Generation X Evolution
Cast In Stone
July 4th, 2085
It was Independence Day but the blasts in the distant sky weren't elaborate fireworks displays. And the smell of smoke wasn't from family barbeques. The United States of America was at war. Not a war against a foreign enemy but an internal civil war more threatening than the one that occurred over two centuries ago. The sides were not enclosed by geographical boundaries but by the construction of their DNA. The war is between two different species evolved from the same genetic lineage. Homo sapiens, normal humans and Homo Superior, mutants born with incredible and frightening powers, were fighting one another for their own survival. Currently the human side was winning the battle with new and improved mutant hunting Sentinels and a variety of x-factor infecting virus.
The mutant known as Bishop watched the distant explosions from a window. His fixed on a statue standing within a dead flower garden of a park below. It was ironic that that statue was the only one standing while others crumpled down from the vibrations of distant bombing. The mutant began to understand why the Church of the X had such a strong religious view of Charles Francis Xavier. Though the bald mutant was in reality a cripple, his statue portrayed him standing. This was giving the effect it was intended too. All of Xavier's beliefs and dreams are there cast in stone as he stands strong despite how far his ultimate dream is from reality. Standing strong even though everything he worked for is crumbling to pieces. At that moment, Xavier didn't seem like the failure the majority of mutants and humans like had labeled him. The new citizens of Bayville needed the feeling that the statue gave them.
There were very few places where people could live peaceful lives free of the war. Bayville was one of them. Decades ago it had been a lovely little town. That was before the Fall of X-Men over 80 years ago. The X- Men, a group mutants formed by Xavier to promote peace between humans and mutants. Their feats were renowned around the world. But their glory didn't last for on one tragic day; the X-Men along with every other citizen of Bayville were mysterious destroyed. By whom or what is still unknown until this day. During the early days of the war Bayville became home to last followers of Xavier's Dream. The Church of X was filled with mutants and humans who worshiped their self proclaimed St. Charles Xavier; in hope that one day both humans and mutants will live in peace.
Not all of Bayville was filled with religious followers of Xavier. The Xavier Security Enforcers or X.S.E were also followers of the infamous mutant. Their job was summarized down into one word, police. Before the war the government created the X.S.E to police mutant criminals. After the war came under way the X.S.E was split from the main body of government agencies. The top officials refused to close down and set up in Bayville. The organization developed a new mission which was to protect the innocents who didn't take sides in the war. This was a job Bishop carried out proudly. He loved being on the streets fighting any military fractions that would try and use the citizens of Bayville for soldiers or guinea pigs. In his mind he was born for this. Those who know him think the same thing. He stood a good six foot. His large muscular frame and dark brown skin stood out against his black and gold uniform. He had the face of soldier with gruff features that were enhanced by the black M for mutant tattooed over his left eye. Not only was he a skilled marksman with a large variety of laser weapons, he was natural weapon. His mutant power allows him to absorb, store and re-channel energy in which he comes in contact with.
"Enjoying the view, Bishop?" a voice asked from behind him. Bishop turned looking right at the aged face of the last surviving heads of the X.S.E., Forge. Forge was the oldest known mutant in the world. The Cheyenne Indian was born in the 1960s in Bayville. During his teens he developed his mutant power that gave the ability to build any kind of technological devices. He built a lab in a hidden area under Bayville High. One of his experiments trapped him in the Middleverse where he spent twenty some non- aging years until he was rescued with the assistance of the X-Man Nightcrawler. He survived the destruction of Bayville because of another ability that was slowing turning him into a machine. His lifespan was extended as a result.
Bishop snapped into stiff attention. Prompting a smile from Forge, "How many times do I have to say no one has to do that when I enter a room? We are not the military."
"You are my superior, sir, " Bishop stated, "An officer always stands in attention for a superior."
"Please never do that again," Forge smirked, "That's an order. And do call me Forge I never liked sir. Now on to business, I assume you know why you are here?"
"I was told that Intelligence has discovered a way to end the war and a volunteer was asked for," Bishop replied. He had volunteered willing to do whatever he could to help end the terrible war.
"That is the true but before you completely sign on I need to tell you this will involve using a device that hasn't been tested fully. I call the device a temporal relocation device or better known as a time machine," the Cheyenne mechanical mutant explained taking a seat behind his desk and motioned for Bishop to sit also.
