IMPORTANT NOTICE (May 2011): "Sacrifice" is being reposted in a new and improved version. This old story will remain uploaded, but if you are visiting for the first time, please consider reading "Sacrifice: Revisited" instead. It is a richer, more detailed telling of Warren's story, and many errors, etc have been corrected in the new version.
Thank you for your interest and hope to see/hear from you over at "Sacrifice: Revisted!"
Echo Dancer
x x x x x x x x x x x
Needless to say, I sadly do not own the Marvel characters. Happily, I do own all the others in my version of the Milky Way galaxy. Any how, please read...unless you're squeamish about the warning, then don't. But the violence is stylized, so hopefully you won't be too offended. I love stories of internal conflict, and this story is about as torn and full of turmoil as I could imagine and up for tackling at this time.
Happy reading!
Echo Dancer
SACRIFICE
Prologue
The Shi'ar Empress received a desperate call for help from Charles Xavier. Such a call meant the situation had to be dire. Charles and his X-men could handle just about anything. But apparently a full-scale invasion of the Earth System by an alien fleet was more than they could deal with on their own.
As the Shi'ar Empress gathered her resources and headed to Earth, Xavier carefully monitored the approaching alien vessels using Cerebro. More than generalities were lost to Xavier by the sheer distance between him and the aliens he was reading. One of the vessels proved impenetrable by his mind – likely psychic dampeners were being employed. But what he continued to pick up from the aliens on the other vessels was that this was not a social visit. They fully intended to take the Earth System for their own, whether by choice or by force. The aliens appeared in no hurry, which would hopefully allow Empress Lilandra time to warp-space jump to Earth with assistance.
Over the next several days, events unfolded quickly. The Shi'ar arrived just as the aliens, known as the Turzents, had settled into orbit around Earth. Xavier was disappointed that Lilandra came with only her Imperial cruiser and two escort ships. Hardly the show of force Xavier had imagined.
Opening communications with the Turzents, the Shi'ar explained Earth's request for assistance. Perhaps diplomatic channels could be established?
Xavier sensed only piqued interest from the Turzents at the Shi'ar interceding on Earth's behalf. They did not react with fear or trepidation as he had hoped. The Turzents seemed merely intrigued that this small, pre spacefaring world had allies such as the Shi'ar.
Through Lilandra and her negotiators, Xavier learned that the Turzents had earlier laid claim to this sector of space. The actual takeover of Earth was just the final step in fully integrating the Earth System into the Empire. He was told that pre-FTL civilizations were sometimes aware of their assimilation into Turzent territory, and other times not. In this case, the Turzent Emperor had decided that Earth would be in the former group.
The Shi'ar negotiators could determine that something specific about Earth had caught the Turzent Emperor's attention. Just what that was, the Turzent diplomats weren't sharing. The Shi'ar diplomats also felt that the Turzent wanted an excuse to interact with the Shi'ar, to learn more about them. That was good – it provided a reason for the Turzents to sit at the negotiating table when otherwise they seemed to have little interest in doing so.
Formal talks were scheduled aboard the Turzent Imperial cruiser. As a subjugated world, the Turzents would not allow any humans at the negotiating table. But they would allow the Shi'ar to represent Earth and Earth would be bound by whatever the Shi'ar agreed to on its behalf. The Emperor would permit a small contingent from Earth to accompany the Shi'ar diplomats, but the humans would remain confined in a highly secure area anytime they were on board the Turzent cruiser.
With the rules of the negotiations established, talks began. At first, the Turzent were unwilling to give on any front. The Earth was simply already theirs. Humans did not possess the ability to wage a successful war for independence, so by default, the Earth was part of the Turzent Empire.
The Shi'ar implied military assistance to defend Earth, but the Turzents weren't buying. It baffled the Shi'ar diplomats that the Turzent negotiators appeared unfazed by the inference. Were they really so self-confident that a threat from the vast Shi'ar Empire had no affect?
At every turn, with every suggested compromise, the Turzents responded with indifference or polite refusal. After two full days of talks, Lilandra's negotiators could win no points and the talks were quickly becoming meaningless.
Something changed during the third day and the Turzents changed their stance. Suddenly, they were ready to discuss options. On demand of the Turzent diplomats, the negotiating team was sequestered on the Turzent cruiser with no communications allowed, not back to the Shi'ar ship nor with the human contingent.
The basis for an agreement was hammered out quickly. By the morning of fifth day, the Turzents presented a written document ready to be signed. In the Turzent-Earth Accord, Earth would remain completely autonomous from the Empire. The Empire would not interfere with Earth internal affairs. There would be no Turzent presence on Earth. The whole Earth system would be completely "hands off."
And still no explanation for the change in position. Their negotiators had asked for very little, except one small concession – just one thing that the Turzents wanted in exchange for Earth's freedom, without which the system would be wholly and completely subjugated to the Empire. Earth would lose all independence and suffer Turzent occupation unless that single term was met.
In the eyes of the Shi'ar negotiators, the price was incredibly small. It would be foolish to turn aside the Accord by refusing this one, simple demand.
###
Chapter One
Concession
Xavier was stunned silent. His hands shook in anger as he held the computer pad in a tight grip. Carefully, he reread the shocking paragraphs in the translated document to make sure he hadn't misunderstood the meaning. Looking up at Lilandra who stood beside his chair, she responded to the question he hadn't yet asked.
Lilandra placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "I am uncertain as to why that specific demand, and the Turzent team is not elaborating, but this is their final offer. Even if Earth submits willingly to the Empire, the price remains the same for autonomy. They are unyielding on that."
"NO! I will not surrender an X-man to the Turzents! I will sacrifice no human – not like this. Do you really expect me to simply hand them Warren?" Charles Xavier was angry beyond rage. "To what purpose? What are the Empire's intentions? This I cannot – will not agree to!" he yelled, throwing the handheld device to the table.
"The agreement ensures the autonomy of your planet, Charles. Though we could not negotiate keeping Earth outside of the Turzent Empire, we did secure its independence, its right to self-govern. That was no small feat! With this agreement, there will be no contact with the Turzent government, no interference." Lilandra pulled a chair from the table and seated herself in front of Xavier. She looked him in the eyes in an attempt to re establish a rapport.
"Your people never need to know how close they came to domination." She let that settle for a few moments. "Being within the Turzent Empire will have its advantages. Earth gains Turzent protection against any outside threats. Despite the personal price, the treaty is a good one, Charles."
"It's for that protection we have maintained diplomatic ties with you and your government, Lilandra," Charles retorted with acid.
"If only my government truly felt a desire to protect your world. Sadly, after my reign is over I cannot guarantee that protection will continue. You see no military here to aid you now, Charles. No show of force. My people have little reason to expend resources this far from home. Only through my personal authority has that been the case in the past. But my time will pass and Earth will be without a guardian." Again, Lilandra allowed Charles time to absorb her words.
"If I step outside myself and look at the agreement with pure logic, I would agree with you. This is the best outcome one could negotiate – actually, better than one would have any reason to expect given the circumstances. But I cannot reconcile the morality of this agreement."
"So you refuse the offer – at what price? I have already told you the Shi'ar will likely not intercede militarily on Earth's behalf. Earth does not have the technology or depth of resources to ward off the Turzents for more than a few days, even with the help of your mutant heroes. And if you chose to fight, what would the cost be in human lives and suffering? In the end, your planet still falls to them, yet another conquest for their Emperor. Easy, little resources expended…an incident that barely registers in their historical records. Your race is subjugated with little hope for its future. Is that the outcome you desire?"
Charles shook his head, "Of course not. There must be another price the Turzents are willing to accept. Something else they desire…"
"We have explored those options. At this point, my advisors and I don't believe it's what the Turzent Empire wants, we agree this is something Emperor Ztar himself wants. Otherwise, this agreement makes no sense."
Xavier refused to believe there were no other options – there are always options, even if you have to create them yourself.
