(Note: Marvel owns the Marvel trademarked characters. I Merely screw with their heads. Now, Red, Harris, Mary, Jonas, Hanson and McAllister. They're mine, you can't have them. Nyah. Story's all mine too....double Nyah. Hey, Marvel. On the off chance you would want to sue me....I say.....BRING IT ON!!! Hell, I'll even save ya the lawyer fees. You can have all the money I have. Yep, all $2.76. Come get it!)
X-MEN:
THE DECISION
By Logan
Dedicated to Pj. Thanks, you know why.
Chapter one:
Actions
New York City. A Run-down apartment complex.
One apartment in particular. The couple inside seem happy enough, although it is obvious they are low on money. They wear tattered clothing, the woman is struggling with lighting a miniature stove. The man walks over, he holds his hand near the burner, and ignites it. His hand, that is. He sends a small fireball into the burner, igniting it.
Suddenly, the door bursts open. A group of soldiers, wearing unmarked uniforms, enter the room.
What is this?! the woman asks, but is silenced as one of the soldiers shoots her.
the man screams, but is silenced by the shock of a stun gun. He groans and hits the ground with a grunt.
All clear, sir. one of the soldiers says. A Man enters the room, he is wearing a suit. His hair, black with gray streaks down each side of his head. He is wearing a pair of wide framed glasses.
Good work. Pick him up, put him in the van. the man says pointing to the mutant on the floor. He looks to the woman. And clean this mess up. he says. We have more stops to make.
Yes, sir. A soldier says.
Westchester, New York. The Xavier School for the Gifted.
The mansion seems exceptionally busy today. The students are preparing to wish Professor Charles Xavier, a mentor to most, a safe trip. He is leaving today, he is on his way to the Capitol to speak on the recent rash of mutant disappearances.
Come on, the Professor's gonna be leaving soon. one student says to another as they approach the main hall of the mansion.
Yeah, yeah. I'm comin'. the other student replies.
Professor Charles Xavier looks out the window of his office. He sees the hustle and bustle of everyday life pass by it. Students on their way to classes, teachers struggling with their textbooks. This brings a smile to Charles's face. A Knock comes to the door. Come in. he says.
The door opens and Scott Summers, the mutant known as Cyclops, enters. Professor? There are some people out here who would like to see you. he says with a smile.
Charles asks. He follows Scott outside his office. There he finds a collection of some of his best students. They have gathered to wish him a fond farewell. Goodness, what is all this? Charles asks.
We've all come to say goodbye. one student says. Charles smiles. The students all say goodbye in unison. Charles's smile grows wider.
Have fun on your trip! Kitty says.
Charles chuckles. Well, I'm afraid this isn't much of a pleasurable trip. There's a very serious issue I have to address in front of the senate. he says, his smile faltering for a moment. But thank you for the well wishes. All of you.
Ororo Munroe, the mutant known as Storm, enters from outside. Professor, your cab is here. she says. She hugs Charles. Have a safe trip. she says.
Jean Grey, one of Charles's prize students, approaches him. Goodbye, Charles. she says, she gives him a kiss.
Goodbye, Jean. Charles replies, a tear in his eye. He knows he will only be gone for a week or two. But he will still genuinely miss his students. As he knows they will miss him.
Charles rolls out the doors of the Xavier School, he rolls down the ramp and toward the cab. He stops when he hears a voice. Hey, Chuck. the voice says. Charles turns to see it's the voice of Logan, of Wolverine.
Yes, Logan? Charles replies.
Logan walks over to him and extends his hand. Good luck. he says.
Charles shakes Logan's hand. Thank you, Logan. Goodbye. he says.
Bye, Chuck. Logan replies. He turns and returns to the mansion. Charles leaves with a smile on his face, touched by Logan's show of concern.
Washington D.C. The Senate building. The next day.
Professor Xavier is speaking in front of senate. .....And that is why it is imperative that we find out, not only, who is behind these kidnappings, but what their intentions are. he says. Senator Robert Kelly rises, he begins to speak.
And what are your theories on this, Professor? he asks.
I Fear that these recent attacks are not random cases, nor are they calculated terrorist attacks. I Believe the recent kidnappings of, seemingly random mutants, is a piece of a rather large and devious puzzle. I Believe that this is all part of a conspiracy, conducted by none other than the U. S Government. Charles replies.
The air is suddenly filled with the low hum of whispers and mumbles of anger. Charles stirs. He suddenly notices a figure seated above, on the second floor. He recognizes him as Eric Lensherr. Charles struggles to continue his presentation. Please, Everyone. Can we please return our attention to the task at hand? he implores the angry group of senators.
