Cousin Jethro
(An NCIS - X-Men Crossover)
None of the Characters used in the work are mine. The cast of NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles belong to Donald Balisario. The characters from the
various X-Men titles belong to Marvels Comics and their - over the years - various editors, artists, and writers! I am just borrowing them to play with.
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This is what happens when you read too many fan-fictions! Other writers start giving you ideas! I'd like to thank DimensionalLover for
helping to put this idea into my head! This will be the first of (what I hope) is a four-story crossover-series, featured around NCIS!
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Cousin Jethro
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Shasowcat, Magik, Wolfsbane, Catseye, Jubilee, Mirage, and Pixie fire rifles down the landing-deck of an Aircraft-Carrier!
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"GIBBS! LANGE!" Direcctor Vance called out. "I want to speak to you - now - before the hearing starts!"
"This about what happened outside with the Sentinals, Leon?" Gibbs asked.
"Yes, it is," Vance replied, "with both of you! Usually, I wouldn't worry about this. But?"
"But we've still got an old treaty with the old Soviet Union that the Russians would prefer we kept!" Hettie responded.
"Not just the Russians!" Vance sighed. "Although half the world is interested in using extra-human abilities as some sort of weapon, the world's leaders -
or, most of them - still prefer to hide their operation behind that treaty, although it's never been apopted by the United Nations. In my office, pleace."
As soon as the two senior field-agents were in his office, Vance shut the door.
"I feel," Henrietta said, "as if I'm being called into the Principal's Office."
"You get used to it." Jethro replied.
"For right now?" He told Gibbs anf Lange, "What is said between us stays between us, unless you wish othereise."
"Alright, Leon!" Gibbs grinned. "I think I know what you're going to ask? So? Ask!"
"Alright." Vance sat at his desk and looked to his two Senior-Agents. "Earlier today, you two were examined by Sentinal-robots! Now?
Not everyone on-base was examined! In fact, the only ones examined were the X-Men, and Mrs. Pryde. Since the U.S. Armed Forces,
officially, has a moritoriumagainst Mutants, I need to ask: Are either one of you Mutants?"
"The Sentinal just pronounced me an 'Anamoly', Leon!' Gibbs chuckled, then sighed. "I carry the makings for the mutant-genes, as does my cousin, but?
No one ever tagged me for a mutsnt! Had she been allowed to live? Kelly would have probably been a mutant! She'd probably had been in Xavier's with Kathryn!"
'More like running Xavier's with Kat!' Jethro heard his daughter's voice in his head. And he grinned.
'She takes right after her father!' Shannon's voice whispered through Jethro's head. And he chuckled lightly.
'Taking after who?' Gibbs throught, remembering Shannon.
"Something funny, Gibbs?" The Director looked up at Jethro.
"Friendly family-argument!" Gibbs smiled.
Both Leon and Hettie turned their faces to Jethro:
"Friendly?" Hettie all but gaped at the taller man.
"About?" Leon asked.
"What would've happened had Kelly lived long enough to attend Xavier's School." Gibbs replied.
"Xavier's?" Hettie asked a second before Leon. "Not the Massachusetts Academy?"
"Nah!" Gibbs smirked. "Kat was already at Xavier's, by then! Kelly would have followed her to help keep her out of trouble. It's a Gibbs family-tradition."
"Okay." Vance asked, "What about the almost hypnotic-effect your eyes have? I've seen the effect of that stare a few times. And, What about your ability to see and hear ghosts?
Like right now?"
"Dad used to tell me they were 'family-gifts', Leon!" Gibbs answered. "The kind of 'gifts' that could get a person killed if the wrong people found out!"
"I'm familiar with those kinds of 'gifts', Jethro!" Hettie spoke.
"I'm sure of that, Ms. Lange!" Jethro responded.
"Any of those gifts involved with why you were scanned by the Sentinals and called a 'Hybrid', Hettie?"
"Yes, Leon!" Hetie answered. "ALL of them do! But? As for now? I see know no reason for SecNav to discover them! They aren't matters of National Security! Yet."
"'Yet'." Vace smiled, quizzically. "Has anyone learned of these secrets, Hettie?"
"Yes.." Hettie admitted. "Kathryn Pryde figured them out, yesterday, while we were sparring, and - I believe - so did Jethro! And? Mr. Granger knows about it!"
"They do, do they?" They Director raised an eyebrow. "Pardon me."
Director Vance then opened the door of his office and stepped out onto the walkway:
"Kathryn Pryde? Owen Granger? In my office. Now."
"Girls?" Kathryn spoke to her friends. "I'll be back down in a couple of minutes! I hope? Sounds like I've been called to the Principal's Office."
"And, why would Commander Vance be needin' you?" Rahne asked.
"Probably to vouch for something someone said!" Kathryn answered her friend.
"Sargeant Gibbs?" Illyana asked.
