Remus sat at the large desk, going through the dossier in front of him quite thoroughly, line by line, word by word. He'd read it enough times over the last few months that he nearly had it memorized, but he needed to make sure nothing was missing. Every detail would be crucial in the forth coming confrontation. The slightest slip and she'd be lost to him. With a determined sigh, he began again, translating raw data into narrative prose.

Gabriella Luciano Rossiello, AKA Vertigo, was born October 22, 1986, in Le Spezia, Italy. Only child of Giordano Rossiello and Annalise Dupre. Giordano Rossiello was the last living scion of the Rossiello family, heir to the Rossiello fortune, a fortune based on Olive crops, vineyards, and a very lucrative import/export business. Annalise Dupre was the only daughter of the French Diplomat, Antoine Dupre.

At age 12 both Gabriella and her mother were stricken with an unspecified viral infection while on Safari in Africa. Both women lay near death for several weeks, laid low by something dubbed Jungle fever for lack of better terms. High Fever, dysentery and dehydration caused hallucinations, dizziness and nausea. the girl's dormant meta gene activated and the first expression was telepathy. For weeks, the delusional child frightened her caregivers, talking to and answering what could only be imaginary people, voices in her head. No one suspected they were literal and quite real. The natives feared she was possessed, even claiming that her demons were causing the sickness to appear among them, many reporting symptoms similar to the girl's nausea, vomiting, extreme vertigo.

Gabriella recovered swiftly after the fever broke. Annalise never fully did, dying several weeks after their return the family estates.

Remus knew that the trauma of her powers' first expression during the illness, the depression over the loss of her mother and the physical side effects of using her powers caused the young woman to pretend they didn't exist. Only the catalyst of her father's death, and subsequent implication in wrong doing caused her to embrace her abilities as a tool in discovering the truth of her father's death and dishonor, and exacting revenge. Remus allowed a smug smile at his own knowledge of those events, even the truth behind her experiences in Africa, savoring the sweetness of secret knowledge. He eagerly anticipated spoon feeding her the truth while twisting her to his viewpoint. The final reveal would be quite exquisite!

A sharp rap on the suite door interrupted his thoughts and before he could acknowledge it, the door opened and Nicola Moriarty stalked into the room, an angry scowl marring the beauty of her features. Remus sighed heavily. When roused to anger, Nicola Moriarty, known as Den mother, was a true bitch, pun intended. She had all the raw ferocity of a hunting beast and would probably require a firm hand to settle her.

"When were you going to tell me?" She demanded, her voice high and raw. She stopped directly in front of his desk, hands clenched into fits, her entire posture one of attack. Her dull reddish hair was a wild tangled mane, appearing as if she had just come from an assignation. The usual wolf pelt, this one a speckled grey, covered the shoulders of a black cowl neck sweater of the purest cashmere. The long open neck line revealed a well rounded bosom, and the fine Egyptian slacks dyed to match the fur, did nothing to hide her curves, still shapely despite her advancing years and decadent lifestyle.

"Tell you what, my dear?" Remus replied with an arched brow. A sardonic smile tugged at his lips. His eyes met the green fire of Den Mother's with a placid intensity. There was something unnerving in eyes the color of the sky, with no notable iris or pupil, just an almond shaped pool of liquid intensity. In fact, Remus entire presence often caused those unfamiliar with him to pause and catch their breath. But then having Indigo skin, and Navy hair tended to stand out in a crowd.

"Don't play coy with me, Remus. You know damn well what I'm talking about." She spat at him as she leaned forward and slammed her hands on the top of his desk. Completely unaware of the view she'd just provided him, Nicola continued, spitting out each word as if it was poison. "That bitch, Vertigo. When were you going to tell me she was coming here?"

Remus face smoothed into an emotionless mask. His voice held touch of warning when spoke. "I wasn't aware I needed to clear my schedule with you Nicola. You would have been made aware when I deemed it necessary."

"You didn't think I'd want to know when that slut was around? You know damn well what she did to me in Rome. I want her. I want to pull the skin from her bones with my bare hands. No one ..." Nicola's fingers were curling into claws as she spoke, her nails, so perfectly manicured dug shallow furrows in the desktops finish.

Remus rapped one knuckle on the desk, a sharp pop that interrupted Nicola mid-rant. There was no mistaking the menace in his voice when he spoke next. "She will be my guest. You will not, I repeat, you will not touch a hair on her head. Do I make myself clear?"

"But Rome... She stole from me.." Nicola sputtered.

