AN: Just want to make something clear that in this universe the terms metahumans and mutants are interchangeable.
I do not own X-men or Young Justice
*Mount Justice: September 24, 23:00 EST*
Upon their return from India, the Team was met with a clearly angry Black Canary.
"Where's Captain Marvel?" she asked, remembering the League member had chosen to accompany them.
"Flew off after the mission" said Kid Flash. "Anyway, I'm starving. So, I'm going grab something and then we can get this debrief over with."
"No" said Canary, blocking the speedster's path. "We need to talk."
"Is it about Laura?" Kaldur asked.
Canary wasn't surprise that the Atlantean's first thought was their former teammate. Out of everyone, Aqualad was the only one that didn't immediately turn on Laura, and had respected the girl's privacy.
"Why do we need to talk about her?" Kid scowled. "She walked out on us, and I say good rid…" Wally fell quiet as he found himself on the receiving end of Black Canary's icy stare.
"There's nothing to talk about" said Superboy. "She knew there was a traitor and didn't say anything."
"She didn't say anything because the information came from Sports Master" said Black Canary, getting stunned expressions from the kids.
"You can't trust Sports Master!" Artemis exclaimed.
"I don't believe she did" said Kaldur. Curious, the Team turned their attention to Aqualad. "She said 'there was no reason', and as Artemis pointed out 'you can't trust Sports Master'."
"Oh, come on!" Kid Flash exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "Then look at what happened. Red Tornado and his siblings attacked us."
"Exactly" Robin agreed. "If she had told us, we would've been more prepared."
"Or perhaps we would've turned on each other" said Kaldur. "I have been thinking about why Laura would choose not to tell us about the possibility of a traitor. Regardless of whether-or-not she believed Sports Master; it would've been difficult to trust one another if we knew there may have been a traitor among us. Such information might have even torn the team apart."
"Which is exactly what happened when we turned on Laura" M'gann said guiltily.
"That still doesn't change the fact that we don't know anything about her" Kid argued.
"Wally, how much do you need to know before you trust someone" said Black Canary. "Ask yourselves this has she ever done anything to warrant you all turning on her like that."
Apart from her desire to keep them away from her personal business, the kids realize that Laura hadn't done anything that deserved such treatment. All except Wally, who stubbornly held onto the fact that they knew nothing about Laura, not to mention the times she's threatened and insulted him.
"You had it coming" said Artemis.
"I hate to say it but we may have jumped to conclusions" said Robin. "And I can't really judge about keeping personal secrets. Plus, if she did say anything, and one of us was a mole, then she would've tipped them off."
"I cannot say I would not have made the same decision" said Kaldur.
Wally threw his hands up, frustrated that he was once again the only one that questioned Laura's origins.
"It doesn't matter anyway. She's gone. Probably threatening to claw someone to death." This got disapproving looks from M'gann and Artemis. With the kids now thinking about their behavior, Black Canary snuck away to leave them to it, only for Robin to run after her.
"The League's looking for her, aren't they?" it wasn't a question, he knew Batman wouldn't let this go.
"Yes" said Black Canary. "And if we do find her, and if she does return; what kind of welcome should she expect?"
With that Canary took her leave, and Robin found himself hoping that Wally's theory was wrong, and that Laura was at peace. For however long it lasts until Batman eventually finds her.
*Xavier Institute for Higher Learning: October 22, 07:00 EST*
Laura was not at peace. In fact, she was contemplating clawing someone's face off. Specifically, Logan's, as he's the one that thought it'd be a good idea to introduce her publicly to the school. So here she was standing by his side in the main hall on display for all the students and faculty to see.
Remembering the last time, she was in a school, Laura thought it best to let Logan do the talking.
"Alright, this is Laura" said Logan announced. "She's my kid and…you know what? Doesn't matter. Bottom line is, she has my claws and, yes, she could kill you if she wanted. So, don't make her want to. Consider yourselves introduced. Now you've got classes so move it!"
Not wanting to face Logan's wrath, the students immediately took off for their respective classes, though Laura noticed several of them eyeing her, much to her discomfort.
"Not your best choice of words, Logan" said Charles Xavier, who matched Logan's description perfectly: 'a bald guy, who can read your mind'. He just didn't mention the hoverchair. "A gift from a former student" he explained, as noticed Laura examining his chair.
