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.
Scott reviews his notes in the day room trying to get ahead on the trios next Danger Room session. Unfortunately, between AJ’s hearing, William sensing the vibrations in the ground and Ziska’s passive telekinetic field, all three have a sixth sense about danger and their target’s whereabouts, and can more than handle their own safety and that of their teammates, making it harder to see if they are actually using teamwork. He rests his head on the palm of his hand and thinks. Scott’s options are dwindling. He could make them go up against a more experienced team, which could backfire, as they might decide to use divide-and-conquer as their primary tactic. Not to mention the other team would have to pull their punches in order for the new found teamwork to even be effective. He grumbles and drops the book on the coffee table.
“You mind?” A voice from a window calls. Scott looks up and sees a black cat jump on the back of a sofa. “I’m trying to take a sunbath here.”
Scott is startled and does a double take. “AJ?”
“Yes… what of it?”
“I… I just didn’t expect it. Give me a break; usually you shift into an animal you roar like the animal. Not to mention your voice changes.”
“Talking like McCoy wasn’t going to impress the guards.” AJ replies and eyes the notebook. “Hmm. ‘A. Rovner, W. Creek and F. Xavier.’ Gee, taking notes on us?”
“Just impressions.”
“No grades then?” She asks as she walks to the book.
Scott snatches it before she can get too close. “You aren’t in school, and Danger Room sessions don’t count towards William’s classes. No, no grades.”
AJ settles on the coffee table. “How many sentinels did you have to work with when you started?” She asks.
“Sentinels weren’t an issue then.” Scott remarks. “Actually, back then the Danger Room was just a glorified gym. Lilandra is the one who provided us with the holograms and other mechanical assistance. And yes, the fact each of you handled three sentinels IINDIVIDUALLY is quite an accomplishment.”
“But, not enough for us to advance to, say, four sentinels a piece?” AJ asks.
“The Danger Room is big, but I think twelve sentinels at once might be overkill.”
“So, sentinels the new go-to then for new team members?” AJ asks in a near monotone voice.
“…No, new teammates pretty much get a custom program suited for their abilities and to provide a challenge.” Scott replies while trying to not let it show AJ’s sudden curiosity is annoying him.
“The penthouse thing Ziska had me run?” AJ meows in disapproval.
“No, your program is actually still being written by the Professor, which, in part, will be based on my notes.”
“So, the sentinels are just to keep us busy?”
“No, busy work would be something around the house, trust me. And speaking of busy, I do have to get back to work here.”
“So, the sentinels are just to keep our Danger Room credits up?”
“No, the sentinels are…” Scott catches himself just as he realizes what AJ was doing. “Nice try.”
“You almost fell for it.” AJ replies and stretches. “Better keep that book hidden. I might come back looking for it.”
******************************************
William closes his test booklet and stands up. “Half an hour under the limit.”
Ororo takes the booklet from him with a smile. “I am more concerned for quality than speed William.” She starts to read the essay, but quickly realizes that William is not leaving. “I thought we discussed that if you are done early with your History paper, you are not obligated to spend the rest of class here.”
“I know.” William starts. “But I have a question, not related to class.”
Ororo closes the booklet. “Is there something I can help you with then?”
William takes a quick breath and gathers his thoughts. “I hope so. What is it that Scott and the Professor are looking for from us in the Danger Room? It’s not damage control, so it must be something obvious we are just missing.”
Ororo chooses her words carefully. She is well aware of the wall Scott has reached with the group’s teamwork. “I am afraid giving you the answer will not help you William. It is something the three of you have to work through.”
“What is there to work through? He’s putting us into one person programs as a three person team, adding obstacles but then turning down the power to make sure we’re done in record time. I’m not the only one pulling my punches.”
“Pulling your punches?” Ororo asks somewhat alarmed.
“They are low level sentinels.” William responds, trying not to raise his voice, but leaning down on the desk just the same. “Honestly? All I have to do is hit one with a boulder when they are standing together and they all fall down. It’s not that hard.”
Assuredly not what we are looking for. Ororo thinks. “I will discuss it with the others this evening. For your next session, do not pull your punches. It is difficult enough to gauge where you are when you are trying to do well.”