"Time machine?" Bishop questioned as he took a seat, "I am guessing the way to end the war involves traveling back to its beginning?"
"Farther," Forge said, "You will be going back to prevent the events that we believe allowed the war to happen. You will arrive in the year 2002 giving you time to discover the cause and prevent the 'Fall of the X-Men'. You see we believe that if Charles Xavier hadn't perished along with his mutant students that there would still be greater desire to bring about a peaceful coexistence between man and mutant. In turn the hatred that led to the war could be greatly reduced."
"I understand," Bishop said, "when do I go?"
"Tomorrow morning, " Forge said, "Your partner has been briefed already and is being physically evaluated for the trip.We have to be sure she will be able to handle the possible bombardment of temporal radiation. Your medical records and assessment of your powers show that you will merely absorb any excess energy that may occur during the trip. "
'She?" Bishop raised an eyebrow knowing who she was, "If I may ask why her?"
"Shard is your only remaining family correct? We decided that incase you cannot return you will have family close by," Forge smiled. A beep came from the small red and black X –Com on his chest. "Forge, Shard has finished her test and has been sent to the room we made up for them. She passed with flying colors."
"Very good Mr. Myers," Forge responded pressing down on his X-Com. He turned his attention back to Bishop. "You may go. I will have someone show you to your room. I suggest that you think of a possible starting strategy for when you arrive. And please get a good night's rest and I will see you promptly at 0600 hours."
Bishop stood up and shook Forge's hand and as he headed out the door Forge added, "Good Luck."
Later that evening.
The room Forge had arranged for them was simply set up with two cots, a table, and two chairs. Bishop lay in one cot still fully dressed in uniform. Hanging off the headboard were two large plasma guns that were his favorite weapons. In the next cot his eighteen year –old sister Shard lay also dressed in a similar black and gold uniform. She was closest she had ever been to casual dress since she joined the X.S.E three years ago in that her waist long yellow hair was unbraided. She lay staring up at ceiling with her pure green eyes. She was thinking about the day ahead and what it would mean if they succeeded. Peace. The world could be at peace. Mom and Dad could still be alive. I have to stay focused no matter how unbelievable it all seemed. I am part of the X.S.E. Focus keeps you alive.
She turned to look at her brother. He was still awake also. "Pretty hard to believe isn't Bishop?"
"You can say that again. But if Forge says it is possible it will be possible. " Bishop said with confidence.
Shard relaxed a little because she too trusted Forge's word. Then she had to ask something else, "Do you think Mom and Dad will be brought back?"
"Shard, if we succeed we will return to an alternate universe. So Mom and Dad may still be alive but they won't be our parents because chances are we will see an alternate version of ourselves who won't have to travel through time." Bishop replied grimly.
"So it will always be just you and me?" Shard asked sadly.
"I'm sorry," Bishop said.
"Don't be brother. Now we should get some sleep." She rolled over and closed her eyes. Neither of them spoke another word to one another until morning.
0600 Hours
Bishop and Shard stood stiffly on a large platform watching as numerous scientists scampered here and there below checking all kinds of computer read outs making any needed adjustments. Forge was among them snapping at anyone who made small mistakes and taking over anything he thought they weren't able to handle.
After several minutes Forge walked up to the platform and strapped a band onto both mutants' arms. "These will prevent you from fading from existence when you enter the past. After a few hours they can be safely removed but mind you they also will be used to bring you back here when your mission is complete." Forge stepped away from the platform. "Whenever you are ready we will proceed."
Bishop nodded and looked at his sister who nodded also. Forge signal the scientists sitting at the main controls to begin the initial sequence. An instant later a green bubble formed around the platform and slowly began to shrink around the two mutants. The last thing Bishop seen before everything went weird was Forge waving good luck.
* * *
Forge stood with a look of satisfaction on his face. He realized that in any second the world would be changed into a brighter existence. His smile faded when startling news came. A pale face intelligence officer came running and delivered the news, "Sir there is another time machine! A Nimrod Sentinel is on its way to intercept the party!"
Forge stood shaking his head. Nimrod was one of the deadliest Sentinels in existence. There was no possible way two mutants could beat one alone. I am sorry Bishop, Shard, if I knew I wouldn't have gone through with it.