"My apologies" said Laura.
"It's no bother, while my condition is no secret, I find many of my students are interested in the chair when they first see it. Now I believe you're in need of a class schedule."
"After you, Chuck" said Logan.
But as Prof. Xavier started to lead them to his office, Laura grabbed Logan's arm pulling him aside.
"Why did you call me 'your kid'?" she asked. Laura didn't mean to make Logan feel as if he had any obligation towards her.
"You came from my DNA and you're a girl. Sounds like a daughter to me" Logan said dismissively. "Can't promise I'll be any good. But I'll be there for you, kid."
Laura wasn't sure what to say to that. Part of her wanted to argue that she was merely a science experiment, that the last parent she had died by her own hands. But the other wanted to embrace what Logan was offering her, she was simply afraid to do so.
"You're overthinking it" said Logan, somehow able to see through the blank mask Laura's training had created. "Now come on, Chuck's waiting."
Comforted by Logan's presence, Laura quietly followed him into Prof. Xavier's office. But as they went over the details concerning her enrollment in the school, Laura's mind was instead focused on what happened earlier between her, Logan, and a certain government agency.
*New York, US/Canadian Border: October 22, 00:20 EST*
Keeping her mother's letter close, Laura followed Logan to where he had left his bike, thinking that she could finally try to be more than X-23. But those hopeful thoughts quickly vanished, her muscles tensing, as she picked up on the sound of military helicopters approaching.
"Guessing you hear them too" said Logan, in a similar state.
Two military grade helicopters came into view, hovering above their heads. Snipers had taken position, ready to put a bullet in both their hearts and brains. Even if that wouldn't kill them, it would certainly be enough to put them down long enough for capture.
"It's the Facility" said Laura, preparing for a fight."
"No, this worse" said Logan. "This is the good guys."
A line dropped down from one of the copters, down which came an intense looking baldheaded black man wearing an eyepatch over his left eye, and a long black overcoat with a stylized eagle symbol on the sleeves. Laura immediately recognized the man as Nick Fury the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division).
"Fury" Logan growled. His attitude leading Laura to suspect he has a bad history with the man.
"Good to see you too, Logan" said Fury, unfazed. "Got a job for you."
"Forget it Fury, I don't work with S.H. .D. anymore."
Logan pulled Laura back towards the bike, intending to get far away from the government agent, only for Fury to stop them cold as he ordered his snipers to focus on Laura.
"If you aren't willing to listen Logan, I can make due with acquiring X-23" Fury said coldly.
Snarling Logan spun on his heels, pushing Laura protectively behind him, as he popped his claws.
"You've got three seconds, Fury!"
"Rebirth has been stolen."
Laura didn't know, what Rebirth was but Logan obviously did as the name was enough to have him sheath his claws. But it wasn't enough to cool his temper as he quickly grabbed Fury by the lapels, practically snarling in his face
"That's impossible. Rebirth was destroyed – Rogers and I made sure of it."
To his credit where others would cower when faced with the Wolverine's wrath, Director Fury kept his composure, silently ordering Logan to release him with just a look. With a sigh, Logan did just that allowing Fury to continue.
"Seventeen years ago, S.H.I.E.L.D. discovered an attempt to recreate the original project. It was sealed away under Level 5 security."
"And still it got stolen" Logan scoffed. "Why come to me?"
"Figured you'd be interested in this one."
Translation Fury doesn't want the League involved. Regardless he wasn't wrong as Logan did have a personal interest in Rebirth.
"Who did it?" he asked.
"Unknown. Though I have my suspicions. The thief managed to bend a titanium steel door. As well as take out S.H.I. . security with some kind of magnetic pulse."
"Magneto" Logan growled.
"Exactly what I was thinking. Intel places him somewhere in the Sahara. You get this done Logan, and I'll get the League off the girl's back."
"When I pull this off Fury, I don't want S.H.I.E.L.D. coming anywhere near her."
Fury couldn't deny that X-23 was a powerful potential asset but he wasn't interested in making an enemy of Logan. Perhaps in the future he could consider recruiting her but for now, he agreed to the terms.
"Just get it done, Logan" said Fury, taking his leave.
