X-MEN #1
"Rest In Peace, Charles Xavier"
Author's note: This takes place after the events of Uncanny X-Men #280 where Charles Xavier was again paralyzed by the Shadow King. The key difference is that instead of being paralyzed Xavier dies. In general this will stay true to pre-established continuity until I decide to change it for the purpose of the story.
Salem Center, New York:
It is 5:00pm on a typical day in North America. Like many people Fredrick Clark, a highly acclaimed inheritance claim investigator, relaxes watching the evening news. A basso voice that sounds eerily like Darth Vader announces, "This is CMN."
On the screen a beautiful young reporter stands in front of a serene looking gate with a "Xavier's Academy For Gifted Youngsters" plaque hanging on a brick wall.
"This is Trish Tilby reporting live for CMN at the estate of Charles Xavier. Charles Xavier died accidentally while visiting friends off of the coast of Scotland. Charles Xavier was the world's leading expert on genetics, as well as, being an open advocate of mutant rights. Several members of the superhero community had words of praise for Charles Xavier." Camera cuts away to Captain America.
"Charles Xavier was a person who in my mind embodied the American dream. He believed that through unity we could achieve something greater for this world and this country. He believed that all people could work together to achieve great things. Isn't this what the idea of the 'melting pot' is all about?" The camera then cuts to Reed Richards.
"Charles Xavier was many things. He was a brilliant scientist. He also was an advocate for the idea that beings that are gifted with super powers are as human as anyone else. He also was a friend. He will be missed."
Sitting alone in his room in an eerily quiet X-mansion Scott Summers looks out of his window brooding. I can't believe he's gone. How can the X-Men carry on without Charles Xavier? Even with all my power I was helpless. Scott looks over at a clock sitting on his dresser. It's time.
Scott stands up and walks out of the room and into the yard in front of the mansion. There are nearly a hundred men and mutants in attendance. All of them are friends whose lives have been touched by Charles Xavier. Scott walks up to a podium erected on a small stage and turns to face the crowd. Scott can't help but clear his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor a great humanitarian. We are here to say farewell to Professor Charles Francis Xavier. Professor X had a dream. A dream that in many ways was incredibly simple. He dreamt of a world where people would treat each other with respect and understanding. Where mutants and humans could live together in harmony. To achieve this goal he was willing to sacrifice everything, including his life. To me Professor X was more than just a teacher. He was a father and a friend. He rescued me from the orphanage I was in. He taught me that my power was a thing that could be used to do good, instead of being a curse. He gave me the support I needed to find my place in this world. And for that I will be forever grateful to him. Goodbye Professor X." In a rare loss of composure Scott begins to cry. Scott steps down and a beautiful redheaded woman takes his place.
"Charles Xavier, as all of you know, was one of the most powerful telepaths in the world. Charles knew that with great powers comes great responsibility. Charles took it upon himself use his abilities to break down barriers between man and mutant. Unfortunately, another powerful telepath did not share his benevolent view. A powerful psionic entity called the Shadow King decided to use his ability to control minds to cause pain and destruction. Most of the super hero community, whether or not they were aware of it, became involved with this attack. The violence that the Shadow King induced with his powers effected people throughout the world. The Shadow King fed off of this violence even as he was creating it. The Shadow King's power was growing exponentially. If not for the valiant sacrifice of Charles Xavier, the Shadow King would have become too powerful for anyone to stop." The red headed woman steps down and is replaced a speaker whose gruff manner cannot be polished, even by an Armani suit.
"Thanks Jeanie," he grunts, "I'm not very good at saying how I feel. When I first met Chuck I thought he was an idealist and more than a little naïve. I thought there was too much hate in the world for peace. I thought he was weak. But over the years I've learned something. It takes a stronger man to dream of peace than it does to fight. Ya see it turns out I was wrong. Chuck was the brave one because he was willing to take a chance. Heck he was even willing to take a chance on a half wild canucklehead like me. And that takes guts! (A minor chuckle from the crowd.) And now I'll turn it back over to Scott."