******************************************
Routine machine maintenance is a necessary evil, though not nearly as bad in comparison as a malfunction of some of these machines can do to the user. And while most would call it paranoia, Charles still prefers to work on Cerebro himself. He can reach most of the components easily with the Hoverchair including panels ten feet off the ground. He turns off the electric screwdriver… and is startled to hear music inside the wall. Not sure what to make of it, he hastily pulls at the wall panel, startling Ziska inside the panel, prompting her to hit her head.
“Dad!” She groans while holding her forehead and pulling off her headphones. “I told you I would handle the maintenance!”
“I had the time.” He counters. “Let’s have a look at that bump.”
She rolls to her side to look at him. “I’m not made of glass or anything.”
“I know that. But I’m still going to worry about you.”
“Even with a panic button and a perfectly usable medical facility in close proximity?”
“… Drop it, Franziska.” Charles warns.
“Why?” Ziska replies while floating at eye level with him. “You aren’t testing our powers. If anything, you’re throwing us into situations we could each handle alone, but we have to make sure not to hurt our teammates in the process. But since none of us three are loose cannons, I can’t imagine that’s what you are looking for. At the same time, you, or at least Scott, avoid using actual enemies, so this isn’t a tactic exercise where we have to step outside our comfort zones. What, exactly, are you looking for?”
Charles doesn’t answer. He waits a moment to see if she will try to read his mind, knowing the answer is now a foremost though. He is relieved to realize she isn’t trying.
Meanwhile, Ziska floats down and walks to the door. “I was cleaning up when you got in. Thanks for letting me out, but feel free to check my work.”
“Ziska…” He tries to sound as if he’s about to chastise her, but doesn’t quite know what for, especially since she is still waiting by the door for an answer. He looks over the wires and circuit boards. “Everything seems to be in order.”
“Way to trust, Dad.” Ziska replies disdainfully and walks out.
Charles shakes his head after he realizes that there was no right answer, and reattaches the wall panel.
******************************************
“I suppose the frustration for William is that he does have some memories of being in the Danger Room previously and being on the team. He does not see what he is doing wrong in our eyes.” Ororo comments as they discuss the individual encounters.
“That can’t be helped.” Scott points out. “AJ didn’t seem frustrated, just trying to weasel the information out of me, probably to help her teammates. Although their frustration may be rubbing off on her. How about Ziska?”
“As frustrated as William, perhaps more so, since she not only has full memories, but has seemingly picked up a few skills while between realities. She knows we aren’t testing their powers, not to mention we are being overcautious. In that regard, I am glad they are pulling their punches, rather than playing games. I’m surprised she hasn’t narrowed it down yet to it being a teamwork test. On the other hand, she wants to figure it out on her own; she has enough ways to find the answer outside of the sessions.”
“I’d think she avoids listening to people’s thoughts these days, considering she was so happy to be alone in her head for once.” Scott replies with a smile.
“If only she would also lower her barriers, I might actually be able to find her when I have a question.” Charles grumbles, but doesn’t explain to the others. “However, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if she were to start looking for your notebook Scott, at least if AJ mentions it to her.”
Scott’s smile fades. “Guess I’m taking a black marker to it tonight then.”
“Perhaps there is some common ground then. We could have them train with another team.” Ororo considers.
“Like who?” Scott starts. “I don’t think it is fair we drop them off somewhere and ask whoever is kind enough to help us to lecture them and since the situation would only come up in actual combat, where if they don’t catch on right away, they would be doing more harm than good. The best alternative would be Generation X, though I can’t imagine them liking taking orders from people several years younger than themselves.”
“Aside from that, the school is on break this coming week. Jubilee and a few others are arriving tomorrow, and those with families are going home.” Ororo counters.
Charles considers for a moment. “Does either of you know what Emma and Sean will be doing in the meantime?”
“I imagine Emma has some other work to keep her busy. Sean will probably just enjoy having time off.”
“What are you considering Professor?” Ororo asks.
“I’m wondering if Sean enjoys camping…” He answers as he picks up the phone.
******************************************
Nine-o-clock on a Saturday morning. Jubilee and various members of Generation X have come to spend break at the institute, since both teachers have other business to attend to. William and AJ are in the library, he to get a head start on his vacation assignments, AJ just to relax. She has yet to find an uncomfortable chair in the house.
“Good morning.” The Professor’s voice sounds from the hallway door. “I hope you two are not too busy at the moment.”