*Xavier Institute for Higher Learning: October 22, 07:30 EST*
"Laura, if you'd please wait outside. I have a few things to discus with Logan" said Xavier, bringing the girl's attention back to the present.
"Don't bother" said Logan. "If she's anything like me, she'll just listen in from outside. Might as well let her stay."
Laura didn't say it but she appreciated Logan's honesty with her. Too many people in her life have been content with controlling her, feeding her information that they determined was necessary to suit their goals.
"What is Rebirth?" she asked.
"Yes, I find myself curious about that as well, Logan" said Xavier.
"Operation Rebirth was an early attempt at genetic engineering" said Logan. "Crude but effective – powerful. The idea was to create super soldiers for World War 2."
"A master race?" the professor guessed, assuming it was the Nazis.
"No, these were the good guys. They didn't mean it like that."
"They never do…at first. Was it ever used on anyone?"
"Yeah, once on Steve Rogers. You'd know him as Captain America."
Logan then explained that he had fought alongside the famous hero in WW2, while he was a soldier in the Canadian Special Forces. During the war the two had become friends, working well together in their fight against the Axis powers.
"I knew you were older than you look but World War 2" Xavier awed. "Your regenerative abilities are impressive. So is your memory but I thought parts of your past were lost to you."
"Yeah, well it's pretty much after that, where things get fuzzy" said Logan.
Laura was curious as to why Logan would have memory problems. It seemed odd considering how vividly he clearly remembered World War 2. Logan didn't miss the look in the girl's eye, giving her a look that said he'd tell her about it later.
"Your story does puzzle me, Logan" said Xavier. "If Steve Rogers was in fact the famed Captain America, it would appear to indicate the Rebirth project was successful."
"No" Logan said gruffly. "It destroyed him. And now it's in the hands of Magneto."
Xavier adopted a grim look leading Laura to assume he knew the mysterious man. So, focused on Magneto, Xavier had forgotten about finishing Laura's enrollment, instead leading them down into what appeared to be a military grade complex underneath the school, eventually leading them to a large spherical chamber containing only a helmet connected to a computer at the end of the walkway.
"This is Cerebro" Xavier explained, as he put on the helmet. "I once used it to locate individuals with special abilities. Though it was limited to only those possessing the X-gene."
Meaning the machine is unable to locate those who's powers were not 'natural' or of alien origin, Laura concluded. "You plan to use it to locate this Magneto."
"Precisely."
Laura and Logan watched as Xavier activated his machine, sending a power surge through the complex as it worked at full power to locate Magneto. Focusing on the Sahara, Cerebro's monitor displayed several hotspots containing people possessing the X-gene.
"You got anything, Chuck?" asked Logan.
"No" Xavier sighed. "Though I did pick up on what could be a lead. It was only for a moment but it appears your old friend, Sabretooth is in the Sahara. That he managed to hide from Cerebro leads me to believe he's working with Magneto."
"Good enough for me."
Logan left the Cerebro chamber continuing further into the underground complex, reaching an underground hanger containing a black fighter jet: the SR-77 Blackbird. A left over from Xavier's early days before the official founding of his school.
"Forget it kid, you're not coming" said Logan, turning to face Laura, not at all surprised she followed him.
"My freedom depends on your success." she argued. "I should take part in this mission."
"Forget it. I'm not turning this into your audition for Fury. Now get back to the professor."
Done arguing Logan headed for the Blackbird, ignoring the glare Laura was aiming at the back of his head.
Later that afternoon, Prof. Xavier found himself moving through the mansion in search of their newest student. But so far Laura was proving to be quite difficult to locate.
"Is something bothering you, Charles?"
Xavier turned to face the newcomer a beautiful African woman with long white hair and crystal blue eyes.
"Ah Storm, perhaps you can help me."
"Of course, Charles, what is it?" asked Storm.
"I was wondering if perhaps you've seen our newest student, Laura?"
"I'm afraid not. Though I'm not surprised considering the introduction Logan gave her to the students."
The pair shared an amused smile as they both knew that was probably the best they could've hoped from Logan.
Unaware of her previous experience with telepaths; Xavier had hoped to give Laura more time before subjecting her to what the students have come to call his 'telepathic intercom' but a manual search of the entire Institute would take too long.
"Have you found her, Charles?" Storm asked, as a small smirk formed on the professor's face.
