AN: This will eventually be a crossover between Dead Like Me the tv show, and Generation X, the comic book. It is for Rowena's December Challenge for the month of December. Sadly, I don't own any of the characters mentioned. The crossover part is hinted at in this first chapter, but will become more apparent with the second one.

Rube sat in his quiet apartment, going over the paperwork. Even in death, there was paperwork, and the higher your position, the more you had to deal with. Being the boss was not a piece of cake, even when the reapers he was in charge of weren't fucking up. Which was pretty damned rare. He looked up as he heard the familiar footsteps approaching his door. He checked his watch, right on time, as usual. That was the one thing he could count on, the weekly delivery of reaping assignments. He listened as the manila envelope slid quietly under his door. He set down his pen and went over to see what was in store for his group the next week. He frowned, the envelope was heavier than usual. Not by much, but enough to be noticeable. He opened it quickly, wondering what had necessitated the extra paperwork. What he saw was enough for his heart to skip a beat or two. He was finally getting his lights.

Rube picked up his phone, as he looked up the number for his second-in-command. Roxy was the best reaper he currently had in his group and easily the most reliable. She'd been the one to keep things moving while he'd been out of town. He smiled a rare smile, as she picked up, surprised at his phone call. Rube rarely, if ever, called anyone. He made quick arrangements to meet her at the usual spot. Only her, this was going to be a private talk. He grabbed the paperwork, all of it, and headed out.

A short while later, Roxy walked into Der Waffle Haus, looking for her boss. The phone call had been weird enough, she was surprised that Rube even used a phone at all. Kiffany, their usual waitress, pointed to a corner booth, where Rube was sitting patiently. Roxy raised her eyebrow, this was even more disconcerting. Rube had a set booth, where he sat every time. Not just sometimes, but every single day. Except for once, but George's family had been eating at a table too close. She walked over to Rube,

"Okay, what the hell is going on Rube? You never call, and you for damn sure don't sit at this table way back here." Rube smiled, an even rarer occasion. She sat down, waiting for an explanation. And it had better be a damned good one.

"I have some good news, Roxy. You're being promoted tomorrow." Roxy waited for him to say more, explain further.

"But what about you? Where are you going this time?" Then the obvious truth of the matter occurred to her. "You mean, you're getting your lights? It's about damned time." She paused for a minute, remembering the part about her promotion. "Oh shit. That means I get your job. Thanks but no thanks."

"The head office has chosen you for my replacement. You'd rather they chose Mason or Daisy?" They both shuddered at the thought of either of one of the two screw ups trying to manage the responsibilities Rube had been shouldering for over a decade now. "Right, so clearly you see my point. You are the one most capable of taking over. Besides, with those two and the new reaper, they'll need a firm hand to keep them on track."

Roxy knew it was futile to try and argue further. When Rube meant something, he didn't change his mind. Ever. She sighed,

"So, when is your last reap, Rube?" Rube consulted the papers he'd received from the bosses.

"Day after tomorrow, and it's out of state. Looks like we're going on a road trip to Snow Valley, Massachusetts, wherever the hell that is." Roxy frowned, the situation just kept on getting better and better. Rube leaving for good, and a long car ride with a new reaper. This was going to suck.

"Right. So we leave tonight?" At Rube's nod, she got up from the table. "Fine, I'll meet you back here around seven. I've got to go clear this with my supervisor." She headed out, not looking forward to the next couple of days. Or months. New reapers were a complete and utter pain in the ass. Simple as that. It had taken George nearly a year to become a decent reaper. And then there were Mason and Daisy; if one of them wasn't fucking something up, chances were good the other one was.

Kiffany came to Rube's table, offering him a refill on his coffee, which he gladly accepted. She smiled at him,

"I don't usually see you drinking coffee in the afternoon. Is everything all right?" She seemed a little concerned. She'd gotten to know Rube a little bit since he'd started coming to Der Waffle Haus. An excellent tipper, rarely complained about the food, and just all around pleasant to have around. She wished she could say the same for some of his compatriots. Especially the British one.

"Things are about to change, Kiffany. For the better for me, at least. I've been promoted, and Roxy will be taking my place here." The waitress's dark eyes widened in surprise. This was just about the last thing she'd expected Rube to say. "If you could help me out here, I'd really appreciate it. Give George this envelope when she comes in tomorrow morning. That way, I'll know everything is taken care of." Kiffany nodded, taking the envelope he handed her. "I've got to get moving on, Kiffany. It's been good getting to know you." He handed her enough money to cover his coffee and a generous tip. Kiffany shocked him by giving him a quick hug, before taking what he'd offered and disappearing.

Rube left Der Waffle Haus, which had been more of a home to him then his small apartment was. He had to put his affairs in order. He glanced at his watch, he had a little bit of time to look up the address,

"Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters?"

To Be Continued.