Please, senators. Please. Charles begs. He realizes no one is paying intention. He notices Eric leaving. He rolls away from the podium. And follows Eric outside.
Charles exits the senate building. He sees Eric walking ahead of him. he asks.
Eric stops. He turns. he says with a nod.
It is you. Charles says. My god, Eric. It's been so long. he adds.
Yes, Charles. It has been. Perhaps, too long. Eric replies. I enjoyed your presentation. I Agreed with every word. he adds.
Why are you here? Charles asks.
I've come for your presentation. I've come to view the reactions of the senate. I've seen all I need. Eric replies.
Charles sighs. I See. he says. His left eye begins to twitch slightly.
Eric says. Charles looks him in directly in the eye. By now, I'm able to recognize your presence in my mind. Eric says. Charles sighs. If you must know what I intend to do, you merely have to ask me. Eric adds.
Very well, Eric. What are your intentions? Charles asks.
My intentions, Charles? I Intend on finding out who is responsible for these kidnappings. I Intend on getting to the bottom of this fiasco. If I do not get the answers I require, I will make a, shall we say, special guest appearance at the next senate hearing. I Will confront those fat, political swine. And if I do not find their answers satisfactory, I will not be pleased. As they will not be pleased with my actions. Eric replies.
Eric, please, you cannot do this. Charles says.
Charles, we've been through this before. So many times. Surely, you must realize by now that I have no other choice than to react violently. It is the only language these people understand. Eric replies.
Charles begins.
Charles, please. Do not interfere. Eric interrupts.
Eric. Surely, you must realize that I have no other choice than to stop you. Charles finishes.
Eric pauses for a moment. Despite all we've been through over the years or perhaps in spite of it, I still consider you a great friend. No. So much more than that. I Love you as I would a brother. Eric begins.
I Share in your feelings, Eric. Charles says.
Good. Then you realize that this is something I must do. That I have no other option. The events that have taken place over the past week cannot go on unnoticed. Unavenged. The questions raised cannot go unanswered, Charles. It is my solemn duty to answer these questions. To help these poor mutants that have been made to suffer. Eric finishes. He utters the words with such emotion, that it almost moves Charles Xavier to tears.
Eric, I... Charles begins.
I say again. Do not stand in my way. I Implore you. Eric interrupts. He adjusts his hat. I Have more pressing matters to attend to. Good day, Charles. he says.
Eric walks away, but stops when he hears Charles's voice. Charles says. Eric turns. I Will see you at the next hearing. Charles finishes.
A Smile appears on Eric's face. I Would expect nothing less from you, Charles. he says. Good day.
Charles looks on. He looks to Eric Lensherr, he sees a man torn by emotion, by rage and hatred. But he also sees a brother. A Man he cares a great deal for. A Man with a soul. A Tear forms in Charles's eye as he recognizes the difficult times ahead.
A Dark Room, somewhere unknown.
A Man is rolled up, in the fetal position, in the back of the room. He has been there for hours now. He finally stirs. He groans as he makes it to his feet.
Redd Miller, I presume? a voice asks. He searches the darkness, frantically, for the source of the voice. He squints, struggling to see through the darkness.
Oh? Is it too dark for you? the voice asks. Here, allow me to give you some light..... the voice adds. Suddenly, a blinding light shines on Red. He grunts as it effects the headache he already has. He notices a man, the same man from the apartment with the black hair and gray streaks and the wide framed glasses. He is wearing a nametag, it says McAllister'
Who the hell are you? Where's Sarah? Red asks.
Sarah? Oh. You must mean that girl that was with you in the apartment. The man says.
Yeah, my fiance. Where is she? Red replies.
Fiance? Goodness, I'm so sorry. the man says with an air of mock concern.
For what? Red asks, gritting his teeth.
Well, it appears your dear Sarah put up a bit of a fight. She was viewed as a threat to my men, she had to be exterminated. the man replies, an evil grin on his face.
What?! You bastard! Red exclaims. He runs forward, toward the man. He is stopped as a steady current of electricity flows through his body. He screams in pain, the man doesn't even flinch.
Electric barrier. A Power grid, really. A Wonderful invention, isn't it? the man asks. Red falls to his knees and begins to cry softly.
The man sighs, he turns to one of his associates. Give him his meal and turn the light out again. Let us move on to our other.....patients. he says with a gleam of evil in his eyes. Red weeps softly in his cell, in his cage.