"It appears our dear Laura takes more after Logan, than he realizes" said Xavier.
Before they could continue their conversation, the sound of students screaming suddenly rang out from the living room. Rushing to find out what was wrong, they found nearly the entire student body along with several teachers, all focusing on the television, upon which was a news report about a giant plant attack Metropolis.
Prof. Xavier was about to assure his younger students that the Institute was safe when suddenly the news report went dark only to be replaced with the image of the infamous Gotham villain, Joker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement…"
Joker turned his camera, bringing on screen a group of other well-known villains: Poison Ivy, Black Adam, Atomic Skull, Wotan, Ultra-Humanite, and their apparent leader Count Vertigo.
"… from the Injustice League" he finished with a sinister laugh.
"We are responsible for the attacks on your cities" said Vertigo. "If you wish to save them, a ransom of ten billion American dollars is required. Delivery instructions have been sent to the United Nations. There is no time limit. But the longer your governments wait…"
"The more we get to have our…jollies" said Joker, coming back on screen.
As the image cut out and his students all grew more fearful, Prof. Xavier couldn't help but wish Logan were still at the Institute, as his presence surely would've helped the younger students feel safer. But those thoughts were quickly pushed aside as he and the rest of the facility worked on taking control of the situation.
*Sahara Deseret: October 22, 00:30 GMT*
Decked out in his classic yellow and blue suit, Wolverine piloted the Blackbird over the desert sands, searching for any sign of Magneto.
"You might as well come out, kid" Wolverine called out, prompting Laura to walk into the cockpit. "Should've known, you'd sneak on board."
"I suppose I do take after you" said Laura, taking a seat next to him. "Who is Magneto?"
"Surprised that Facility of yours didn't tell you about him."
"They only informed me of individuals I was likely to encounter in the field. Who is Magneto?"
"An old friend of Xavier's. They worked together until things went sour. Couldn't see eye to eye on things between humans and mutants, and went their separate ways. Chuck went on to create his school, Magneto went and became an international terrorist.
Now this was before the Justice League and mutants were new on the scene. So, Chuck feeling responsible for Magneto, formed a team to fight against him – called ourselves the X-Men."
"What happened to the X-Men?" Laura asked, this being the first time she's heard of the group.
"Eventually things between humans and mutants cooled down. People started using the term metahuman instead and Magneto went underground. There wasn't any more need for the X-Men – we disbanded and Chuck was able focus on the Institute."
"If Magneto's been quiet all this time – why show himself now? Why go after Rebirth?"
"No idea. Back in World War 2, he was a prisoner in one of the camps Captain America and I took out. He saw what Rebirth did for Rogers, and must've researched it after the war."
"You never did explain how Rebirth destroyed Captain America."
Logan sighed, as his mind once more turned to the past – what little that he could remember. He explained that while Rebirth was responsible for turning Steve Rogers into Captain America the process had side effects…cellular degeneration. If Magneto was interested in it, he doubted it was for anything good.
Landing the Blackbird about a mile away from the last place Xavier was able to detect Sabretooth, Wolverine and Laura continued on foot, locating a giant metal dome in the middle of the desert.
"Looks like old bucket head hasn't changed a bit" said Wolverine, familiar with Magneto's tendency to construct metal domes to act as lairs.
"What's the plan?" asked Laura. It would have to be good considering they were about to fight against a man that can control magnetic forces.
"This is the plan." Wolverine handed Laura a small explosive. "The Rebirth formula has to be injected inside a high-pressure chamber. Since we're still flying, Magneto's probably already inside. We get in blow the chamber and get out."
As they prepared to cut their way inside Wolverine had only one last thing to say to Laura.
"I'm not the Justice League. You do whatever it takes to survive in here, kid. Just don't do anything you'll regret later."
Laura didn't have anything to say to that. To not have her actions judged by another was a new experience. Burying her uncertainty, Laura and Wolverine cut through the side of the dome, making their way inside.
Once inside the dome proved to be nothing more than that, completely hollow on the inside save for the numerous support beams, and in the center, was what Wolverine recognized as the Rebirth chamber.
"Should've known you'd show up, runt" a voice called out, with a rough bestial tone to it.
"Sabretooth" Wolverine growled, as he released his claws.