"Thank you, Logan," Scott comments. "This concludes our service. I'm sure if Charles is watching us to day he would be thrilled to see you all here to pay your respects. Feel free to join us in the main house for some refreshments." Scott steps down from the podium and walks into the house. Well that's done, Scott thinks. The hard part will be later.
New York City:
The reclusive millionaire Sebastian Shaw relaxes in his office. "Pierce, I want a report on the content of Xavier's will." Pierce quickly reads through the entire content of the will. So Pierce's cybernetic enhancements include the ability to process information quickly. I will have to remember that, thinks Shaw.
"It turns out Xavier has left all of his properties to his adopted son. A fellow named Scott Summers. Why are you so interested in Xavier's will?" asks Pierce.
"Let's say I have always wondered why a non-mutant would fight so hard for mutants rights," comments Shaw. "Can you find any information on Scott Summers?"
For several moments Pierce digs through various computer files. "Listen to this Shaw. Scott was sent away from an orphanage. For an incident where, he supposedly shot red beams of energy out of his eyes."
"Yes, I see now," comments Shaw. "That does sound quite a bit like someone we know only too well."
"It sounds like Cyclops," says Pierce. "Xavier always was a strong advocate for the X-Men. Also Xavier ran a school for "gifted" youngsters. You don't suppose…."
"Well the X-Men had to come from somewhere," Shaw grins, "X-Men, Xavier. A little egotistical don't you think?"
"It sounds like we may finally have something we can use against them."
"Yes Pierce, we may."
Salem Center, New York:
Scott Summers once again addresses the group, "I have just learned that I have inherited the Xavier estate. And it is my goal to continue the X-Men. However, I will understand if any of you feel it is time to leave the team. I am not Charles Xavier. And I will not try to be. But I would like to have all of you as part of the team."
"I'm with ya Cyke," growls Wolverine.
"I also will stay with you Scott," responds Storm "I'm sorry bro," comments Alex Summers aka Havok, "but after all that Lorna and I have been through recently we need some time away. Besides I would really like to finish the construction project I was working on in Genosha with Rhane."
It's ok Alex. I understand, thinks Scott. Not everyone can survive being kidnapped by the Shadow King like Lorna was. Or being brainwashed by the Genoshans like you were.
"I understand," Cyclops says with a forced grin.
"I'm also afraid I must deny ye offer Cyclops," says Banshee. "I'm going back to Muir Island with Moira. We are going to try training young mutants there. You still coming with us Jubilee?"
"Yes, I am," Jubilee sighs, "I still need to use my powers better. And you don't need a kid in your way."
"You both will be missed," comments Cyclops.
"Yeah Lila's already contacted me," comments Guido. "Me and Jamie over here are gonna provide security for her next intragalactic tour."
"I also will choose this as my moment for departure," comments Beast. "The death of Xavier will leave a tremendous void in genetic research. I have been offered a chair as head research geneticist at Empire State University and now will accept that position."
"Hank, you have always been a good friend," Cyclops says with a grin.
"For me, I have a business to run. Worthington Enterprises is going to need a major shake down after the whole X-Factor fiasco," Archangel mutters.
"Can you use a good accountant?" asks Iceman, "After all I didn't get the degree just to never use it."
"Welcome aboard," Warren laughs, "I need a number cruncher I can trust."
"I'm going back to England," Psylocke speaks. "My brother Brian is trying to reform Excalibur. Now that Kurt and Kitty are leaving."
Cyclops looks at Nightcrawler and Shadowcat, "So you are coming back to the X-Men then."
"We never really left mein freund," jokes Nightcrawler. "You were the ones that left us. Faking your own deaths. Becoming mutant hunters. What were we supposed to do?"
"Great," Cyclops smiles. "I would just like to say that all of you are welcome to join us at anytime. I would trust any of you with my life."
"What about Jeanie?" asks Wolverine.
"Oh I'm definitely staying with Scott," Jean laughs and then a sends a thought to Scott. Till death do us part, right Scott.
We will, Cyclops thinks back, talk about that later.
Next Issue: What do you do with ten X-Men? Find out next issue.