"And you went against my direct wishes. You were given specific instructions. You disobeyed me. She just happened to have provided the punishment. Deal with it. Or would you like me to remember how angry I was that you forced me to let them go?"

"N ... no Remus." She said. Nicola took several long moments trying to swallow her rage, breathing deeply in an attempt regain her composure.

"If you'll take a seat, I'll be happy to explain why I asked you here." Remus' voice immediately softened into a more conciliatory tone. He waited until she had settled herself into the seat across from him, haughtily readjusting her fur cape, and self consciously smoothing down her hair. When she had finished primping herself to exacting standards, she turned her attention back to Remus. Having reminded her of her place, Remus allowed her to retain her dignity.

"Do you remember the Crete operation?" he asked when he had her full attention.

"Of course. Such a spectacular success." Nicola replied sarcastically. "A multimillion dollar facility completely destroyed, your new minions discovered and defeated. A rousing victory!"

"For your information, the operation went exactly as planned. The data I gathered was of immeasurable value for my future plans. Especially after the Dawnstars arrived."

"As you say." she replied simply, completely unconvinced.

"You know I play a deeper game, Nicola." Remus narrowed his eyes but didn't comment on her attitude. "That operation included an unexpected bonus. During the chaos that followed the earthquake, I had a chance to have an interesting conversation with our fledgling mentalist. During that conversation, I made her an offer. The answers she seeks for a few 'innocent' favors. It would seem she has decided to consider the offer more seriously."

"And that means what to me?"

"Well, it seems that not only do I have something she desires, but you do as well."

Despite herself, Den mother was intrigued. "And just what would that be?"

"It would seem that one of her new friends isn't quite up to par anymore. She'd like that to change." Remus' lips curled slightly, knowing he had full attention now.

"Oh really?" Nicola said, a predatory smile on her lips. "And what do I get in return?"

"If you're good and play nice, when I'm done with Gabriella, and if you can handle her, you can have her to do as your wicked little heart wishes."

"Agreed!"

******

Gabriella woke up with a pressing need to use the bathroom and was momentarily disoriented. She found herself nearly naked, draped across someone and had no memory of how she got there or where she was. Her robe had slipped open and she realized her left breast was laying exposed on a massive chest. She carefully pulled herself upward into a sitting position and drew the robe closed. When she realized her sleeping partner was Alessandro, her mind cleared. The big man was sprawled on the couch in a position that was sure to give him an awful crick in his neck. She leaned in gave him a quick peck on the cheek in gratitude and slipped off the couch. Immediately Alessandro slipped further down into a more comfortable position with a soft grunt.

Gabriella smiled and padded quietly to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. With a hearty sigh, she relieved her full bladder. As she washed her hands, Gabriella stared long and hard in the mirror. "Poppa. I know you would tell me not to do this, but it's the only way." she whispered, her heart breaking as she imagined her father's face frozen in disapproval. "You always said, better the devil you know than the one you don't. I've tried to be something you'd be proud of. I've tried to live up to yours, Adrian's, every one's expectations, but I just can't. I have to find out the truth, no matter what. I have to restore your name, our name. Remus is the only one willing to actually give me something useful, not empty promises. He'll have his price, and he'll try to twist me with lies, but without his information, I'll never be able to avenge you! Please forgive me."

She fell quiet as grief overtook her. Silent sobs wracked her body for several long moments before she was able to regain control. She flipped off the light before opening the door. "I love you Poppa." she whispered into the darkness before slipping into the bed, careful to not disturb her sleeping guardian.

Alessandro did not move after slumping in feigned sleep when Gabriella slipped away from him. It was clear, by what he heard of her whispered plea, that despite growing reservations, she was determined to go through with this. At least she was doing so with somewhat open eyes instead of flailing out in some mule-headed driven temper tantrum. She knew her actions would have consequences and for now, she seemed willing to accept them. Her strength was amazing, despite it's frail trappings. Alessandro knew there was more depth to the young woman, knew it from her thoughts and emotions when she linked them mentally. Her limitations were mostly self induced. Her need to find validation in the opinion of others, her defensiveness, lack of self confidence and self worth; they were all weaknesses that Remus would exploit and twist until they consumed her.

Alessandro sighed heavily. He had his work cut out for him. He had to help shield her from the worst Remus would throw at her as well as help her find her own inner strength. A near impossible task. For the first time since he'd met her, Alessandro re-considered his decision in Rome. Would he have been better off on his own? Would he be strong enough to to pull her through? Would it be worth it? The answer to the last question came immediately. Yes, seeing this remarkable young woman blossom into her potential would be a worthy spectacle. To be a part of the growth, to facilitate it would be an honor beyond imagining.

