X-Men: Alpha

Episode IV

Weapon X

Part Three

Xavier wheeled into the infirmary where the X-Men were gathered.

Dr. McCoy stood by a table where Weapon X currently laid unconscious.

"He is stable, Charles, he seems to not have a scratch on him."

"Excellent." Xavier looked to his students. "Good work, everyone. The sudden appearance of a military unit could not have made your mission any easier."

Iceman let out a chuckle. "You think."

"They were after him, Professor, they had to have been."

"I think you're right, Jean. Given the lengths they were willing to go, I'd say he must be very important to them."

"I think I may know why, Charles." McCoy began. "He has incredible regenerative powers, a healing factor of sorts. Also, X-rays reveal that his entire skeleton is laced with a strange alloy."

"A metal skeleton?"

"Indeed. If my readings are accurate, this metal may well be adamantium."

"What's adamantium?" asked Kitty.

"It is the rarest metal known to man." McCoy answered. "After it hardens, it is supposedly indestructible."

Xavier moved closer to the table. "So, they tried to create the ultimate warrior."

"Actually, Charles, given the claws, I would hazard to guess they were trying to create the ultimate killing machine."

Storm looked the mysterious mutant over. "How old do you think he is?"

"I'd say he is in his early twenties. Twenty-two at the oldest." McCoy answered.

"Look at this." Storm removed a metal dog-tag from around his neck. "Wolverine? I guess that's his name."

Suddenly, Wolverine's hand shot up and snatched the dog-tag away from her. Storm jumped back as the mutant rolled off the table and landed on his feet. He let out a low growl and ejected his claws.

Cyclops reached for his visor switch and Colossus called forth his steel armor as the two stepped forward.

Xavier held his hand up to them. "Wait. Lets not be rash."

The psychic focused his powers and reached into his guest's mind.

"There is no need for violence. We don't want to hurt you. You are safe here."

Wolverine shook his head as if he were trying to shake the voice out.

"You are not an animal. You are not a weapon. You are a man."

The mutant retracted his claws and clutched his head.

"They do not control you. You control yourself. Do not allow them to destroy what you are."

Weapon X suddenly let out a thundering cry and then put his hands over his face.

Xavier cut his telepathic connection and watchedWolverine patiently.

Slowly, Wolverine removed his hands and looked around the room. His eyes were still hard and cold, but the animalistic intensity was gone.

As he panned the room, his gaze met with Jean's. He recognized her immediately.

She was the one he couldn't bring himself to kill, even though every impulse in his mind was telling him to do so.

Jean met his gaze at first but quickly looked away.

"Wolverine."

The mutant jerked his head around to face Xavier.

"My name is Professor Charles Xavier. We mean you no harm. Is Wolverine what you prefer to be called?"

Weapon X continued to scan the room and then returned to Xavier. "Logan."

"Very well, Logan. You are no doubt curious about where you are and why. First, let me assure you that Department H will not reach you here."

Logan narrowed his eyes. "How'd you know about Department H?"

"It is just something I picked up while I was trying to help you regain control."

"You were in my head."

Xavier nodded. "I am telepathic."

"I think you better keep your mind to yourself, bub."

"Fair enough."

Wolverine again scanned the X-Men as they stood to the side of the room. Xavier realized that he was most likely perceiving them as a threat.

"Perhaps we could speak in private, Logan. I should be able to answer any questions you have."

Logan only offered a slight nod. Xavier turned his chair and exited the room the way he entered. Wolverine followed but spared one more glance in Jean's direction.

When their eyes met again, Jean could see a little more warmth in them than before. Yet, something about his gaze still made her uncomfortable.

-X-

"So what is this place anyway?" Wolverine walked down one of the Institute's luxurious hallways.

Xavier wheeled his chair alongside him. "Believe it or not, it's a school. Granted, it's a special school. Here we teach mutants to control their powers and use them to benefit humanity and mutantkind alike. However, I get the feeling you are more interested in your situation than our's."

"Well, when you're right, you're right."

"I could probably help you better if I knew your situation."

"Alright." Wolverine stopped near a stairway and placed his hands on the bannister. "Department H is the only thing I can remember about my entire life. No friends. No family. Nothing. Just Department H and their training."

"What is this Department H exactly?"

"You know about as much as I do. All I know is that they're some kind of military outfit and they're run by a guy named Wraith."

"I see. The training you mentioned, what was it exactly?"

"Armed combat, unarmed combat, survival skills, you name it."

"And what about the metal on your skeleton? And the claws?"

Logan turned to him with a confused look. "What are you talkin' about?"

