The X-Men characters featured in this story are property of Marvel Inc and used without permission.

No profit is made from these works.

AJ Rovner/Unicorn was created by Abby Rovner and is used with permission.

Ziska Xavier is my own creation.

William Creek is a jointly created character. You know who you are and thank you

Co-writing credit to Abby, as this is a retelling of her story “Plot 12”

She knows I changed it to suit my needs. Hope you like it Abby

“I thought they didn’t want us to go on this mission.” William asks as he and his teammates rush to the parlor room.

“Maybe then need more man power, since some people are not available.” AJ points out.

“And they didn’t know that an hour ago when they let Betsy leave?” Ziska huffs as they reach the closed door. Ziska leans in to listen first, holding up her hand asking the others be quiet. William and AJ also listen before barging into the door.

“Well, consider your options.” Hank begins. “A purple haired ninja, a short redhead who I am sure will come home quickly, an African goddess with white hair and blue eyes, and last but not least a white-on-auburn southern belle to choose from."

"Ever notice women are always defined by their hair?" AJ replies as the trio keeps listening, though neither responds.

“I am afraid we are down the ‘purple haired ninja’ and the ‘redhead’. Betsy left an hour ago to make it to the airport in time, before we had all this information. Nor do we have time for Jean to travel home from D.C., so the rescue team is also short on Cyclops, and we will leave within the hour. However, you also forgot our two brunettes.” Ororo finishes.

The trio hears Logan clear his throat. “You can come in now!”

Ziska opens the door and asks. “Why do you need two brunettes? Isn’t this about the missing newly manifested kids we keep missing?”

“I need two… groupies for an undercover job. William will acts as on site back up while everyone else will be on standby for the rescue mission part. You already heard Jean and Betsy ain’t comin; the wardrobe leaves Rogue too exposed and the VIP section is set up in tight curtained off cocoons. No point in putting Ro through that. Considering you two fall under ‘mousy brunettes’ you need to at least dress the part.” Logan explains.

AJ zeroes in on him. “‘Mousy brunette'? Brunette, yeah, sure, whatever, but ‘mousy’? Only when I'm in the mood for cheese.”

William tries to diffuse the situation. “Brunette, blonde, purple or whatever, the wardrobe wouldn’t change.”

“We’ll make due with what we have on site.” Ororo interrupts. “AJ, you are closer in height to Rogue and Jean, while Ziska, you are closer to Betsy and me. I have spoken to both of them, and they trust us to make changes as needed. William, I believe the suit you wore to the MABES event will do.”

“Thank you, but I can dress myself.” AJ objects.

“Not like this you don’t.” Rogue replies and walks up to the girls. “And no arguin’ Zee. Mind if we use your room ‘Ro?”

“If you do not mind Rogue, please go to Betsy’s room and see what you can find. I will go to the boathouse and check Jean’s closet.” Ororo responds and focuses back on AJ and Ziska. “As for the two of you, gather up any make up and accessories you have.”

******************************************

“What’s with the computer?” AJ asks when she walks into Ororo’s room.

“The more input, the better.” Rogue replies. “Betsy has a few minutes at an internet café at the airport, while Jean’s watchin’ from D.C.” Rogue then hooks a camera up to the lap top and aims it at the girls. “Don’t just stand there, get dressed.”

AJ watches as several windows open up on the monitor while Rogue presses something orange into her hand, just as Ororo walks back in.

Ziska leans out of the bathroom, dangling a dress. “This meant for AJ?”

“Yes.” Betsy’s voice rings from the computer. “Sorry about that.”

Rather than take turns, AJ opens the door more. “I think I need help with… this.” She points out as she shows Ziska the orange dress with a lot of lacing.

“Like I was about to prance around out there in underwear with an extra messenger window open? Even if I can’t tell who is in the third chat window.”

AJ opens the door and notices the third chat window. “Someone tell Remy to log off now!”

******************************************

“I still think the blue one fits best.” Betsy protests as she watches her favorite dress added to the ever growing discard pile.

“Too sedate.” Rogue replies while opening the bathroom door. “Try this one on ‘Jay.” Then tosses in a powder blue dress.

“Isn’t this a nightgown?” AJ calls through the door as she slips on the garment.

“Does it matter?” Rogue calls back. “Your turn Zee.”

Ziska steps out of the bathroom wearing a purple mini dress cut for someone with a longer torso. “Doesn’t Betsy have anything off the rack?” She tries to hold her breath and to stand on her toes as if wearing heels, but the dress still looks horrible.