“Definitions vary.” AJ responds.
Charles smiles at them both. “If you two wouldn’t mind stepping into my office, we have some business to discuss… as soon as Ziska joins us.”
“Can’t we just discuss and fill her in after she arrives?” William asks when he finishes marking his book.
“I prefer you all get the information at the same time.” The Professor responds and opens his office door.
“Morning Dad.” Ziska calls from inside.
The Professor does a startled double take. “When did you get here? I didn’t even call for you yet.”
“But, you DID have me drop off some papers on your desk last night, and you DID circle your day planner as ‘talk to Ziska, AJ and William’ for this morning. Was it supposed to be a surprise?”
I need to be more careful with my papers. He considers. “No, I suppose not. If you two would also sit down please.” Charles waits until AJ and William take their seats. “I have something for you to take care of. You will need to bring camping equipment and about one week’s worth of supplies. Also, bring medical supplies.”
“Mock field training? Isn’t that what the backyard is for?” Ziska snarks.
“The ‘backyard’ isn’t quite big enough. Pack quickly; you have two hours before you depart. Scott will fill you in on the details when you arrive at your destination.”
******************************************
As Ziska closes the library door, AJ and William look at her expectantly. “I don’t know any more than you do, I avoid reading minds, and it really did just list ‘talk to’ for the appointment.”
“We know that.” William starts. “But we need to have a quick vote here.”
Ziska leans against the door. “For what?”
“It’s a waste of time if the higher ups want all three of us there for meetings. Since it's usually you no one can find, we have to wait.” AJ points out.
“So… what did you have in mind? We could just tell them to look for me first, and then track you two down?” Ziska asks.
“AJ and I have been talking, and it makes sense for one of us to be the one who talks for the team. A team leader, if you will.”
“Makes sense I suppose. I vote AJ.” Ziska responds and raises her hand.
“Ah, no, I don’t think so.” AJ responds while shaking her head. “I’m the new one, and I have enough on my hands. Besides that, I don’t want to.”
Ziska glances over at William. “Can I vote William?” She asks meekly.
William also shakes his head. “Yeah, the high-school dropout who is working on his GED? That won’t take.”
Ziska resigns herself to her fate. “So, when did this vote take place?”
“Doesn’t this kind of fall under the obvious category?” AJ asks. “You practically grew up here. You know the rules, the technology, the other people involved…”
“Not to mention you know a few tricks these others aren’t aware of.” William adds. “Thank you, by the way, for the real Danger Room lessons.”
“Alright, since I am outvoted, can we keep this quite until after we’re done with this job?” She waits as the other two nod. “Okay. We are supposed to be out there a week. Last I heard, it is supposed to rain tomorrow. Better get some rain gear, but travel light. ‘Scott will fill us in on the details’ usually means ‘Scott made up the details.’ While on that thought, take more than a one week supply. There has to be a catch.”
******************************************
AJ, William
and Ziska try to get comfortable in the van in which Scott drives them to their
drop off point. He’s been driving for a
few hours, well into the
“Batteries for flash lights and other electrical devices?” Ziska asks out loud. Climbing ropes, helmets with lights, and other mountaineering items?
“Check.” William replies. “And last, and maybe most importantly, a compass.”
“I think we’re all set then.” Ziska replies cheerfully. Any luck yet AJ? She asks telepathically, being sure that Scott isn’t paying attention to them.
Nothing useful. AJ replies. I’m pretty sure that I smell
the same rubber as the storage containers in the pantry. I smell some plastic, a hint of battery, but
that could be a lot of different things.
Whoever wrapped it did a great job.
Thank my Dad. Ziska responds. Ten bucks also says that it has
some kind of trigger in it so Scott will know that I telekinetically scanned
it.
It can’t be anything too delicate,
unless Scott doesn’t even know what it is.
When I bumped it out of his hand before, he didn’t seem too worried
about it being broken.
Ziska considers for a moment.
Anyone have any idea where
He’s been gone all week, but no idea where to. AJ replies.
Ziska turns away from Scott’s
mirror and grimaces. Playing “Hide and Hunt” is a back up plan
for newbies if the Danger Room isn’t cutting it, but that’s usually done in the
backyard.
Unless
When did you do this? AJ asks while grinning at Ziska.