"Rest In Peace, Charles Xavier"
Author's note: This takes place after the events of Uncanny X-Men #280 where Charles Xavier was again paralyzed by the Shadow King. The key difference is that instead of being paralyzed Xavier dies. In general this will stay true to pre-established continuity until I decide to change it for the purpose of the story.
Salem Center, New York:
It is 5:00pm on a typical day in North America. Like many people Fredrick Clark, a highly acclaimed inheritance claim investigator, relaxes watching the evening news. A basso voice that sounds eerily like Darth Vader announces, "This is CMN."
On the screen a beautiful young reporter stands in front of a serene looking gate with a "Xavier's Academy For Gifted Youngsters" plaque hanging on a brick wall.
"This is Trish Tilby reporting live for CMN at the estate of Charles Xavier. Charles Xavier died accidentally while visiting friends off of the coast of Scotland. Charles Xavier was the world's leading expert on genetics, as well as, being an open advocate of mutant rights. Several members of the superhero community had words of praise for Charles Xavier." Camera cuts away to Captain America.
"Charles Xavier was a person who in my mind embodied the American dream. He believed that through unity we could achieve something greater for this world and this country. He believed that all people could work together to achieve great things. Isn't this what the idea of the 'melting pot' is all about?" The camera then cuts to Reed Richards.
"Charles Xavier was many things. He was a brilliant scientist. He also was an advocate for the idea that beings that are gifted with super powers are as human as anyone else. He also was a friend. He will be missed."
Sitting alone in his room in an eerily quiet X-mansion Scott Summers looks out of his window brooding. I can't believe he's gone. How can the X-Men carry on without Charles Xavier? Even with all my power I was helpless. Scott looks over at a clock sitting on his dresser. It's time.
Scott stands up and walks out of the room and into the yard in front of the mansion. There are nearly a hundred men and mutants in attendance. All of them are friends whose lives have been touched by Charles Xavier. Scott walks up to a podium erected on a small stage and turns to face the crowd. Scott can't help but clear his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor a great humanitarian. We are here to say farewell to Professor Charles Francis Xavier. Professor X had a dream. A dream that in many ways was incredibly simple. He dreamt of a world where people would treat each other with respect and understanding. Where mutants and humans could live together in harmony. To achieve this goal he was willing to sacrifice everything, including his life. To me Professor X was more than just a teacher. He was a father and a friend. He rescued me from the orphanage I was in. He taught me that my power was a thing that could be used to do good, instead of being a curse. He gave me the support I needed to find my place in this world. And for that I will be forever grateful to him. Goodbye Professor X." In a rare loss of composure Scott begins to cry. Scott steps down and a beautiful redheaded woman takes his place.
"Charles Xavier, as all of you know, was one of the most powerful telepaths in the world. Charles knew that with great powers comes great responsibility. Charles took it upon himself use his abilities to break down barriers between man and mutant. Unfortunately, another powerful telepath did not share his benevolent view. A powerful psionic entity called the Shadow King decided to use his ability to control minds to cause pain and destruction. Most of the super hero community, whether or not they were aware of it, became involved with this attack. The violence that the Shadow King induced with his powers effected people throughout the world. The Shadow King fed off of this violence even as he was creating it. The Shadow King's power was growing exponentially. If not for the valiant sacrifice of Charles Xavier, the Shadow King would have become too powerful for anyone to stop." The red headed woman steps down and is replaced a speaker whose gruff manner cannot be polished, even by an Armani suit.
"Thanks Jeanie," he grunts, "I'm not very good at saying how I feel. When I first met Chuck I thought he was an idealist and more than a little naïve. I thought there was too much hate in the world for peace. I thought he was weak. But over the years I've learned something. It takes a stronger man to dream of peace than it does to fight. Ya see it turns out I was wrong. Chuck was the brave one because he was willing to take a chance. Heck he was even willing to take a chance on a half wild canucklehead like me. And that takes guts! (A minor chuckle from the crowd.) And now I'll turn it back over to Scott."