"There is something Ztar is gaining personally from this. I don't like the places that line of thinking takes me. We need to find out what that he gains and use it to our advantage."
"I'm sorry, Charles, but there is no time. The Turzents gave us a strict deadline to either accept or decline the offer. We believe they have discovered or surmised the lack of Shi'ar will to defend your world." Lilandra's voice soften once again and Charles stiffened. "As your representative, you entrusted Earth's future to me. The treaty has already been signed." Lilandra said, drawing a breath.
Xavier looked with disbelief at this alien woman in whose hands they had placed mankind's future. How could she have agreed to this without consulting him? How could she believe this was acceptable? This betrayal would not stand! His anger boiled over and his body shuddered.
Charles looked coldly at Lilandra with a rage she had not seen before. She pulled back from the intensity.
He would cut her down with one mental blow for this outrage! In that uncontrolled moment, Xavier might have acted on his impulse if not for the psychic dampeners on the Turzent cruiser.
"How could you have made that decision without consulting me? This is Warren we're talking about – a human being! Not some piece of- of property!"
Lilandra leaned closer despite Xavier's threatening stance. "Charles, I know what Warren means to you. He was one of your first chosen and he is like a son to you. You love him as a parent loves a child. You have been through much together. He is also your friend. Warren is, in a way, more special to you than most of the others…so strong in spirit, yet so gentle in nature. One of your X-men with the least power, but with more strength and courage than most. All these things I know, Charles." As she spoke, she watched Xavier closely. She gently took Charles' hand into hers. He resisted at first, then let her hold it.
"That is why I could not burden you with choosing. The pain will be nearly unbearable as it is – it would have destroyed you if the choice had been yours. Because in the end, I know you would have chosen to save your world. And, I believe Warren would do the same. One life in exchange for millions – Warren would choose this."
He closed his eyes to blot her out; to calm himself. Charles was far too experienced with seemingly hopeless, unjustifiable circumstances to continue to feed his anger – it served no purpose. 'Emotionally, you're a wreck, Charles,' he told himself. 'Get a grip!'
The Empress in front of him had helped them numerous times. They shared a permanent psychic connection. He knew her – trusted her. Or at least had trusted her. He fought to reconcile what she had just done to all she had done before. All they had been through together. In his mind, he used the scales to weigh her previous actions and intentions against this decision. Those scales still tipped in her favor.
He remained silent for a long while and Lilandra allowed him the time. She understood him well and knew that he was working to regain control and review the situation from a more detached perspective. Only when she saw his features soften and his shoulders sag, did she speak.
"Charles," her voice was gentle, caring. He opened his eyes and looked into hers. "This I would not have agreed to had there been any other option. You must know that. The Turzents pushed, we stepped back for the good of your people. You may never forgive me, but I hope in time you will come to understand that what we did was for the sake of your world and its future. This is the very best we could secure on your behalf."
"There were no alternatives?" His voice nearly a whisper.
"None, Charles."
"The deal is air-tight? The Earth is safe?"
"Yes. My negotiators are very skilled. The Accord has no vacuities the Turzents can exploit."
Charles was still for a moment, then slammed his fist against the table top so fiercely that Lilandra feared he may have broken bones. "Damn it, Lilandra. This isn't right! This is immoral!" She only nodded. She did not have to say that in war and conquest, there is very little morality – Charles Xavier knew that all too well.
He looked at her and a tear unashamedly ran down his face. She was right. In the end, Charles would have made the decision to save Earth even with a price this high. And likewise, given no option, he truly believed Warren would sacrifice himself as well.
"Warren has already been through too much. Why couldn't it have been someone else?" Xavier didn't expect an answer. Lilandra laid her hand over his fist still resting on the table.
His voice was shaky when he asked, "How do I tell him? What can I say?"
The Shi'ar and Turzents understood the situation would be explosive if the X-men were still on board when they heard the news. Measures had already been taken to ensure that would not happen. Lilandra had asked that Charles remain behind so she could inform him personally. He would not hear this from anyone else – she owed him that.
"Your X-men are already on their way back to Earth, Charles. They were separated from Archangel under false pretenses to avoid any confrontations and do not yet know the treaty has been signed. The Turzents demanded you have no further contact with Warren. It is done, Charles." She said with finality. "I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart bleeds for you and Warren today."
Their eyes met once again and he knew without a telepathic connection that she spoke truthfully.
Then the powerful, reserved Charles Xavier cried in Empress's arms.
###
After waiting impatiently for some time in a small conference with two his Turzent escorts, word came that Xavier was available to meet. Warren and the escorts traversed several corridors and a couple ship decks before stopping in front of an entrance. One of the pair of Turzent guards on either side activated the door to what appeared to be a large meeting area. Once inside the room, the door slide shut silently behind them. The room was already occupied by several armed Shi'ar guards standing at the far end of the room. Two more flanked either side of the door they just came through. Warren recognized the stun guns the Shi'ar guards carried – probably the only weapons the Turzent would allow them to carry on board. But then again, why guns and guards at all?
In the center of the room, two male Turzents and a female and male Shi'ar, all in formal attire gathered. 'Negotiators?' Warren wondered. However, the person he had expected to see was not there.
"Where's Xavier?" he inquired of his escorts.
The escorts remained silent, only indicating with a gesture that he continue toward the foursome at the room's center. Once near the Turzent and Shi'ar gathering, the escorts addressed the Shi'ar pair. "As you requested," and they melted away behind Warren.
'This doesn't feel right,' Warren thought. A tiny, unconscious flick of his wings was the only outward sign he sensed trouble. A sign his fellow X-men would have picked up on, but was lost on the aliens.
"Where is Charles Xavier? I was told he wanted to see me."
The practiced poker-face of the Shi'ar in front of him furthered Warren's unease.
"Actually, it was I that wanted to see you. I am Charize, Imperial Negotiator for the Empress." Looking toward his companion, Charize continued. "This is Arizai, my aide. I am to inform you that the treaty between the Earth System and the Turzent Empire has been signed."
Warren was taken aback.
"Already?"
He thought the negotiations would take a heck of a lot more time, maybe weeks. As head of a large corporation, he understood the minutia that goes into deal-making. And why tell him away from the others? Or were they all being told separately because the news was not good. X-men can be 'difficult' when things don't go their way. Warren smiled inwardly at that thought. But separated, they could be better controlled, or at least more easily contained. Pity the poor group that got Wolverine!
"The initial negotiations were stalled, but we eventually brokered an agreement that was workable," Charize offered. "The Earth remains independent. There will be no interference from the Turzent Empire in your internal affairs. Your star system continues to be within the boundaries of their empire, but your planet is free and self-governed."
Despite the poker-face, this Charize seemed uncomfortable. Warren cocked his head, "This is good news, right?" But the nonverbal signals he was picking up indicated the other proverbial shoe was about to drop.
"Yes, it is very good news. A better outcome than we had expected. Your homeworld is safe, or as safe as any in an uncertain galaxy. Your people are free to continue as before with complete autonomy," the Shi'ar proclaimed with a hint of pride.
"So Earth merrily goes on its way, as if this whole thing never happened?" Warren wanted to be sure he got this right.
The negotiator affirmed, "That is a correct summation of the Accord."
A sinking feeling in the pit of Warren's stomach grew and he had to ask. "What was the price for this freedom?"
Warren studied the Shi'ars carefully as they seem to gather themselves. Their pause gave Warren a few seconds to recheck his surroundings. He steadied himself to not reveal that he knew the Shi'ar guards were no longer at the far end, but had drifted closer. Behind him he also sensed that the exit door was now blocked. The Turzents in formal dress had edged to the far end of the room.
Charize let out a human-like sigh. "Sadly, in all negotiations concessions are made to ensure ultimate success. Our negotiations on behalf of your planet were no different. But in this case, there were only two concessions on our side: that Earth remains within Turzent Empire and…" Charize hesitated, taking in a breath, "and you." Then he and his aide took a slight step backward and watched the human closely. The Shi'ar guards were now very close.
