X-Men: Alpha

Episode I

Orientation

Part One

T-minus 1 minute to launch...

Several guards defended the blast doors that led to the control room.

They knew the score. This launch was extremely important to their employer. If anyone even approached the door they were to be shot.

A few stood silent and still. Others paced around, nervously tapping their semi-automatic rifles.

A flash from the nearby window caught their attention. The sky was darkening and the wind was picking up. Lightning was beginning to streak across the sky.

Their employer would not be happy if the launch had to be delayed by the sudden change in the weather.

Suddenly, sparks flew outside as lightning struck a transformer. The lights went out and the emergency lights came on. The area was now tinted an eerie red.

T-minus 52 seconds to launch...

As the guards scrambled to secure the area, one of them noticed that they were no longer alone.

"The doors!!" he yelled as his cohort turned to face the blast doors.

Standing in front of them was Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat. Little more than 15 years old, she was hardly an intimidating sight. Clothed in a blue and gold uniform adorned with an "X" in various locations, she simply smiled and brushed a few strands of her chestnut brown hair out of her face.

"On your knees!! Hands on your head!! Now!!" The same guard shouted.

They waited a few seconds for her to comply. When she did not, they opened fire.

One by one the bullets found their mark, but one by one they past right through and hit the blast doors behind her.

After their rifles ran out of ammo, the guards quickly attempted to reload.

"Uh, guys?"

The guards looked up at her.

"I just thought you should know," her smile widened, "I'm just a distraction."

Without warning, several of the guards' rifles were ripped from their hands.

Several suddenly found that their feet were frozen to the floor.

Those who were able, spun around to face the new threat.

T-minus 44 seconds to launch...

There were five of them, all wearing similar blue and gold outfits.

Rifles levitated around Marvel Girl as she launched them back at their owners one by one.

Red beams of energy streaked across the room as Cyclops unleashed his optic blast.

Icemansmirked as the guards futilely tried to free themselves from his icy grip.

With startling speed for a man made of metal, Colossus bashed his way through the guard ranks.

Leaning against the wall behind the others, looking bored, Rogue absently ran her fingers through her white bangs.

T-minus 26 seconds to launch...

As the team finished the last of the guards, Rogue stepped up to Kitty and took her hand. Together, the two stepped through the blast doors.

Inside the control room, several technicians looked at them with fear. Only one attempted to stop them.

That was fine with Rogue.

She only needed one.

The tech swung at her, but Rogue ducked and drove her knee into the man's stomach. As he clutched his gut on the ground, Rogue removed one of her gloves and touched him on the forehead.

The tech convulses slightly, but Rogue pulled her hand away before any serious harm could be done.

T-minus 19 seconds to launch...

Suddenly possessing expert knowledge of the main launch computer, Rogue entered the tech's password and began the launch abort sequence.

Kitty noticed, a bit too late, one of the other techs pressing an alarm button.

A pair of turrets rose from the ground on either side of the main control platform. The pair of intruders quickly dove for cover.

However, before the weapons could fire, lightning shattered the windows in the room and struck the turrets.

Storm floated down through the now broken windows. She landed on the control platform, her white hair landing gently on her shoulders.

T-minus 8 seconds to launch...

Rogue returned to the computer and completed the sequence.

Launch aborted.

A booming voice emerged from nowhere, "Excellent work, my students."

The world around the team began to melt away, replaced by a huge, empty room.

"Take a few moments to catch your breathe and meet me in my study. We have something to discuss." And the voice faded away.

Cyclops stepped to the front. "Ok, guys. That was good but we've done better."

"Geez, S-Man," said Bobby, "don't you ever let up? We kicked ass."

"We finished with 3 seconds left, Bobby, we've done a lot better."

"Bah."

Jean started to leave the room, "Well however we did, the Professor is waiting for us."

The team made their way through the luxurious halls of the Xavier Institute to the Professor's study.

Inside, Professor Charles Xavier sat in his wheelchair gazing out the window.

When the entire team made their way in, he turned his chair to face them.

"Thank you for your swift assembly. Your Danger Room session was quite the success."

"If you say so, Professor." said Cyclops as he stood near the window. "I think it could have, no, should have been better."

Iceman plopped down on a plush sofa and made an attempt to straighten his short blonde hair. "Just let it go, man."