Sabretooth emerged from behind a support pillar giving Laura her first good look of the man. While Logan had a sort of gruff wild appearance to him; Sabretooth took it to a whole other level, with his long unkempt blonde hair, fangs, and claws, giving him a savage appearance.
"Destroy the chamber" Wolverine ordered Laura. "I'll handle Sabretooth."
With a savage roar, Wolverine lunged at Sabretooth, tackling him into a support beam, hitting it hard enough to bend the steel girder. Pressing his advantage Wolverine started tearing into Sabretooth's chest, coating his claws in his hated enemy's blood.
But like him, Sabretooth also possessed a healing factor, recovering enough to find the strength to grab Wolverine's smaller form and tossed him aside. Using his claws Sabretooth sliced through a support beam, using it as a makeshift weapon he swung it at Wolverine, who quickly dived out of the way.
"Is that all you've got runt?!" Sabretooth taunted, taking another swing at Wolverine.
Wolverine leapt up into the rafter's, evading Sabretooth's attack. Slicing through part of the beams, he sent a large block of steel falling down on top of Sabretooth, pinning him under its weight.
"I'm just getting started, bub!"
Leaving Sabretooth to Wolverine, Laura rushed to the Rebirth chamber. Already active the chamber was filled with the vaporized super soldier serum, but through the mist Laura could make out the form of a white haired old man, that could only be Magneto.
"Please stop" Magneto said weakly. "This chamber is the only chance I have left."
So, there it was. No nefarious plot. No plans for a triumphant return. Only an old man, afraid to die.
While she could understand the desire to preserve one's life, Laura couldn't afford to fail this mission. Setting the bomb, Laura rushed to Wolverine's side, just as the explosive went off destroying the chamber.
"Nice work, kid" said Wolverine. "Now let's…argh!"
Wolverine never got to finish as he and Laura were suddenly found themselves pinned to the ground. And out of the broken wreckage of the Rebirth chamber came a revitalized Magneto.
"Wolverine" Magneto said with contempt. "Here I imagined that without me, Charles would have no further use for the X-Men. Or is this because of S.H.I.E.L.D.?" with a wave of his hand, Magneto lifted the fallen steel beams and broken remains of the Rebirth chamber into the air (freeing Sabretooth) bended and twisted them into jagged edges, held at their throats. "Though I suppose it matters little. You and your companion will both die here, Wolverine."
Laura and Wolverine struggled in vain against the magnetic forces holding them down as Magneto prepared to skewer them, when suddenly the ground began to shake, causing the Master of Magnetism to lose focus as a giant plant burst from the ground, it's vines swinging wildly
With Magneto, too distracted to focus his powers, Wolverine and Laura quickly got to their feet.
"Time to go kid" said Wolverine, directing Laura towards the exit.
They didn't get far though for while Magneto was focused on dealing with the monstrous plant, Sabretooth's focus was as always set on Wolverine.
"You're not going anywhere" Sabretooth snarled.
Ignoring Wolverine's orders to stay out of it, Laura lunged at Sabretooth, only for the feral mutant to dodge her attack, countering with a slash of his claws across her face. With her healing factor quickly taking care of the damage, Laura went for another strike, once again falling short, as Sabretooth lashed out grabbing her by the neck.
"Too slow" Sabretooth taunted, as he lifted her off the ground. "I can smell your stench on her, Wolverine. Don't tell me she's yours."
"Yeah, and she's a real chip off the old block" Wolverine smirked.
Confused, Sabretooth was caught completely by surprise as Laura kicked her feet out, digging her foot claws into his gut, the shock causing him to release her – leaving him open for Wolverine to lunge at him, digging his claws into Sabretooth's skull, piercing his brain.
With Sabretooth, down – Laura and Wolverine made their escape just as the monster plant battling Magneto suddenly dropped dead. More concerned with his rejuvenated body, Magneto chose not to pursue. Instead he went about reconstructing his lair into some place more accommodating to his needs, never noticing a small plastic drone attached to the ceiling, watching his every move.
* Bayou Bartholomew: October 22, 21:00 EST*
As Laura and Wolverine left Magneto's lair at the same time, the Team had just completed their mission to destroy the central control for the rampaging giant plants. Standing triumphantly as their mentors and the rest of the Justice League arrived to take in the defeated Injustice League. Despite the odds, the Team had made it through relatively unscathed apart from Kid Flash's broken arm.