"More like Hettie Lange?" Danielle Moonstar asked.
"That's what I'm guessing, Dani!" Shadowcat responded.
And, the girls started looking askance at Mirage and Shadowcat.
"We were all at the gym for the work-out, yesterday," Kathryn said, "And we all saw Hettie fight, right?"
Danielle, Rahne, Sharon,and Illyana solemnly nodded in memory.
"And, remember our trip to Asgarde?" Kathryn said. "We weren't there long, but...?"
And Dani, Rahne, and Illyana stared, wide-eyed, and gasped in reconition.
"I'm just lucky I thought of that nerve-pinch before she did!" Kathryn said.
"Remind me to never get in a fight with her, Kitty?" Illyana asked, fearfully.
"Escuse me, kids!" Granger said to the inpromptu-meeting between the Los Angeles team and Magneto and his children.
"I've been called into the Principal's Office."
"Why you, Granger?" Sam Hannah asked.
"Because I know a bit more about Hettie's history than you do!"
The Agents looked at Granger.
"And, believe me, kids," Owen grinned. " you don't want to know what I know!"
"That scary, huh?" Sam asked.
"I thought everything we already knew about our Fairy Godmother was scary, enough!". Deeks quipped.
"Scarier than the Coumescus?" Callen asked Granger.
"Callen?" Granger smiled. "You SURVIVED the Coumescus."
"Come on, Granger!" Sam asked, "What's worse than the Coumescus?"
"How about.. field-dressing..." Nell volunteered.
"'Field-dressing'?" Eric asked. "As in a carcass?"
"While you're still breathing!" Nell added.
Wanda and Pietro turned their faces to Nell, while Eric looked Queasy!
"Somebody point Beale to a trashcan!" Owen said. "I'll check back with you, later!"
Soon, Kathryn and Owen were in Vance' office.
"Okay!" Owen asked gruffly. "Who noticed what, when?"
"Earlier, today, when the Sentinals examined Hettie!" Vance responded. "And, labeled Miss Lange a 'Hybrid'. After they labelled Seregeant Gibbs an 'anomoly'!"
"And SecNav is worried about this because..?" Owen asked.
"SecNav doesn't know about this, yet!" Vance admitted. "And, I'd like to keep it that way! Gibbs and Lange're Pains-in-the-Ass, but they're my best field-operatives!"
"I'm glad someone's talking sense, Vance!" Owen said. "And, for the record? Since I know about Hettie, officially, the C.I.A. knows about Hettie!"
"It does?" Vance raised an eyebrow.
"It DOES, Owen?!" Hettie quickly turned around.
"Relax, Henrietta!" Owen smiled warmly. "What the C.I.A. knows it that you were born in a Displaced-Person's Camp in Europe, and that you came to the U.S.
when you were in your mid-20s! And? That you've been a valuable-asset since coming Stateside! You've shown remarkable combat-skills, as well as brilliant
observation-skills."
"They know no more than that, Owen?" Hettie asked.
"No. And? I've checked and re-checked their files."
"So... does anyone else know her.. family-history?" Vance asked.
"Beside Kathryn, Gibbs, and I?" Owen said. "Just her banker."
"Her BANKER?!" Vance asked.
"He's also my fifth-cousin, once-removed, Leon!" Hettir responded. "On my father's mother's quarter! The family recognized I needed protecting as soon as they
found me in Europe! And? My banker was chosen to be my guardian! It was HE who taught he how to fight, in fact!"
"HE taught you how to fight?" Kathryn asked, surprised.
"Why, yes, Miss Pryde!" Hettie smiled back.
"Is he still alive?" Kat continued.
"I think so!" Hettie ponder. "I haven't heard from him in a couple of years. But? That is no cause for alarm! Ironclaw's family tends to be like that. My finances
are still secure, so? I'm sure he's still alive!"
"How did you know her other family, Owen?" Gibbs asked.
"I have a cousin in England, Gibbs," Owen said, "his daughter's had dealings with Ironclaw's people. How do you know about them, Gibbs?"
"Cousins have dealt with them for generations!" Gibbs smiled.
"Oh, Hettie! You may have to reassure our people before we get back to L.A.! They asked me why I was called in to Vance' Office! I tried to be as vague as
possible, but, Jones figured you out, I think."
"Oh?" Hettie asked. "Howso?"
"She described the fiighting-style as 'field-dressing'!" Owen smirked.
Kathryn started to giggle a bit maniacally.
"What's so funny, Miss Pryde?" Leon asked.
"No... Nothing.. Director! Humph!" Kat fought to control her laughter. "Just pi - picturing if.. Ironclaw ha.. ha.. had.. been here.. fighting.. in.. stead of.. Hettie!"
"Oh, yes." Hettie grinned . "That shoulder that you paralyzed? If it had been anyone else.. Ironclaw would have removed that arm and shoulder. And? Perhaps
the leg and thigh!"