Warren wasn't sure he heard right. Two concessions – Earth still sits inside the Turzent Empire and him? 'Don't panic,' he reminded himself. Verify first. But his stomach was already lurching.
He looked Charize in the eyes. "Say again!"
"I deeply regret…there were no other viable options. The Turzent Emperor was firm – you are to go with them." The Shi'ar negotiator was now visibly distressed. That their negotiator felt distress over this concession was of little comfort if Warren understood correctly.
"Are you telling me that the X-men are part of the bargain?"
Charize shook his head. "Not the X-men. You." Warren's world shifted so violently he thought he might lose balance.
"Please understand, it was that or your planet would fall. You must go with their Emperor."
All of the heightened senses of Archangel, all the years of training as an X-man, mental and physical, all his survival instincts sprang up to Warren's consciousness. The guards next to him could likely be taken out with a single wing swipe and a semi-aerial maneuver would bring down the guards behind him in front of the door, all before these aliens knew what hit them. He wouldn't waste precious moments grabbing a stun gun from the Shi'ar guards. The Turzents outside the meeting room had much bigger, and Warren assumed, more powerful weapons. He'd disarm those guards and then take whatever obstacles came his way until he could locate an escape route – or the other X men. And if the door was locked…well, options came to mind under that scenario, too.
Charize guessed what was going through the human's mind. "Archangel, you must not resist or the Earth goes to the Turzents. Be calm, I beg you!" he raised his voice to cut through the adrenaline Charize knew by now was coursing through the mutant's veins.
Archangel heard the words and knew he understood the situation all too clearly. He was being turned over to the Turzents. Flashes of Apocalypse raced through his mind. He would not allow that to happen again – he would die first!
He snapped open his wings hard and fast hitting the guards on either side of him, the impact felling them in opposite directions. In the same motion, he sprang into the air and in a somersault maneuver took out the two guards by the exit door.
"Archangel – you jeopardize the treaty! Please, you must calm down!"
Archangel dimly heard Charize's pleas simultaneously with the soft click of weaponry from the remaining guards. Before his feet hit the floor, his hand was on the control panel for the door. But it didn't open. 'Locked!' his mind screamed.
Propelling himself into the air, he closed the distance between himself and Charize so fast none of the guards got off a shot. He had the negotiator of this concession by the throat in a blink of an eye. Positioning Charize between him and everyone else in the room, Archangel held tight to his hostage.
Turzent and Shi'ar alike stood motionless and silent.
"Open that fucking door now!" Archangel yelled at the guards.
They did not respond. A glance between Charize and his aide signaled a delegation of authority. Arizai responded to Archangel's command.
"Mr. Worthington." she started, hoping to begin shifting him out of Archangel mode. "You don't yet understand the consequences of your actions. You must listen to me and remain calm. No one is going to hurt you or approach you. No one outside this room knows what is transpiring here. This is between us." She waited for him to process that information.
Arizai knew that Charize was in no real danger. Shi'ar are many times stronger than humans and he could wrest himself free from Archangel's necklock at any time. But Arizai and Clarice had anticipated this possible sequence of events. Right now, Archangel needed to feel some sort of control over the situation before he would listen and comprehend. If he remained in fight or flight mentality, words would do no good and Archangel could be injured – something the Turzent Emperor strictly forbade.
"I've just been bargained over to an alien Empire. What don't I understand? Open the goddamn door!" he demanded.
"The treaty states that Earth's freedom is maintained only as long as you comply with the terms. If you do not, Earth becomes a Turzent-occupied world." She let that settle before continuing.
Her monotone voice riled Archangel. It was his life they bargained away. His life was a fucking concession. She was acting…they were all acting… like they had been asked only to turn over a booty bag. A flood of emotions swirled within Archangel along side the physical reaction to danger. It nearly staggered him. He fought the adrenaline surge to focus on what Arizai was saying – perhaps she would reveal something he could use.
"The price of Earth's freedom is you," she said as gently as she could. "Submit to their Emperor demands and the Earth remains autonomous. Any disobedience, escape, rescue, or suicide by you voids the agreement and Earth falls immediately under Turzent control." Arizai allowed several seconds to pass before continuing – Archangel needed the time to absorb her words.
"Their Emperor will show humans no mercy in his occupation of your planet if you do not comply. There is no recourse available to you. The Accord is signed and it is without flaw. The choice – your choice – is to comply or Earth is lost. The consequence of your actions is no less than the fate of your homeworld, Mr. Worthington. Do you understand?" Arizai delivered the words calmly, without emotion, hoping to bring this human to his senses quickly. They didn't want to keep Ztar waiting.
Archangel sucked in air. The room was too small – he couldn't breathe. He mind spun out of control, but he managed to grab one coherent thought – "Where are the X-men and the Professor!"
"Mr. Worthington, your friends are safely on their way to Earth as we speak. Charles Xavier is on a shuttle to the Shi'ar cruiser. He, too, is safe. They are in no danger."
"They wouldn't leave me here – you're lying!" Archangel believed that with every fiber of his being. Nothing would stand in the way of his friends in protecting him. No treaty. No Turzent Emperor. No Shi'ar traitors. He tightened his arm around Charize's neck for emphasis.
Arizai knew Emperor Ztar wanted this process to go quickly. But if this was to happen without Archangel being stunned by the guards' weapons or worse, it may take a little extra time. They also needed Archangel to fully understand and accept his situation before being turned over or all may be lost.
She exhaled, and then responded to Archangel. "They would not leave you, that is true. That is also why your friends do not know about you or that the treaty has been signed. Xavier is only being informed now, as we speak."
"They're off-ship?" Warren's heart nearly stopped.
"Yes. Safe, for now. As long as you do as we say, Mr. Worthington. If you do not, I cannot guarantee their safety…or your planet's…" her voice trailed off.
Archangel refused to believe these aliens. The X-men would know something was up. Xavier, despite the Turzent ship's psychic dampeners, would sense something – wouldn't he?
"I want to talk with the Professor – now."
Arizai almost said 'not possible,' but caught herself. If the Shi'ar Empress had done her job, Xavier was already fully briefed on the situation and persuaded that this was the only option open to Earth. "Let me see what I can do, Mr. Worthington."
He watched as Arizai walked over to the two Turzent officials. Archangel guessed they were Turzent negotiators or bureaucrats. It made sense that she would approach them as this was their ship and she would need their assistance to contact Xavier. He watched everyone in the room for any sudden movements or suspicious actions – he prided himself on reading body language. Nothing he saw suggested an attempt to free Charize from Archangel's grip. This steadied him.
Arizai quietly conferred with the Turzents and all agreed this scenario had been anticipated (along with several other possible scenarios). A quick comm call to central communications linked the Turzent conference room to Empress Lilandra's shuttle. Central communications quickly confirmed with the Empress' aide that indeed Lilandra and Xavier had finished their meeting and Xavier had understood the position his planet was in without the cooperation of Archangel. In less than three minutes, a comlink was in place.
Three minutes is an eternity when you've been given a death sentence, or at least that is how Archangel was viewing this. What did the Turzents want with him? Genetic experiments? Slide and dice him to create their own superbeings? Why him? Other X men were far more powerful.
He didn't believe the others were safe or that they hadn't suspected something was up. In Wolverine's instincts alone he would plant that belief. It made more sense that they split up the X-men to have a better chance at containing them and they were all being turned over to the Turzents. A treaty to ensure the future of Earth that sacrificed a few mutants – what leaders on Earth would strongly object to that? A small price, they'd say.
Archangel checked in with himself physically. The longer he thought; the longer he waited on Arizai, the less his adrenaline pumped. Coming down from an adrenaline high can be debilitating. He had to remain at peak as long as possible to have any chance against his captors. Archangel needed to stay very angry.