My Sweet Sixteen. I’m not sure what Dad was thinking when he
had
Come on, like you weren’t itching for a ride on a bike. You all but stole the key once. William replies with a grin.
“What are you three psi-talking about?” Scott asks while looking into the rearview mirror in time to notice William’s grin.
“Nothing!” All three said in unison.
******************************************
“Ye sure about this Charles?” Sean asks as he sets up base camp.
“As sure as I can be.” Charles responds between the cell phone static. “I cannot simulate circumstances real enough for them to pull together. They know there is a safety in place in case things get out of hand in the Danger Room. It may be a mock mission, but the limitations as outlined should force them to work as a team.”
“Charles, have ye ever thought of letting them play something by ear? Yis might be in for a treat when they don’t know exactly what is about to hit them.”
“It’s not a chance I’m quite willing to take yet Sean. While I am looking for team work, a too free form setting may act in their favor and they could get away with ‘winging it’ as Scott put it.”
Sean is stunned for a moment. “As opposed to what will happen if they or I use powers out here? That’s fiercely cruel of ye.”
“In the event that happens, I ask you to make it clear that they are to employ ‘flight’, rather than ‘fight’ not to mention we would then of course come to help.”
“Well, that is that then. Hope I don’t go spare out here for a week.” Sean replies.
“It should only be two days until they find you Sean.” Charles points out. “Besides, if they do decide for the shortcut, you may get the ‘help’ there by early morning. It only took you since late last night to get there yourself.”
“I’m faking a broken leg and am not allowed to speak to them Charles; ‘tis not the friendliest terrain for someone in this spot. And ye’re limiting them in a way that I will either have to be dragged or walking between two of them. And should they break the rules and use their powers, we’re in for a heap of trouble. Not to mention, ye could just tell them what you want.” Sean takes the silence on the other end as discomfort. “Turnin’ on the GPS… now.”
******************************************
“Isn’t that Sean’s car?” Ziska asks while looking at a sports car parked near the hiking trail entrance.
“… Probably.” Scott responds as he turns off the engine. “Are you three ready?”
William is first out the door and takes a deep breath. “A camping trip? You could have just said so you know.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Scott warns and pulls the package out, which almost instantly starts to beep. “Your victim has just gotten to the target site. You three are going on a rescue mission.”
“We did a rescue mission. Kinda.” Ziska points out and straps on her gear.
“Yes, well, Nathan can’t give us the information we are looking for, having really needed the medical attention. So, here’s your mission. Sean has ‘crashed’ into a forested area here in the Catskills, probably blown his vocal cords and may be otherwise injured. He therefore needs to be rescued, by you three. The rest of us are completely unavailable.” Scott starts to shred the paper of the package, revealing a storage container as AJ predicted containing a hiking map, a small handheld communicator, a GPS beacon and a tracking device. “All of these are on half power, so you need to use them sparingly. The communicator has a two mile range, and I assure you Sean is not within that radius. The GPS is set up to only display ten mile radius, with the marker, held by Sean, appearing as an arrow for which direction he is in. Your mission is to find him, provide medical attention as needed and bring him back here within the week. Any questions?”
“When is
“No
“You sure? This is a bit too straight forward.” She counters.
“No
As Scott
pulls away, he starts to wonder. When did Ziska become the speaker?
******************************************
The group makes good time, having turned the GPS tracker on only long enough to get a bearing on Sean’s signal; but it only takes William a moment to realize that among the spare batteries they took along they also have batteries for all three devices, and quickly replace their half empty batteries. AJ then suggests using the secondary GPS to make their return point, rather than wasting time trying to pinpoint the areas on the map if they should return through a different path.
All three of them take time to adjust not having their sensing powers on. AJ is so used to having echolocation that she momentarily feels disoriented.
“So, no powers.” William starts. “So that confirms it isn’t a powers test.”
“Maybe it is critical thinking.” AJ points out. “If I can’t shift into a pack animal and Ziska can’t telekinetically carry Sean, depending on whatever injury he is stuck with, we will have to carry him.”
“Along with that, I won’t be able to even mock scan his injury.” Ziska adds. “Under other circumstances, I’d worry about internal bleeding. But of course, none of this should ever really happen.”
“Meaning?” AJ asks.