"And, maybe an organ or two?" Owen thought out loud.
"Waste not, Want not?" Gibbs thought.
"Hm..." Vance pondered. "We'll have to deal with that, later, I think. But? Not for now! I'll hear about it whan the President does. Right bow? We have a bunch of
mutants to worry about. Oh! Kathryn! While you're here? May I ask you something? I wonfer if you might be able to teach my children a bit about self-defence?"
"Sure... thing... Director Vance!" Kat said, stifling her laughter.
"I wonder... if I could persuede Ironclaw to come up here.. or to California.. if the X-Men don't co-operate?" Hettie wondered aloud. Then, she chuckled.
"You, really, don't like the X-Men, do you, Hettie?" The Director asked.
"Not all of them, Leon!" Hettie nodded her head at the Director. "Although? SOME of them I HAVE developed a distaste for! But? Maybe, however, Ironclaw's clan MIGHT
develope a taste for the X-Men?"
"Pardon me, Director Vance?" McGee walked into the office, "Everybody's in MTAC, now! And J.A.G.'s sent someone 'neutral' to officiate this hearing.
"Thank you, McGee!" Vance answered. "Any reports back from the BOLO we put out on our AWOL-Servicemen?"
"The Human-League members?" McGee answered. "No, Sir! Not yet, sorry."
"Well?" Vance sighed, "The rats have to crawl out of their holes, sometimes! Someone will see them. Well? Ladies? Gentlemen? The hearing awaits."
"I would be willing to wager the X-Men wish that it would wait a litle longer?" Hettie pondered.
"Ain't happenin'!" Vance and Kathryn growled.
Five minutes later, Director Vance, Agent Gibbs, Owen Granger, Hettie Lange, and Kathryn and her girls were entering MTAC:
"Ladies and gentlemen?" Director Vance announce, "we are here to discuss a problem that has arisen concerning Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, the Federal
Bureau of Investigations, and the Navy! Now? While this is not a trial, this hearing will be conducted as such! That is why The Judge Advocate General has sent over Captian
Ramsay Turner as a Judge and Captian Walter Tinsley as Court-Reporter. JAG wants to make sure there is a neutral-party, here. I will, now, hand thid over to Captain Turner."
Vance saluted the Captiain as he handed him the gavel.
"Thank you, Leutinant Vance." Captain Turner returned the salute.
"Ladies and genylemen! Let me reiterate what Leutinant Vance of NCIS just said! This is not a trial. Formal-charges have not even been filed! The Navy Department, along
with the FBI and Congress, want to get to the boeeom of what has become a 35-year-old Cold Case! And? With the threats of espionage growing every day from many different
directions, we would like to stop something likke this from happening, again! Now! Is Kathryn Anne Pryde with us, today?"
Kathryn stood up straight. "I am present, your Honor!" She smartly saluted the Judge.
"At ease, Miss Pryde." The Captain smiled. "Now, Miss Pryde! Although no formal-charges have been brought against you, you are still a person-of-interest in the 1980-disappearance -
and, recent-reappearance, of certain data-files from the FBI concerning a 'Project: Wide-Awake'! As a person-of-interest, do you have legal-representation with you, today?"
"She does, you Honor!" A reddish-blonde woman, with toughed of grey, stood up beside Kathryn, and saluted the Judge. "I'm Allison Blair, and I'll be representing Miss Pryde!"
"Sir?" Kathryn said. "Captain Turner? May I state, on and off the record, that I have not, since entering the Naval Yard two days ago, asked for legal-defence! Even though, it was
suggested that I, at least, have my rights read to me before I confessed to anything."
"Duly noted and recorded, Miss Pryde!" The judge responded. "Who advised you to have your rights read to you?"
"I did, your Honor!" Tobias Fornell stood up. "Tobis Fornell, Senior Field Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Washington Office! I was in the Navy Yard when Miss Pryde came into
Washington and told me of her part in the theft of the data."
"And she told you, because..?" Captain Turner asked Fornell.
"Because my late-wife, Diane, and I have known Miss Pryde for almost as long as we've known Sargeant Leroy Jethro Gibbs!" Fornell responded.
"And she - Miss Pryde - confessed after her rights were read to her?" Captain Turner asked.
"No, sir!" Fornell sighed. "She confessed, fully, before her rights were given to her. She's as stubborn as her cousin."
"Confessed before..?" Turner asked, then turned back to face Kathryn. Then stepped down towards the "defendent", Bible in his right hand:
"Kathryn Anne Pryde! You have the right to remain silent! If you give up this right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court-of-law! You have the right to an attorney
before being questioned. If you cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed for you! Do you understand your rights, Miss Pryde?"
"I do, your Honor!" Kathryn said. "And, I gladly forfeit those rights, now, as I did two days ago!"
"I knew SHE'D Say that, Sir," Allison replied, "as surely as I knew it when I was contacted to be her Attorney, night before last!"