Meanwhile, Rogue opens the door enough to realize AJ has the gown on and drags her out by her wrist. “You mind?” AJ asks getting increasingly annoyed.

“Calm down, we took care of the mixed audience.” Rogue replies, not realizing what AJ is objecting to.

As Ziska is coming out of the bathroom for another dress, AJ is handed a tight spandex number in so many bright colors she has a hard time looking at it. When she unfurls it back in the bathroom she realizes someone had taken a razor to it to reveal more skin that it covers, and AJ’s only clue as to where to but her head is the tag. Outside the bathroom she hears fabric being torn and fears the worst.

“Sorry Ziska.” Jean calls from the computer between fits of giggling while Ziska tugs away at the red dress she just changed into. “Red is not your color.”

“The light brown hair, porcelain skin and blue eyes weren’t obvious hints?” Ziska replies while rolling her eyes.

“Blue for you then.” Rogue says while handing Ziska a small dress. “AJ, forget that one, this one will work better!”

AJ opens the door just enough to have a tiny green dress be pushed into her hand which was too short to begin with, but which Rogue had now torn too high open at the side. Once she wears it, AJ finds any underwear she owns would be exposed.

“That would work better for exotic.” Betsy says with a smile. Rogue and Ororo nod in agreement, but the giggling from the computer assures AJ they are only teasing.

“No.” Is all AJ says and goes back into the bathroom.

“Perhaps this will do.” AJ hears Ororo through the door.

“That’s more sedate than the blue one Ororo.” Jean pipes from the computer.

“It could be altered. Perhaps trim the hem to mid thigh, shortening the sleeves…” Ororo keeps coaxing from the door.

As AJ opens the door, Ororo is holding out a black dress, backless, long and formfitting, with a slit down front. That will take a lot of double sided tape. “We don’t have time to sew hemlines, can’t it just stay long?”

“Your legs are your best feature, AJ; you ought to play them up.” Betsy retorts.

“A compromise then.” Ororo suggest. “We open the dress to mid thigh on both sides. You can move and it will have a similar effect as if it were shorter. Agreed?” Before AJ can answer, Ororo tears the seam.

“Do you have any white dresses Ororo?” Jean asks. “They’d work as opposites then, AJ all in black, Ziska all in white.”

Rogue then looks around the room. “Where’d Zee go?”

“I will deal with her in a minute. For now, sit down AJ.” Ororo orders and pulls out the vanity chair. “Rogue, please help her while I work on the dress.”

Rogue spins AJ towards the camera. “Waddaya say? Give it a dye job?”

“We do not have the time Rogue.” Ororo calls from across the room having pulled out a sewing machine and cleaning up the dress.

“Right. How about a Mohawk? It’d be a quick cut.”

“Yetch, do and die.” AJ says. “I AM still in the room people.”

“No, do a classic up do.” Jean replies.

“She’s supposed to be a groupie, not a socialite date. Muss it up.” Betsy objects. “Or, slick it back with gel.”

Rogue pulls AJ’s wavy hair together. “By the time I smooth this out completely, she might as well be wearing plastic wrap.”

A high pitch eagle scream interrupts them. Everyone focus is now squarely on AJ. “Thank you. Now, since we ARE going for exotic hair....” AJ shakes her head free of Rogue’s grasp, and before their eyes it grows longer, the waves becoming softer, and turning to orange and black tiger streaks. “How does that work for everyone?”

“How did you do that?” Jean asks astonished.

“Partial double shift. Arabian horse and tiger. I can grow hair, have no hair and change the color without looking like the animal. I've all sorts of combos.”

“It will work well with the dress.” Ororo points out as she snips of the last string. “I think we can go for a deeper lipstick and bolder eye shadow. Perhaps even orange.”

“Nah, Smokey eye all the way.” Rogue replies and digs through the eye shadows.

AJ holds up her hand. “Smokey eye, there, done. Now someone find Ziska.”

“I think you gave Logan a headache with that scream.” Ziska calls from the door, holding her battle uniform boots and wearing a pleated tartan skirt in dark blue and green and a barely buttoned white blouse, both of which she cut the lower half or more off. “Got a stapler? Not sure how long this button will last.”

“What did she do?” Jean asks nervously.

Rogue aims the camera at Ziska’s new look. “Anyone else thinkin’ pigtails in curls?”

“Wait, you want to straighten out the hair of the curly top, but curl up the straight hair? Isn’t that a waste of energy?” Ziska mocks.