Cast In Stone
July 4th, 2085
It was Independence Day but the blasts in the distant sky weren't elaborate fireworks displays. And the smell of smoke wasn't from family barbeques. The United States of America was at war. Not a war against a foreign enemy but an internal civil war more threatening than the one that occurred over two centuries ago. The sides were not enclosed by geographical boundaries but by the construction of their DNA. The war is between two different species evolved from the same genetic lineage. Homo sapiens, normal humans and Homo Superior, mutants born with incredible and frightening powers, were fighting one another for their own survival. Currently the human side was winning the battle with new and improved mutant hunting Sentinels and a variety of x-factor infecting virus.
The mutant known as Bishop watched the distant explosions from a window. His fixed on a statue standing within a dead flower garden of a park below. It was ironic that that statue was the only one standing while others crumpled down from the vibrations of distant bombing. The mutant began to understand why the Church of the X had such a strong religious view of Charles Francis Xavier. Though the bald mutant was in reality a cripple, his statue portrayed him standing. This was giving the effect it was intended too. All of Xavier's beliefs and dreams are there cast in stone as he stands strong despite how far his ultimate dream is from reality. Standing strong even though everything he worked for is crumbling to pieces. At that moment, Xavier didn't seem like the failure the majority of mutants and humans like had labeled him. The new citizens of Bayville needed the feeling that the statue gave them.
There were very few places where people could live peaceful lives free of the war. Bayville was one of them. Decades ago it had been a lovely little town. That was before the Fall of X-Men over 80 years ago. The X- Men, a group mutants formed by Xavier to promote peace between humans and mutants. Their feats were renowned around the world. But their glory didn't last for on one tragic day; the X-Men along with every other citizen of Bayville were mysterious destroyed. By whom or what is still unknown until this day. During the early days of the war Bayville became home to last followers of Xavier's Dream. The Church of X was filled with mutants and humans who worshiped their self proclaimed St. Charles Xavier; in hope that one day both humans and mutants will live in peace.
Not all of Bayville was filled with religious followers of Xavier. The Xavier Security Enforcers or X.S.E were also followers of the infamous mutant. Their job was summarized down into one word, police. Before the war the government created the X.S.E to police mutant criminals. After the war came under way the X.S.E was split from the main body of government agencies. The top officials refused to close down and set up in Bayville. The organization developed a new mission which was to protect the innocents who didn't take sides in the war. This was a job Bishop carried out proudly. He loved being on the streets fighting any military fractions that would try and use the citizens of Bayville for soldiers or guinea pigs. In his mind he was born for this. Those who know him think the same thing. He stood a good six foot. His large muscular frame and dark brown skin stood out against his black and gold uniform. He had the face of soldier with gruff features that were enhanced by the black M for mutant tattooed over his left eye. Not only was he a skilled marksman with a large variety of laser weapons, he was natural weapon. His mutant power allows him to absorb, store and re-channel energy in which he comes in contact with.
"Enjoying the view, Bishop?" a voice asked from behind him. Bishop turned looking right at the aged face of the last surviving heads of the X.S.E., Forge. Forge was the oldest known mutant in the world. The Cheyenne Indian was born in the 1960s in Bayville. During his teens he developed his mutant power that gave the ability to build any kind of technological devices. He built a lab in a hidden area under Bayville High. One of his experiments trapped him in the Middleverse where he spent twenty some non- aging years until he was rescued with the assistance of the X-Man Nightcrawler. He survived the destruction of Bayville because of another ability that was slowing turning him into a machine. His lifespan was extended as a result.
Bishop snapped into stiff attention. Prompting a smile from Forge, "How many times do I have to say no one has to do that when I enter a room? We are not the military."
"You are my superior, sir, " Bishop stated, "An officer always stands in attention for a superior."
"Please never do that again," Forge smirked, "That's an order. And do call me Forge I never liked sir. Now on to business, I assume you know why you are here?"
"I was told that Intelligence has discovered a way to end the war and a volunteer was asked for," Bishop replied. He had volunteered willing to do whatever he could to help end the terrible war.
"That is the true but before you completely sign on I need to tell you this will involve using a device that hasn't been tested fully. I call the device a temporal relocation device or better known as a time machine," the Cheyenne mechanical mutant explained taking a seat behind his desk and motioned for Bishop to sit also.