Even if we aren’t able to use our powers, at the very least we would be dropped off from the blackbird with parachutes.” Ziska answers.
“And if both blackbirds are on a mission, as Scott suggested?” AJ continues.
Stumped, Ziska pauses for a moment. “Guess we need a back up plane. Good point though.”
“We have one week to make the round trip with Sean. Ten miles may be nothing for us, but depending on Sean’s ‘condition’ a large chunk will be the return trip.” AJ points out while looking over the map. “So far, we are on a hiking path, which does make it significantly easier.”
It’s Saturday, so I’ll guess we’ll have weekend hikers to deal with.” William points out. “If we use powers around other hikers, it would spook them and all hell would break loose. Now I’m really glad we aren’t wearing our uniforms. Probably why the powers that be chose this time.”
“That, and Gen X is on school break this week.” Ziska replies. “Still, it would be kind of hard to explain to a random hiker that we are doing a mock rescue mission. You said we are on a path AJ, how is it marked on the map?”
“We’re actually still at the beginning.” She starts and traces out a yellow line. “William, turn the GPS tracker on one more time.” As William hits the button, AJ uses the compass to direct the map and scratches a circle around the area. “If this is our ten mile radius, Sean has to be right around here.” She explains while pointing to an area near a pond, just within the radius.
“How far is it traveling?” Ziska asks.
“Far isn’t necessarily the issue.” AJ replies. “See where the yellow and blue lines meet? The yellow path is a beginner route through nice scenery, and takes us a few miles out of the way. The blue line is a harder course, but much shorter. The map key only suggests it is for ‘experienced hikers’, but for all we know we need to deal with a cliff or two.”
“It shouldn’t be too bad.” Ziska points out while tracing a stream. “According to the map key, rapids and waterfalls are marked. The stream has neither, and is just a bit off from the blue line. And we all are in good shape, so it may be worth the risk”
William considers as he turns off the GPS. “Conveniently, we don’t know all the details about Sean, so we have to presume that he has no supplies. And unless the pond there is a freshwater spring, he’s also without water.”
“True. So that’s settled then. The need outweighs the risks.” AJ points out.
******************************************
“Please?” Jubilee asks, her voice almost squealing.
“Why are
you now so ready to head into the Danger Room, but we had to almost drag you in
there when you lived here?”
“Just a case of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’?” She asks rhetorically. “And since Rogue had to break the door down when the others went in without supervision, the Professor now wants someone in the room with us as well as at the panel.”
“Hank.” She responds. “But, the only way he’ll allow us into a useful program is if someone who can practically own the program on his or her own is in there too. Come on, please?”
Shortly
after that exchange,
“You almost ready up there Hank?” He calls out.
“I’m still configuring
the parameters of the students’ exercise for the day. Take into account,
“Who will we be facing off against?” Paige asks.
“It would be imprudent for me to enlighten you and permit you get at the forefront of the… programs?” Hank’s voice trails off over the loudspeaker.
“What is
it?”
“…Nothing. Proceed when prepared.” Hank responds and starts the program. When Logan and the teenagers have started the
program, Hank switches off the loud speaker and checks over his new
discovery. Level designations are 33 Gamma.
Well into the hologram collection.
And they have all been fashioned within the last few weeks. But by whom? He tries to access the video records and finds
they are blocked by a code higher than his own, leaving the Professor. Perhaps
these are prototypes for AJ’s first course or particulars for the trio?
******************************************
Emma takes pride in how her companies are run, but being a full time teacher often prevents her from being as involved as she would like to be. Between teaching and missions, she rarely even gets to see the reports. So much for vacation. She grumbles to herself. Her train of thought is interrupted as the phone rings again. She ignored the first call and let the answering machine take it. But now that she’s back at her desk, she doesn’t have an excuse. “This is Emma Frost.” She answers coolly.
“Ms. Frost, this is operator nine-eight-zero, from the security company.” A male voice replies. “Could you please verify your security code?”
“Grace.” Emma quickly responds.
“A window with an alarm sensor was broken about five minutes ago at the school, after which the motion sensors picked up several intruders. No security code was activated, and we thus dispatched authorities. They should arrive any moment.”
Emma considers quickly. None of the students are at the school, and Sean is doing that errand for the Professor. “Please tell the authorities to be extremely careful. I believe this is not merely a burglary. I should be there by morning.”