“I thought you burned your private school uniform.” Jean asks.

“What, you only have one uniform in your closet?” Betsy answers for Ziska.

Rogue has enough experience to finish AJ’s makeup quickly, using deep bronze for lips and eye shadows. Ororo meanwhile works on Ziska, playing up the school girl look with bubble gum pink eye shadow and very shiny lip gloss.

“This could actually work.” Ziska points out as they walk towards the stairs.

“Yeah, we really are quite a pair.” AJ replies before leaving the women’s dormitory. “What does that say about the crowd waiting downstairs?”

I fully expect squirming. Ziska replies telepathically

Why? I’ve worn dresses before. Maybe not the call girl stuff, but still. What about you? I mean, you’ve worn a school uniform for a good chunk of your life.

There is a difference between full length evening gown and a call girl. And if my uniform had looked like this then, both of my parents would have had strokes.

Good point. AJ replies. Where’s the music coming from?

Ziska can’t stop herself from smirking. Me. Considering the parts we’re flaunting, ZZ Top seems more than appropriate. And yes, the boys can here it too. Now as long as I don’t trip in these heels on these stairs, we’re good to go.

Logan and William are standing in the middle of the all male, uniform clad crowd, since Ororo and Rogue are changing into uniforms themselves. For the pain in the neck getting to this point was within the last half hour, the reaction of the guys is almost worth it for AJ as several jaws drop and some can’t decide where to look. “Eyes above the collarbone.” AJ says in an intentionally hard tone, making the assembled crowd jump.

After Logan gets his bearings back, he looks from one to the other in some disbelief. “Didn’t… didn’t think you girls had it in you.”

“What… what were you two going for?” Hank asks a bit out of breath.

William can barely stop laughing. He walks up between the girls and offers them each an elbow. “Well, since I’m the designated chauffeur, ladies?”

“Isn’t this Logan’s job?” Ziska asks while winking at AJ.

“After he picks his jaw off the floor maybe.” AJ replies and the three walk out the front door.

Bobby blinks and shakes his head. “Alright…AJ might as well be a Femme Fatale. What’s Ziska supposed to be?

“Zettai Ryouiki.” Logan responds.

“Zetawhat?” Remy asks.

Logan finally follows them outside. “Look it up, that’s what the ‘net is for.”

******************************************

To stay in character, Logan joins the girls on the back after they take their seats while William drives. Even in a luxury car, it’s a tight squeeze with someone with Logan’s build on one side. Ziska pushes against the other door, hoping to give AJ some breathing room in the middle.

“I could shrink into something smaller.” AJ offers.

“Rogue will hurt you if you mess up the make up.” Ziska answers.

“No powers at all from here on in. If he knows something, you two might be at risk.” Logan orders.

“They are stealing young mutants for a reason Logan.” AJ points out. “I don’t think that he or she has the means of holding someone who can actually fight back.”

Logan glares at her. “Ever hear of Genosha?”

“That was a whole country dedicated to the cause. And yes, I understand this isn’t a walk in the park and the safety of those kids is paramount. But seriously, at some point in time, you have to start trusting us.” AJ points out.

“Start following orders, we’ll go from there.” Logan growls.

“Why is the bouncer coming to greet us?” Ziska asks.

“Probably doesn’t like me parking here.” William answers. “But this is the place to drop you off, right?”

“Right.” Logan answers. “I’ll deal with him, you three pipe down. And no powers. At all.”

As William pushes the window down button, the bouncer leans into the window. “You Logan?”

“Who wants to know?” Logan asks back.

“Mister Tosco has been waiting for you. Will the chicks be joining you?”

“They’re with me, aren’t they?” Logan replies.

The bouncer studies both AJ and Ziska for a moment before he opens the door. Logan gets out first and offers his hand to AJ who ignores him. When Ziska scrambles out of the car, the bouncer nearly smashes the door closed.

“There’s a parking lot around the block, you can wait there.” He tells William while knocking on the roof of the car.

Great, make me walk why don’t you? William thinks as he pulls off.

******************************************

Pushing through the crowd, the music and the nearly migraine inducing light show, the group is rushed into the back area, with the curtained off tables Logan described earlier. Ziska sits to Logan’s right while AJ settles for the left. They are immediately joined by Mister Tosco, a man in his late fifties, surrounded by five women, some too young to legally get into the club, and thin enough to be considered unhealthy.

“I was starting to think you weren’t coming.” Tosco says while looking down at Logan and his dates. “I see you still prefer… what would you call these two, athletic?”

