tried to look through it. ‘No luck. I need to be Dafoanairi!’ She went to the nearest door that she could see.

Sandi had finished her desert when she heard something. She looked to Ms. Dafoe, who had been working on her laptop throughout the rehearsal. “Ms. Dafoe…”

“I hear it,” the art teacher said.

“Don’t worry, Sandi,” Trent Lane said. “We’re on it.”

“You and your band?” she asked.

“Yes,” Trent said.

“Um no,” Max Tyler said.

“You can stay here,” Trent said. He turned to Jesse and Nick. They both nodded and rushed towards the theatre.

‘I guess I’ll have to change to the Enigma in the bathroom!’ Sandi thought. It was risky, but she could do it.

Xanthe tried to act as the green mist expanded. “Quentin Beck! Cease and Desist in the name of the Law!” She had to try something. She considered firing a warning shot, but she was sure that Daria and Quinn didn’t want the Historia damaged. ‘But it might get damaged anyway.’

Backstage, Brittany heard the commotion. She had planned for it, but she hoped that it wouldn’t happen. She rushed out into the parking lot, ready to become Ninja Talon.

Jane had pulled one of the gadgets from her pocket as the mist appeared. A taser disguised as a pen. But then she was grabbed from behind. “Help!” she said as she stabbed backwards with the taser pen.

“Nice try!” the person said.

Jane turned and saw that the person was dressed the same as when she and the other two had chased him through the stormwater system. ‘I hope that’s not where we’re going.’ He then put something over her nose. ‘Chloroform!’ she realised before she lost consciousness.

Dafoanairi re-entered the auditorium and saw that the Enigma was there also. “Can you use your powers to try to clear the mist?” she asked.

“I can try,” the Enigma said. She raised her hands in front of her. There was then a strong wind and only some of the mist near them cleared. “I have to be careful. I don’t want to accidentally damage a wall.”

‘Maybe the mentor would have had better luck,’ Dafoanairi considered. ‘Either one of her parents.’

“Like, No luck. It works best on solid objects.”

“Maybe the projections or the forcefield?”

“I’ll try.”

‘Protection!’ the Enigma thought. She raised the forcefield around herself as usual, then tried to focus forwards, but then she only fired small projections, or the purple glow sparked like electricity. She deactivated the powers and shook her head at Dafoanairi before trying to look for Jane with her enhanced perception. ‘Too many people and I might need the locate ability later.’

[fardell24b]

Church notes - 1st June 2025

Psalm 84

Communion Ephesians 1:1 - 12

Psalm 67 Chiastic Structure A . B .. C . B1 A1

A. May God bless us, so others know God's salvation . B. May all people praise Him .. C. Rejoice in God's reign and influence .. B1. May all peoples praise Him A1. May God bless us, so others revere Him

Acts 1:8

Numbers 6:22 - 26

He gave His blessing on us through Christ; through what He did on the Cross.

vs 6, 7

B May all people praise God. B1 May all peoples praise God.

2 Corinthians 13:11 - 14

[fardell24b]

Aurora in 950

[fardell24b]

Navel Gazing

Tiffany Blum-Deckler misunderstands something.

fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14475147/1/

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/65968264

[fardell24b]

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio

17 Tempestuous Origin Of Mysterio

The figure had light. SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon also had flashlights. The first pipe was easy, as it was mostly dry, but they noticed that there was more water as they continued towards the creek.

“Is he trying to lose us at the Creek?” Ninja Talon asked.

“Probably,” SpiderGirl considered.

‘That makes sense,’ the Shadow thought as she followed along. Just as well her shoes were waterproof. But she wasn’t so sure of SpiderGirl’s suit.

But SpiderGirl had planned for that. She had used waterproof materials in that particular suit. Ten minutes after leaving the vicinity of the WSBC studio, they approached the Creek.

The water was waist deep in the last pipe before the Creek, which made it difficult for them to move quickly.

When they emerged from the pipe into the creek, they saw that the figure had a speedboat waiting. “Quickly!” SpiderGirl told the other two. She shot a web to the boat as it started up.

Ninja Talon and the Shadow both fired their grapple guns. Both lines held as the boat speed off.