Scott Summers merely shook his head and looked out across the grounds surrounding the Institute.

Easily covering a few acres, the grounds were mostly barren at this time of year. Winter in New York has never been very kind to plant life. Snow still covered most of the scenery.

"I think we were great." says Kitty as she sat down next to Bobby. He absently put his arm around her neck. "You just need to lighten up a bit, Scott."

Jean stepped behind the couch and leaned over. "Don't chastise him for his perfectionism, you guys. It's the driving force behind this team's improvements."

Cyclops turned his head a smiled. "Thanks, Jean."

"Don't mention it."

Scott couldn't help but gaze upon his teammate. He had known her since the day she arrived at the Institute, almost 5 years.

What at first seemed to him to be a harmless infatuation had turned into so much more.

Scott had learned everything about her over the years, and it has only increased his affections.

Beautiful certainly, with her sparkling green eyes and fiery red hair, but also kind, brave, intelligent and thoughtful.

She was everything he could ever want. And yet...

...he couldn't tell her. Every time he even tried he would freeze, terrified that she would reject him.

Jean was a telepath of considerable skill. Sometimes he wished she would just read his mind so that it would all be out there.

"Scott? Scott are you ok?"

Suddenly jolted out of his daze, Cyclops quickly composed himself. "I'm fine, Storm."

Ororo Munroe smirked at him from across the room. She knew what he was thinking about.

They all knew.

All but one.

"If ya had somethin' ta talk ta us about, then could ya get on with it?"

"Of course, Rogue. I have come to an important decision regarding your, shall we say, 'mainstream' education."

Iceman laughed. "'Mainstream'? You mean the 3 'R's as opposed to the 3 'M's?"

Kitty looked to her boyfriend. "3 'M's?"

"Mutants, missiles and maniacs, babe."

"Oh."

"And yes, before you ask, I did just come up..."

"Robert, please." Colossus interrupted. "The professor said this was important."

"Thank you, Peter. As I was saying, thus far you have received your schooling from Dr. McCoy and myself. While it has been beneficial during the early stages of your training, it has come at the expense of your social development. That is why I have decided that you will finish your formal education in a public school."

"Public school? You've got to be kidding me?" said Bobby, "I thought I was done with that crap."

"Will you shut up!"

Bobby turned around in the sofa to face Rogue. "Hey, don't give me your attitude, Trailer Park!"

Rogue clinched her fist and began to take a step forward when Cyclops intervened.

"Ok. Knock it off, both of you."

"Hang that! The Intolerable Snowman over here is about to be talkin' out the other side a his..."

"Students!"

The entire group nearly jumped in unison at the sharp timbre of their teacher's voice. Professor Xavier rarely rose his voice to them, but when he did, he was dead serious.

"If I may continue without interruption."

Now addressing a still and silent room, Xavier continued.

"I believe it to be important that you mingle amongst other humans and mutants your own age. Experience the kinds of things that your private schooling has not afforded you."

"Like dances and things?" Kitty asked meekly.

"Yes, Kitty, things like that. You may also consider it a test."

Scott immediately perked up. A test was yet another chance to prove himself to his mentor. "A test of what, sir?"

"Self-control. You see, under no circumstances will you be allowed to utilize your powers at school."

"Well, what if..." Bobby began.

"Under NO circumstances."

Bobby only responded with a nod.

"I am confident that this will be a rewarding experience for all of you. You start on Monday. Be ready."

With that, Xavier wheeled out off the room and down the hall.

Bobby, to no one's surprise, quickly voiced his opinion. "Man, this sucks! Schedules, study halls, tons of girls I can't hit on..."

"Hey!!" Kitty exclaimed as she swatted him on the arm.

"I said can't!"

"You heard the Professor, Bobby. This is an important experience." said Storm.

Jean nodded in agreement. "Yea, and I'd like to go to dances and parties and pep rallies. The last time I was in a public school was in 6th grade. Do you know what you get to do in 6th grade? Nothing."

"I too am looking forward to this." agreed Colossus. "I have never attended a public school. Back home I was taught by my parents."

"At least you got that," chimed in Storm, "I was taught by the thieves and bums."

"Well we can debate it all night, people, but the fact is that it's the Professors decision and he's made it."