“I’d call ‘em ‘healthy.’” Logan growls back. “Nice to be missed, but what made you so sure I’m comin’?”

“Now you know better Logan; not around the girls. First, some food.” As Tosco waves his hand a waiter brings out two plates of fruits. The host’s dates quickly devour the fruit while Tosco himself sits back and smiles. Meanwhile, the waiter closes the curtains behind himself, the thick drapes blocking a lot of the music.

Thank you mother nature for a healthy metabolism. AJ thinks to herself as the plates quickly empty out.

Ziska is first within their group to reach for the fruits. Rather than eat the strawberry herself, she offers it to Logan with a smile. Keeping in character, he eats it.

“You got her well trained at least.” Tosco replies, but with far less enthusiasm.

“Still working on the other one.” Logan replies, faking a sneer at AJ.

I’ll have your hide for this. AJ thinks to herself, takes a grape and pops it into Logan’s mouth. As he bites down she digs into his thigh, making it clear she isn’t amused at all. Logan inhales sharply because if it, and for a moment the grape goes down the wrong way and he has a coughing fit.

“You alright buddy?” Tosco asks as Logan catches his breath.

“Yeah.” Logan clears his throat again. “Musta been a seed or somethin’.”

Though the plates are almost empty, Tosco grabs them both and violently smashes them on the floor. AJ and Ziska follow the other girls’ lead and act shocked, while Logan tenses up. “Sorry about that.” Tosco says when he turns his attention back to the group. “You girls look flustered. Go powder your noses.”

Logan nudges both to follow along, hoping they’ll get something out of the dates.

******************************************

“Excuse me, this the parking lot for the Tosco Club?” Williams calls while leaning out the car window.

“Ain’t that on the other side of the block?” One of the lot attendants answers.

“I was told there’s a lot somewhere back here.” William answers back.

“Sorry, you got the wrong place.” The first attendant answers and walks away.

William starts to drive off, but the second attendant chases after him. “You Tosco’s new driver? What happened to Eddie?”

This is either very good or very bad. William thinks and decided to play along. “He’s sick this week, I’m filling in.”

“That maggot, he was supposed to tell me when a job opens up! What the hell do you have to do to work for this guy?” The attendant complains.

“Don’t look at me, my cousin’s uncle put in a word for me. But, since Eddie gives lousy directions... can you give me a hand?”

“Do you promise on your mother’s grave that you’ll put in a good word for me?” The attendant asks.

“I promise I’ll call in sick tomorrow, now where do I go?”

“You here to cart around the honeys or for business matters?” He asks.

“Business.” William shoots back.

“Alright, go past three alleys ‘til you see the green dumpster, then go left into the warehouse yard, that’s where he does all his business.”

“Thanks man, I owe you.” William says and starts to drive off.

“You just be sure to tell Eddie I want the job with the honeys, not the old guy!”

******************************************

“Have you ever seen a public toilet this posh?” One of Tosco’s groupies asks.

“It’s the VIP section sweetie; not a public toilet.” Another replies and leaves for the adjoining sitting room, leaving the young blonde alone with AJ and Ziska.

“I though you’ve been here before.” AJ asks.

“No, I just met Mister Tosco today. He said he’ll get me an acting job in a commercial if I have dinner with him and your boyfriend.” The young blonde responds.

“A commercial for the club?” Ziska asks back, ignoring the boyfriend comment.

“No, for his exporting business.” She replies.

Export? Oh please don’t tell me… Ziska thinks. “What does he export?”

“He didn’t tell me. He said my face is pretty.” She replies and starts to cough.

“You okay?” AJ asks.

“Just nervous I guess.” She replies, quickly followed by another cough and she starts to gag.

“Rita, are you okay?” Another voice asks in the sitting room.

AJ and Ziska rush in to realize that “Rita” must have just fainted but still seems a bit responsive, while the girls around her don’t look too good either.

“What did you eat today?” AJ asks the half conscious girl.

“Just now… the watermelon. God, I’ve been so hungry all day…” Rita answers and passes out. Ziska just catches another from falling on top of her.

AJ and Ziska share a look as they both realizes the fruit was tainted… and that they both let Logan eat.

“Alright, aside from the two of us, who here ate the least?” Ziska asks and the young blonde they were just talking to steps forward. “My friend and I are going to check on our... boyfriend. After we leave, lock the door, and don’t let anyone except us in. It’s a metal door; they shouldn’t be able to kick it in if you use the bolt.” The girl nods. “The rest of you, sit down on the floor.” She checks Rita’s pulse. “If I’m right about this, it’s just to put you to sleep. You aren’t worth anything to him dead.”