“Is this a good idea?” the Shadow asked as the figure went downstream, towards the lake.

“Not really,” SpiderGirl admitted. “But we’re coming up to the Jefferson Bridge.”

“You’re going to web the bridge?” the Shadow asked.

“Yes!” SpiderGirl said.

“Good idea,” Ninja Talon said.

They approached the bridge a half minute later. SpiderGirl shot webs to the road deck and to two of the pylons as they approached. “Be ready to hold on!” she said.

The other two nodded.

As they passed beneath the bridge, SpiderGirl shot more webs and signalled the other two. They retracted their grapples and held onto their superpowered team member. She then swung up onto the bridge. She shot more webs at the boat once they were on the bridge. That happened in less than five seconds. The boat stopped on the water, although the engines were still running at full throttle.

“Did it work?” Ninja Talon asked.

A green mist appeared on the boat.

“What?” SpiderGirl asked. “Get down!”

They hit the pavement of the walkway, with the Shadow holding a camera out over the edge. “He’s gone,” she said.

“What?” SpiderGirl asked. “Wait… I heard him go as we got down.”

“An illusion?” Ninja Talon asked.

“Most likely,” the Shadow said. She looked downstream. “He could be anywhere.”

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon waited until several minutes after the Shadow had gone before swinging below the bridge to their spot and unmasking.

“So, you think it’s Beck, given the illusion?” Brittany asked.

“It certainly makes him a suspect, but I haven’t seen his special effects yet,” Quinn answered.

“I guess we will have to wait until Friday.”

“I doubt we have that long.”

“Tomorrow night is the dress rehearsal. Maybe Daria will want to see the effects that he has come up with then,” Brittany said.

“Maybe.”

“But in the meantime, all we know is that he might be holding the critics between here and the lake.”

“That’s still not much to go on,” Quinn said.

Brittany nodded.

They stood there in silence for a while before Quinn headed off to the Historia for her shift in the café and Brittany began a patrol before dinner.

Sandi came down after reading through the list of extracurricular activities again. She still didn’t know what to do. ‘Maybe I’ll ask Harry and Daria about it,’ she thought. She paused halfway down the stairs. That was one thing she didn’t usually do. Ask advice, especially of other students. ‘Another way I’m changing.’

“Sandi!”

“Coming, Mother.”

Sandi listened as her mother told her what had happened as she was finishing work.

“So, you think something happened?” Sandi asked.

“Yes,” her mother said.

“And you want me to investigate it somehow?”

Her mother nodded.

“I will, but I will do it my way.”

“I know you will, Sandi, but I want you to be careful.”

“Of course,” Sandi said.

“And the same applies to Daria.”

“She is being careful.”

“I don’t want to have to deal with Helen if something happens,” her mother said.

“You won’t have to.”

Brittany thought about the situation as she came downstairs.

“How is the tutoring coming?” Ashley-Amber asked.

“Going well, but Algebra is still, difficult.”

“I still find that difficult myself.”

“I guess so, but I want to do well, even in Math,” Brittany said.

“It’s good that you want to do well.”

“But, also, the critics being missing.”

“You think that everyone involved the play might be suspects?” Ashley-Amber asked.

“It’s a possibility.”

“I’m sure you have alibis.”

Brittany nodded. ‘I’m not sure what Quinn would say about this afternoon, but I’m sure she would come up with something.’

“Then you shouldn’t worry.”

Sandi was ready for another search. “Freya Daniels last night,” she murmured as she opened the yearbook. After Freya was Janice Dennison, with long brown hair. She grabbed the energy drink. “Findu mann sem heiter: Janice Dennison!”

She found that Janice was approaching the Historia with her family.

‘Maybe they’re buying tickets,’ Sandi considered.

Quinn felt yet another tingle as she served Freya Daniels her dinner. “Here you go, Freya.”

“Thanks, Quinn,” Freya said.

Quinn turned to go.

“Wait, Quinn.”

“Yes?”

“I was sceptical of Jamie’s claims when he started making them,” Freya said.

“He apologised,” Quinn said with a shrug. “Besides, anyone could have found that the solarium was the cause.”

“I mean, I tried to tell Elly that he was just trying to impress her.”

“That probably got through. Got to go!”