The Professor raised an eyebrow. "You have metal grafted to your skeleton and three claws that extend from each hand."

Wolverine looked down at his hand. He made a fist and rotated it to see all angles.

After feeling a slight twinge, Logan flexed his wrist. Suddenly, his claws burst forth.

The mutant raised his hand and examined the weapons. A snarl slowly formed as he thought about the man he believed responsible.

"Wraith. You sick son of a bitch!"

"I take it the operation took place without your knowledge."

"I don't remember any damn operation!"

"What is the last thing you remember before waking up here?"

Logan thought for a second. "The redhead."

"Redhead? Jean?"

"I guess. I almost killed her."

"Thankfully, you didn't."

"Before that,..." Logan thought for a moment before his eyes flared in recognition. "Alkali Lake."

"Where is that?"

Wolverine just stared forward for a moment before responding. "I don't remember."

"Well, I suppose you've been through enough today. You must want to rest."

"Yeah. That'd be great."

"I'll have someone show you a room."

Xavier began to wheel away before Logan placed a hand on his chair.

"Make it the redhead. I think I owe her an apology."

"Jean has had a rough evening. Dr. McCoy will help you."

"It's your show."

As Xavier made his way back to the infirmary, Logan raised his hand again and glared at his reflection in the metallic claws.

"Wraith, you're a dead man."

-X-

Bobby opened his bedroom door and looked up and down the hall.

When he was convinced that no one was around, he quickly made his way down the hall. When he reached the stairs, he stopped and looked down.

No one.

He hurried down the stairs and turned the corner before stopping in his tracks.

Kitty's arms were crossed and a stern look was on her face.

"Damn!" Bobby exclaimed. "I mean...hi."

"Look. This is getting old. Now tell me what's wrong."

"It's not a big deal. Something was bugging me yesterday, but now I think I was overreacting."

"Ok, that didn't tell me anything. What were you overreacting about?"

"Nothing, alright. It's not important."

"Yes it is. Something was bothering you and I want to know what."

Bobby rubbed his temples. "Who cares! It's over, done, forget about it!"

"Listen to yourself, Bobby. You're yelling at me. Something is wrong. Talk to me."

Iceman threw his hands in the air. "Is that what Kurt would do?!"

Kitty's eyebrow cocked. "Kurt? What does Kurt have to do with..." Her eyes widened as recognition struck. "Oh...my...God. You're jealous of Kurt!"

"I am not jealous!"

"Bobby, he's dead!"

"I know, but that hasn't stopped you from dreaming about him!"

Kitty just stared at him for a moment. "What dream?"

"Don't play dumb! I heard you telling Storm all about it!"

"You were eavesdropping on me?!"

"Don't change the subject!"

"Ok, fine. I had a dream about Kurt. What's the big deal?"

"What's the big...?" Bobby stopped in mid-sentence and paced around for a moment in frustration. "You've been dreaming about another guy and you're asking me what the big deal is?"

"It was one dream, ok. It doesn't mean anything. Can you honestly tell me you've never dreamed about another girl?"

"That's different!"

"How?!"

"Because those are just stupid fantasies! Fantasies that will never and could never happen!"

"Well, what makes you think my dream is more than a stupid fantasy?"

"You've met the guy, known the guy, liked the guy and now can't shut up about the guy! Do you ever hear me talking about spanking you? No, because it's just a stupid fantasy!"

"Spanking me?"

Bobby froze for second. "I've said too much. The point is, there is a difference!"

"I still don't see it."

Bobby threw his hands in the air and walked away. "Forget it!"

"Bobby!" For a moment, Kitty began to go after him, but decided against it.

She had never heard of anything so ridiculous. How could he be jealous of someone who is dead?

"Kitty?" Storm poked her head around the corner. "Is everything ok?"

"He's jealous of Kurt! Can you believe that?! He overheard me telling you about my dream and now he's freaking out."

Ororo placed her hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you guys will work it out."

"I hope so. By the way, he has dreams about spanking me."

Storm looked to her with a surprised expression."That's weird. So do I."

Kitty let out a quick laugh, but then noticed she was the only one. "You are joking, right?"

"Of course I am."

"Oh, good, cause that would have been a little weird."

As she turned and walked away, Storm slapped her on the bottom.

"Ow! Cut it out!"

Storm laughed out loud as Kitty scurried away.

-X-

Jean flipped through the pages of her history book.

She wanted to get all of her work done so that she would have all day tomorrow to spend with Duncan.

It wasn't going well. She was having a difficult time focusing on her studies. The events of the night before were still playing over and over in her mind.