"Thank you, Logan," Scott comments. "This concludes our service. I'm sure if Charles is watching us to day he would be thrilled to see you all here to pay your respects. Feel free to join us in the main house for some refreshments." Scott steps down from the podium and walks into the house. Well that's done, Scott thinks. The hard part will be later.
New York City:
The reclusive millionaire Sebastian Shaw relaxes in his office. "Pierce, I want a report on the content of Xavier's will." Pierce quickly reads through the entire content of the will. So Pierce's cybernetic enhancements include the ability to process information quickly. I will have to remember that, thinks Shaw.
"It turns out Xavier has left all of his properties to his adopted son. A fellow named Scott Summers. Why are you so interested in Xavier's will?" asks Pierce.
"Let's say I have always wondered why a non-mutant would fight so hard for mutants rights," comments Shaw. "Can you find any information on Scott Summers?"
For several moments Pierce digs through various computer files. "Listen to this Shaw. Scott was sent away from an orphanage. For an incident where, he supposedly shot red beams of energy out of his eyes."
"Yes, I see now," comments Shaw. "That does sound quite a bit like someone we know only too well."
"It sounds like Cyclops," says Pierce. "Xavier always was a strong advocate for the X-Men. Also Xavier ran a school for "gifted" youngsters. You don't suppose…."
"Well the X-Men had to come from somewhere," Shaw grins, "X-Men, Xavier. A little egotistical don't you think?"
"It sounds like we may finally have something we can use against them."
"Yes Pierce, we may."
Salem Center, New York:
Scott Summers once again addresses the group, "I have just learned that I have inherited the Xavier estate. And it is my goal to continue the X-Men. However, I will understand if any of you feel it is time to leave the team. I am not Charles Xavier. And I will not try to be. But I would like to have all of you as part of the team."
"I'm with ya Cyke," growls Wolverine.
"I also will stay with you Scott," responds Storm "I'm sorry bro," comments Alex Summers aka Havok, "but after all that Lorna and I have been through recently we need some time away. Besides I would really like to finish the construction project I was working on in Genosha with Rhane."
It's ok Alex. I understand, thinks Scott. Not everyone can survive being kidnapped by the Shadow King like Lorna was. Or being brainwashed by the Genoshans like you were.
"I understand," Cyclops says with a forced grin.
"I'm also afraid I must deny ye offer Cyclops," says Banshee. "I'm going back to Muir Island with Moira. We are going to try training young mutants there. You still coming with us Jubilee?"
"Yes, I am," Jubilee sighs, "I still need to use my powers better. And you don't need a kid in your way."
"You both will be missed," comments Cyclops.
"Yeah Lila's already contacted me," comments Guido. "Me and Jamie over here are gonna provide security for her next intragalactic tour."
"I also will choose this as my moment for departure," comments Beast. "The death of Xavier will leave a tremendous void in genetic research. I have been offered a chair as head research geneticist at Empire State University and now will accept that position."
"Hank, you have always been a good friend," Cyclops says with a grin.
"For me, I have a business to run. Worthington Enterprises is going to need a major shake down after the whole X-Factor fiasco," Archangel mutters.
"Can you use a good accountant?" asks Iceman, "After all I didn't get the degree just to never use it."
"Welcome aboard," Warren laughs, "I need a number cruncher I can trust."
"I'm going back to England," Psylocke speaks. "My brother Brian is trying to reform Excalibur. Now that Kurt and Kitty are leaving."
Cyclops looks at Nightcrawler and Shadowcat, "So you are coming back to the X-Men then."
"We never really left mein freund," jokes Nightcrawler. "You were the ones that left us. Faking your own deaths. Becoming mutant hunters. What were we supposed to do?"
"Great," Cyclops smiles. "I would just like to say that all of you are welcome to join us at anytime. I would trust any of you with my life."
"What about Jeanie?" asks Wolverine.
"Oh I'm definitely staying with Scott," Jean laughs and then a sends a thought to Scott. Till death do us part, right Scott.
We will, Cyclops thinks back, talk about that later.
Next Issue: What do you do with ten X-Men? Find out next issue.