“Oh!” Freya said. “Sorry for holding you up.”

At the same time, Daria arrived at Casa Lane. “Hey, Daria,” Trent said. “Janie’s up in her room.”

“Thanks, Trent.”

“I managed to scrounge up some cash. I’ll see the play on Saturday.”

“That’s encouraging, Thanks,” Daria responded as she went to the stairs.

“I hope those critics will be found.”

Daria entered Jane’s room to find many maps of Lawndale scattered about, and many more sketches of various places around town placed on the wall. ‘Almost like my wall. She then saw one of Dafoanairi. ‘Huh? I don’t think I have been seen by a camera.’

“Hey, Daria.”

“The snarky fifth,” she said. “I guess you have seen her?”

“At a distance. I do go out at night to think.”

‘I guess I need to keep an eye out for her. I probably won’t tell Sandi,’ she thought. “I guess so,” she said.

“Anyway…” Jane said awkwardly.

“I’m sorry that the lunchtimes have been busy lately.”

“It was fine with Harry and Sandi, I suppose, even with Sandi’s past.”

“I remember what you told me, and what she tried to do several weeks ago,” Daria said. “But she’s also changing, trying not to be who her mother tried to mould her into.”

“I see that. She’s been quiet, not asserting herself as much as I thought she would.”

“She’s listening to what others have to say. I guess she recognises that her iron fisted rule of the Fashion Club contributed to its demise.”

Jane nodded. “And Harry befriended her when he started at school.”

“That’s true, and so, with Sandi at the table, he’s there too.”

‘No surprise there,’ Jane thought. The next was probably her fault. “Then it was Tania.”

“It was probably me, there. I wanted to investigate High Hills Park during that wild goose chase just after Groundhog Day. Then we continued to investigate it and ran into the Wiccans, including Tania.”

“And now she want to be more than just the ‘Wiccan student’ and that’s part of why she’s in the play.”

Daria nodded. “Now, Brittany?”

“Because she’s in the play? As well as your tutoring her?”

“And because we investigated the brownouts together last week. We seemed to have ‘clicked’ then.”

“I suppose so. And now Kevin and Donna,” Jane said.

“They were there, because Brittany is there, and because Kevin wanted to know about the play.”

“And that he’s only seeing it because Brittany’s in it.”

“At least he’s seeing it,” Daria said. “And Donna is too. It seems she has as much interest in Shakespeare as Brittany.”

“I must have missed that too.”

They were then silent for a while, as Daria looked at Jane’s sketches and Jane painted.

“I do have an idea, but it’s risky,” Jane said.

“What is that?” Daria asked.

“I could mention the play on Lawndale State’s station and then attend tomorrow night’s rehearsal.”

“That’s risky.”

“I know it is. But we know that two critics have gone missing because they mentioned it on radio,” Jane said.

“It’s still rather risky.”

“And we have Peterson there, ready to intervene. For all we know, any of the vigilantes may show up, especially if they’re already there as their secret identities.”

‘Dafoanairi for one,’ Daria thought. ‘I better put a cloak and staff in the apartment.’

“What do you say?”

“It’s still risky, but I don’t have any other idea at present. But how are you going to get a spot on WLDS?”

“A bandmate of Monique’s is a disk jockey there,” Jane answered, referring to Trent’s on again, off again girlfriend. “She does the afternoon shifts. I’ll visit tomorrow morning before school and see if I’ll be able to get on.”

“I see.”

“And I’m sure you’ll be able to line up Peterson.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Daria responded. ‘I guess Dafoanairi is patrolling tonight. But Peterson may be at the Historia in the morning.’ She decided that she would be at the Historia before school, despite the lack of sleep.

“And we hope for the best.”

Daria sighed.

After her shift, SpiderGirl stayed on the roof looking out over Lawndale for a while, thinking about what had happened earlier. ‘If the abductor is using the storm water system, it makes it rather difficult to stop them. But we have to try.’ She looked to the south and wondered where the critics were being held for a while before swinging away.

Jane told Trent what she had decided. “Sounds dangerous. I don’t like it,” he said. “You’ll be yourself, not the Shadow.”

“I know that, but Mom also gave me some inconspicuous gadgets, not just the artistic ones. I’ll be able to handle myself.”