******************************************
Dinner by the pond, consisting of a canned heat-and-serve soup and some bottled water. It’s not how Sean pictured spending his week off, even if it would give him an excuse to not read all the projects the students had to turn in. Although with the help of the satellite phone, he did talk to his daughter for a while.
He’s spent the last hour of daylight looking for two relatively straights branches to make a mock splint, unfortunately realizing he must have lost his pocket knife while hiking that day. When he is satisfied with the sticks he finds, he sets up the tent and tries to settle down for the night.
******************************************
“You two ready?” Ziska asks as she straps her backpack back over her raincoat.
“You want to go into nightfall?” AJ asks. “I won’t be able to know if some animal decides we are a good source of food.”
“I want to cover as much ground as possible.” Ziska answers. “The one week window is because Sean has to be back to work next Monday, but I’m sure that there will be consequences if we don’t finish in time, other than the kids get to spend the day alone with Emma. How are we doing, anyway?”
William re checks the GPS. “We covered six miles. And even if we have enough flash lights, I think sun light would be better. Can I see the map please?”
“Sure.” AJ answers and hands it over.
“Alright, we left our own GPS here.” William points to the center of the circle AJ drew. “Sean should be here. So we should only be a few hundred feet from the stream Ziska saw before.”
“We could boil some water in the morning to replenish our supply.” AJ adds.
******************************************
“And
nothing was broken this time?” Professor
Xavier asks when Hank and
“Only
thanks to the safety checks.”
“Whilst they have the collaboration aspect down, they don’t quite have the refinement of the older group.” Hank adds. “Extraordinary, taking into consideration the elder squad are the neophytes.”
“I hardly
think that’s the truth
“Speaking of the Danger Room and the trio, how many programs have you set up Professor? While I did not get to examine the files, nevertheless I counted well over a dozen Gamma programs.”
“Gamma programs?” The Professor asks back. “I have no idea what you are talking about Henry.”
“Are you then not working on a curriculum for the new squad to practice in?”
“I am working for one as a group when they have completed the teamwork exercise, and there is one for each of them individually. However, none of them have any mention of ‘Gamma’ in them. Why do you ask?”
“When Logan and the children entered the Danger Room, I was searching for a program I could use as a foundation to present enough stimulation and exercise that would still be sound in their control. I found the aforementioned Gamma files, though my password does not have the authorization to view them. As I understand it, your records are the only ones under more bolt and key.”
“Are there
video files?”
“Yes, correspondingly fortified.” Hank answers.
Professor Xavier already calls up the video files on his office computer. “Just another benefit of being the system administrator.” He answers with a smile as he locates the file. “I don’t recognize the username…” He says somewhat alarmed. “Henry, please run a security scan. I don’t like the looks of this.”
******************************************
Nearly an hour passes, and Charles tries his administrative password and several back doors to access the new Danger Room files, but without success. “Anything on the security sweep Henry?”
“There is not anything out of the ordinary.” Hank replies. “The files were spawned on location and in the Danger Room control booth itself.”
“Someone
knows how to keep you out of your own computer Charles?”
“So it would seem. Or rather, someone has created a secondary administrative access, which bypasses my own. Question is, who?”
“It has to be Franziska.” Hank points out.
“Lilandra and I were not together in her reality.” Charles points out in return. “How would she know?”
“You yourself have taken notice of the verity she has proficiency in matters she was by no means educated in while in this or her preceding reality. Were it not for that, I do not believe she would know how to repair a contemporary version of Cerebro either. It is conceivable that she learned Shi’ar technology along the way.”
“Seein’ as
I haven’t noticed and injuries, I don’t think they’re playing out of their
level.”
Charles
brings up the administrator log in screen and types in his daughters name, along
with his own override password. Sure
enough, the screen divides in half, one to access the team profile the Professor
himself made for her, and her own administrator sub page. He selects the administrator log in, again
trying his override password. For a
moment, the screen goes blank. “Not well
guarded, but well hidden.” He thinks out
loud. His mood fades as the screen
starts to flash red and white. I spoke to soon.
As suddenly as it started, the screen stops flashing, and a video file is displayed. Ziska is sitting at her computer facing her web camera, the transparent play button superimposed on the still image. “Aiming for the melodramatic as at all times it seems.” Hank notes. It occurs to him he should probably leave the room, but before he or Logan can do so the Professor clicks on the file.