He didn't fool himself about the odds of escape from the Turzent cruiser. According to intelligence reports the Shi'ar shared with the X-men, the Turzents were physically powerful, extremely intelligent, and cunning. Their technology rivaled the Shi'ar's. No, if Archangel was to regain his freedom, it would most likely come about only with help from others. He needed his friends!
'Damn, what is taking so long!' he yelled in his head. "I'm tired of waiting. This ends now!" Archangel snarled at the Shi'ar and Turzent officials huddled around what was obviously a communication panel.
Arizai turned to face Archangel. "We have established a link with the Empress' shuttle. We are just waiting for Mr. Xavier to arrive at their conference room."
'Good,' Archangel said to himself. 'At if it's not really the Professor, I'm doing my best to break this Shi'ar's neck regardless of the consequences!'
###
On the Shi'ar shuttle, Xavier is numb. "Lilandra, what you ask is more than I can do. I have already given up someone more dear to me than life itself. Now you ask that I command him to stand down and submit to his captors?"
Lilandra held Charles' shaking hand. Seeing and sensing his pain was almost more than she could bear. "My dear Charles. This is cruel beyond imaging. But Warren needs to go quietly with the Turzents. He must understand what is at stake. Right now, he will listen only to you – believe only you. He will do as you command…what must be done." Her voice was barely above a whisper at the end. She was quiet for several moments while Charles gathered himself.
"I'll be here, at your side. Let me lend you my strength," she offered, squeezing his hand tightly.
Charles mentally attempted to separate himself from the situation, to somehow detach from himself. This will be one of, if not the most difficult points in his life. But Charles fully understood that the price of failure was the home of 6.5 billion humans. You do not give in to unchecked emotions or focus on the personal cost at this defining moment. You do what must be done. He straightened himself in his chair.
Lilandra watched her one-time royal consort prepare himself and she was more proud of him this day than ever before. And more heart sick and ashamed than she had been in a very long time.
"I am ready," he said without emotion.
###
The view panel in the Turzent meeting room came to life. Xavier's face filled the screen. "Warren?"
"Professor, what the hell is going on? Where are you? Where are the X-men? You won't believe the bull they're feeding me about the treaty and…and about me!" Archangel's anger resurged as he demanded answers.
"W-warren…" Charles' voice faltered. Archangel picked up on it immediately. He had known this man since he was a teenager. Something was desperately wrong.
"Professor, what's going on?"
"Warren, please let Charize go. You'll gain nothing by harming him." Charles knew Warren likely couldn't seriously hurt the Shi'ar negotiator without a weapon. He also surmised that Warren also knew he could do no serious harm to a being several times stronger and tougher than himself. It was an act of desperation that the Shi'ar were obviously willing to tolerate.
"Not until I have some answers!" he continued to watch the image closely, needing to determine if this really was Xavier or Turzent trickery.
"Very well." Lilandra watched Xavier's hands hold the chair arms in a death grip. But his face was soft without a hint of the anguish she knew he was enduring. Xavier continued, "I am in a shuttle getting ready to dock with the Shi'ar Imperial Cruiser. I am free and unharmed. The rest of the X-men are likely already back at the mansion – also free and unharmed. They have been told that I will be joining them soon as the negotiations have stalled and everyone is taking a break before trying again."
"They wouldn't leave without me!" Archangel challenged.
"They believe you to be with me, Warren. They are uncertain as to why I requested your presence, but they trust the Shi'ar because I do and that's what the Shi'ar told them. Once we-"
"You wouldn't leave me!" Archangel was realizing this truly was Xavier – everything about him read right. That realization drove his fear higher.
Xavier's nearly crumbled under the words. For a moment, he nearly surrendered a world to save this one human. But in true Xavier form, he pushed aside his emotions as best he could to do what he must.
"I would not willing leave you, Warren. You are like a s-son to me. I would give my own life…"
Lilandra saw Charles' tight control over his emotions loosen again. This must end quickly for everyone's sake. "Charles," she whispered, "the treaty." She watched as Xavier fought for self control.
"Warren, there is no other way to say this that will make it easier. The situation is as the Shi'ar have told you."
"You don't know what they've told me – you're not here!" Archangel cried. His world had begun to crumble; shattering in slow motion.
Xavier braced himself to speak the most agonizing words he would ever speak. "Warren, you must go with the Turzent. If you do not, the Earth loses its freedom and the Turzents will rule."
"No!" Archangel shoved Charize aside and took several steps toward the viewscreen on the wall. The others in the room melted to the sides of the room.
"It's not true! It c-can't b-be!" He voice cracked as he cried in numbing disbelief. The room fell away and Archangel's world became only Xavier's image and voice.
"I'm so sorry – it's out of our hands. There's nothing we can do to help you. If we try-" Charles voice broke, he choked and swallowed, a tear running down his face.
Archangel had watched Xavier with intense desperation, looking for any sign, any hope that this was not the man that was a second father. But when Xavier started to break down, he knew this was truly Xavier. His last hope evaporated. His legs gave out and he sank to the floor, looking up at the screen. "Professor…" he pleaded.
Lilandra wasn't sure if Charles would be able to continue. His strength once again amazed her as he gathered himself for the sake of a planet.
"Archangel!" Charles said sternly. Lilandra knew by the change in how he addressed Warren what was coming next – and it would be a blade through the heart of the X-man.
Xavier's voice was like steel as he continued. "Archangel, you will go quietly with the Turzent. You will not attempt to escape, nor will there be any attempt by the X-men to rescue you. You will do as you are commanded by their Emperor." Each command Xavier uttered brought more horror to Archangel's face. "You will not attempt to harm any Turzent. You will not bring harm to yourself. You will do this for the sake of mankind."
The world shattered around him and the Archangel persona melted away – only Warren remained. This man had practically raised him from a teenager. Had trained him to be an X-man. Fought at his side. They'd been to hell and back together more times than Warren could count. Yet this man he considered a mentor, a friend, and confidante, just told him to go quietly with the enemy!
He watched Xavier's image – he could tell the older mutant was on the verge of completely breaking down. "No-o, Professor! I can-n't…I…this doesn't make sense…this-. There must be something else…Please!" Warren begged, his body quaked under a cascade of emotions.
"You have your orders." It was Xavier's last strength. He could say no more.
Xavier could only watch in anguish as the younger mutant struggled to digest what he had heard. He longed to grab Warren, hold him tight, to protect and comfort him. To tell him that in this moment, Charles Xavier, one of the most powerful mutants on Earth, just died inside. But not before Xavier fatally mindblasted every Turzent on that ship!
Rage and horror again surged to the surface within Xavier as he watch Warren's head bow to the floor, his wings folded tightly around him in a protective position. Then Xavier's shame for the betrayal crushed him.
Lilandra knew Xavier could endure or do no more – further contact would simply prolong the agony. She pressed the control on the viewer console to end the link and then drew Charles into her arms. At first he resisted her embrace – her people bartered this atrocity. But then, he reminded himself, they also had saved his planet from hostile occupation. And they wept.
###
There comes a point when too much is too much. Combined memories of the horrors Warren endured at the hands of Apocalypse, an inability to find a reason for this latest subjugation, Xavier's betrayal, and the future of Earth resting on his cooperation with his captors. The mind deals with these situations as best it can. With the fight or flight option no longer available, it detaches, giving the individual time to deal with the immediate crisis. It was now almost as if all this was happening to someone else and Warren was watching from outside himself.
The aliens in the room had remained still during the exchange with Xavier. Charize and Arizai watched as Archangel remained quietly on the floor, with his head down. While he was visibly trembling, he did seem to be calming – hopefully, for the right reasons. But no one dared yet move – Archangel needed to time collect himself, time these skilled negotiators were willing to give him if it would help make the next step easier. Finally, Archangel righted himself, still holding his wings tight to his body in a defensive position.
'Another few seconds…' Arizai told herself. She was rewarded for her patience.
'Do what they want…for now,' Warren told himself in a detached calmness.