“What is he?” The blonde asks between sobs.

“He was right about being an exporter.” AJ replies. “Though ‘human trafficking’ might be the better term.”

They watch the girls settle down, except the blonde, who takes a deep breath. “I’ll lock up as soon as you leave.”

******************************************

William parks by the green dumpster and walks to the warehouse. The dirt covered yard is deserted, except for two large delivery trucks by the dock. William comes closer and is startled when the refrigerator unit on of the trucks buzzes to life, but that also refocuses him to hear footsteps approaching. He dives under, hiding between the wheels.

“I thought this truck is meant for the cat food, why wait?” One of them starts.

“He can still fit a couple of girls this one. Having that Logan show up with two more is just an itch Tosco can’t stop scratching. If he doesn’t keep any for himself, the girls, the critters and the food will all go down the hangar warehouse and meet up with those freaks. You got the directions printed, right?”

“Yeah, they’re still in the desk. I’ll get ‘em before I leave.” The first man replies while blotting out his cigarette.

“You better. They wanna clear the warehouse tomorrow morning.”

Warehouse. Alright, so he has to get there tonight. Can’t be too far out of the city then. William thinks to himself as he inches towards the loading area of the truck he’s hiding under. The dock is clear. The two must have just stepped out for a smoke. So, not just kids, is it? Hope the desk is down here somewhere. To buy some time, William stirs the dirt beneath the tires, sinking both in deep, but high enough to not immediately be noticeable. Then he compacts the dirt, giving the wheels no traction. It will take more than a push the get these two moving. William still hears the two men talking, as well as a strange growl, but he’s sure it’s not Logan. Upstairs, he finds an office and pilfers the center desk; he hears someone come and stands next to the door while looking for something to use to at least silence whoever is coming his way.

“Eddie, wait up.” The voice of the other man calls from somewhere in the warehouse.

William watches the shadow of Eddie walk away, and turns his attention back to the desk. He finds the directions for a warehouse near the harbor. He pulls his cell from his pocket and texts the address to Ororo’s phone. William listens at the door wondering where the two men went, realizing they must be right by the bottom of the stairs; if he goes down he’ll be right in their line of sight. He looks around to the far wall and sees a hallway. He can just barely make out a shoe, a guard posted at the door, thankfully not looking his direction. The guard reacts to something at the door, then suddenly falls back as though hit. William watches as the guy lands hard on the catwalk, getting the attention of the others.

******************************************

To AJ’s surprise, the table is deserted. “Don’t tell me Logan passed out.”

“His healing factor isn’t voluntary, so it should have protected him. Not nearly enough damage for a fight. He was invited somewhere.” Ziska answers.

“Were you in earshot when the bouncer was talking to William?” AJ asks.

“Something about a parking lot on the other side of the block, why?”

“Why would a club own a parking lot on the other side of a block, placing the lot in the warehouse district?” AJ leads.

“Because they own the warehouse in between.” Ziska’s eyes dart around the far wall. “And why would you put a single curtain against a wall if you’re not trying to hide a doorway?” As she pulls back the curtain, she sees a glass door with a small hallway, guarded by another bouncer type, who is reaching for a gun. “Aw crap.” Ziska says.

AJ grabs the door handle and ram the door into the goon’s head. Momentarily dazed, he gives AJ and Ziska a chance to get into the door, but another punch from Ziska sends him flying and he hits his head on the railing.

“Nice punch.” AJ points out.

“You’d think Logan would start fighting when he realized he’s where he needs to be, or if he would start feeling the effects of… well, whatever” Ziska mentions.

“After eating one tainted strawberry and spitting out a grape? He’ll hold you responsible for the strawberry.” AJ teases.

“You think he knew something was wrong? Maybe he tasted the drugs.”

“Or, it was a gut reaction to what I was doing.” AJ responds, but pushes Ziska back as she hears foot steps. “I think it’s fair to say we can use powers now.”

Ziska watches two men run up a staircase towards them. “On two guys? That’s a waste of energy.” When the second man passes an open office door he’s suddenly dragged into the doorway. The first man still runs at Ziska and AJ, unaware what is happening to his friend. “Alright, one guy. You want him?”

“He’s all yours.” AJ responds.

Ziska steps forward while the man keeps charging her. But rather than attack him, she steps aside, letting his momentum pass her by, and then pulls him over the railing. Not realizing she’s holding him telekinetically as well as by his shirt, the man quickly gives in to panic. “Where are the kids?” She calmly asks.

