Nearing the faux waterfall, the secret door parted to reveal the landing strip which leads to the military grade hanger, connected to the base of operations for the X-Men. Lowering the ramp, the team was met with a worried Professor Xavier and an equally worried Wolverine. To the two, someone important to them was down for the count. Although they have seen many skirmishes in the past, with many wounds and near death experiences, treating injured friends is never easy.

For Xavier, Jean was one of his first students to come to the institute, shortly after the arrival of Scott and Ororo. She embraced him like a father, likewise him to a daughter. She showed skill, kindness, love and intellect. To him, she was the template of mutant/human co-existence. Rogue he almost equally admired and more so respected. For her to put so much trust in one person after so much life has tormented her. Her ingenuity, persistence and bravery showed not just what Mutants were capable of, but humans too. He just couldn't bear to tell her what would no doubt destroy her.

For Wolverine, he never cared much for many people in his life. He is the best at what he does, but what he does isn't very nice. But somehow, these two had become almost sacred to him. It's nothing to do with the fact that they were women, far from it. They were fighters, strong and powerful, and family to him, to everyone at the mansion. Jean was the first one, other than Chuck or Ororo, to treat him like a man, not a weapon or animal. Rogue, she became like a daughter to him, almost his equal in the torture and betrayal he received over his life, with a horrifying mutation that many kept their distance from. Oh he noticed the others distancing themselves, even Chuck, he smelt of fear and sadness when around her, what could be so damaging that he couldn't even tell those closest to him. Only him, Ororo, Kurt and Jean, when she came to visit, would do their best to spend time around her. Fuck her mutation.

"Get them to the medical bay; we will do the best we can for them. Scott, Ororo, meet me in the war room to discuss the events and everyone else meet in my office in about one hour. That is all."

Seated in the med bay was Dr. Hank McCoy. Taking a page from some of the students, he completed his PhD online. Given the nature of his mutation, covered in blue hair and the size of panda with fangs and claws, he chose instead to pursue further studies in genetics and theoretical physics in a more safer environment. Although with the imprisonment of Apocalypse, the disappearance of Magneto, his acolytes, the brotherhood and Mystique, not to mention infrequent appearances from anti-mutant groups still in their early stages, not much was left to do around the manor, now school.

"My stars and graters, what happened here" exclaimed Beast as Rogue and Jean were wheeled in. "Just a concussion for Jean, no bleeding, but check her up, just in case" came from Bobby Drake who was busy hooking up Jean to the medical equipment. "We don't know what happened, but fer all we know, Rogue's powers could be actin' up again" came a quite shaky Sam Gurthie. This shocked Beast into action, moving to identify Jean's condition, he immediately asked for a rundown of all observed events.

Meanwhile

"I see. This indeed is quite disconcerting. Are you sure that it was Jean that Rogue absorbed and not one of the other mutants nearby?" asked a quite nervous Professor.

"Positive, she had no way of knowing what powers were at her disposal, even with Jean's telepathy, she could hardly juggle keeping the Building afloat and read the minds of the mutants to locate super-strength. In fact, we asked a few and none of them knew anyone with enhanced strength." replied a quite tired Scott. He respected the Professor, but seeing him this nervous and actually visibly pale at the information presented put him on edge.

'How much does she know, can she hear this conversation right now as we speak.' "What do you recommend Scott?" for once the Professor was at a loss for ideas.

"I say we make sure she fully recovers...then remove her from active roster-" He was interrupted by a shocked Storm "And have her do what, she is not dangerous, and it was a momentary relapse into her mind as she was about to crushed"

"I'm sorry Ororo, but I agree with Scott. Temporarily, mind you, until we can determine the full extent of these new powers. I will examine her mind later, but for now, let them rest" Xavier finished by wheeling away to the lift to begin the meeting.

"Sorry Storm, I know you don't like it, and nothing is meant by it, but until we determine what's wrong, she's a liability" a sheepish Scott looked at Storm and was not surprised to find a disapproving look upon her face. "Really 'Cyclops', you think I am disappointed that you made an informed decision to protect your team. No, it is that you cannot trust Rogue. Thanks to her best attempts, this has been the only incident in almost a year that has been for any cause of alarm." With that she turned and walked to the Professors office, taking deep breathes to calm her and maintain serenity with the local nature. She was too distracted with her exercises to notice a certain clawed mutant standing by the wall, listening to everything they had to say. With an annoyed growl, he made his way to the Prof's office, sparing one more concerned look at his protégé when passing the Med Bay.

Meeting in the Grand office of Professor Xavier was the entire teaching staff and the fully qualified members of the X-Men. The office was painted a soothing cream, with deep red curtains that framed the large windows which gave a sprawling view of the grounds of the institute. The fine decor of the office gave a professional, yet comforting feeling to those who entered. Seated behind the rich mahogany desk was Xavier, his brow furrowed and his head resting on his steepled fingers. Glancing at his awaiting students, he signed knowing where the meeting would eventually bring them.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make. There will be some new additions to the team, on probationary status, but as you all either live or work here, I turn too you for your opinions. But before we do, I must insist you all maintain our principles at heart, that all those enter our door and believe in the equality of mutants and humans are deserving of a second chance" his speech came to an end when the doors swung open and in floated a grey haired, older man, followed swiftly by a tall, densely muscled and dark haired man. Were it not for the glowing eyes and the shift of every metallic object in the room, introductions would have been necessary.

Abruptly a pang of pain erupted through the skulls of everyone in the room. Charles could feel their pain and he knew of the source. But hank assured him that jean was unconscious for the time being. 'So that could only mean...oh dear Lord!'.