As the rest of the League worked to transport the criminals to prison – Batman, Aquaman, Captain Marvel, and Zatara remained behind to address the Team.
"We're done here" said Batman, speaking for the group. "the super villain's secret society has been neutralized. As for your performance…it was satisfactory."
The Team traded pleased grins, aware this was the highest compliment they could hope to receive from the Dark Knight.
"Of that we can agree" said Fury, arriving on the scene.
"Fury" said Batman, sounding unsurprised by the S.H.I.E.L.D director's presence. "I assume this is about X-23."
The teens perked up at the mention of their former teammate, all wondering what the head of one of the world's most powerful intelligence agencies would want with Laura.
"Guess that's why you're the 'world's greatest detective'" said Fury, sounding amused before sobering up for the next part. "The girl is under S.H.E.I.L.D supervision now, Batman."
Batman's eyes narrowed at the unsaid order for the League to back off. The Team watched in awe as Fury and Batman effortlessly met each other's eye, both refusing back down. Since its inception, the Justice League and S.H.E.I.L.D. have had an unspoken arrangement to stay out of each other's way, not wanting the powerful organizations to clash.
Ultimately without either side saying a word, they both took their leave bringing an end to the night.
*Undisclosed S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility: Undisclosed Time After Successful Destruction of Rebirth*
Logan didn't say a word as he led her down the winding halls of the S.H.I.E.L.D. building. None of the agents paid them any mind and they did the same. Laura wasn't sure why they were and in truth it didn't really matter, for whatever reason it was important to Logan for them to be there and for reasons that she couldn't understand, that was enough for her.
Regardless the reason for their visit became apparent once they entered a freezer located in the deepest most secure section of the facility. The cold room was empty save for one capsule, containing none other than Steve Rogers: Captain America – frozen in suspended animation.
"Been a long time, Cap" said Logan, looking down at the capsule with a mournful look on his face. "I'm still here. Still doing what I can. Actually, found some peace if you can believe it."
Remembering the comfort Logan had given her when they first met, Laura moved to stand by Logan's side. She didn't say a word – didn't need to as a small smile mad its way to Logan's face, understanding the sentiment.
"Seems life's still full of surprises Cap, even for me. I promise you, one day they'll find that cure. I'll be here when you wake up."
"I think I would like to meet him someday" said Laura, curious about that had earned the Wolverine's respect.
All too soon the moment came to an end as Fury walked into the room, telling them it was time to leave.
"And Logan, remember you were never here."
"Yeah, yeah. I know the routine" Logan said dismissively, as he led Laura out of the facility.
*Unknown Location*
A lone figure sat in a dark chamber, watching a series of screens displaying the chaos caused by the giant plant attacks.
"Impressive" they commented in a woman's voice.
"Yes, the plant creatures have proven their usefulness as potential weapons" the monitors then changed to display the images of Vandal Savage, Queen Bee, Ra's al Ghul, Ocean Master, and Lex Luthor.
"More importantly the so-called heroes now believe our secret society has been revealed and crushed" said Vandal Savage. "With the Injustice League serving as our proxies we are once again free to operate with impunity."
"Excellent. In addition, it appears my sources were correct and X-23 is no longer under the Justice League's purview" the mystery woman reported. "We now also have the location of both Victor Creed, Sabretooth, and Erik Lehnsherr, Magneto. The latter of whom graciously tested our attempts to recreate Operation: Rebirth – which I am pleased to report was a success.
I'll be sending an agent to collect both Magneto and Sabretooth shortly."
"Excellent, soon the world will face our Light."
With the teleconference at an end the monitors switched back to global news reports.
"Be sure to bring them both back alive" said the mystery woman, turning away the monitors, speaking out into the shadows.
With a sadistic grin on her face, Kimura emerged from the darkness.
"If you insist. Just tell me, when do I get to play with X again?"
"Soon enough, Kimura. For now, we may still be able to benefit from X-23's attempts at humanity. She's already found the original Weapon X, Sabretooth, and Magneto. And like a good weapon she'll be drawn to more conflicts, bringing more interesting finds to our attention as she continues to develop.
But don't worry, once I'm satisfied I'll be sure to arm you properly to bring our wayward weapon home."