"Yesterday MORNING?!" Kathryn quickly turned to face Allison. "Who called you to be my Counsel?"
"I did, Miss Pryde!" Hettie answered. "Right after the Bureau and SecNav contacted me about coming to D.C to question you! I figured that, if worse came to worst, you might need a lawyer!"
"Does Ironclaw know how you spend your money, Hettie?" Kat grinned at the small woman.
"Oh - he finds out!" Hettie grined.
"Now that you understand - I take it - the seriousness of your situation," Captain Turner said, holding the Bible, "Miss Pryde, do you swear to tell the truth in this hearing, the whole truth as
you know of it, and mothing but the truth? So help you, God?"
Kat raised her right hanfd, placing her left upon the Bible. "I do!"
"You may sit down. Miss Prude."
Kat sat back down in her chair, straight and at attention.
"Now, Miss Pryde, for the sake of this hearing, would you state your full name, please?", the judge said,
"Kathryn Anne Pryde." Kat stated.
"And, how old are you, Miss Pryde?" Vaptain Turnrt asked.
"Thirty-eight." Kathryn answered. "I was born in March of 1967."
"And you are here in Washington to..?" turner asked.
"Besides personal-matters?", Kat answered. "To return some stolen-files to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Pentegon!"
"And, who stole the files?" Turrner inquired.
"A five-member team of The X-Men, Sir!" Kathryn answered. "I was a member of that team, Sir."
"In November of 1980?" Turner asked. "But, you would have been,,?"
"Thirteen going on fourteen, your honor!" Kat stated.
"And you were chosen for this mission to sabutauge 'Project: Wide-Awake' because..?" Turner inquired.
cab b"Because I could sabutauge it, Sir!" Kat replieed. "My mutation allows me to become intangible,
a 'living-ghost', if you will, Sir! This, I understand, is due to my cells enitting a slightly-weaker cohesive-
bond than the normal human body, albeit still strong enough to, usually - keep my in control of my body.
As long as I'm conscious A by-product of that weakened-bond is rgar it disrupys electo-magnetic fields
in the immediate-area that I'm passing through! I think.. my dad started noticing how lethal I was to
electronics before my phasing-abilities started manifesting themselves!" Kat softly smiled and chuckled
at the memory.
"Mom and dad had an IBM at home, and they taught me how to use it before I got into Middle-School!
Well? A month before I turned 13, I started frying 'Dino'."
"'Dino'?" Captain Turner chuckled.
"What I named the old dinosaur, Sir!" Kat giggled. "Er.. anyway, after that, I started learning how to fix
the machine! And? By the time I got to Xavier'sm I pretty much knew the inside of an IBM as well as I
knew my neighborhood in Deerfield! And? By then, I had learned to be careful enough not to fry any
disks I was working with, so I wouldn't lose the data. So? When we heard about 'Project: Wide-Awake',
and the re-birth of the Sentinals, Professor Xavier remembered the files the F.B.I, had on the X-Men,
and Cyclops - Scott Summers - came up with a plan to steal the files from the F.B.I."
"And you were part of this plan?" Captain Turner asked.
"Yes, sir." Kat replied. "I was to download the files on the X-Men, and then sabutauge the computers!"
"And this was while the Hearings on the original Wide-Awake were being held?" Turner asked.
"Yes, sir." Kat replied.
And, a few seats over, Charles Xavier and Scott Summers were starting to fidgit.
"And, why did you agree to be a part of this, Miss Pryde?" Turner asked.
""Three," Kat counted off her fingers, "I was the youngest-member of the X-Men!" She then turned to face Ororo,
confusion suddenly registering in her voice, "They were my family?"
"Oh, my God!" McGee gasped, hints of helplessness and fear showing, "she sounds like a kid!"
"A scared, lonely little girl, Tim!" Tony whispered, but with a sharp edge in his voice.
"Dear Lord, Jethro!" Theresa whispered through threatening tears. "What happened to my baby?"
"The X-Men happened, Theresa." Jethro stated flatly, fighting to keep his rage in check.
"Two," Kare continued to count down, "I remembered the horror-stories, of my father's family, of how they were
rounded-up in occupied-Poland, after fleeing NAZI Germany. My grandparents' cousins. Rounded-up from records
someone kept."
"Her family's story," Magneto sighed as tears started to fall, "So much like my own family!" Pietro and Wanda
held onto their father.
"One, your Honor?" Kathryn finished. "The reasoning behind The Professor's argument was rather compelling!"
"Believe me, Mis Pryde," Captain Turner said, "having read the notes of the late-F.B.I. agent, Fred Duncan? I can well
imagine hooe 'compelling' Charles Xavier can be! So, what made you hang on to the original files? And, where are they?"
"Riggh in my bag, your Honor!" Kay said, "I gave NCIS anf the FBI a thumbdrive to read because it was easiest to read!
