Hello everyone - I am really sorry for the delay in updating, and I hope this delivers to your expectations. I hope I managed to get back to everyone who reviewed and suggested some ideas for cravings, and apologies if not. These will be coming up in the next update over the next day or so.

Part 17 - Home

Hank arrives in their room. It's not one of the largest bedrooms in the house, but then neither of its occupants was one for opulence. Erik preferred plain function of design over luxury, whilst Charles simply didn't care. He may have the Xavier wealth and fortune at his finger tips, but it wasn't something he held lightly. Hank had seen the way the mansion had been abandoned - no one had lived there until they arrived the few months previously. Raven had confirmed it. Neither sibling had fond memories of the place. Money and surroundings did not make a home - the people within it did. Seeing his curiosity, Raven had simply shrugged, noting it was not her story to tell.

The large timber framed bed was at the far end of the room, furthest away from the door. Erik was perched on the side, his fingers brushing through the telepath's hair, head propped against the pillows, seemingly asleep.

How is Logan? Hank blinked, watching as tired sky-blue eyes flickered open, fixing on him in concern. Erik sighed. "Charles…"

"Logan? He's still unconscious, but I doubt for long. He appears to be infused with a metal skeleton - I've never seen anything quite like it. His healing ability is remarkable…natural - whilst the metal…I don't know what it is…"

"Its adamantium." Erik noted softly. "Extremely rare. Man made." Hank swallowed, "He's been experimented on?" The metal kinetic nodded. "Yes. Specifically so - its only his extreme healing ability that kept him alive. The reason he was chosen. Moulded into a weapon." He frowns. "Its what they would do to us all." He looks down at Charles. It's what they would have done to you - chained to Cerebro - hunting people and mutants alike for them. "I won't let them."

Hank observes the silent argument, and the exasperated sigh that finally escapes the telepath. Erik seeming to have won this round looks to him as his fingers trace circles against the younger mutant's hand. "What happened?" He asks carefully.

It's Erik who responds. "Logan was shot, three times in the skull." Three times in the skull? Impossible… the scientists brain kicked into overdrive. "The bullets were pushed out of his skin as the wounds healed." That was truly incredible. Such a gift…he wondered how such a thing could work…the cells would have to be in an almost perpetual state of renewal…

Still that didn't explain why the metal kinetic was hovering over Charles, worry in every line of his body. "I'm fine." He scowled at them both, moving to sit up - only to wince in pain. "Yes - cause that's the definition of fine." Erik responded sarcastically, but was already drawing him into his arms. The metal kinetic looks at Hank, clearly asking for help. It surprised him a moment, but then he set his box of supplies down.

"May I?" He asked, receiving an aggravated sigh in response from the weary telepath as he leant over the pair. Erik carefully watching his motions as he wrapped his fingers around Charles's wrist.

Pulse - erratic - skin - slightly feverish - other symptoms consistent with his theory. He drew a vial of blood, and waved it in front of the metal kinetic's face. Erik stills, sensing the lack of iron. He pulls the vial into his free hand. "Again?" Hank nods. "Yes - its to be expected. Professor - I'm putting you on a higher dosage." Charles nodded, watching him press the needle against his skin. "I'm going to estimate you'll need one every 3 days. But you'll probably need a higher dosage in another couple of weeks given the current rate of growth."

"Are those the rest?" Erik asks, and Hank nods. The box flies to the metal kinetic's grasp, and he places it on the bedside table. "I'll see to those."

Hank finishes performing the rest of his tests, watching as the young professor falls asleep. "He should be fine for now." Addressing Erik, "He needs to take it easy - rest is the best thing for him."

The elder mutant nods. Leaning to press a swift kiss against the sleepy telepath's brow before he rises elegantly to his feet. "Can you stay with him a while?" Hank nods in surprised pride. His tests can finish here, or in the labs, and he is in no hurry. "I'll be gone for about an hour."

With a last lingering glance the metal kinetic sweeps out the room a sharp determination in his features. Belatedly Hank recognises the metal helmet in his hands - Shaw's helmet. What the hell was Erik up to? Suddenly uncertain he looks back towards the telepath. Whatever it was - Erik didn't want Charles finding out about it…

Part 18 - Interrogation

The red devils form didn't really bother him. In a way his mutation was obvious. Direct. Straightforward. He could deal with that. Looks weren't as important as the hidden abilities. Like telepathy. Now that just scared Cimeron something rotten. Not that he would ever admit to being scared. Rumour had it that the Xavier telepath was so powerful - he could do more than simply read minds, but could alter them as well. That he was so skilled he could do it without you knowing. Change a person - alter them. How would you ever know after being in his presence whether the reality you faced was your own, or one of his devising?