Could she have saved those men in the chopper?

Could she have saved the young soldier?

Why didn't Wolverine kill her like he had him?

What's the deal with this Wolverine anyway?

The Battle of 1812 didn't seem that important at the moment.

"Afternoon."

Jean almost jumped out of her chair as Logan stepped into the library.

"Sorry about that. Didn't mean to scare you."

"T-That's ok. A little jolt never hurt anyone."

Wolverine turned a chair around and sat down. "We were never formally introduced. I'm Logan."

"Jean Grey. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. So tell me, Red, how long have you been in 'mutant high'?"

"Red?"

"Yeah, like your hair. You don't like it?"

"I prefer Jean."

"Jean it is."

"Almost five years. Professor Xavier came..." Wolverine's gaze was starting to get to her. He was like a hunter sizing up his prey. "Listen, Logan, do you have to look at me like that?"

His expression didn't change. "Like what?"

"Like that. Like you're looking me over."

A slight grin edged Wolverine's face. "Well, I don't know if anybody ever told you this, Red, but you're pretty easy on the eyes."

"Thank you, but you're actually making a little uncomfortable."

"Do you believe in instant attraction, Red?"

Jean closed her book and looked him directly in the eye. "Yes, that's how I met my boyfriend."

Wolverine raised an eyebrow. "Boyfriend, eh?"

"That's right, my boyfriend. I have a boyfriend."

"What's his name?"

"I don't see how that's any of your business."

"Well, maybe not now, but it will be."

"When?"

"When you realize that you're attracted to me and ditch him."

Jean little out a short laugh. "A little full of ourselves aren't we?"

Logan merely shrugged. "Maybe, but I have noticed that despite the fact that I'm making you 'uncomfortable', you haven't left or asked me to leave."

She only looked at him for a moment, not sure how to respond.

"Attraction's a powerful thing, Red. Don't fight it."

Jean quickly gathered her things. "Attraction or no, I'm leaving."

"You just admitted an attraction between us."

Jean stopped at the door and looked to him. "I-I did not. Goodbye, Logan."

After she slammed the door, Jean leaned against the wall.

"What a jerk! Me? Attracted to him? Ha! I mean, sure, he's handsome and rugged, and he smells surprisingly nice for a guy who..."

Her eyes widened. "Oh my God! I'm thinking about him!"

She turned and hurried down the hall.

A few seconds later, the library door opened and Wolverine stepped out.

He looked down the hall to see Jean hurrying away. A small smirk crossed his face and he headed the opposite direction.

-X-

"The only Alkali Lake I have been able to locate is here," McCoy pointed to a section of the map on Professor Xavier's desk. "in Canada."

Xavier surveyed the map. "Only 200 miles from where we found him. That cannot be a coincidence."

"I should think not."

Cyclops rose from his chair and stepped over to the desk. "What's the objective, sir?"

"We need to know who is funding Department H and if there are any more mutants like Logan. We cannot allow military organizations to turn innocent mutants into weapons."

"I'm not sure how innocent he is, Professor. If I hadn't shown up when I did, he would have killed Jean."

"A result of mental conditioning that I was able to remove. We shouldn't have a repeat of such behavior."

"I hope not."

The door to Xavier's study opened slowly and Rogue peeked her head in.

"Oh, sorry. I'll come back." Her voice was soft and subdued.

"Nonsense, Rogue. Come in. Have a seat. Scott, Hank, if you could excuse us for a few minutes."

As Scott made his way out, he stopped next to Rogue. She seemed tired and scared. She hadn't quite been herself since the mysterious visitor.

"Hey," Cyclops said softly. "are you ok?"

"I'll be awright."

"Ok. If you need anything," Scott held her gloved hand. "you know where to find me."

Rogue looked down at her hand and then back up to him. "Thanks, Scott."

He smiled and gave her a pat on the shoulder before leaving the room.

She watched him leave and began to wonder if he was starting to feel something for her.

Rogue had received his compassion before, but he had never held her hand.

She realized she was grasping at straws, but didn't really care.

"You look like you didn't sleep at all last night."

Xavier's voice shook her out of her thoughts.

"That's cause I didn't." She sat down at his desk. "Every little noise freaked me out."

"I'm sorry, Rogue. If you like, I can use a little psychic persuasion to 'convince' your mind to rest."

"No thanks. I just can't deal with feelin' so helpless. I mean, if he wanted to come and get me, I couldn't do nothin' to stop him. I always knew you could protect me from his lackeys, but can you honestly tell me that you can protect me from him?"

It pained Charles to see her eyes begin to water. Even though she had been with him the shortest time...