After 35 years the original diskettes have degraded, but, I kept transcribing to newer-media!" She handed two CDs to the
judge. "There you go, Sir! Generation-2 of the FBI-files! To go with Generation-3! As for why I kepyt them? Origibally, Charles
Xavier want to see what FBI-file coinsided with his own, and asked me to transcribe them! Then? As I read them - and, re-
read them - I started to think that.. msybe we'd made a terrible mistake in stealing them! No matter what the upper-
classnen said! So? I kept a copy of the files with me, so they wouldn't get 'lost' while I tried to make my point to the
other X-Men!"
"And, did you?" Turner asked.
"No, Sir." Kat answered. "My arguments were either rejected, or tabled for other business to be looked at!"
"NOW, SEE HERE, SHADOWCAT!" Cyclops suddenly shot to his feet. "YOU'RE OUT OF LINE! You know DAMNED well
why we have to keep..."
And the JAG-Captain at the podium struck back at Cyclops with the force of a tsunami! "Now, see here, Mr. Summers! You
will have time to cross-examine the witness, if you feel the need to, lster! But, right now? I am getting to the specifics of this
case! Namely, why Miss Pryde is coming foreward with the stolen-files and how they came to be in her possession!"
"Strike two, Summers!" Allison Blair wjispered, a smirk on her face. "Care to try for strike three?"
"Are there any records of the meetings between you and the rest of the X-Men, Miss Pryde?" Judge Turner asked.
"Not that they know of." Scott chuckled.
"If fact, your Honor, there are!" Kate said as she reached in her bag. "Again? I figuted that, in the face of stiff-opposition,
I'd better have something to cover my ass to keep it from getting shot off!"
And, Scott's face drained of color!
"The CDs are labels chromologically!" Kat told the judge as she drug, at last count, 150 cassettes out og a duffelbag!
"The meetings are monthly, so this covers the last... 16 or 15 years? I forget, since I think some meetings were missed
becuse we didb't have the full-compliment of X-Men show up on time! Sorry."
Captain Turner was sorting the CDs:
"There seem to be quite a few with an "X" in the right corner, Miss Pryde?"
"Ah.. um..," Kat startied to stammer, "Those.. have to do... with the other reason I'm here,Captain.
I want Jethro to hear those... if anyone does. They.. don't concern this case." Then, she dropped almost to a whisper:
"I hope?"
"I'm not so sure about that, Kathryn." The Coocoos spoke as one.
The eyes and ears of everyone in MTAC turned toward to telepathic-telekenetic trio.
"What... do you mean.. ladies?" Kathryn asked softly and fearfully.
"Check the dates on the CDs." Celeste Coocoo said..
"Between the marked and Unmarked discs." Pheobe Coocoo continued.
"The dates of the discs should be,,, interesting." Mindee Coocoo concluded.
Ziva David was already shifting her gaze between Jean Summers and Ororo Monmroe.
'The Summers and Miss Monroe are very nervous, Kathryn!' Pixie spoke telepathically to Kat. 'They aren't showing
it yet, on the outside, but, thry're becoming rather agitated,'
"Damn them!" Kat whispered through her tears as Allison tried her best to cradle and comfort her!
"They're right, Miss Pryde!" Judge Turner answered. "The first two 'X'ed CD-cases are dated 'April 21, 2014' and 'April 28, 1914'!
The first unmarked disc is labeled.. "April 4, 2014'!"
"'April of 2014'?' Kst asked to her tears, then she slowly got up from crying into Alison's shoulder and breasts. Still whispering the date as a mantra, she slowly turned to Ororo:
"YOU!" Kathryn screamed. "You REALLY did it, Monroe! To get my mind off the stolen-files? You decided to turn my life into more of a HELL than it WAS! Maybe I should've STAYED
at the Massachusetts Academy! I'll rip those perverted-eyes out of you HEAD! Come HERE!"
Storm tried to back ger way through the row of seats and out of the entagrd woman's grasp, when she head a gravelly-voice inside her head, and turned her faxe to see the ghost
of Mike Franks staring back at her!
"You start running, now, darlin'?" Mike said, "and you'll be running for the rest of your pathetic life."
Storm backed away from the ghosy in terror, and almost backed into Kat!
"So nice to bump into you, again, Storm." Kathryn smirked, her foot on a theater-seat and he fingers caresses the handle of the knife in her boot.
Her eyes going wide, Ororo shot a look to Jean Summers:
"Help me... Jean?" Ororo squeaked out. "It was YOUR idea!"
Kathryn slowly turned to the other side of the aisle and stared down at Jeam Summers:
"YOUR idea, Jean?"
"Well. you're tyhe one the WANTED all these year, Monroe!" Jean Hissed at her team-mate. "I just helped you gather the courage to get her!"
