Whispers In The Shadows
By: lornein
Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me. They are all part of the show Mutant X created by tribune entertainment. I am only using them to write this fanfiction.
Rating: PG 13 for now. Could be R later.
Author's note: I know that some of my fics aren't complete yet, but I simply can't let this idea pass me by. I have yet to start college and before I do I want to wrap up this one. So I'll update as fast as I can. This is my first attempt at writing something a little different. I hope everyone likes it!
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The car that came to a halt outside the eighteenth century Victorian mansion had nothing remotely vintage in it's appearance. It looked very much like a motor vehicle straight out of the pages of some glossy auto magazine. And the same could be said about the man who got out from the said car. Every inch of him looked as if he were one of the fashion conscious bigwigs who are normally found loitering in the launch parties and movie premieres of the Hollywood kind. Still, after seeing this man one could clearly feel that he was all about business. The man promptly entered the house as if it were his own and knocked on a mahogany door that covered much of the drawing room or the tea room as the English preferred to call it.
"Come in." there was a prompt reply.
Upon entering the room one could tell that this man did not fit in here. The room was a huge study mostly crowded by antiques that covered most parts of the room and left very little space for a desk and a few bookshelves that contained papers and books not even remotely arranged. Also there was another man sitting on a huge armchair behind the desk. Regarding appearance he was quite the opposite from the other man. He was old, almost ancient. Lines and creases covered his face to signify the summers that he had seen in this world. The younger man spoke up:
"Good morning Professor Rodham, it's nice to see you. I hope you remember why I am here, don't you?" he asked.
"Of course Anton. How could I forget? Please take a seat. I have asked Professor Jacobson and Dr. Martinez to be here. They should be a moment. We have discussed thoroughly about your…condition and we have decided to go forward with the surgery. I know this is what you wanted." Professor Rodham said.
"Oh yes Professor. Absolutely." The man named Anton answered.
"Good. Let us go over the procedure once again." The professor said.
"Whatever it will take." The other man replied.
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December always brought with it the most dull and unyielding mornings, specially in the mountainous areas. The air was hung over with frost and layers of milky white covered the foothills and valleys bearing silent witness to the past night's snowfall. The chill of the winter wind had a tendency to give one terrible shivers, even under layers of protective garments. It made the thoughts of a steaming cup of hot coffee most inviting as also the welcome warmth of a well made fire. Even the most action savvy individual also wanted to stay in doors, especially when the gray sky showed signs of a coming blizzard. Brennan Mulwray felt no different. The chilly weather had a lot of negative effects on his powers as the slightest hint of rain could shock him into a permanent oblivion. Ever since he was a child he hated the gray sky. It reminded him of the past. When he was young, about nine, it reminded him of a day when his stepfather returned home from the whorehouse drunk and used him as a punching bag blaming him for being a freak and his mother a whore, one who spreads her legs for a few measly bucks. Brennan couldn't help himself that day. He took up a baseball bat lying around and hit the bastard. He and his mother ran that day, gathering their few possessions; they skipped state and tried to make a new life. Everything was working out. Almost. Till that terrible December morning when a middle aged woman was found dead, run over by a truck. It was termed an accident due to the heavy fogs that refused to lift. Brennan had lost his mother. His real life was yet to begin.
As another chilly wind targeted sanctuary, Brennan was reminded of that fateful day when his mother had deceased. A similar chill had persisted that day. Brennan got the news from a local waitress who bartended with his mother. He felt betrayed. He didn't even take a second look at her face. He just left. Nine months after that Brennan's life began to change. He ended up in a foster home. But never being one to follow rules, that secluded life had its toll on him and he found himself where he really felt he belonged, the streets. Brennan Mulwray was growing up. It was another winter morning when he made a startling discovery. His powers were developing! Brennan could still feel the waves of excitement that washed over him on his first 'assignment' that involved a big fat vault and his talented fingers. He and his group of hoods celebrated that day, big time. After that there was no looking back. Brennan Mulwray was no longer poor, no longer dependant. He was a self made criminal, and he loved it. It made him feel that he was important to this world. he was no longer the 'nobody' that everyone ignored.
Up until a few years ago, until he had met Mutant X, life would never be the same. Now it was all about getting over it, getting over what he had been. The team had changed his life. Now the winter mornings plagued him like a vile virus, reminding him of his past acts of crime. This was Brennan's way of punishing himself, reminding himself of those days. He could not take air into his lungs any more when he thought how he had enjoyed and spent his cash. By indulging himself in cheap booze and one night stands. He struggled inwardly to tell himself that it was all over now. And not many times did he succeed. Brennan Mulwray hated December mornings
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The Mutant X sanctuary was a very well guarded place. Since the team's tryst with Gabriel Ashlocke the security had been updated to the highest level possible. There were no plot holes to this plot! Adam Kane, the spiritual guide and mentor of the team also made all possible efforts to keep the children of Genomex, all gifted individuals as safe as he could. And in that endeavor he depended on his team.
Turning up the heating system of sanctuary Adam started to look through the safe house logs as well as the information that his contacts and agents had sent him. He did this every morning, all the while hoping that there would be no cases to solve and for a change everything would be going smoothly. But it seldom happened. Each new day brought new circumstances and problems for the team to deal with. And Adam could proudly say that they stood up to every challenge thrown at them. Although the threat of Genomex had subsided for the moment Adam could never be sure if they had seen the last of the government or for that matter Mason Eckhart. Still he could say that for the moment there was one less problem to deal with.