...she was one of his children.

"I can guarantee you only this; if Eric intends to harm one hair on your head, he will have to step over my dead body to do so."

A tear ran down Rogue's cheek, but it was quickly wiped away by the sleeve of her shabby, green jacket. "Thanks."

"Think nothing of it."

Rogue let out a yawn as her head slowly lowered to the top of his desk. "I'm feelin' a little..."

She was asleep before she could finish her sentence.

Xavier smiled and stroked her hair. "Sorry, child, but you'll thank me once you've had a few hours of sleep."

He wheeled to the door, switched off the light and exited.

-X-

The bright light of the setting sun forced Bobby to shield his eyes.

He leaned against a tree in the back lot of the Institute. No matter what he tried to think about, it all came back to his problems with Kitty.

"Am I taking this to seriously? Is she taking it to lightly? Is this all in my head? Can she really not see the difference?"

"Robert?"

Bobby glanced over his shoulder to see Peter standing nearby. "What?"

"What are you doing out here?"

"Thinking. What are you doing out here? Looking for me?"

"No."

"Leaving lying to the pros, Pete. You got too much class."

"Very well, I was looking for you."

"Gee. I wonder what you want to talk about?"

"Robert, answer me honestly, are you jealous of Wagner?"

Bobby spun around to face him. "For the millionth time, no! How pitiful do you people think I am?!"

Colossus held up his hands. "Alright, Robert, alright. Calm down."

"I am not jealous, Pete. In fact, this really has nothing to do with Kurt Wagner specifically. It has everything to do with my relationship with Kitty. Wagner just happened to be the guy that revealed the problem."

"What is the problem?"

"Look, no offense, but when I talk about this, it'll be with Kitty, nobody else."

Peter nodded. "I understand. I'll be heading inside now."

Before Colossus got too far, Iceman stopped him.

"Pete, listen, I appreciate your concern, man. Right now, though, I think everybody just needs to butt-out and let me and Kitty settle this. If you could spread that around, that'd be great."

"I will. For what it is worth, I hope that you and Kitty can work this out."

As Peter walked away, Bobby turned back to the sunset. "Me to, big guy, me to."

-X-

As night fell over the Institute, the X-Men gathered in Xavier's study.

Wolverine stepped in and met the gaze of the entire group with a stern expression.

His expression changed to a smirk, however, when he locked eyes with Jean.

Though she looked away, she glanced back at him every so often.

When Xavier wheeled in and took his place behind his desk, the team gave him their undivided attention.

"Alright, X-Men. You have a new mission. Dr. McCoy and I have located Alkali Lake."

Logan cocked an eyebrow at the mention of the only other place on Earth he can remember being.

"You will go there and discover who Department H is and whom they answer to."

Cyclops took the lead. "You heard the Professor, suit up."

Xavier looked to his guest. "Logan, you are more than welcome to accompany them. You no doubts have great interest in returning to Alkali Lake."

Wolverine looked down at his hands. "You bet your ass I do."

-X-

"The Professor feels that you may have to make a hasty retreat, so I will be piloting the Blackbird."

Cyclops made a last minute adjustment to his visor. "Sounds like a good idea, Dr. McCoy."

McCoy headed for the cockpit as Cyclops stepped to the loading ramp. As Kitty and Bobby approached, Scott stopped them.

"Were leaving all our personal problems here, right?"

"Of course."

"Don't insult me, S-Man."

Cyclops nodded. "Just checking."

As the last of the team boarded, Logan stepped into the hanger. His eyes widened as he beheld the 'Bird.

"Damn. Where the hell do you people get this stuff?"

"Professor Xavier's a wealthy man. Before you board, we need to get something straight."

Wolverine cocked an eyebrow. "Do we?"

"Yeah. On these missions, we follow orders. Mine, the Professor's, Storm's, whoever is in charge. Think you can do that?"

Logan's expression turned grim and his gaze turned cold. "Yeah, I guess I can handle that." He stepped past Scott and into the jet.

Cyclops didn't believe him. He knew that as soon as they arrived, Wolverine would be calling his own shots.

The leader of the X-Men entered the Blackbird and the jet departed.

-X-

Deep in the bowels of a secret military facility, the commanding officer lit a cigar. He leaned in his chair as he contemplated what to tell his superiors about the lost of their Weapon.

The door to his office swung open as his second in command rushed in. "Colonel, we have an unidentified aircraft that has just landed nearby. We're detecting mutant life signs, sir."

The Colonel jumped to his feet. "I want every available man armed and ready to move out. If those punks have come back, they may bring our Weapon right to us."