Meanwhile, Eleanore Bishop, Ziva David, Henrietta Lange, Kenzie Bligh, Nel Jones, Emma Frost, and Alison Blair were hardening their focus on Ororo Monroe and Jean Grey-Summers.
"DAMN YOU to the DEEPEST-PIT, Summers!" Kat cried out. "I'll rip out your HEART and shove it down Scott's THROAT! I'm sure he wanted to keep me quiet about the F.B.I.-files! And, you
were just TOO-WILLING to help him! Damned closet-Lesbian! Probably a Vuoyeur, on top of that!"
"Oh, she came out of the closet a LONG time ago, Kathryn." Emma Frost grinned and chuckled.
"Probably couldn't get any from Scott!" Kat groused.
"As for being a Vuoyuer..?" Emma continued. "That is one of the few things the Summers share in common!"
Scott tried to distance himself from the growing storm.
"You try to run away, Mister Summers?" Ziva David said in a low tone, as she circled the tip of a knife around his ear, "and I will slice your throat from ear.. to ear."
And, Kathryn quickly made it bsck to the safety of Gibbs, Vance, Lange, Turner, Tinsley, and Blair!
"Well? This has gotten interesting!" Vance said. grinning like a hungry wolf.
"Very interesting, Lieutinant Vance!" Captain Turner said. "In light of the new evidence before me, I suggest this hearing be recessed until 0900 tomorrow morning! Until then, we are adjourned!
Lieutenant Leon Vance? I am sure that the Navy can find suitable quarters to confine Mr. and Mrs. Summers, Ms. Monroe, and Professor Charles Xavier to?"
"We can, your Honor!" Leon affirmed. "We have some AWOL-sailors and marines, the Human-League agents, so we have some empty-rooms for our 'guests' to stay in! Let me just gather
some extra-guards to watch over them, and have Miss Schiutto keep up the mutant-dampers around the perimeter."
"Mutant-Dampers?" The Court-Reporter asked.
"Installed, two days ago, by Kathryn Pryde, herself!" Vance said.
"What can I say, Captain Tinsley, but?" Kathryn answered. "I know the X-Men!"
"Before you turn on the dampers, Lieutenant Vance?" asked. "I'd like to speak to some people who wanted to hire me as an Attorney! I have to tell them I can't take their case!"
"Oh?" Henriettta Lange asked. "Who wished to hire you, Ms. Blaire?"
"I got a call from the West-Coast X-Men!" Alison explained. "That hired me to represent Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in a Government-case!"
"Had a feeling that was coming." Kat sighed.
"I can wait to give the order, Ms. Blair!" Leon smiled.
"Thank you, Sir!" Alison saluted crisply, then turned back to the rear of MTAC:
"Alex! Lorna! Warren! We need to talk! Interregation Room A! NOW!"
"There goes one pissed-off lady!" McGee said, a small grin on his face and his hand hovering over his sidearm and facing Storm.
"I know how she feels." Tony grimaced, his own gun covering Scott and Jean.
Gambit and Rogued soon joined the pod of Navy personnel and Kathryn.
"Big bruddas!" Gambit groused. "Cain't live wid'em! Cain't sink'em in da swamp, yeah!"
"And, why can't you, LeBeau!" Gibbs asked.
"Too many witnesses!" Gambit answered.
"Witnesses to what?" Vance grinned.
"Bonehead bruddas!" Remy continued fuming, "Like ta jack-up a coupla Jack an' give dem bot a Gambit-enema, yeah!"
"Need a deck of cards, Monsieur LeBeau?" Hettie asked.
"Hm.." Gambit looked over at Scott. "My big brudda be sittin' still-still!"
"I doubt he move until officer David gives him permission to, Remy!" Rogue said.
"Which should be when the extra-MPs get here!" Vsnce grinned.
"As much as I'd love to see this played out, Jethro?" Kathryn said, "I'm way too tense! Need to relax. Is there someplace
around here we can practice our marksmanship? Hopefullym not to close to the Yard? Don't want any of us giving into
temptation and using someone for a target."
"I think we can help you and you crew there, Ms. Pryde!" Captain Turner smiled. "The Normandy is sitting right off the coast
of Virginia Beach as we speak! I can call and have a Chinook to take you abourd the Normandy for some carrier-sized target
practice!"
"Thank you, Sir!" Kat took tha Captain's hand. "That would be an honor!"
Meanwhile, Kathryn's lawyer was speaking to the three West-Coast X-Men:
"Just to let you know, Warren, I can't - in good faith - represent Xavier's School before the Navy and FBI! And, I don't care how
much money you throw my way! The answer will still be 'No'."
"Are you worried about your licence?" Lorna Dane chuckled. "Don't worry! If worst comes to worse, you can always pick up your singing-career!"
"I don't liek that woman!" Abbie Schiutto said from the Observation Room. "I really don't like her!"
"If the dark-glasses before us are any indication, Abigaile?" Ducky observed. "Niether does !"