“Hi Dad, I’ve been wondering when you’d notice some changes I started.” Ziska recording starts. “Don’t worry; it’s only access to the scenario creator. Since I don’t have any way of getting access other than through an administrative account, that’s what I did. However, since we are equals, I couldn’t avoid having the files copied into your account. And since I can’t alter your files, I edited my own so you can’t find them by any one reason. Still, a copy of everything here is also in your file. You just have to find it. Kudos to you if you recognize it and what I want because of it.” And with that, the screen blacks out for a moment and returns the Professor to his own log in screen.
Charles logs into his account and reviews the massive amount of video files, including copies of security tapes, Danger Room Sessions, classes…. thousands of files to look through. “I have to admit, she is careful.”
“Maybe.”
“Unless she manipulated the clock, as it is reasonably easy to disconnect the Danger Room from the rest of the network, and change the clock.” Hank replies.
Charles
still takes
“There’s
gotta be a hint in the video clip.”
“The most incongruous turn of phrase was the very last; ‘Kudos to you if you recognize it and what I want because of it.’ Conceivably ‘Kudos’ is the most observable selection to scrutinize?” Hank mentions.
Charles types in the word, but without success. He follows it with “congratulations” and “accolades” without results.
“What does
she want?”
“Excuse me?” Charles asks in return.
“The part
about ‘what I want because of it.’ What
does she want?”
Charles types in “trust” and comes up with fifteen results. “Not clear enough.”
“What is her principal grievance about being here then?” Hank interjects.
“That nobody trusts her.” Charles replies frustrated. “There has to be something else.”
“What about
both?”
“Both what?” Charles asks back.
“Some combination of kudos and trust.”
Charles considers for a moment, and starts typing “Well done!” which brings up three folders, one of which reads “WelldoneIshouldhavetrustedyourinstinct.” “How do you two feel about staying up all night with me reviewing these videos?”
******************************************
By early morning, Emma pulls up to the school and finds several smashed police cars on the front yard. She marches to the door and is promptly stopped by an officer with a bruise on his forehead. “My name is Emma Frost; I am the owner of this facility.”
“Sorry ma’am, there is a risk with the building stability.” The officer advises.
“I was under the impression it was only a broken window.” She replies and prods him mentally to let her in.
“Maybe at first, but someone took out a section of the wall coming out of the house, and trashed a few walls in between. Now, if you wouldn’t mind directing us to where you store the videos for the security cameras...”
“Of course, but you will need to let me in.” Emma replies while trying to keep her cool. As the office walks her through the building, she notes a very large and familiar foot print indented into the wood floor. Juggernaut… Sean’s cousin can’t be too far behind. “I need to make a quick call.”
******************************************
Sean wakes up early morning as the ground trembles. Catskills aren’t known for earthquakes. He thinks as he fully wakes up to realize the ground isn’t shaking anymore. As he gets to his feet, he feels another tremor. Impact tremors? What is SHIELD up to here? He quickly cleans up and takes cover just out of sight, but feels yet another tremor. Not weaponry… footsteps?!
A few moments later, as the tremors get stronger and stronger; he remains hidden but curses himself for leaving the camp site up. A few minutes pass and a tree comes down, as Sean realizes who his guests are; his own cousin Tom and his friend Cain Marko, the Juggernaut. Do these two have to start trouble always when I’m on me own?
******************************************
“Gotta say I’m
impressed.”
Earlier that morning, Scott and Ororo joined the group in the Professor’s office.
Scott is not happy at all. “And they couldn’t show this degree of teamwork in our sessions why?”
“You just
added numbers, and they thought they’re competing.”
Charles isn’t too happy either. “Ororo, please hand me the phone. I’ll call Sean to tell him to break for camp, and use his own GPS to track down the trio. No point in them to waste their time.”
Before Ororo can reach the phone, it starts to ring and she decides to answer. “Xavier Institute, Ororo Munroe speaking.” After a moment, she continues. “Emma, wait a moment, I will put you on speaker phone.”
“Who else is listening?” Emma asks over the loudspeaker.
“Aside from me, Professor Xavier, Scott, Logan and Henry are in the room.”