On unsteady legs Archangel got to his feet. He sought out Arizai's face and locked eyes. "Now what?' Warren asked dully.
"Now we go see the Emperor," she answered flatly.
###
Ztar was nearly out of patience. This was taking too long. He wanted to get out of this backwater star system, away from the prying eyes of the Shi'ar, and be done with it. They had learned as much as possible about the Shi'ar without raising too many suspicions. Give him his prize and let's move!
This Earth business had started months ago when Ztar read a scout report about an insignificant star system outside of Turzent space with a single populated planet called Earth. What piqued Ztar's interest, though, was the report of super-powered beings – genetic mutations – that apparently occurred naturally; not created through scientific manipulation. Now that was interesting!
In the weeks that followed, Ztar ordered further stealth investigations of the planet. Everything he learned intrigued him. This planet would be worth adding to his Empire.
In the last few days, Ztar was even more impressed with the backwater planet when they summoned the Shi'ar to their side. This insignificant planet grew more intriguing with every passing day. Now Ztar certainly did not want to abnegate Earth.
Because his ship's psychic dampeners worked on everyone but him, Ztar was free to read the minds of the Shi'ar negotiators and their Empress. He learned the Shi'ar had little desire to come to Earth's aid militarily. The Empress would fight for her Earth friends, but her government likely would not.
Two days of talks, and Ztar grew weary of the meaningless negotiations. He had learned what he wanted about the Shi'ar and was ready to end the discussions and take control of the planet that was already his. Let the Shi'ar decide whether or not they had the stomach to stop him!
Then he decided to take a look at the humans who accompanied the Shi'ar on the third day. A slightly different group had come over from the Shi'ar cruiser that morning. What Ztar saw on the viewscreen changed everything. A creature so magnificent, it took his breath away.
Stealth telepathy was Ztar's specialty. He did it better than anyone – nearly undetectable, especially when the victim's mind was distracted. A single mental probe of the human revealed much. Ztar must have this Archangel! He would give away the whole Earth System for that one.
And so his negotiators were instructed to obtain the human in a manner that guaranteed his complete cooperation. Earth itself, he told them, was the bargaining chip. Now after waiting two long days, Ztar was about to receive his indentured human. Time moved slowly as his anticipation grew. Ztar was tired of waiting.
His staff kept him fully apprised as events unfolded concerning the human to augment Ztar's telepathically monitoring. He preferred dual monitoring in most situations – his senses and information his crew provided. It gave him another perspective on events.
The departure of the rest of the mutants called the X men had been accomplished without incident. Their leader also departed according to plan. The mutant Archangel had put up a bit of resistance. This was expected – Ztar would have been disappointed if human hadn't. The unanticipated conversation between the human called Xavier and Archangel resulted in a delay. However, it had the right effect, so the delay was worthwhile.
All perfectly acceptable; it was just that Ztar was not a patient man. He paced the length of the ship's throne room. Finally, he sensed the Shi'ar and the human approach the antechamber. An aide confirmed they were just outside.
###
Arizai led the way, followed by Warren, Charize, and four Turzent guards. Arizai had done her duty and informed Warren of the protocols to be followed in the Emperor's presence. He replayed those words to keep his mind focused on something relatively benign instead of racing with thoughts of the unimaginable.
"Do not speak until directly addressed by Emperor Ztar," she had explained. "Do not stare into his eyes and keep your head slightly bowed. Do not move unless told or otherwise directed to do so. No threatening gestures or sudden moves. Answer questions, but ask none unless permission is requested and granted by the Emperor. Remain calm and submissive."
Warren's stomach churned at 'submissive.' It foreshadowed things he did not want to contemplate.
When the doors to the throne room opened, it revealed Ztar seated in a large, ornate chair positioned on a riser. Standing at the foot of the riser were two male Turzents in formal attire. Warren recognized one as a Turzent official from the room where he had talked with Xavier, but not the other.
Arizai brought them within a few feet of the throne and stopped – Arizai in front, with Warren and Charize positioned behind. She waited for Ztar to address her. And he did make her wait, for many long seconds. Warren sensed this Ztar liked to make people uncomfortable. But he doubted it had that affect on the Shi'ar – they were used to Imperial rulers. Arizai waited without appearing affronted.
Ztar stood up, standing erect as if to emphasize his stature. Warren studied the Emperor as he kept them waiting. Warren guessed he was nearly seven feet tall – taller by a head than any other Turzent he had seen during his brief time on the ship. Ztar was as powerful in appearance as any major mutant Warren had encountered. Toned and muscular, he looked like he could single handedly fight off a small army. His skin was olive brown and his hair, which could only be described as black crimson, covered his head and trailed down the back of his neck. His eyes were a deep brown with flecks of gold. From Warren brief exposure to other of Ztar's kind, Turzent eyes had no whites and Ztar's were no different. Other than the obvious cosmetic differences, the Turzents and Ztar were remarkably humanoid.
Ztar finally addressed the female Shi'ar. "All is as agreed?" the Emperor's voice was deep and even those few words were filled with the air of an imperial dictator.
"Yes, Emperor. Our presentation of the human named Archangel represents fulfillment of the last term to fully enact the Turzent-Earth Accord."
The Emperor descended the single step to the floor and approached Arizai. A glance from Ztar and she politely stood aside. Ztar took another step that closed the gap between himself and Archangel. Charize stepped sideways, away from Archangel.
'Don't let this guy get to you,' Warren told himself. He held his ground and did not move even as Ztar took another small step to within inches of Warren.
Ztar moved to Archangel's side, looking him up and down, examining his prize. Archangel remained still. The Emperor reached out and gently touched the leading edge of one wing.
Warren jumped as reflexes took over. The Emperor's hand was flung aside as Warren rapidly extended his wings and swung half around to face Ztar. The detachment his mind had shielded him with, fell away. His anger flared as he faced the alien ruler.
Guards brought their weapons up in a microsecond and had them trained on Archangel and the Shi'ar. The Emperor raised his hand in a halt gesture and everyone froze.
Warren swallowed hard – he wasn't sure what to do except freeze like everyone else. 'Earth's on the line – remember that Worthington!' He stayed still in front of the Emperor – even though every fiber of his being wanted to attack.
"Hold your position. Lower your weapons," Ztar commanded and it was so. "Archangel needs to learn how to properly conduct himself and we will allow him a short while to do so." Ztar didn't address that to the room at large, but directly at Archangel.
Ztar looked down at his subject, into the blue eyes that danced with anger. "Turn and face forward as before. You will control yourself or Earth pays for your disobedience."
'Goddamn bastard!' Warren swore to himself.
Warren did as commanded, fists clenched. Again Ztar touch the top edge of Warren's right wing, running his hand down the full length of the wing's reach. Warren fought to suppress a shiver as the hand slid over his feathers, but could not.
A nearly invisible smile crossed Ztar's face at that, then he completed his circle around Archangel until back where he started, facing the mutant. "Much better, Archangel," the Emperor stated flatly.
'Much better my ass, you fucking bastard!' Warren's anger had not abated, but he controlled it for the sake of the planet he called home.
Ztar then turned and addressed Arizai. "I am satisfied. The Accord is in effect as of this moment. It will remain in effect…" Ztar paused and looked Archangel in the eyes, "as long as my newest subject fulfills his obligations under its terms."
It was all Warren could do not to strike out, but Ztar's words rooted him in place.
'You'll pay for this! You'll see! The X-men will make you pay!' Warren vowed silently. Then Xavier's words came back to him. There'd be no rescue. 'Not true – don't believe it! Lies!'
"Thank you, Emperor Ztar." Arizai and Charize then exited the room, their job done.
The guards would have the Shi'ar delegation off his cruiser within minutes. Ztar immediately started toward a door off to one the side of the throne room. "Take Archangel to his chambers. Sukja will attend to him," he commanded his aide as he strode toward the exit.