Truly Cimeron knew Xavier would be a powerful ally, but he believed him too dangerous to let live. He had no intention of following the capture order - nor did many of his colleagues who had seen what mutants were capable of. Despite their seeming strive for peace now who knew when that would change. Who knew if it was merely a ploy to lull the government, to lull the general population into a false sense of security?

He strained quietly at his bonds only for an amused voice to ripple close by his ear.

My quite opinionated aren't we? A woman's voice. He stilled. There wasn't anyone else in the room, but his red guardian. And surely it was a man? Genuine laughter filled his mind now. Oh sugar, I could have so much fun with you… His heart stilled as she stepped forwards now into the light. The White Queen. Shaw's right hand woman. Oh, now I'm flattered. She smiles checking her nails casually. If you fear Xavier so much…how much more do you fear us working together? Cimeron stilled, his breath expelling out of him. Of course. The telepaths were conspiring. Really - what if there were a whole network of them…at coordinated points across the globe…it was said that the Cerebro machine with Xavier at the helm could find anyone's mind no matter where they were in the world…it would not be impossible…

She laughed again. Delighting in his tortured panic. Oh what a good idea…but you will never know will you hmmm… Oh…and by the way - I've just informed my leader just what you intended to do to Xavier if you did succeed. Your bosses orders - and your own sick fantasies…and I don't think he's too happy.

Cimeron ceased to breathe as he observed him step forwards. No. It couldn't be. Lehnsherr. Refined Nazi hunter. Deadly. Orders were to kill on sight. Take whatever chances possible. This mutant was dedicated. Determined. Relentless. Oh you've also got a reputation… He hears faintly, and then senses the dark pulse which rages to the forefront of his mind. He thinks his heart may stop beating in shear panic. I've got it. The White Queen announces victoriously.

No. Cimeron groaned, trying to break free of the now taut steel bands holding him in place. He should have put his own gun to his head before letting them any information from his mind. "Yes you should." He jumps at the sound of Lehnsherr's voice. "No-" Cimeron gasps, recognising merciless fury in those cold green eyes. If looks could kill… "Yes." Erik confirms with deadly quiet. "I know everything you planned."

Behind him hover small shinning silver points. He can't make them out. He gasps as the first pierces his skin. Observing the tiny needle point the strange sensation as it cuts through his arm. Settling there. Just one. It doesn't hurt - the point is too fine for that. But that in itself terrifies him. Ten more loosen, and imbed themselves in his chest. A dozen more rise to take their place. Not a single drop of blood spilled from him. Yet this and the metal kinetic's utter calmness had him shivering more than anything else could.

Especially when he feels the heat radiate outwards from the metal barbs imbedded within him.

"What do you want?" He can barely refrain from screaming. Erik smiles, a wide predatory grin that reminds Cimeron a little of a shark. It could be a smile filled with utter delight but for the shear darkness radiating from the mutant's eyes. "What do you have to offer?" He lets Cimeron consider his words. "Would you have kept your word when our positions were reversed?"

The agent blanches at this. Oh hell. It had been Erik Lehnsherr in the parking lot, how could he have failed to recognise him of all people? What an idiot! Lehnsherr working with Xavier and the White Queen…that was bad news. The worst case scenario within the agency's forecasts. It had also been the least predicted. Simply because the two mutants were known to have such opposing views. And it seemed that agent Moira had rebelled against her orders - or had overemphasised the fractions in the relationship between the two men, before her death. Well, afterall she was just a woman - what did she know about the relationships between men?

There's a sharp hiss to his left. Cimeron looked up to observe the absolute fury shining in the White Queen's eyes. They pinned him in his seat. Such an arrogant prick…the world will be a better place without you. Fear filled him as he realised there was absolutely nothing he could give - nothing - which these people did not have or could not take for themselves if they wished - nothing to bargain for his life. They knew it. He was being toyed with. Well he would not give them the satisfaction.