"Scott's right." says Kitty. She slightly turns in her seat so that her back is to Bobby, who rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

"I said can't!"

"Ladies and gentlemen," a eloquent voice came from the doorway, "dinner is served."

The group looked to Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy. He stood just outside the library wearing a white apron.

McCoy's mutation, while granting him enhanced strength and agility, had caused his feet to grow to an abnormally large size, and his long hair to turn blue.

Though quite brutish in appearance, Dr. McCoy is both brilliant and caring. He had become a guide and confidant to many among them.

"Oh, Dr. McCoy. You spoil us." Storm praised as she pecked him on the cheek.

Hank couldn't help but blush. "Yes, well, don't get used to it."

As the team filtered out, Colossus stood to the side of the doorway until all of the ladies had exited. Kitty stomped by him with Bobby in tow.

"I said CAN'T!! Pete, you heard me say 'can't' didn't you?"

"I will not take sides, Robert."

Bobby narrowed his eyes and looked his much larger friend over. "Coward."

Colossus merely laughed. He finally made his way out as Cyclops did.

"I must say, Scott, I truly am looking forward to this. It is nice to learn things that I will not be using to fight someone."

"Well, I'd say your in luck, Peter. What could possibly threaten us at a public school?"

-X-

Sid slammed his beer mug down on the bar for the 5th time.

"Gimme another, Marty."

Marty's Place was hardly the most upscale establishment in The Bronx, but it was a good place for a guy to get hammered. It was dimly light, sparsely furnished and not entirely sanitary, but Sid always felt comfortable here.

"Here you go."

Sid took the beer a chugged it down. A few drizzles dripped down his dirty, unshaven chin.

"Ahhhh. That's the stuff. Keep 'em coming."

"Sure thing. Say, Sid, how are things goin' with that broad you been seeing? I heard she's got a kid."

"No no no no no, Marty. She don't have no kid. She got herself a little mutie!"

"No kidding?! That's terrible!"

"Terrible? It's a freakin' blast! Ok, get this. The mutie can heal itself. Heal itself, Marty!"

"Wow."

"That means no matter what I do to the little freak, it just heals itself up and it's ready for another go! It tried to tell 'mommy', but with no bruises or blood or anything she didn't believe it. And forget about the police. They'd never believe the creature is getting a beating about twice a day if he doesn't have a scratch on him."

"Well, give that freak some for all us normal people!"

"I sure will. I'm tellin' you, Marty, it's fun and the best part is that there ain't no consequences."

The two men touch glasses and were about to drink, when they're attention turns to a figure standing near the door slowly clapping his hands.

"Bravo, sir, bravo. There's nothing quite like beating a 14 year old to death is there?"

Marty puts his mug down. "No one was talking to you, friend. If your not here for a drink then get out."

Sid watched the eavesdropper closely , or as closely as a man half drunk could, as he spoke. "Your technically right. No one was talking to me. However, I did hear what was said and quite frankly it turned my stomach."

Sid was through listening. He staggeringly rose, knocking over his bar stool. "Listen you nosy twit! 14 year olds aren't the only people I can beat to death!"

The rest of the patronage watched with anticipation. The bar fight is not quite as frequent as it once was and they were all hoping for a show.

"I can well imagine. However distasteful I personally find child abuse, that is not why we are talking right now. It has more to do with your victim being a mutant."

Marty and Sid exchanged looks.

"What, are you some lousy mutant-lover?"

The stranger smile broadly. "You could say that."

Without warning, the stranger's fists and forearms were consumed with blue flames. They illuminated much of the bar and gave off an intolerable heat. Sid was too shocked to react as the flame-engulfed fist struck him in the side of the face.

Marty was quicker. He ducked under the bar and re-emerged with a shotgun. However, before he could fire, his assailant grabbed the barrel and it instantly began to melt. The bartender froze and locked eyes with the stranger. The burning intensity he saw terrified him.

"Get out."

Marty dropped the gun and fled as fast as he could.

Sid's face was already scarred and blistered from the intense heat.

"Wha...what are you?!"

"Me, Sid?"

The heat in the bar grew until much of it was igniting in flames.

"I'm a consequence."

Then there was only fire and a single, bloodcurdling scream.