'Chambers? Not cell? What the fuck?' This was getting more bizarre by the moment.
"Yes, Emperor."
As guards and the Turzent at the foot of the throne started moving toward him, Warren took a risk. 'To hell with protocol!' he thought.
"Ztar! At least tell me why I'm here – what you want with me! You owe me that much!" he demanded loudly to Ztar's back.
The room seemed to draw its breath and hold it. Again, people froze in their tracks. Ztar stopped as the door automatically slide open before him, but did not turn around. He seemed to be calculating how to deal with this second breach of conduct. Under other circumstances, Archangel's behavior could have brought about anything from a fist to the face to an agonizing psychic attack.
Ztar considered his options. He would allow the human this outburst. Archangel had a strong spirit that Ztar did not want to completely destroy. Given his plans for Archangel, that spirit could be enriching.
As he turned slowly to face Archangel, Ztar allowed himself a slight smile, though not a friendly one. "What I demand from you, Archangel, is your body…in my bed." Then he swiftly left the room and the door slid close.
###
"What?" Warren stared incredulously at the door Ztar disappeared through. "What did he say?" The implanted universal translators he had received on the Shi'ar vessel must have malfunctioned. That had to be it.
"Archangel, come with me. Ztar's attendant will explain." The aide motioned the guards to move closer.
Warren wasn't budging. "I'm not going anywhere until I get an explanation because what I just heard doesn't make sense. Damn translator isn't working right."
"It's working perfectly," Ztar's aide sighed.
"You can't know that – I'm telling you it didn't work right. I demand you repeat what Ztar said!" he barked.
The aide looked decided annoyed.
"Archangel, in case there is a misunderstanding of your circumstance here, you are in no position to demand anything. You are to obey and submit in any fashion the Emperor chooses. Should you do otherwise, your homeworld is forfeited. If the Emperor wishes for you to be his bedmate, then that's what you'll be." The aide waited. He had generous experience with these situations. Each Imperial companion went through a similar process before they came to accept their position as the Emperor's newest consort. And he'd had many over the years.
"…in my bed." "bedmate" – that couldn't be right. Couldn't be what he was thinking. A mistake – the translations must be wrong.
'Verify, Worthington. Verify first!' the thought rang in his head.
"Bedmate?" he nearly choked on the word.
"Yes, Ztar wishes you to share his bed and that's what you will do. If you do not, your planet will pay for your defiance," the aide said firmly and coldly.
The room spun around Warren as the full meaning of the words took hold.
'Oh my god! No way – no fucking way! This isn't happening. A bad dream. Just need to wake up! Shit!'
One portion of his mind fought to deny what he was hearing. It wasn't entirely effective. Another part of his mind was racing to fully comprehend the ramification of the words. The mental torrent resulted in a myriad of chemicals in his blood system with the expected results – Warren thought he'd vomit.
"Breathe deeply to steady yourself," the aide offered, recognizing the signs. "Focus on my voice and do as I say."
Without conscious decision, Warren breathed in, held it, then exhaled slowly, his breath trembling. 'Okay, get a grip,' He took another deep breath. 'Shit shit shit!'
"I'll do no such thing! This is all a lie – a trick," he spoke with desperation. "I demand to read the Accord – now!"
The aide sighed in irritation. This human had already been more trouble than four of Ztar's previous reluctant companions combined. But the emotional reactions were nearly always the same though. Confusion, disbelief, and denial. He was well versed in how to handle these situations. Quickly evaluating the situation, the aide concluded the most expedient action was to give the human what he requested. Let him see his circumstances in writing.
Pulling out a hand-held device, the aide punched in the appropriate security codes to light up the viewscreen with the text of the Accord. Then he bypassed the preliminary passages of the document to those of interest to Archangel. It was all in intergalactic legalese, but bottom line, Archangel now belonged to Ztar to do with as he pleased. A couple more taps of the screen and the document was translated into the human's written language – 'English' he thought they called it.
"This is the translated version of the Accord, Archangel. I've displayed the terms that relate directly to you. All the terms are quite clear and precise in regard to your position and responsibilities," the aide said handing the device to the human.
Warren snatched it away quickly. This could still be a trick, but they would have needed to gone to a hell of a lot of trouble to create a believable treaty document between the Turzent Empire, the Shi'ar, and Earth that Warren would buy into. His business acumen would pay dividends now.
As he read the clauses of the Accord, his hands began to shake. Earth and the Shi'ar were to deliver him to the Empire in exchange for Earth's autonomy from Turzent rule. Once done, it fell to Warren to safeguard that autonomy – 'Archangel/Warren Worthington III shall submit without resistance in any manner or conduct as dictated by the Emperor.' The document went on to detail in no uncertain terms that failure to submit or obey would immediately jeopardize the general safety and welfare of Earth and its people and the autonomy granted by the agreement.
He found another passage that made him dizzy with implications. 'Archangel/Warren Worthington III is hereby declared the sole property of the Turzent Empire and devoid of any and all rights legally and otherwise granted to sentient beings under Turzent, Shi'ar, and/or Earth law...' His blood seemed to drain away and a chill ran through him.
The words were so cold and dispassionate. Life as he knew it was declared null and void within the words of the Accord. He was no longer a person, only a property item. No rights – no recourse. A fucking piece of property!
There was more, much more, but Warren couldn't bring himself read any further. He doubted he'd find anything to give the document away as a fraud. What he read sounded like a legitimate legal agreement. And it said exactly what everyone was telling him it did.
'Dear God, it can't be for real! The Professor wouldn't have agreed to this – ever! Don't believe it – won't believe it! But it sounds so real – so fucking legal. Oh God. How can this be? If this is valid, I'm fucking screwed. Screwed!'
Having given the human ample time to read the most important clauses, the aide spoke once again. "As you can see, the situation is as we've told you. Now we must move along," he said gently removing the device from Archangel's hands.
'This isn't real…can't be real…'
Warren's mind numbed as shock deepened. He looked at the Emperor's aide with a surreal detachment.
"Archangel," the aide said almost gently, "we are going to your private chambers now. Ztar's personal attendant is there to help you sort this out." He would all too happily turn the human over to Sukja to manage.
With guards in a semi-circle around them, the aide led the group out of the throne room. Warren followed. Everything was dreamlike and disconnected – as if he was watching someone else walking down the hall. Disassociation had replaced emotion.
###
Sukja opened the chamber door as the group was arriving. A guard had commed ahead that they were approaching. Sukja took charge immediately, beckoning Archangel inside and dismissing everyone else. One of the guards gave Sukja a look that asked, 'Are you sure you know what you're doing with this one?'
Sukja replied with a quick affirmative nod. After all, Sukja had been done this many times for the Emperor. Emotionally, he doubted this human would be much different than any of the other unwilling consorts he had prepared for their new role. Shock is a wonderful thing – it can make the victim much more malleable.
Sukja hadn't yet been privy to seeing this Archangel. Ztar described him, but Sukja hadn't seen any images. Looking at the human, he instantly saw why the Emperor was so determined to possess him.
Part of Sukja's job as attendant was to understand and anticipate every imperial desire of a personal nature. Sukja was very good at his job. He was thoroughly versed in Ztar's likes, dislikes, desires, and needs. This human fit nicely into his Emperor's tastes.
The Emperor's description had not been overstated. Archangel was stunning. In spite of what must have been a horrifying experience over the past couple hours, he was still magnificently beautiful. True to Ztar's description, the human did immediately conjure up images of Turzent mythical creatures called the Esserru – winged beings of great compassion, incredible beauty, and immense power. In fact, the likeness to those beings was uncanny.
And if everything else Ztar said about this human was true, and there was no reason to believe otherwise, the Emperor's latest acquisition showed great promise as being able to finally provide Ztar what was needed in the bedchamber. Perhaps he would find some fulfillment in that arena at long last.