Erik merely smiled. "Oh your death will serve a purpose. Several in fact. You'll be sending a pointed message back to your employers. You see - you were dead the moment you pointed your weapon at my partner." Cimeron frowned, "Then why not just let Xavier kill me - what's the point of this?" Erik smiles darkly. "Your blood's not good enough to stain his hands. That's my role. Trust me - I'm far better at it." Besides sweetie…we've learned so much from you… The White Queen taunts her voice now like sharp crystals cutting through his mind. He screams…No…

In his body metal begins to shift burning and slicing and Cimeron can no longer scream, but his bloodied mouth still contorts in wordless agony.

The only problem was that it was too short. His death still too quick for what this man had intended to do. Like the people who had taken her family from her - this man had meant to do the same to Erik. She stills. Sensing the final thread of victory in the agents mind. Something he had kept concealed…being drawn down into darkness with him in her determination to wrest his last secret…

The physical blow has her automatically snapping into her diamond form. She blinks, reeling to find Erik holding her, looking down in clear concern. "Emma? " She shakes her head, stumbling at the dizziness. "He…" She breaks off swallowing - her pain - the agents pain still too close. How had Charles's survived Shaw's death? She can't speak, the pain still close, her head feels as though its ready to burst. "Show me." Erik demands, and she sees the helmet is on the floor.

Wincing she tries to be gentle - to act as Charles has shown her - but it is Erik who is buoying her up - providing her with strength as his mind slips into her own. Almost like a glove, but for the distant coolness he provides. He had learnt this - learnt gentleness from Charles. It surprised her. He saw her memories - her pain of loosing her family, and later realisation of Shaw's betrayal. But none of that mattered now. None of it.

There was another agent - Isan - at the bar. He will have reported in….

Erik stilled. Six hours. Enough time to assemble a swot team. Enough time to search the surrounding area for houses that would fit - so easy to find…Cimeron had been the decoy. Rage exploded in her - in Erik's mind born of a panicked desperation.

Charles. He had left Charles alone - drugged - vulnerable…

Part 19 - Attack

Charles opens his eyes. The first thing he is aware of his that Erik's mind is closed off to his own. Its as though a barrier has come between them. A very familiar barrier. The helmet. He gasps, recoiling from that painful void, shutting down his own shields. That hurt. Like a physical blow. What the hell was the metal kinetic doing? Instant realisation explodes like a firestorm in his mind. The agent. Cimeron. Of course Erik would gather information from the man - and not in a congenial manner.

He sat up, gaining his feet, observing Hank snoring softly in the light arm chair. Even in rest the scientist's mind was still moving, still calculating and preparing formulas. So he had a guard, whilst Erik had gone off on his merry mission of medieval torture. Charles scowled, as his mind reached out to scan the others automatically. All accounted for. Raven was up late as usual when she should be resting…but that was normal. She was prowling the edge of the grounds…she - her unease had woken him. Raven? He tentatively asked. She stilled, crouched behind the bushes, and invited him directly to see through her eyes. Men. Sneaking quietly through the grounds. No roar of telling machinery. No helicopters, sirens, or cars…all carrying deadly silent rifles.

This was a kill mission then. Alarm swept through him them, as he reached out and felt several voids. Over 20. He could not influence or stop them. Raven…get out of there… He urged. She kept still however, her natural instincts keeping her concealed long enough for the men to slip by her. As she moved to cover their flanks. Charles - keep your hide safe. I am not explaining to Erik why you are bullet ridden when he comes home. Ignoring her, he reaches out to gently wake the other inhabitants of the house.

Erik, Emma, and Azazel he can't reach. Probably deliberate. Riptide is out somewhere…too far for him to touch in his state. Alex, and Sean are downstairs, instantly moving at his instruction. Logan is - no longer in the infirmary… Rookie stay out of my head - and I'll deal with them… He instructs firmly his mental images of drive Charles out, and he shakes his head stumbling. "Professor." Beast's arms wrap around him, but he has yet to reach…

Angel is in the library… for a moment aggravation flared in the telepath. It was well past midnight - what were all the kids doing up and about? Talia and Simon…awake now - with Logan…

Moira - where was she? Skulking down the corridors - outside his door - which burst open, announcing her entrance. Charles? She projected, before seeing them both in the dim light. Oh thank goodness. She continued, beckoning them forwards. Charles sighed, feeling annoyance fill him. This was their home. They were being invaded. Why should they run? Erik was right in that. They had a right to defend themselves. "Yes, we do - but now is not the time." Moira responds, and he realises belatedly he has projected that at them both.