“Get Sean and the kids out of the forest.” Emma snaps. “Black Tom and Juggernaut are chasing after Sean. They broke into the school and found Sean’s map. They know where Sean is, but I don’t think they know they are in SHIELD’s test zone.”
Before Emma
finishes speaking, Scott picks up an alternate extension and dials Sean’s cell
number. “Hank,
“Yes.” Charles replies. “Here’s Sean, where we’d agree for him to be. But the GPS we left with AJ, William and Ziska remains on the trail near the entrance. They are using it as a return beacon.”
“So let’s all hope they ain’t strayin’ too far from the path.”
******************************************
“Where might ye be Sean?” Tom calls out, knowing Sean must be in earshot. “Ye aren’t the camping type really. Ye enjoy the good life too much. Of course… a forest suits me well enough.”
Sean tries not to move, but is startled when something moves in his pocket. Damned cell phone! But his movement reveals his position. Tom raises the shillelagh and aims towards the outcropping Sean has used as over and breaks it apart. Sean comes tumbling down, off balance for just a moment.
“Glad ye could join us.” Tom mentions as he advances on his cousin.
“Tom, I know ye don’t like to listen to me.” Sean tries to calm his cousin down. “But use yer powers again and we’ll all be in over our heads!”
“So what, you’d rather take me on?” Juggernaut announces as he steps forward. “Can do.”
Oh, like it matters now. Sean considers and lets loose a scream directed at his own tent. It flies in Marko’s face, obstructing his view long enough for Sean to make a break for it.
******************************************
“Geeze, Sean has good taste.” William mentions as he packs away Sean’s engraved knife, which he found at their camp site from the previous night.
“I think Moira gave that to him.” Ziska points out. “Either way, I’m sure he’ll be glad to get it back. And it does prove the point he used the same pathway. How far away are we anyway?”
William checks the device’s read out. “According to the tracker, less than three miles, but more than two, so we can’t talk to him yet. Funny, considering he supposedly blew a vocal cord.”
“Any idea yet how we are going to get him out?” AJ asks.
“Well… I’m thinking about it.” Ziska starts. “For the point of the exercise, I’m sure he’ll have a leg injury, so he won’t be able to walk. Reasonably, we could make a stretcher out of some of our equipment, including the rain coats. But, since it is still Sunday, we are still likely to run into a few hikers on the main road. We can’t tell them anything, since a real rescue mission would prompt them to help us, and for a fake they’d ask why we aren’t using a dummy in a more controlled setting.”
“So maybe we should avoid the main road?” AJ replies. “You were right about the ‘advanced’ path really not being so hard. And if we rotate who carries when, we should still make good time.”
At a distance, they hear an explosion and all three of them freeze in place. Shortly thereafter, they hear an ear piercing sound, which could only be Banshee’s scream. They only exchange a quick look before they drop the heaviest of their gear and start to run towards trouble. Or at least, they start to run. Ziska quickly resorts to flying, AJ adjusts her legs and lung capacity to that of a cheetah and William raises a small wave on dirt he neatly surfs on.
“Whoa, who’s the heavy weight?” William asks his teammates.
“How heavy are we talking William?” AJ asks mid stride.
“Very heavy. I’d guess Blob, but I can’t imagine him hiking.”
AJ stops and let’s her echolocation start, then closes her eyes to focus better. She hears wood breaking, like someone knocking down trees. She can hear the impact of someone very heavy running. She opens her eyes, realizing Ziska stopped a few yards before she herself did. “Who are we dealing with Ziska?”
“Cain
Marko. The Juggernaut. Throw in some Black Tom on the side, and I’m
pretty sure I’d rather have
******************************************
It’s like
watching a radar screen on an abandoned airport. Several young SHIELD agents who haven’t quite
passed the field tests are glued to monitors, watching a test area for a
mutation tracking device. For now, the
machine is limited to people actively using powers. Someone has yet to explain to them why they
are testing on hiking trails in the mountains, rather than somewhere useful
like
A beep from the machine in front of him gets the attention of a young agent. A single active mutant in the Catskills, and a moment later, there is another blip, very close to the first, practically on top of it. Another moment later, he sees three more blobs light up, quickly closing in on the first two.
“Sir...” He calls out while standing up and looking for his superior. “You’d better have a look at this…”
To be continued….