Adam logged into the new mutant network and connected to his own private domain for surveying electronic mails addressed to him. There was a long list from his usual contacts and a few from his sources at the now almost extinct headquarters of the GSA. Adam went through all of the e-mails and found nothing unusual. Adam was happy inwardly, they had finally hit a bull's eye and had a duty free day. He was about to notify the team when, as if to dampen his high spirits he heard a beep that could only signify incoming mail. Heart of heart Adam knew that this would have to be something that he wouldn't like. He reluctantly opened the message and started to read:
Dear Adam,
Long time no see buddy. In case you're wondering who this is, it's your old friend Martin Collins. I would completely understand if you were to forget who I am and wished to keep no memory of me. I want you to know that I never meant for anything to happen between us. I wasn't brave enough to just get up and leave and give up on my research here. I was never as brave as you. When you asked me to leave GSA I was too scared and concerned about myself and my family's safety. But just to let you know, I lost it all man. Last week I was made in-charge of an ongoing experiment here at the GSA. I am sure that you know how the GSA has picked up the pieces after Ashlocke's disappearance. But something went wrong. The experiment failed and the subject died. As you will have guessed the blame was put on me. I can't say that I wasn't responsible. The experiment was so gruesome and terrifying that I felt the subject was better dead. God help me but I set that man free. But I paid one hell of a price my friend. My wife Theresa and daughter Claire were gone when I reached home. I received a note from the GSA that they were to be the subjects of the next try and this time nothing would go wrong. As I write to you they are hot on my trail. I fear that I won't be able to hide out much longer. I know that it's a lot to ask from you but would it be possible for you to help me out????? I am at the Pine-View motel downtown. I will tell you everything when we are face to face……
Martin.
Adam took a moment to re read the whole thing once over. He could clearly remember Martin. They were of the same age when they both joined Genomex. Both being child prodigies they got to know each other quickly and soon were the best of friends. When Adam left Genomex he asked Martin to join him. But Martin had other plans. He was not so willing to believe overnight that the institution that they so blindly trusted were nothing but hunters looking for new prays. Adam hadn't bothered convincing him otherwise. He was too busy elsewhere. Adam could not overlook the fact that they had once been friends, very close friends. He felt the need to help out Martin. Having made up his mind, Adam decided to let the team know. He lifted his com link ring to his mouth.
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"Guys I need you all in the lab ASAP." Adam's voice was heard.
"Coming Adam." Shalimar replied.
"I'll be there in a second." Jesse answered, obviously busy with a piece of machinery.
"I'll get Brennan Adam." Emma said.
"Please do." Adam replied.
Five minutes later all the members of the group were standing assembled in the laboratory. Adam looked over them. Everyone was looking fine, well almost everyone. Surveying Brennan's exterior Adam could feel that he was having one of those self-analytical days. Shalimar must have noticed the same because Adam saw her placing a gentle hand on Brennan's arm. It seemed to calm him down considerably. With a deep breath Adam started to tell everyone what had happened and what they would have to do.
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Not a single sound could be heard around sanctuary as everyone considered what Adam had finished telling them a couple of seconds ago. Only the sounds of a rumbling sky preparing itself for a snowstorm could be heard. Although the heater was working in its full capacity all of them felt a chill tingling their spine. Genomex was back in business.
"So what are you telling us Adam, that the GSA have reopened their slaughter houses again?" Brennan still had not recovered from his foul mood.
"I don't know Brennan. I guess that we will know more when we come across Martin."
"But are you sure that he is telling the truth Adam? I mean it could be a trap set by the GSA.", Jesse said.
"I don't know Jesse. But my guts are telling me that it's safe." Adam replied.
"Well I'm not sure Adam. And trust me, I have let more than one old friend manipulate me before." Brennan was restless now.
"Are you with me or not Brennan? You know that it's completely your decision to make. Don't you?" Adam asked in a stern fashion.
"Damn it Adam. Why do you always bring it down to that? I just implied that maybe your old friend could be a GSA freak trying to con us all. You know what, forget it. Just come and get me when we're ready to go." Brennan stormed out of the lab.
Adam could feel that he wasn't very stable emotionally today and instantly felt bad for talking with him in a stern fashion.
"Shalimar get him back here."
Shalimar understood and with a nod went out of the door and went after Brennan.
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It took Brennan all of ten minutes to get back in the lab. Adam went over to where he was standing, his head down.
"Brennan, listen man I'm sorry." Adam said.
"No need to apologize Adam. I know you would never send us into danger willingly." It was Brennan's turn to make amends.
With these single comments everyone could feel that things were back to normal between the two of them.
"So what's the plan? Are we or are we not going to steal Adam's buddy back from right under the GSA's noses?" Brennan attempted to joke.
"Let's hope so." Adam replied with a smile.
After going through the plan they were all ready.
"Let's go kick some GSA ass." Shalimar said.
"Yeah it's been a long time." Jesse had a broad grin.
"Right you are." Both Brennan and Emma chorused.
End of part one.
So! Did you like it? Should I go on? Reviews will be greatly appreciated!!!