“What kids?” The man feigns.

Ziska pretends to lose her grip, and the man squirms nervously. “Try again.”

“A warehouse, near the harbor, the directions are in the office.” He answers while trying to grab a hold of the railing.

Ziska waves her hand, putting her captive to sleep. “You mind?” She asks while motioning for AJ to get to the office.

“Don’t bother; I’ve already forwarded the information.” William announces while walking out of the office. “But they also mentioned something about girls and… some kind of ‘critters’ are being shipped out tonight too.”

As if on cue, all three hear a growl from the warehouse floor below them. “Okay… what the hell was that?” Ziska asks.

“Sounds like a tiger.” AJ announces and walks to the stairs. Her heel gets stuck in the catwalk, making her take off her shoes. “Anyone else here William?”

“I only heard Eddie here and the guy I left in the office.” William answers. “Looks like you two already got the guard. But I didn’t search the warehouse yet.”

Ziska looks down on the warehouse and considers. “So... do we look for Logan, or for the critters, whatever they may be?”

******************************************

“Can you find the coordinates from this address?” Storm asks, while she and the others settle into the jet.

Archangel types the info into the navigation systems, representing the address as coordinates. “Got it. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Storm settles into the copilot seat. “Very well. Before I give Logan word to pull out, we should get there. I trust William’s judgment, but he may still have been misled.”

******************************************

“Let’s talk business.” Tosco calmly says as the two settle into his office on the far side if the bar. He opens a humidor to offer Logan a cigar but he declines. “Don’t tell me you quit smoking Logan.” Tosco asks between puffs of his own.

“Can’t say that I have.” Logan answers. “Not gonna say that I trust you though. We should be getting back to the table. Your dates looked like they were starving.”

Tosco shrugs. “Young girls, all with stars in their eyes, come to New York to see their names on a marquee. They probably wouldn’t eat a whole salad between then five of them. Still, I’d like to know how you keep your two in their toes.”

“Does it matter?” Logan asks.

Tosco eyes him careful. “No, it doesn’t. I’ll get them with the others anyway. Even if they haven’t eaten anything, my men will catch them.”

“Catch them?” Logan stands up, realizing they are in trouble.

“Don’t trouble yourself Logan. My staff puts one hell of a sleep aid in those fruits. You’ll be out like a light in a minute tops.”

Logan rushes Tosco, using his two outer claws on his left hand to pin him to the wall. “Do I look like I’m tired?”

Tosco swallows an imaginary lump, but fakes his bravado. “So… you are a mutant. You got a choice to make now. Take me in, or save your bed warmers. What’s it going to be?”

Logan knocks Tosco out with a hard right. “I’ll be back for you.”

******************************************

The trio approaches a large box, blanketed with a heavy canvas, rendering the inside dark. The growl has dulled to a slow rhythm.

AJ touches the frame, realizing that they are tightly placed metal bars to hold in one of the “critters”. “They sure don’t want anyone reaching in there.” She announces.

“Alright… this one is obviously occupied.” Ziska answers. “But that one is quiet. Maybe it could come in useful.”

Ziska quickly pulls off the tarp, but the cage isn’t empty. AJ and William step closer to have a better look. In the cage are four adolescent wild cats; A traditional orange and black tiger that matches AJ’s hair, a black and white tiger, a panther and something larger with stripes and spots, all apparently asleep.

William is disgusted. “Tell me they aren’t turning these guys into fur coats.”

“I doubt it.” AJ replies coolly. “Look. The orange tiger and the panther both have patches of fur shaved off and stitches. They were spayed. The other two are probably now neutered males.”

William starts to understand. “So they’re supposed to go to a collector or something. They are pretty much useless for conservation programs if they can’t breed.”

“And if they are fixed, the collector can’t breed his own.” Ziska mentions.

“And depending how they were raised, they might not be able to adapt to just being in an exhibition either.” AJ adds. “So, this cage is out.”

“And whatever is in cage number one is getting upset.” Ziska announces while looking over her own shoulder.

AJ and William follow her line of sight, realizing that the canvas is moving as if something is pushing against it. AJ decides to pull off this tarp, revealing a sizable Siberian tiger

Probably the mother of those two. AJ thinks. “She’s mad. She’s been stuck here for a while.”

“You have partial control over animals, right?” Ziska asks.

“I can communicate with them, not control them.” AJ answers.

