Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X. Evie is my character. The idea for part of the evil plot was gleaned from an episode of Star Trek: TNG. They get the credit.

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 9

The sun was brilliant and the ocean breeze was warm and inviting as the three couples strolled around different parts of the deck of the Crown of the Sea.

Adam and Evie had stopped at the bow of the ship. One side gave them a view of the open seas with islands dotting the horizon. The other allowed them to view one side of the majestic volcano that is Hawaii rising above the bustling docks. "It's so beautiful, here." Evie voiced a thought more than spoke.

"Yes, it is. The ship is state of the art, too," observed Adam.

"I think the only reason they have so many stewards is to explain how to work all the gadgets. There is a button to push for just about anything imaginable." Evie mused.

"There do seem to be as many staff members as passengers, but that's just because the ship can actually hold about three times as many as are on board now. This trip was specifically contrived for specific reasons. I hope Tori can tell me what they are." Adam stated, not noticing Evie tense at the mention of that woman's name.

The ship had launched with all the expected fanfare and was now about to enter open waters. Everyone was gathered to the bow of the ship on the main deck as the Countess Victoria Morrow was announced and appeared on the observation deck above the onlookers. "My Dear Friends, welcome aboard the Crown of the Sea. I'm pleased that you were all so kind as to accept my invitation to celebrate the life that was my husband's and join me as we move on with our lives as he would have wanted us to do. I hope to have the chance to spend time with all of you over the next 7 days as we enjoy all the exciting activities this vessel has to offer. It is my hope that you all have a wonderful and relaxing voyage. Thank you and please enjoy the Champagne Reception now beginning in the Forward Lounge directly in front of you." She turned and disappeared from view.

The team had re-gathered to hear their hostess and now watched as many passengers entered the lounge. They noticed some had not, but preferred to stroll or sit and enjoy the warm afternoon sun. Adam instructed that they all proceed and mingle and he would go back to his cabin and await Tori.

They all did as they were instructed but Evie was really not interested in mingling. She seemed to be consumed in thought. /How can I do this? I'm not strong enough for this./ Then, all of a sudden, her thoughts were banished as she caught sight of…a piano. She hadn't thought about playing the piano in months. She still loved to play, but she had been so busy adjusting to her life in Sanctuary. Perhaps it was the sea air, perhaps it was the atmosphere, or perhaps it was just her sullen mood, but now the piano seemed to be calling her, drawing her to it by its soft notes and sweet sound. Before long she found herself standing near as the young pianist aptly played.

After a little while of eyeing the passengers, their idea of mingling; attention was suddenly focused on Brennan.

"It can't be." Brennan was staring intently at someone.

"What is it, Brennan?" asked Shalimar.

"That guy over there, I recognize him. But why would he be here?"

"Well, it looks like we're going to find out." Emma noticed that he was approaching with a woman gracing each arm.

He had dismissed them with a glance as he continued to advance now in full eye contact with Brennan.

Brennan removed his arm from Shalimar's waist and stepped slightly in front of her.

Instinctively taking his lead, Jesse did the same with Emma.

"Brennan Mulwray. It's been a long time." His voice was surprisingly kind and friendly as he extended his hand.

After a moment's hesitation, Brennan shook his hand but his eyes never wavered from the glare he was giving the man, now in front of him. "Tony, you're the last person I expected to see…ever again."

"I understand your apprehension, really, but I've changed. I'm not the street punk, you remember. And it's Antonio, now."

"Yeah, right. The only one who called you Antonio was your grandmother." Brennan smiled slightly at the thought of the woman still speaking in the back recesses of his mind.

"How nice you remember her." Brennan's face set hard at the insinuation that he would not remember someone who meant so much to him. "She's a great woman and I think I finally learned the things she's been trying to teach me. She still speaks of you. It's nice to see you haven't disappointed her, either." He now shifted his gaze to the other three members of the team, as if to accentuate the slight that Brennan had not offered introductions. Advancing a small step past Brennan, he shot out his hand toward Jesse "I'm Antonio Tigra," he offered.

"Jesse, good to meet you," Jesse smiled back.

Shaking Jesse's hand, he jabbed, "You must be a very patient man to put up with this character." Antonio released Jesse's hand and now looked toward the women.

"Emma," she greeted him, "and this is Shalimar." She stretched out her hand, only to suddenly realize that the stranger quickly raised it to his lips and gently kissed it on the back.

"Enchanted," he wooed. "Such a beautiful woman should never be hidden behind any man." Instead of releasing her hand, he gave it to Jesse. Emma blushed slightly, but Jesse furrowed a questioning brow.

Antonio took Shalimar's hand in his and gave it the same treatment as Emma's. Shalimar, having seen it done once, was less surprised, but no less appreciative. Instead of returning it, he held her hand in both of his as he continued, gazing into her eyes. "Such an exquisite flower, may she always be kissed by the brightest sun."

"There was another young woman with you when you came in…" he turned his head to scan the room. "Ah, there she is." He spotted Evie at the other end of the chamber, near the piano. "A music lover. Wonderful. If you will excuse me," he apologized and again he slowly kissed Shalimar's hand, which he held for a moment more before releasing it "I will introduce myself. We shall meet again." With that, he turned and headed in the direction of the piano.

Brennan raised his champagne glass close to his lips and spoke quietly. "Evie, don't look up. Listen to me. I want you to casually turn around and go out the door behind you. Go straight to your cabin and wait for the rest of us."

Evie tensed slightly at the unexpected voice which was so soft that only she could hear. She recognized Brennan and his 'all business' tone. Without question, she immediately followed his direction.

Antonio stopped when he saw her leave. Turning he saw Brennan slyly raise his glass and smile. Antonio just nodded.

Brennan turned to his teammates. "Let's go."

TBC