A soft smiled curled his lips as he allowed himself to sink into a light sleep. Yes, he would stay. To do otherwise would be to betray himself, and the future. Remus must not be allowed to win.

The smell of coffee and bacon woke Gabriella. She sat up in bed, making sure the robe covered her appropriately before looking around the room. Alessandro wasn't immediately visible, but the bathroom door was closed and she could hear the shower running. She smiled slightly, remembering the last time she'd had a man in her shower. He hadn't been alone for long, and the water had grown quite cold before she had finished with him. Gabriella stopped those thoughts in their tracks, though not before a flush of excitement rushed through her as she momentarily imagined Alessandro taking her last partner's place.

Reminding herself just why that was impossible, she slipped out of bed and sat at the table, determined to focus on her breakfast plate until it was her turn. She was grateful that she hadn't had a chance to re-establish the mental link with her bodyguard. Despite her growing proficiency in shielding her own thoughts and his while linked, there was still 'leakage' as she called it. Despite her flirtatious nature, the sheer intimacy of the bond would have completely mortified her, especially if Alessandro wasn't interested. After Adrian's blatant rejection, she didn't think she could handle another one. Sighing heavily she turned her attention to breakfast.

The coffee was tolerable if a little bitter, but the omelet was just what she needed to keep her blood sugar up. Stuffed full with mushrooms, cheese, peppers, and prosciutto it was nearly heaven. By the time she'd finished her plate and was on her second cup of coffee, Alessandro had re-joined her. He was dressed in his usual field attire. Black military style cargo pants, black combat boots, and a black cotton t-shirt that was stretched tight across his broad chest and thick arms. Hanging on the back of one of the chairs, Gabriella noticed his leather jacket. Modified bikers leathers with light Kevlar armor plates. The jacket would be shed if he needed to change, too much clothing hampered his ability to shift. His dark shoulder length hair was slicked back, perfectly framing chiseled features that Michelangelo would have killed to have for a model.

"Good, you're up and eating." he said simply. He was one of those strong silent types.

Gabriella smiled, "of course. And I see you're ready for business." Referring to his clothing.

Alessandro shrugged. "Considering who we're dealing with, best to be prepared."

You got that right. Gabriella thought grimly. "Alright, I'm finished, did you save me any hot water?"

"Nope." Alessandro said with a feral grin.

"Gee thanks! Remind me later why I keep you around."

Alessandro laughed as he tore into his breakfast. Gabriella grabbed the clothes she'd put out the night before and headed to the bathroom. True to his word, Alessandro had left her very little hot water, quite correctly figuring that she'd lounge in the shower, taking way too long to get ready. Gabriella quickly washed her hair, and cursed loudly when the water went cold during her rinse. She soaped and rinsed her body under the cascade of nearly freezing water. So much for carnal thoughts or pleasures. she mused bitterly. It was impossible to feel sexy when one's teeth were chattering.

She jumped out of the shower and dried herself vigorously, trying to chafe warmth back into her skin. She twisted her hair into another towel to sop some of the water as she considered her clothes. Unfortunately, Alessandro was correct and the only practical thing to do was to dress as if expecting trouble. She was after all meeting one of Europe's most wanted criminal masterminds. She had to be prepared. Showing up in a skimpy evening gown with 4 inch stilettos was just asking for Murphy to have a field day with her.

The only field uniform she had was her Dawnstar's costume. She sighed, she'd have to commission a new set. Sighing softly, she slipped into a pair of panties, and pulled on her own modified set of bikers leathers. The pants were form fitting black leather with a cotton lining. Several key areas were armored, but not as heavily as Alessandro's jacket. She wove a red leather belt through the loops, and cinched the square gold buckle with it's swirling spiral pattern closed. She pulled on a set of black cotton tube socks, before slipping on her boots, red leather, knee high, with a front padded projection that extended near mid thigh. The soles were thick and heavily treaded, with a low heel. She'd learned her lesson on Crete. High heels might look killer, but they were a bitch to move quickly in.

She slipped into a red leather bustier, the edges trimmed with black silk. It was armored of course and shaped to cup her bountiful breasts without squeezing them up into her throat. She laced it up the front, tightening it for just the right amount of cleavage, yet still allowing herself to breath easily. She unwrapped her hair and quickly towel dried it. Examining herself in the mirror, she found she liked the effect the tousled hair added to her outfit, heightening its already high level of sex appeal. She moued a few times at herself, trying on various sexy expressions before sighing heavily. She wasn't going to a party, or on a date. she was going to negotiate with a known criminal for information on her father's death. She needed to be taken seriously. With a heavy heart, she quickly braided her hair into one long plait, and tied it off with a red silk ribbon.