“Hopefully she’ll cooperate. There have to be more people around here somewhere, considering how much there is to move. So, since we don’t know how many that is, and since we have to still find Logan and help the girls, do you think if you ask nice, she’d guard the cubs here but not kill the bad guys if we let her out?” Ziska asks.

AJ turns back to the mother, who starts to warm up to AJ. “She’d be happy to. Question is where do we find the rest of the crew?”

Ziska turns to William. “Can you tell if this warehouse has a basement?”

For a split second, William stands still as he concentrates. “No, not the warehouse. The, club does though.”

“Looking at the bouncers so far, they can probably push these crates along well enough.” AJ starts. “Hey Zee, mind letting the tigress out of the cage?” .

Ziska telekinetically forcing the lock, then her eyes faintly glow as she telepathically checks the basement next door. “There are twelve of them. But… great, why do there always have to be guns?”

******************************************

Logan crosses the VIP section to the restrooms, realizing several of Tosco’s men are trying to break into the girls’ bathroom. The door isn’t budging; since it’s made out of metal. But they really can’t do much more, since they don’t want the girl to be physically injured. Preoccupied, Logan already takes care of two of them before the remaining four even know he’s there. Three of them come up short, and the last guard standing pulls a gun on Logan.

“Take another step and I’ll blow your head off!” The guard shouts, but he can barely hold his gun straight.

“Better than you tried that. Never works.” Logan responds and lunges. But the guard knocks himself out running into the door.

Logan pulls him away to clear a path too the door and knocks. “AJ, Zee, you two alright?” He’s quiet for a moment, waiting for a response. Nothing. “AJ! Zee!” He shouts and pounds on the door, still no answer. He leans closer and listens. People are breathing in there. Can’t pick up their scents though, way too much perfume. Hope Tosco was honest about it just being a sleep aid. They must both be out cold. Logan unsheathes his claws and aims for the deadbolt lock, until it hits him. They didn’t eat any of the fruit themselves though. So where the hell are they? Where the hell is William?

He hears his cell phone go off. He flips it open and recognizes Ororo’s number. “Kinda busy Ro.” He says impatiently.

“We have the children, they are safe.” Ororo responds. “However, some of the men here seem to think there is another shipment of some kind coming today.”

“Bound for some country where slavery and Caucasian girls are popular I take it?” Logan asks back.

“I dare not ask how you know that.” Ororo responds.

“The ‘shipment’ is locked safe and sound in a bathroom. Don’t tell Charles I lost his daughter though.” Logan replies as he walks back to the table of the now deserted lounge, and spots a door previously hidden by another thick curtain. “Unless I find them before things get out of control.”

******************************************

“So up the stairs, probably through the club, through the kitchen, and then down. Shouldn’t be too bad, depending how many bouncers we run into and how far away we are from the crowd.” William announces confidently.

“The crowd is what worries me. All it takes is one hostage.” AJ replies.

“Yeah well, how do you empty a popular nightclub on a weekend?” Ziska asks.

Before William can respond, AJ grabs both by the arm and pulls them aside as they approach the door back to the club. “Someone’s opening the door."

All three hear the door open and heavy footsteps, but the person stops to examine the already knocked out guard and Eddie. When all three hear the very familiar sound of Logan’s claws extending, they breathe a sigh of relief.

“How’s your stomach Logan?” Ziska asks as she approaches.

Logan spins and sees the group approaching. AJ lost her shoes and William is covered in dirt, but that’s the only noticeable damage. “Glad you kids are okay. Anything here to worry about?”

“There are no people left in the warehouse, but there are twelve more guards in the clubs basement. With a few cases of handguns.” Ziska answers.

“Alright. Get the girls out, evacuate the club, and I’ll handle the guards. Get movin’.” Logan orders and starts to walk back to the door.

AJ steps in his way. “Logan wait, we said there are no people here, but Tosco also likes to export exotic cats, four of which as still under anesthesia, so I can’t ask them to come with us.”

Logan considers for a moment. “The girls in the bathroom seem to be safe enough. Still, get the club empty, before anyone gets any bright ideas that the boss is out of commission.”

“How are we supposed to get these people out of here without causing more trouble?” William asks.

“Logan, wait.” Ziska calls after him.

“What!?” He asks annoyed while turning mid step.

“On site, we have illegal weapons, exotic cats illegal in New York, and the makings of a trafficking charge. Much as I like the idea of telling you to go nuts in there, if we hand them over to the police, they’ll be locked up for a while. And whoever is on the other hand is not going to get his hands dirty by helping Tosco’s legal trouble.”

