Chapter 10: To trust or not to trust
"Magneto, you might want to see this!" A member of the Brotherhood calls him. On the TV screen a man is interviewed by a reporter. "And so, this plague that has bothered our county and has hurt and killed various of our citizens will soon end." "Some say that a deal has been made and that you've been pressured into this by mutant lobby groups." "No, no such deals exist. The shutdown of the chip program is completely unrelated to the solution of the vermin plague. We've encountered various problems with the first trials and, therefore, the chip program has been postponed, for now." "So perhaps in the future?" "We'll need to do more research and then someday, yes, we will try again."
"Hank, I think. He mentioned a meeting with the Department." Mystique suggests. A slight feeling of pride stirs in her chest. "Perhaps congratulations are in order, although it is only a temporary solution." "My teachers did this?" Pietro asks. "Yes, I think so." Magneto hasn't said anything yet. "It's great isn't it, dad?" "Yes, yes, the wonderful X-men and their peaceful solutions," he responds bitterly. "It was blackmail, I think," Mystique mentions, "so maybe not that peaceful."
Another group of mutants is watching the same interview. "You did it, Hank!" The other teachers congratulate him. "Only for the time being," he replies modestly. "That's all we can ever hope for anyhow." "The medical research facilities will be shut down, so will the chip program. It's the best result possible." "We have given away a part of our secret though: the poison that will destroy the rats and mice could be used against us, eventually, although it would need severe changes." "Not that likely," Charles comforts him, "Mice and rats respond so differently, the chances are very small they will be able to alter it to their advantage." "Besides," Sean pitches in, "didn't you only provide a bare minimum so that they won't have any left for research?" "Yes, of course, you're right. It just feels like we've lifted the veil to some extent." "Don't spoil your own triumph!"
Magneto encourages Pietro to practice as much as he can and try out his power. They are still on the move from town to town, ever on the run, but as the facilities close their doors, there's no real need to destroy them anymore. Magneto remains on his search, however, and has told his son about it. They'd never suspect that their intended target is on his way towards them.
"Are you sure we're able to carry out this plan? It's not every day that we take on mutants all by ourselves." His partner may be having doubts, but he sure isn't. "I've thought it all through. Fortunately, Dr. Lovely provided us with many details." "Still, it is pretty risky…" "Are you in or out? I'd like to know that beforehand," he asks rather brusquely. "I've always been supportive. I'm just worried, that's all." "Well, don't be. It'll work out just fine."
"He hasn't found a name yet, has he?" Both of them are looking out over the hillside where Pietro is practicing. "No, it's a bit of a search. It's not that easy to define oneself with a fitting name." Magneto smiles. "Ours are quite good, so maybe that's the problem." "He does want you to be proud of him." "I am, I am. I've always been afraid he would turn out differently. Too soft, but that's clearly not the case." "He is willing to go far to please you." "To please himself as well, I think." "Pietro is quite the addition to our team." "Indeed."
He is doing his very best to impress Magneto and Mystique but when they turn around to discuss further plans, he takes a breather. Pietro decides to explore the woods in the valley. Going through them takes hardly any time. Two men notice him and walk towards him. His first instinct is to run, but he can always do that later. Perhaps they are simply lost and want to ask for directions. They engage in conversation and are pleasant enough. Pietro is unsure whether to distrust all humans like his father does, or to give them the benefit of the doubt, like he has been taught in school.
Hours later, he wakes in the smallest cell ever; he can barely move. His feet are cast in iron shackles and it's very dark. Pietro shouts but it he is left all by himself. The men had tricked him into a hidden bear trap on the way to their car; they'd asked for directions and told them the map was in their car. He curses himself and his education for being too trustworthy. He shouts until he gets tired. Pietro falls asleep again, worn out from pain and worry, his dreams filled with danger.
"You don't want to talk to him?" His partner is puzzled. "Let him scream for now, that way he will be like putty in my hands later on." "His father could come to collect him. I thought you meant to kill him straight away." "What would be the fun in that?" "We can't deal with Magneto, you know that. We haven't got the resources." "We won't have to. He'll never come in time."
"Where's Pietro?" "Isn't he still practicing?" "I haven't seen him since this afternoon." Mystique and Magneto return to the valley in search for him. Knowing he can look after himself they aren't too worried. "He could be anywhere, with the speed he's going." Magneto smiles. "Yes, I believe I have found a name for him. Quicksilver." "Sounds good."