"Right now, Polaris?" Alison snapped out. "I don't give a DAMNED about my career! HELL! Someone could let it leak that I was a mutant,
I could get disbarred, and it STILL wouldn't bother me! Whaat DOES bother me is Kathryn Pryde!"
"That ingrate still has the X-Men!?" Alex asked.
"Havok?" Alison fought the urge to hit him. "The X-Men STARTED this whole damned mess! Am I ever glad I chose not to join! I don't know
exactly what Professor X's problem is, but your BROTHER has his head so far up Jean Grey's ass I'm surprised he can still SMELL, much less see!"
"I'm glad I'm not the only one that got that impression from today!" Jimmy Palmer said. "And? I was only 'lucky' enough to meet the Summers ONCE!"
"No, Mr. Palmer!" Ducky sighed. "You wern't the only ones unfortunate enough to have met them! Your great humorist, Will Rogers, often said
he never met a man he didn't like! Obviously, he never met the Summers' clan."
"Do you know what Rahne and Illyana told me, just before the hearing, what Kathryn's been doing since she came here? Singing! Singing
Joan Baez AND MEL STREETE!"
"So? Maybe Kathryn was singing to lift her spirits?" Warren Chuckled.
"I can't believe the idiot said that!" Dr. Mallard shook his head. "Or? Is it I don't want to believe it?"
"I didn't know Kitty was into Country?" Lorna grinned.
"I really hate her!" Abbie growled.
"You MORONS!" Alison screamed out. "'The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down' and 'Smoky Mountain Memories' are not HAPPY SONGS! And, I.
Alison Blaire, the DAZZLER, should.. know.."
"Alright, people," Ducky said, "put on the protective eye-gear!"
"MUSIC!" Alison screamed defiantly as she turned the volume of the portable-cassete-players at her hips to full-volume! As Boston's "Taking My Time"
blasted out, Alisom began to glow, then burn, almost as bright as the sun at a clear summer noonday!
Slowly, the light faded as the sound of the music returned, anf three limp, twitching, but still breathing, bodies laid in the Interrogation Roon.
"Dr. Mallard? Ms. Schiutto? Mr. Palmer?" Alison asked, "Could your kindly take these three to Autopsy? Hopefully, by the time their eyes start working,
again, so will their brains!"
Later, a CH-140 Chinook was seen landing on the deck of the Aircraft Carrier Normandy.
After Captains Turner and Tinsy disembarked the helicopter, Jethro Gibbs came jumped omto the deck, followed by Kathryn Pryde and her rifle and
Lockheed.
"ATTENTION!" a Lieutenant called out, snapping to attention "Officers on deck!"
"Welcomr to the Normandy, Sargeant Gibbs!" a Sailor saluted. "I'm Lieutenant Edward Greyhorse! Honor-Gaurd! It is my understanding we have
some guests aboard the Normandy, today?"
"That you do, Lieutenant!" Gibbs affirmed, "Msy I introduce my cousins Kathryn Ann Pryde and her mother, Thersa Gibbs Pryde?"
"Hello, Ms. Pryde!" The Lieutenant smiled. "I was told you and your friends are here for some Marksmanship-practice?"
"Yes, SIR!" Kat saluted. "Best way to get rid of the tenseness we developed, today! And, I thought it best if we practiced away from the Yard!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Greyhorse responded. "I was in the Yard two days ago when I heard you came in with Sargeant Gibbs. A few of the old-timers
still there remember you. It is an honor to be able to meet you, in person, Ms. Pryde! May I see your rifle, Ms. Pryde?"
"You may, glad'y, Lieutenant!" Kathryn handed her weapon to the Lieutenant. "Civilianns with arms are not allowed on-board? Or, mutants?"
"No, ma'am. Ms. Pryde!" The officer responded. "We just want clean and well-kept arms on-board! Higher-Us do not want accidents of any kind, fatal or not!"
"Sounds like my cousin." Kat smiled. "A gun is a tool , an extention of you, and should always stay well-maintained!"
"Wise man, your cousin!" Greyhorse replied.
"That's why he's Senior Field-Agent of MCRT-Mid-Atlantic!" Kat responded.
"Also, why I'm not Director!" Gibbs grinned. "Smart enough to know I don't have the temperament for the job!"
"Yeah!" Kat chuckled. "Why I never aspired to be team-leader! May not tell you to 'Kiss off', but? I can certainly act that way!"
"Your rifle passes inspection, Ms. Pryde!" Greyhorse smiled. "Here you are!"
"Thank you, Lieutenant! Kathryn smiled. And, may I introduce the rest of the troop? This is Illyana Rasputina! And, next ro her, we have Rahne Sinclaire, and then
Sharon Smith. Next to Sharon is Jubilation Lee, and next to Jubilation is Danielle Moonstar! And, then? We have Magyn Gwynn!"
Soom, the weapons' inspection got down to Dani.