Sukja also realized that if this pairing failed, he would take a great deal of the blame. Much was riding on a positive outcome as so much was done, even given up, by the Emperor to obtain the human. The burden rested heavily on Sukja, but he was confident in his abilities to assuage fears, anger, and rebellion. He had years of experience to call upon.
As Sukja and Archangel cleared the entrance into the suite, the door slide closed. Sukja slid his hand over the control to silently lock the door, having previously set the system to respond only to his touch. Archangel could not leave the chambers.
"My name is Sukja and I am Emperor Ztar's personal attendant. These are your chambers," Sukja started.
Warren looked around. His mind focused only things that were potentially useful to his survival – the door they just past through, the control panel he doubted this Sukja knew he had sensed him activate, the two other doors at either ends of the large chamber, and objects he could use in self-defense, such as the large metal-looking art piece on the wall by the dining area – nice, sharp points.
Sukja wanted to promise Archangel some future influence over his surroundings. The ability to assert a measure of control over one's circumstance was important to all sentient beings he had encountered.
"This is your domain. Here you decide when to rise in the morning, when to eat, when to partake in pastime activities, how you spend your days. If you want to change things around to suit you better, that's your decision." Sukja detailed in a soft, almost melodic voice.
Warren walked further into the room. His head was pounding and his stomach churning, he realized. The rest of his body didn't seem to belong to him – he couldn't really feel it. Thoughts, too, were becoming hard to form. He recognized all this as the same numbness and mental shutdown from his first agonizing hours with Apocalypse. It was his brain's attempt to insulate him from what was happening.
Warren shook his head in an attempt to reattach. 'Need to think, damn it!' he chastised himself.
Sukja had been kept apprised of events concerning Archangel as they had unfolded. He knew the human had put up more resistance than is typical in these situations. But Archangel wasn't typical. This was a unique being coming from uncommon circumstances – a warrior and a person of wealth and influence on his world. Yet as exceptional as the human may be, his reaction to his new life would likely be consistent with other bedmates Sukja had transitioned into Ztar's service.
The alien was suddenly in front of Warren. "You are in shock. Perhaps a sedative and some rest…?"
That made Warren's heart jump. "No sedatives!" he said much more loudly than he had intended.
Sukja took a step backward. "If that is your wish. For now, why don't you just sit for awhile. Collect your thoughts and digest what has happened today." Sukja motioned to a comfortable looking chair at the dining table.
'That's harmless enough,' Warren told himself and walked over. The Turzent actually pulled the chair out for him.
Sukja stepped over to the kitchen facilities, filled a glass with water, and placed it in front of Archangel. "Drink – you need the fluids."
Warren hadn't realized he was thirsty, but he was intensely parched. He consumed the water quickly and Sukja got him a second glass. But Warren's stomach revolted from the hastily consumed first glass, and he let the second sit and hoped he didn't vomit in front of this alien attendant.
Warren studied this Sukja to take his mind off his stomach. He didn't resemble any other Turzents Warren had seen. Yet another different species. But thus far, everyone had referred to the aliens collectively as Turzent, no matter what they looked like. Perhaps that was a term like "American" – a reference to nationality instead of race or species. Warren concluded that had to be the case.
Sukja was about Warren's height, but much stockier. His hands had only three fingers, though, with the obligatory opposable thumb as the fourth digit. The fingers were longer than human fingers and the nails more pointed. Short hair covered his head much in the same manner as humans, but it was a red that definitely was not human, too much orange. It was in stark contrast to his skin tone. The alien's skin was a light creamy tan with just a hint of that same orange. The eyes were somewhat larger than humans, but did have the whites that the Ztar's species did not possess.
Overall, Sukja was quite humanoid. That seemed to be a running theme in the most of aliens Warren had seen during his days as an X-man. Was there some common ancestry eons ago? That question was too big to contemplate. Right now, Warren's body was crashing. A sluggish and heavy feeling started to pull at him.
Sukja recognized the outward signs of physiological changes taking place within Archangel. Fatigue was beginning to grip him. Adrenaline was clearing out of his system. So he continued talking softy, but never in a condescending or child-like manner. Nothing that would agitate or offend. Sukja wanted to lull the human toward the rest needed as his body attempted to recover from shock.
"The ship we're on is named Mi-Lartui, which roughly translates to "Emperor's sword." We carry an accompaniment of 170 personnel. There are five decks at the ship's tallest point, and two decks at its shortest. We're on deck two. Your chambers are centrally located on this deck." Sukja's voice was steady, smooth.
Warren listened to the drone of the alien's voice, but not all the words registered.
"Your chambers offer cooking facilities on this end and bath on the other end, behind that door. You have computer access from several points throughout the room. The main interface is at that desk."
The alien motioned toward the desk area, but Warren didn't follow Sukja's gesture. He didn't care about desks. "Computer" though piqued his interest. Possible hacking opportunities – he'd learned quite a bit from the X-men's resident computer expert, Beast. He filed away that idea for later. Right now he was growing tired – so tired it hurt. Another symptom he recognized as adrenaline crash mixed with shock. Warren continued to listen to the surreal soliloquy as Sukja's mesmerizing voice rambled on.
"You can order meals from the ship's main galley to be brought to you or the ingredients to cook for yourself. We carry an enormous selection of foods and fine liquors from across the Turzent Empire. All of which is at your disposal. We have an extensive library of written works, as well as audio and visual recordings, accessible through your computer terminal."
Sukja continued to speak softly about nothing of consequence, knowing the human would like remember only snatches. It wasn't the information that was important, it was lulling that was the goal.
As the minutes passed, it was increasingly evident that Archangel's body desired rest. "Archangel, you are safe in this room. I will let no one disturb you if you wish to close your eyes for awhile. You have been through much today. A short rest will help you regain your strength and mental clarity." Sukja skillfully played into exactly why Archangel would want to rest under the circumstances.
"I will leave you for awhile." With that, Sukja stood up and headed for the main entrance. He turned back to Archangel. "If you need me, press this comm button – it is a direct link to my chambers down the hall." Sukja was somewhat surprised that Archangel looked over to see where the button was. A good sign. With that, he left ensuring the door was locked behind him. He would be monitoring Archangel closely from his own chambers.
Once Sukja left, Warren sucked in a deep breath. It seemed he had been taking very shallow breaths and was now somewhat lightheaded. As cloudy as his thinking was, it was clear enough to know they would be watching him. He would pretend otherwise. 'Play the dumb human and maybe I'll learn something useful.'
After all his years of battle, it took a lot to shock Warren. But this situation hit him where he was most vulnerable. It dredged up old traumas and fears that he likely had never truly resolved, especially regarding Apocalypse. In fact, he knew that was the case as much of that horrifying episode in his life he had repressed and stuff down deep inside. And so he was likely reacting differently and more intensely to what had happened today than most of his fellow X-men would. And he'd have to figure out the best way for him to deal with his current situation, not how someone else would handle it.
With the lightheadedness passing, he stood – and very nearly collapsed. Grabbing the table prevented him from ending up on the floor. 'Steady, flyboy. You're obviously more spent than you realized. And maybe in shock. Perhaps resting is a good idea. Help to think more clearly.'
Warren was well versed in trauma and shock, but that knowledge doesn't lessen the impacts – only tells you how to deal with them. Training told him that since he was not in immediate danger he should give his body and mind a chance to recover. In doing so, he'd be better equipped to face whatever might come next.
Once he felt his knees where not going to fail again, he headed toward the large upholstered bench beneath the windows that ran the entire length of the chamber. Outside the window, star trails sped by telling Archangel they were traveling at faster-than-light (FTL) speed. That made his heart fall. He really was alone.
Reaching the window seat, he lied down facing the room. The seat was wide enough for two to sit side-by-side, so there was plenty of room for him and his wings. He'd take a few minutes to close his eyes and shake off the lingering dizziness.
