Queen

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The 165 acre Maurice estate came into view from his tinted limo window. The mansion was covered in dull colored rocks with a bright red roof that matched the bushes on either side of the entryway. There were six wood outlined windows on both floors and a side house for the staff. It also held a cabin in a back, which Gambit believed to be the original Maurice house.

Stepping out on the grey bricked walkway a butler came offering to take his coat. He waved the butler away as he was lead into the foyer with a u shaped staircase before him and a huge hanging Alexandria style chandelier above him.

The butler led him to the top of the marble staircase to a huge red wood door at the top. Behind it was a grand library. Obviously the Maurice family liked to flaunt their wealth. In the library he heard the sounds of heels.

"That will be all Laurence."

"Yes Madam." The butler said disappearing.

"I trust your trip was a good one?" she said. Michelle Maurice is the Midwestern queen. Born of German and English decent her family moved to Ohio in 1875 as historians who took a peculiar liking to the native American culture along the river. Now Michelle is the owner of the Focter and Ramble Co. and part owner of Stay's Inc making her one of the wealthiest woman in America.

Michelle herself is in her mid thirties with her tamed curly hair in a tight brunette bun to match her professional purple female suit. She also had piercing hazel eyes that contrasted heavily with her white skin.

"It was fine Michelle." Gambit told her.

"Good, follow me please." She led him down the stairs he came in at, to the right through a few rooms, to an elevator. She pulled a key out that was buried in her cleavage as they walked in and placed the key in the hole. Immediately the elevator began to move down.

A few seconds later they came out to what looked more like a high tech facility.

"Is all tis really necessary Michelle?" Remy looked at her as if she was trying to show him up.

"It is necessary for me your highness." She said pointing him to the left and into her office. Her office was very normal. A nice sized desk, with books, a computer, printer and a few extra chairs. The only thing odd was the oversized catfish in her wall of a fish tank.

Noticing him looking, "Those are catfish."

"I know tat. They look like they can eat a shark whole, wat ya been feedin 'em?" he asked.

"They are Ohio River catfish. The water is fairly polluted. I keep those fish to remind me that even in the depths of a polluted river you can still find beauty."

"Catfish are beauty?"

"Catfish are dear to my family Guildsmaster."

"Ok," he said taking a quick breath, "So what is so severe that I had ta come here an handle."

"My men are starting to deal with people more like … you."

"Me?"

"Your kind, mutants. Many establishments are hiring them and my men cannot defeat them. One mutant has the destructive force of at least twenty or so men. I have tried to hire mutants for myself ,but it is hard to manage. Some of them cannot control their powers and I am at a loss at how to deal with them.

Unlike some of the territories mine is rather populated and I do not wish for things to go out of balance. The problem so far is manageable, but I wished to consult you personally on the matter."

"I see," he thought about it for a few minutes in silence, "Fer now we shouldn do anythang. Mutants will have enough problems and I rather not have us involved wit 'em. After a few years we will reassess te issue. Anythang else?"

"Yes, actually … BillyJoe called."

"Billywho?"

"The Sherriff of Texas under Tatera." She informed him. Gambit could feel his migraine coming back. If he had to deal with Tatera one more f-ing time he was going to lose it.

"Wat he want?"

"He asked for some money. He says he owes his sister some money an when I refused he sent people up here to steal from me."

"Where are they?"

"The twins are using them in their experiments."

"Twins?"

"You'll see."

Gambit was brought to a room with three people strapped to metal tables with three lasers going across their body.

"Are ya killin em'?" Gambit asked.

"No." Twin 1

"No."Twin 2

"These are the twins Polly and Molly."

"How can ya tell 'em apart?"

"I cant."

"There not dying!" Twin 1

"Did you know if you have a laser at a certain frequency lasers softly burn people!" Twin 2

"I've had them tortured for information." Michelle told him.

"Let em go. I'll have tis Billy guy dealt wit and Tatera."

"Fine, please stay the night." Michelle said sounding almost disappointed that she had to let the people go.

"I thought you weren't interested in me?" he teased.

"I am!" Twin 1

"I am!" Twin 2

"Boys …" Michelle huffed under her breath, "I meant in your own room."

The next day he flew home to find Rogue passed out on his bed with a wet towel on her face. He placed his hand on her feeling a slight tingle that he never felt before, but nothing more than that.

"Wat happened Bobby?"

"I don know … her head started hurtin an she passed out."

"Are ya sure tat's ALL tat happened?"

"Yes, wat would I do ta her."

Glaring at his brother he sent him out his room and watched Rogue until she woke up.

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