"a beautiful weapon, Ms. Moonstar!" Greyhorse exclaimed. "It's an antique Remington, but it's in perfect working-condition!"
"Thank you, Sir!" Dani saluted. "I try to keep it as my grNFther left it to me!"
"Your grandfather?" Greyhorse asked.
"Yes, Sir." Dani asnswer. "Chief Black Eagle!"
"Black Eagle?" The Lieutenant asked. "My grandparents used to speak of him, reverently! Enjoy your stay on the Normandy, grand-daughter of Black Eagle!"
Lasyly. Pixie stepped up to the Lieutenant. "Hello, Lieutemt Greyhorse!"
"Hello, Ms. Gwinn!" The Lieutenant examined the rifle she carried.
"I'm letting her bowrrow a training-rifle!" Gibbs said. "My cousin says this is Megyn's first time shooting a rifle.
"We'll see how well she does, then, Sargeant Gibbs. The targets have been sett long the flight-deck, at 10, 25, 50, 74m and 100 yards distance! Out Captain is
interested in seeing how well these girls do! Just follow the Corpsman to the range-set-up, ladies! You, too, Mrs. Pryde!
Grayhorse theb motioned Gibbs to the side. "I didn't want to say anything imnn front of the girls to alarm them, Sargeant Gibbs, but, we have one of you AWOL-
sailors from the Yard in our brig! Nam's James Bailey."
"Been checked for tats?" Gibbs asked.
"Yes, Sir! Hrayhorse answered. "Member of the Human Leaugue. You want him?"
"Yeah!" Gibbs sighed, "But? Keep him in your brig, tonight! We have unexpected-pests in the Yard, might be there for awhile! I'll have two of my Agents fly out
to see the dirtbag in the morning!"
"Trouble, Jethro" Theresa asked as Jethro came to the firing-line.
"Tubeworm from the Yard found his way on the Normandy!" Jethro whispered. "He's in the Brig, now. Don't worry, Theresa!"
"Damnesd Human-League!" Theresa cursed softly.
"Shooter's to the line!" A Gunnery-Sargeant hollers. "First targets at TEN YARDS! Shot limit, 16 rounds!"
"Megyn?" Gibs called out. "Remember what I said, ealier! Get used to the length of that rifle, and the pitch of the vessel!"
"Aye-aye! Sargeant Gibbs!" Pixie replied.
"Wjem you have spent your ammunintion," The Sargeant admonished, "cease firing until told to resume. NoW, LOCK AND LOAD!"
Seven rifles were loaded.
"FIRE WHEN READY!"
Soon, seven women were filling the air over the Carrier's flight-deck with noise and smoke, as cheers resounded from those membeers of the crew who were
witnessing the shooting!
Soon, the rifles feel silent, and the call to cease-fire was given.
"Seaman, First-Class, Andrew Donavan!" The Sargeant called-ouy. "Retrieve the targets!"
As soon as the targets were exaamined, analysis was given:
"hooter Number 1, Kathryn Pryde! 16 shots on target! 16 shots in the kill-zone!"
A cheer and applause came out from the assemnled sailors and marines for Kathryn.
"IShotter Number 2, Illyana Rasputina! 16 shots on tager, 14 in the kill-zone!
"Shooter Number 3, Rahne Sinclaire! 16 shots on target, 15 in the kill-zone!
"Shooter Number 4, Sharon Smythe! 16 shots on target, 15 in the kill-zone!"
"Shooter Number 5, Jubilation Lee! 15 shots on target, 1 near-miss. 14 in the kill-zone!
"Shooter Number 6, Danielle Moonstar! 16 Shots on target, 16 in the kill-zone!
"Shooter Number 7! Megyn Gwynn! 15 shots on target, 1 near-miss. 13 in the kill-zone!"
Cheers and applause was heard for each of the other six shooters.
"I thought this was your first time to shoo, Ms. Gwynn?" Lieutenant Greyhorse grinned at Megyn.
"Shooting with rifles, it ism Sir!" Megyn saluted the Lieutenant. "Been learning to shoot pistols at Xavier's!"
"Oh?" Greyhorse asked. "And, who among the X-Men teaches firearms?" Greyhorse asked.
"Who do ya think?" Jethro and Theresa chorused.
"Alright, mnow, ladies!" The Gunnery-Sargeant of the Normandy announced. "Now that you've had your exercise, I want to see how good
you can really be! At 25 yards away, you will notice another row of targets. And? There are targets just like those set up at 50, 75, and 100
yards! You will have eight shells, now, to fire at each target! And, you may fire from whichever position works best for you! Prone, knealing,
or standing. You will STILL be told to cease-fire when you are out of your ammunition! Now - FIRE WJEN REAFY!"
"Alright, girls!" Kathryn said, taking aim. "Let's show the United States Navy what we can do."
Seven rifles then came to life, once more!