Voids - two at the window have him turning round. Moira's eyes widen, and she draws her gun up over Hank's shoulder. "Get him out of here!" She orders opening fire as the glass shatters, and smoke fills the room…

Strong arms propel him forwards beyond the smoke. More voids. He maps them, projecting them to the others. He can't reach or stop them - but he can warn where they are…Alex - shot in the shoulder goes down. Charles gasps - the pain echoing to them all. Moira snaps out some orders - Alex is saved by Sean, defended, and the piercing shriek echoes down the hallways. No - the voids are moving towards them. Charles struggled in Hanks now implacable grip. "Hank - let me go!" He gasps - only to be pinned against the wall. "Professor - you need to keep calm." His fists making little impact against the blue furred chest. DON'T TELL ME TO KEEP CALM. He yells back. ALEX IS SHOT - oh no - Charles swallows, as Raven's scream pierces his skull.

Raven. They had shot her. His sister. Whom he had sworn to protect. Moira turns feeling the hairs on the back of her neck lift - a shiver running down her spine. Hank was looking down the corridor - prepared to shove Charles back as the voids - soldiers came up on either side of the corridor surrounding them.

Yet all Moira could look at were Charles eyes. A deeper violet blue. They could almost be said to be glowing.

Rage. Serenity. Rage. Serenity. Projected to them all. A howling mantra that sent them to their knees.

She thought she had seen the embodiment of rage in Erik Lehnsherr in his utter unshakeable quest to kill Shaw. She thought that he was the dangerous one. She couldn't have been more wrong.

It was a shame most generals or battle tacticians did not have the gift of telepathy Logan was realising. What army commander in the world wouldn't give their right arm for such clear, concise, instant communication updates. Logan kept the twins behind him, Xavier's information kept him a step ahead, and with his preternatural senses able to plan his attacks rather than simply react. Three were down, silently before his claws - he had to pull the girl away from their bodies. Shaking his head. Tears streamed down her face, but the boy pulled her closer. Seeming to understand the danger they were in more.

What he wouldn't give however for that damned metal manipulator's presence. Bullet stopping shouldn't be too beyond him. Where the hell was Erik anyway? He wasn't located on the telepath's mental map.

They were close now to the main halls, he had them tear their sleeves, placing the fabric over their mouths to slow the inhalation of the gas sweeping around them. When the mental shout him them. Shit. He thought. Seeing - feeling the blood gape through his chest. Not his own - but a young blond haired youth. He gained his feet, claws extending to take down the 2 green sighting rifles - and their owners. 5 down. At least 15 more to go. This was taking to long - if the blond kid was hurt - he needed help - and it looked like Logan was the nearest one to him…

Then he felt her - through Xavier. Raven. Shapeshifter. Beloved sister - shot dying…agonising pain hit him. He gasped going down on one knee, the twins collapsing behind him.

Rage. Serenity. Rage. Serenity. Rage. Serenity.

Like a flickering electrical current. Logan gasped as the mental battle map flickered, and only 5 soldiers were left standing. Those that had been surrounding the telepath, and companions simply vanished off it. As though they never existed.

Then Xavier was running past him, at the top of the stairs - Talia seeing him ran forwards, Simon making a desperate effort to grab her - but slipping. Logan grabbed him. Lunging to his feet - as he saw the single gunner at the grand entrance doorway - partly concealed by smoke. The gun fired, whether it hit the telepath Logan couldn't discern - as he leapt onto the lower floor - the soldier was writhing on the ground a silent scream on his lips. Logan's claws through his chest swiftly put him out of his mercy.

He scented the air, and snarled softly. His senses picking out the faint trail of blood. Xavier had been hit. What the hell was he playing at? A woman and a blue furry mutant tore down the stairs in his wake. "Charles!" The woman's gun swung to face him - but the blue mutant pulled it down before she could fire. "Moira meet Logan - vice versa." He stated in a single breath - outpacing them both beyond the door. Simon rose to his feet on the balcony - and Logan was watching it happen in slow motion - saw the green beam take aim…then the boy as down, and a spiting ball of acid melted through the soldiers gun as what looked like a fairy dove into the soldier sending him crashing to the ground. Simon ignored all of this, and ran outside following Xavier. Moira cast him a sharp assessing glance, before looking to the fairy. "Angel." She introduced briefly, before she too was running outside.