"Time machine?" Bishop questioned as he took a seat, "I am guessing the way to end the war involves traveling back to its beginning?"
"Farther," Forge said, "You will be going back to prevent the events that we believe allowed the war to happen. You will arrive in the year 2002 giving you time to discover the cause and prevent the 'Fall of the X-Men'. You see we believe that if Charles Xavier hadn't perished along with his mutant students that there would still be greater desire to bring about a peaceful coexistence between man and mutant. In turn the hatred that led to the war could be greatly reduced."
"I understand," Bishop said, "when do I go?"
"Tomorrow morning, " Forge said, "Your partner has been briefed already and is being physically evaluated for the trip.We have to be sure she will be able to handle the possible bombardment of temporal radiation. Your medical records and assessment of your powers show that you will merely absorb any excess energy that may occur during the trip. "
'She?" Bishop raised an eyebrow knowing who she was, "If I may ask why her?"
"Shard is your only remaining family correct? We decided that incase you cannot return you will have family close by," Forge smiled. A beep came from the small red and black X –Com on his chest. "Forge, Shard has finished her test and has been sent to the room we made up for them. She passed with flying colors."
"Very good Mr. Myers," Forge responded pressing down on his X-Com. He turned his attention back to Bishop. "You may go. I will have someone show you to your room. I suggest that you think of a possible starting strategy for when you arrive. And please get a good night's rest and I will see you promptly at 0600 hours."
Bishop stood up and shook Forge's hand and as he headed out the door Forge added, "Good Luck."
Later that evening.
The room Forge had arranged for them was simply set up with two cots, a table, and two chairs. Bishop lay in one cot still fully dressed in uniform. Hanging off the headboard were two large plasma guns that were his favorite weapons. In the next cot his eighteen year –old sister Shard lay also dressed in a similar black and gold uniform. She was closest she had ever been to casual dress since she joined the X.S.E three years ago in that her waist long yellow hair was unbraided. She lay staring up at ceiling with her pure green eyes. She was thinking about the day ahead and what it would mean if they succeeded. Peace. The world could be at peace. Mom and Dad could still be alive. I have to stay focused no matter how unbelievable it all seemed. I am part of the X.S.E. Focus keeps you alive.
She turned to look at her brother. He was still awake also. "Pretty hard to believe isn't Bishop?"
"You can say that again. But if Forge says it is possible it will be possible. " Bishop said with confidence.
Shard relaxed a little because she too trusted Forge's word. Then she had to ask something else, "Do you think Mom and Dad will be brought back?"
"Shard, if we succeed we will return to an alternate universe. So Mom and Dad may still be alive but they won't be our parents because chances are we will see an alternate version of ourselves who won't have to travel through time." Bishop replied grimly.
"So it will always be just you and me?" Shard asked sadly.
"I'm sorry," Bishop said.
"Don't be brother. Now we should get some sleep." She rolled over and closed her eyes. Neither of them spoke another word to one another until morning.
0600 Hours
Bishop and Shard stood stiffly on a large platform watching as numerous scientists scampered here and there below checking all kinds of computer read outs making any needed adjustments. Forge was among them snapping at anyone who made small mistakes and taking over anything he thought they weren't able to handle.
After several minutes Forge walked up to the platform and strapped a band onto both mutants' arms. "These will prevent you from fading from existence when you enter the past. After a few hours they can be safely removed but mind you they also will be used to bring you back here when your mission is complete." Forge stepped away from the platform. "Whenever you are ready we will proceed."
Bishop nodded and looked at his sister who nodded also. Forge signal the scientists sitting at the main controls to begin the initial sequence. An instant later a green bubble formed around the platform and slowly began to shrink around the two mutants. The last thing Bishop seen before everything went weird was Forge waving good luck.
* * *
Forge stood with a look of satisfaction on his face. He realized that in any second the world would be changed into a brighter existence. His smile faded when startling news came. A pale face intelligence officer came running and delivered the news, "Sir there is another time machine! A Nimrod Sentinel is on its way to intercept the party!"
Forge stood shaking his head. Nimrod was one of the deadliest Sentinels in existence. There was no possible way two mutants could beat one alone. I am sorry Bishop, Shard, if I knew I wouldn't have gone through with it.