“I guess I can be at the Historia, just in case. Jesse too.”

“Good idea.”

“And I can use some gadgets too,” Trent said. “I have been practicing, in case something like when we went to Middlebury comes up again.”

“Thanks, Trent.”

Shortly before midnight, Daria approached the Griffin’s place along the laneway. She was still not sure why Jane wanted to put herself in danger like that. ‘I still don’t have any other ideas.’ She then saw Sandi emerged from the rear gate.

“Oh,” Sandi said. “I didn’t think you would come here.”

“There’s something I need to talk about,” Daria said.

“Same here, but you first.”

“Sure,” Daria said, before telling Sandi about Jane’s plan.

Sandi listened to the plan. It was audacious. It was pure Jane Lane. ‘Of course she would do something like that,’ she thought. “Interesting,” she said when Daria was finished.

“I suppose you could watch the Historia in case something happens?” Daria asked.

“I suppose I could, given what I have to say,” Sandi said, before telling Daria about what her mother had told her about what happened at work.

Daria took what Sandi said in.

“So, something happened there,” she concluded. “But whether it’s related or not is an open question.”

“True, but I think it is.”

“Then that’s where we’ll go first.”

“There is something else,” Sandi said as they crossed a street.

“What is that?” Daria asked.

“I’m looking for another extracurricular activity at school.”

“And?”

“Ms. Li has given me a list, but I can’t decide,” Sandi said quietly.

“Take your time to choose something that you would like to do, not what others would like to do.”

“I guess so, because the list is long.”

“That’s not surprising,” Daria said.

Fifteen minutes later, they were at the WSBC studio. “Nothing seems out of the ordinary,” Sandi said.

“Not at first glance, anyway,” Daria pointed out.

“That’s true,” Sandi said as she switched on a flashlight.

“This will take a while.”

They examined the surrounds of the studio, as well as the outside walls and the rooftop. “No clues,” the Enigma said, as they looked out over the town towards the Giant Strawberry from the rooftop.

“There might be something we missed,” Dafoanairi said.

“Where?”

“I noticed that a manhole cover in the parking lot isn’t as tight as it should be.”

The Enigma looked down and shone the flashlight on the manhole cover. “You’re right.” She then telekinetically lifted it out of the ground and put it aside. “Let’s go then,” she said as she threw a rope down.

Dafoanairi followed the Enigma down into the stormwater system. “It certainly looks big enough for a getaway, but It would be impossible to search all of it in one night.”

“That’s a good point. I also doubt that they would stay down here if there was a place they had prepared above ground.”

“But I will tell Peterson when I meet her next.”

The Enigma nodded.

They emerged back above ground and the Enigma replaced the manhole cover. “Something happened,” the Enigma said.

“So, another critic?”

“Probably.”

“Then Jane is even more danger!” Dafoanairi groused.

“I will be ready.”

“Good.”

Lawndale Sun-Herald

Thursday, February 22, 2001

Another Critic Missing

Oliver Langford of WLND has also gone missing after Kalina Ondrovick went missing on Monday

Daria read the article after arriving at the Historia as it opened for the day. She knew that Mrs. Rowe wouldn’t be in until later. She looked at where Angie was behind the counter. ‘She’s taken to it,’ she thought before going up to order breakfast.

At same time, Jane arrived at one of the Lawndale State dorms. ‘I hope she’s up, otherwise she probably won’t give me the spot.’

Sarah Roberts was surprised when she opened the dorm room door to find Jane Lane. “Jane? What brings you here so early?”

“A long story,” Jane said. “But It’s to do with recent events.”

“Which recent events. There are surely others you can talk to about Groundhog Day.”

“This isn’t about Groundhog Day, more the missing critics,” Jane said.

Sarah listened as Jane told her the plan. “You want to draw out this person, and trap them?”

“Yes,” Jane said. “Because, I want Daria’s play and the Historia to succeed.”

“Quite audacious,” Sarah commented. “To run a theatre as teenagers.”

“Yes. But I want Daria and the others to succeed.”

“Alright. I will let you on my show, but I want to be at the Historia tonight, to see what the play is like, and to help you if things go south.”

“Deal!” Jane said.