His beloved sister was dying. He couldn't let her. Held her mentally to him. Charles - let me go… She sobbed, her pain was agonising. No. No. Not like this. He was supposed to protect her - she wasn't supposed to die…No…

Charles - get back it's a trap - don't - CHARLES!

The rocket was launched directly at him. There was no chance the telepath could survive it. And that was the point of this exercise. Best to kill the plague at source. Isan smiled grimly. Cimeron had been a fool, but at the least his death was not in vain. It had provided a distraction. A way to tear the metal kinetic from the telepath's side. They were almost unstoppable together. This was the only way. Without the telepath's protection, Lehnsherr was just another rogue weapon - a powerful one, but mortal. And mortals could be put down.

Part 20 - Power

What Isan, nor his superiors could never have understood however was the strength of adaptation.

We know emotion plays a part in it. Erik's voice mocked in the telepath's mind. Well Erik. Bloody Erik wasn't here. He was off torturing some idiotic agent whilst the swot team tore apart his family. His life. Hurt Alex. Killed Raven. Raven.

No. Brothers protected their sisters. It was his job. Wind billowed around the telepath, trees snapped as he stood facing the weapon aiming straight for him casually. Everything slowed as he reached the dead centre of calm - now buffeted not by panic, but by rage. By strength.

The agent holding the gun at Raven began to dissolve, as did the rocket - peeling away like spots of paint on a drawing - leaving only harmless dust in their wake. Then Charles was kneeling beside her - his beloved sister…cradling her in his arms, her blood seeping into his shirt. That was foolish Charles. She berated him with her dying breath, her fingers reaching to draw away his tears. Even as time snapped back into place.

Gentle fingers pressed against her other hand - Talia. Tears slipped down her face as Raven weakly gripped her fingers. She knew - this wound was mortal - the twins couldn't fix this. There wasn't time…she gasped as light began to flow from the young woman's palm. "No - Talia - don't it will kill you-" But Raven was unable to move - her eyes taking in the spreading patch of red across her brother's chest. She pressed her fingers over it - uncertain if it were her own - or his. It had better not be his. She growled softly, finding strength in her anger. Rage and serenity. Charles murmured faintly, a laugh escaping him. Hysteria. She realised. In that moment she had never hated someone more than Erik Lehnsherr. Simply for not being there. For not living up to his promise. As she watched the shadow fall over them - unable to help to do anything as a blade appeared at her brother's throat.

Charles eyes snapped up, flashing a brilliant familiar startling green. The knife blade dropping down into his palm as he shoved backwards, and executed several precise moves that she knew her brother could never have enacted. Not in his state. Somehow Erik had managed the reverse of Charles's feat in the CIA headquarters. And from the way Charles's eyes blazed that deep verdant green. The metal kinetic was absolutely furious. It was impossible. Yet at that moment she loved Erik Lehnsherr. He had kept the pact between them, protecting her brother.

The agent stumbled back - fear shining in his eyes - till Charles slipped - his eyes blue again. But Raven saw him then. Erik. His gaze reflecting dark merciless fury.

Part 21 - Arrival

They materialised in the midst of a battleground. Smoke and bodies oozing from the mansion. Erik tore the helmet from his head - mentally reaching out for the telepath.

RAVEN! Charles's scream struck them all, for a moment knocking them from their feet in its shear intensity. In a dream like state Erik watched the rocket move towards the younger mutant, who seemed completely oblivious - and it was as though the metal kinetic were drunk - he couldn't move - couldn't seem to react quick enough…and he was loosing everything…

No…

He held out his hand watching in a haze of vague disbelief as the magnetic shield swept up around the telepath. Watched as something drew the strength out of him - and his own power merged with Charles's - tearing the rocket to shreds…tearing the man leaning over Raven - their sister - to shreds. Yet Erik still couldn't move - not even as the surviving soldier ran towards his beloved - but he could feel the sharp cold of the metal as though it pressed against his own throat - and comprehension flooded him.