She started to pull on her jacket, when she remembered she hadn't had her insulin shot. Gabriella had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, shortly after recovering from the fever that had taken her mother away. The doctors weren't sure exactly what the cause was as there was no history of diabetes in either her father's or mother's family, but eventually came to blame it on physiological changes caused by the unknown virus and the stress of her meta-gene expression. She'd been taking daily insulin injections since she was thirteen.

She fished a syringe out of a specially made belt pouch that rested at the small of her back. It was rigid and armored, the inside was padded and held specially made syringes, preloaded with her exact dosage. There were enough for a week. She carried spares in her luggage, but she dare not miss a dose. The last time she'd missed a dose she'd come close to dying. Or at least that's how she felt. The doctors wouldn't tell her any more. Whenever she'd asked her father about it, he just turned white and changed the subject.

With well practised precision, she quickly and efficiently administered her dosage and donned the rest of her costume. She slid on red leather driving gloves, their palm and finger area textured to heighten grip, and slipped on her own jacket. Black leather, with red silk lining. Armored across the back and front panels. The sleeves were rolled and snapped into place about midway up her forearm, and the shoulders were cut out to allow her skin to show through.

All in all, she looked like one sexy heroine, but then she had designed it.

She snapped the pouch carrying her insulin back into place, and strolled into the main room. Alessandro whistled appreciatively, a smirk on his face. "I thought you were going to leave those behind." He asked.

"I was, but they're all I have until I can commission something different. I'll be damned if I'm going into the lion's den in a sundress!"

Alessandro laughed, a full belly laugh, a rarity for the man. "Now that would definitely throw Remus off. Better yet, just go in naked, he'll be so stunned that he won't be able to think straight."

"As if. I should tell you about the time we took on the villain group the Fast Movers, all speedster types... I'd been wearing a unitard, something Adrian, Slipknot had designed for me, and well, after the bitch I was fighting was done, there wasn't a shred left on me. Turns out she liked women, and got tongue tied when she got a good look. Allowed me just enough breathing room to take her down. Adrian and I laughed the whole way back to base. Of course Erich wasn't too pleased, I didn't have a spare costume in the jet. So I ended up wearing a trench coat the whole way. I kept flashing everyone just to get reactions." Gabriella giggled at the memory. it lessened the tension that had been building since she had stepped out of the shower. Only the ritual of donning her costume had kept her from thinking about it.

"Good for you little mother." Alessandro said. "I'd like to hear more, but it's time to go. The bags are packed. If we stay any longer we'll miss our flight."

Gabriella frowned then nodded once, following Alessandro out of the room. She gave one last look behind her before squaring her shoulders and shutting the door on her past. Now there was only her and Alessandro. No one else mattered until this was done. In the small recesses of her mind, where she had crowded her doubts and fears, a small voice hoped fervently that there would be something left to come back to once she'd finished her quest for vengeance and justice.

The taxi ride to Marco Polo Airport was uneventful. They arrived with approximately an hour to spare. Gabriella had let Alessandro handle all the arrangements, so she was a little surprised when he directed her past the standard airline queues towards a charter service kiosk. They had packed light, only a standard suitcase for each and a small carry-on for her with her toiletries. She signed a few papers, the usual charter contracts, indemnity waivers, and added flight insurance. It was all going smoothly until they encountered the security check-point.

Expecting a rigorous examination of their bags, id's and passports, they had everything ready and available. Alessandro passed easily through as if he had greased the machinery, so to speak. They looked askance at her and Alessandro's apparel, but shrugged it off as an oddity, some celebrity and her bodyguard. What started the problem was her insulin kit. She had just passed the metal detector and was turning to gather her carry-on when one of the guards spotted the case at the small of her back. Her jacket must have ridden up, and he was probably enjoying the unrestricted view of her rear when he caught sight of the small package.

"Signora, por favore. Che cosa è questo?" He asked, pointing to the case, as his other hand dropped to hover over his weapon. What is what, she wondered, momentarily confused. The other guard took a couple of steps back and positioned one hand near his weapon, the other near the radio. Alessandro turned and tensed, his nostrils flared as he took in their scent. Fear, tension, and the beginnings of anger. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as Gabriella's brain worked feverishly. She realized suddenly he was pointing at her emergency insulin kit.

"È niente. È un corredo medico di emergenza." She replied hastily, It's nothing, It's an emergency Medical kit.