Logan is taken aback for a moment. “You’re suggesting we just call the cops?”

“If it makes you fell better, I know Nick Fury’s personal cell number.” She replies.

“How… no, I don’t wanna know.” Logan replies. “Doesn’t change much though. Get the club empty. I’ll make sure the leftover don’t cause any trouble.” Logan finally makes it down the stairs, leaving the trio looking down on the capacity filled club.

“I’m open for suggestions.” Ziska tells her teammates.

William smiles. “Zee, can you plant the notion in them to believe what we say?”

Ziska looks again. “That’s a lot of people. This is going to hurt. You sure you know what you’re doing?”

“If they belief me, yes.” William replies. He waits as Ziska’s eyes start to glow. “AJ, now might be a good time to call New York’s finest. And if you’d please walk with me.”

“What are you up to?” AJ asks as she pulls out her cell.

“I think it’s called a ‘Bavarian Fire Drill’ or something like that. Anyway.” William stops talking to her as he approaches the DJ booth and turns off the music, to the immediate protest of the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby inform you that this is a raid on these premises, under suspicion of illegal activities. My name is Officer Creek, this is Officer Rovner, and we ask for your full cooperation with this matter. Our colleagues in uniform should be here shortly, so please, stay calm, and cooperate. Thank you in advance.”

******************************************

The next morning, the trio is sitting in the Professor’s office, bickering about their next move.

“You tell him.” AJ prods.

“Uh, no, I’m still wrapping my head in hot towels after William’s stunt.” Ziska responds. “You tell him.”

“He’s your father!”

“They are your cats!” Ziska responds.

“Only technically. Come one, you know there wasn’t any room in nearby sanctuaries. And the animal control officer did say things didn’t look good for them. Besides, that truck was full with about a two month supply of food.”

“We can re-house or return to home missing mutant children, but we can’t find a permanent home for one adult and four adolescent wild cats?” Ziska responds in disbelief.

“Well, on the bright side, our guard cats are a lot scarier than any of our neighbors’ guard dogs.” William joins in.

“Sure, like we don’t get enough attention for having ultra exclusive enrollment for people who don’t always seem to be that special.” Ziska replies and looks back at AJ. “Why me?”

“Because Ororo also doesn’t want them euthanized and we don’t even want to know what Scott will say. They were hand raised, and most sanctuaries are overrun. Besides, didn’t your father previously take in wounded animals and let them live here until they got better?”

“That was different. Those were indigenous animals he later released into the back yard.” She looks at both her teammates. “You’re not going to quit, are you?”

“Come on Zee… take one for the team.” William prods.

Ziska resigns herself to her fate, and takes the middle chair across from her father’s desk. All three of them heard the beep a few minutes ago indicating the front gates had been opened with Scott’s ID tag. The car will arrive shortly. They see out the window as the car pulls up, and as several people rush to help out. A few moments later, they hear the buzz of the hoverchair approach the office door, which quickly and quietly opens.

“I’m glad you three are here. Logan and Ororo have briefed me on your mission. All three of your improvised quickly, and William’s maneuver, though brazen, diffused a dangerous situation. Well played, no innocents were armed, a major criminal taken off the streets, and there was no property damage either.”

“A record for the X-Men.” Ziska cheerfully adds.

“Those… clothes you were wearing. I trust they are going straight into the trash?” Charles asks in a low voice.

“You’ll have to talk to Jean, it was her dress.” AJ replies.

“I appreciate the concept AJ, although I was referring to the remains of a once proper school uniform.”

“You sure you don’t want me to burn them?” Ziska responds.

“I couldn’t get the stench out for weeks last time, so no. Nor am I happy you ended up on TV under the circumstances though I doubt you will be recognized.” Charles answers. “That is all then; I think you three deserve a rest.” Normally, that’s a cue for them to leave, but the trio remains seated. “Did I miss something?”

Ziska squirms in her chair. “Well, there is one more issue, actually… or five more, depending how you look at it.”

“Five?” Her father asks startled.

Great, they didn’t even mention the cats. Ziska thinks. “Well... you see, Daddy.”

“Stop right there.” He interrupts her. “Whenever you call me that, it’s something I’m REALLY not going to be happy about. What happened?”

“You know those exotic cats that were also found on the premises?” She asks while shrinking back into her chair.

Charles glances from her, to AJ then to William, and back to Ziska. “Yes… where are they?”

“In the barn…” Ziska starts. “Can we keep them?”

The End