He didn't give the telepath a choice - forcing him to yield as he took over. Exhaustion bled into him, Charles was hurt - injured - and Erik held him with iron strength. With all the fine control of his element - driving the soldier back before he was knocked back into his own mind by Charles's anger. The younger mutant slipped to his knees without Erik's strength however - and the remaining soldier's eyes lit up - moving in for the kill. Erik was running even as he snapped his hand up - and the soldier flew backwards to collide against the nearest heavy object with a sharp sickening crack.

Assessing for any further danger, Erik caught Charles before he hit the ground, assessing his condition as the others caught up to them. Logan swiftly dealing with, and capturing the remaining agent - Isan. Erik nodded to Emma, who stepped towards the man, watching him scream in mild satisfaction. She no longer played gentle, letting the full sharp crystal blades of her mind cut through him. Blood splayed from the agent's nose, and mouth as he screamed.

Charles stilled eyes wide as Erik's arms caught him up. Emma drew back, her sharp gaze meeting his, and both looked down to Raven. The diamond telepath understood all to well his rage - having lost her own family - but that did not mean that Charles did not have to like it. Did not mean he wasn't still at this moment completely enraged with Erik. For leaving. For committing torture. For returning - too late.

Emma and Azazel vanish with Moira, seeking the key personnel they had discovered in Isan's mind. They would stop this operation at the top down.

He was cursing Erik in his mind - in every language he could think of. Ordering him to let him the hell go, and go the hell away. The metal kinetic quietly bearing the brunt of it whilst not releasing him, not letting him go, and forcing Charles to sit, so he could examine the source of the blood congealed upon his chest. It was very necessary to tear the white shirt in order to do so. Necessary for the tactile assessment, his fingers checking beneath the superficial blood. The telepath stilled resistance vanishing as warm fingers rested tentatively against his abdomen. The babies…

Just the lightest tentative pulse - and their response floored him. He blinked back tears. They recognised their father already. Tears slipped openly down his face, gentle lips pressed against his own, feather light, tender, and Charles leaned into the strong chest. Watching quietly as strong fingers gripped his bloody arm - drawing out the lingering metal. Too numb to react even as Simon was suddenly there, gentle fingers drawing the distant pain away. Erik's fingers cording through his hair as the shell-shocked survivors gathered themselves together.

The metal kinetic held him close, knowing Charles probably wasn't going to like his next actions at all. The mansion had already been compromised. If Emma and Azazel returned with the slightest uncertainty Erik would not hesitate in pulling them all out. Shaw had many safe houses scattered across the globe. In fact, it would not hurt to spend the next couple of nights located at one of them anyway - just to be on the safe side.

He leant back against the near tree trunk, drawing Charles with him, the younger man resting against his chest, his own hands lightly shielding his bare abdomen. The bloody white shirt discarded nearby. Raven lay beside them, her eyes closed - one hand wrapped tightly in her brothers. Talia had done enough to save the shifter's life, though she wasn't yet healed fully by any means. She would need further treatments shortly from the pair - who were in danger of wearing themselves out. Alex was stable now, the gunshot wound having passed cleanly through his shoulder. The others followed Erik's quiet orders. Gathering items from the house, things they would need for the short stay away. More could always be retrieved if it became longer, and Logan was being remarkably efficient in organising them.

For the moment Erik was content to simply hold Charles in his arms. Too aware how close he had come to losing him. The humans were playing right into his hands. Their attack today on the school, on their home, on their family - on Raven - only strengthened his own position. Charles had already given up on his idealistic peace, and whilst he wasn't yet prepared for the necessity of war that Erik could foresee his innocence in humanity was lost now.

More than anything the metal kinetic wished he could create the telepath's ideal world for him, if only because it would be a world he could be safe in. Despite the impossibility of such a dream. He considered the fading gunshot wound on the telepath's arm feeling a sharp rush of guilt. He hadn't been there to prevent that. He was heavily considering the practicalities of a perfectly magnetised metal cage, how he could make it perfectly safe against even nuclear attack…and the practicalities of doing so…

Charles wouldn't resist, not in his current shell shocked state. It was heavily tempting… He sighed, pressing his lips against the unruly head of hair. Because truly, if the world pissed him off enough, he was going to flatten it, all of it. And there wouldn't be much left standing. Charles would be angry with him, but then Erik could deal with that. He could deal with his rage, and disappointment - because at least the telepath would be alive.

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