"Remove it, if you please. Slowly." The guard said, his voice steely and authoritative.

Gabriella reached behind her and unfastened the case from her belt.

"Place the item on the scanner and back away. Again, slowly."

Again Gabriella complied, though she couldn't see what the big deal was. It was only Insulin. Stepping away she caught Alessandro's eye and shrugged. Alessandro's face was a mask of concentration. he seemed coiled, ready to spring at either guard. She wasn't sure what his trigger would be, but she could sense it wouldn't take much. When she had moved a sufficient distance, she was told to stop and remain still. The guard who had spotted the kit took a few steps forward and began inspecting the box and it's contents. When he saw that there were syringes inside, his tension level increased, and his hand actually rested on his weapon. He gripped it hard enough that his knuckles turned white. The other guard spoke rapidly into his radio, soft enough that Gabriella could not hear what was said.

Several tense moments later, four more guards approached along with a member of the Polizia. One of the new arrivals blinked several times before allowing his jaw to drop, a look of recognition on his face. The guard looked between Gabriella and the member of the polizia, clearly unsure of what was happening. "Signora." The Polizia officer started, quite brusquely. "What is in the syringes, and why are you attempting to take such contraband across international borders?"

"Contraband?" She asked, still confused. "Its Insulin. I'm a diabetic. I need daily injections. I carry a weeks worth on me at all times."

"Please. How am I supposed to believe this? You could have anthrax or some other deadly virus or poison in those vials." The police captain, she had recognized his rank pins, asked, his question filled with disdain. "You and your companion are dressed oddly, and you try to smuggle this aboard a charter plane. If it was so important why did you not declare it openly, instead carrying the kit concealed on your person. No, I think there is a more diabolical answer to my questions."

"Sir, do you know who I am?" Gabriella asked, disbelief and annoyance creeping into her voice.

"I just told you. A smuggler, an international criminal. Interpol will take care of the details." He said dismissively. The guard who had recognized her tried to get the captain's attention, but he was waived away irritably.

"Have you even looked at my id and passport?" Gabriella asked.

"Why should I? They're most likely forgeries. Enough. I've heard enough." He said and turned, signaling to the men to take her into custody. Alessandro growled threateningly, and crouched, prepared to spring into action.

"But.. but Captain." said the one guard, gulping nervously. "That's Vertigo... Gabriella Rosellini. She's a Dawnstar."

"What are you babbling about?" The captain asked, angrily.

"She's a Dawnstar, Captain. I recognize her from the news and the web. I think we're making a mistake."

"You'd better listen to him, Captain. I'm sure your superior would not want to be faced with your incompetence." Gabriella said easily, her annoyance firmly walled off. "If you check my passport and identification, you'll see he is correct. I might also add that the Dawnstar's ID is nearly impossible to forge, as you're well aware. You'll also see that I carry a med alert on both documents, indicating my medical condition, and prescription needs."

The Police captain glared at the young security officer then peered closely at Gabriella, then stood back and took her in from head to toe. A small frown creased his lips and he demanded the documents from one of the original gate guards. A flush slowly crept up his neck to cover his face as he read the documents, checking and re-checking them. He grabbed the med kit and opened it, inspecting one of the clearly marked and sealed syringes. They were a standard brand, and it was obvious there had been no tampering with them.

Without another word he replaced the syringe in its padded depression, snapped the kit closed and nearly threw it at her. "All is well here." he announced gruffly to the room area in general, not meeting Gabriella's eyes. The Captain turned quickly away, barking orders at the nearby officers, who chuckled softly and discreetly.

"Signora?" The guard who had recognized her said timidly. "May I have your autograph? Please? It's for ... my sister. She's a big fan."

Gabriella laughed heartily, and nodded assent as she scribbled her name on the proffered paper. She even kissed it, leaving a faint imprint of her lipstick just above the signature. Then she leaned in, stretching up and gave him a quick kiss. Her lips were light feathers gently brushing his before quickly disappearing. She winked saucily at him, with a warm smile. Gabriella gathered her documents and carry-on, nodded to the gathered security guards and swept dramatically down the ramp, gathering Alessandro along the way. "Sometimes, it's good to be me." She whispered to her companion, putting him at ease. There was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes and a smirk on her lips. "At least Erich hasn't canceled my Ids, yet."

The lucky guard stared in dazed excitement as he watched his favorite hero saunter down the corridor. He dropped his gaze to the paper he held gingerly in one hand. It read, 'To my hero, all my love and thanks. Your one and only Dawnstar, Gabriella Rosellini, Vertigo.'