On his viewscreen, Ztar watched his trophy fall quickly asleep. Such perfection! With sleep, the frown and worry lines from today's event dissipated from Archangel's face. What remained was flawless beauty…unsurpassed exquisiteness. His body already ached to be with this wondrous creature. However, Ztar was nothing if not methodical and disciplined. He would wait until Sukja had readied the human. And Sukja knew Ztar's patience had severe limits.
Sukja also sat watching Ztar's captive. He was relieved that Archangel slept. It would help his body cleanse itself of the many hormones and chemicals that had built up in his system from the past few hours that made him less predictable and more volatile. It would not serve well if Archangel was violent when Ztar visited.
###
Warren woke with a start and was instantly confused about his surroundings. Unfamiliar room, unfamiliar sensations. He sat upright with a jerk.
'Where?' his mind sought. It took at few moments, but everything came crashing back. The meeting with Charize, holding Shi'ar's neck in a lock, Xavier's abandonment, the presentation to Ztar, those words Ztar spoke before leaving the throne room…
Warren groaned and buried his face in his hands, trying to deny the memories. "No o-o!" he cried out in a choked voice. Suddenly, he was freezing and shaking uncontrollably, pulling his wings tight to his body for warmth and comfort.
'This can't be real. Can't! Oh, god! What now? You're screwed, Worthington,' his heart raced. 'Ugh! Fucked over and screwed!'
His mind raced faster than his heartbeat. 'What Ztar said – no! Won't happen! Not possible. I won't let it. Sick and twisted!' Then thoughts turned to the X-men.
'The Prof wouldn't let them have me. I don't believe it! He was just leading them on. That's it! They'll come for me. Scott and the others – they won't abandon me. Just have to hang in there…' he latched onto that hope like a life preserver.
He tried to collect himself. Concentrating on his breathing, he slowed it from its frantic, shallow gulps to steady, rhythmic inhales and exhales. Gradually, with great effort, he quieted himself. The shaking ceased. His heart rate dropped. As he forced himself to calm, the disassociation from earlier reasserted itself.
The sensor chimed and Sukja turned toward his viewscreen – the human was awake. He watched in admiration as Archangel sat on the bed and quieted himself. That trait would serve Archangel well. Soon it would be time for Sukja to rejoin Archangel in his chambers, but he'd give the human a few minutes to himself first.
Warren felt strong enough to leave the window seat. The first business at hand was a visit to the bathroom. It was roomy with a large, glass-enclosed shower on one side, vanity in the center, and the toilet on the opposite side. Having relieved himself and splashed cold water on this face, he felt steadier.
He ventured around the room and spied the computer portal Sukja referred to earlier. It was one of the few things he remembered from the alien's ramblings. Although he recalled the man had spoke for a while, Warren couldn't really remember much else of what he'd said. 'Shock at work,' he told himself.
The chambers were rectangular. Its decor was the picture of understated elegance. 'What did they do, hire a human interior decorator?' he thought sarcastically. It felt much like a showroom display, complete with elegant upholstery and other lush fabrics, fine furniture, artwork, and accessories. But everything had a distinct otherworldly look about it.
The open area in the center of the suite apparently served as bedroom, dining room, and sitting area. The bed sat adjacent to the bathroom and beneath a wall of the windows that ran nearly the entire length of the room. Across from the foot of the bed was the window seat. Opposite the bed and window wall were the sitting and dining areas with the main entrance to the chambers located in-between.
Just for the heck of it, Warren had to try the main entrance door. Just as he knew, it did not respond.
On the opposite end of the room from the bath were the kitchen facilities with another door. To where? He tried to activate it without response. He assumed he'd find out sooner or later where it led.
He walked over to the dining table and drank the second glass of water Sukja had gotten him earlier but he had not drunk. Even now, the water made him queasy. Just then a tone sounded from the main entrance and the door slid open to reveal Sukja. Warren stiffened.
"Greetings, Archangel," Sukja said warmly as he entered. Then quickly, "I promise you, Archangel, there will come a time when I will not simply enter without your permission and this door will not be locked. We will know when that time comes."
Warren simply eyed the alien without comment. For now, he'd take in as much information as he could and reveal little himself. He'd do what was necessary to survive until the X-man came for him. Warren allowed himself to believe they would, he had to.
Sukja carried clothes in his arms. "These have been tailored specifically for you. There are enough here to start. More clothes will be sent up later."
'What the hell?' Warren shook his head. Custom-tailored clothes? This was too much to accept. He could only be dreaming. Or had gone insane.
Sukja walked toward the wardrobe closet that shared a wall with the bathroom, opened the door, and began putting the clothes in cubicle slots.
"A closet organizer! This is a bad dream!" The sound of his own voice startled Warren – he hadn't intended to say anything out loud.
Sukja finished before turning and speaking. "Archangel, I assure you this is no dream. This is serious business. You have an important role to play in safeguarding your planet as outlined in the Turzent-Earth Accord."
Warren's anger flared. "This is bullshit! I can't do what you want to me do. I won't! I don't give shit about your Accord. Let me go now or I start ripping off heads – yours first!" He took a couple threatening steps toward the alien. No way in hell was he going to cooperate with these Turzent assholes. Just wait until the X-men came for him – then they'd find out just how misguided their fucking Accord was.
'Need to squelch this now,' Sukja told himself, not allowing Archangel's move intimidate him. He'd been down this path several times with other bedmates.
"It's not what I want that should matter to you. It's what Ztar wants. Your fate has been decided, there is no choice in this matter. You will do as Ztar wants. That is your new reality no matter how much you wish otherwise or try to deny."
"Like hell it is! I don't give a damn what your emperor wants. This is insane!"
"Do not test our Emperor. He will do as he has promised if you defy him. Your world will be crushed like dozens of others that resisted his rule. Earth will be brought into the Turzent Empire as a labor planet. The lowest of the low." Sukja paused for effect. He wanted there to be no doubt in the human's mind about the price of non-compliance. "Is that what you want? Will you accept that as the price of rebellion? For in the end, Ztar would still have you and the Earth enslaved."
The alien stood his ground with an air of cool confidence. The response was firm and unyielding, and every word cut through Warren like a blade of ice. All Warren wanted to do was start bashing heads, but the words of the Accord ran through his mind. What if he fought back and the aliens followed through on their threat? What if he got people killed?
'Shit! If this is real – if it's all true… God, I'm so screwed.' Everyone was giving him the same story – the Shi'ar, Xavier, the Turzents. Earth's future was on the line. What he'd read in the Accord made it clear – submit or Earth was lost. It did not look good for Warren.
Archangel was visibly shaken by the blunt summary of his situation. Sukja watched closely as the human sat down on the window seat, clearly dispirited.
"In my world, we believe there are always options," Warren grasped at straws. There were always options; Xavier had taught him that from the very beginning. Sometimes those options are hard to see at first. Sometimes you have to create your own. And sometimes, the choices may not be very desirable. But no what, there are always options.
"This is not Earth. This is your world now – the Turzent Empire and Ztar. Here you have only those options granted by the Emperor. Ztar has granted you two: you submit to him or the Earth will submit to him. Your choice, Archangel."
Warren did not speak for a long time. He focused again on breathing with desperate effort. His choices were decidedly leaning toward the undesirable.
'Fuck this alien! Fuck Ztar,' Warren's stomach flopped at his own words. 'God, if I've got this right, that's exactly what's going to happen. Going to be sick!' He sucked in air to suppress the nausea. 'Don't think about. Just handle things as they come. Stay in control!' he drew in another deep breath. 'Focus, X-man. Not a lot of options right now, but that could change. Don't do anything stupid that might put Earth at risk!' he warned himself. 'Can't let Earth fall to these savages…couldn't live with that.'
Warren focused on steadying his breathing and maintaining control of his runaway thoughts and emotions.
'Perhaps when there's no way out, you head directly into the fire. God, help me!'
Then he braced himself for what he didn't want to ask, but had to. "What happens next?"
"I think a shower is in order."
Warren had to admit he probably didn't smell the best right now.
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