August 30, 2001
Roger had to admit that it was relaxing to return to New York and not have to worry about running an organization and a disorganized region, thinking about his wife and son and throwing the stupid people out of the race to beat Ellis. All summer long, he sat in complete harmony, taking no part in the politics and trying to still the growing anxiety inside of him. He had not realized how close he was to dying. However much he did not care for his life though, he still had to think of those who he had to rescue and those who had been left behind.
He watched the news with dismay too, something he snuck in when Hank wasn't looking and checking to make sure he didn't drop dead of a heart attack from the stress (and one he was close to having). While Peter Ellis had been battling them at all borders and without success, his cousin the dictator had returned from Mexico in relative triumph, hoarding all of the treasures he managed to grab, claiming the area to be his new vacation spot and dragging back thousands of natives to his camps. The dictator mentioned nothing about Danielle, only stating her last public comment to be made by one who was so sincere. He also stated that Michael was still his heir, although he addressed the rumors about who he was and declined to say whether or not the child was human.
At four years old, the public wanted more than the official pictures of a child they hardly saw. They wanted more than the typical family man that claimed to be helping his family. The media from the south begged for the threesome to show themselves in public together and to display their united front instead of the wife and son being sent away. From what Roger had been hearing, word of mouth was nasty towards Ellis and his habits, most of them directed to the abandoned wife and son and flaunting a mistress.
Rumors always fueled a good fire, Roger mused, although that was backfiring on him too. Sitting in a chair outside on the back veranda, toying with a purple flame in his hands, his mind went back to Mae. He thought of her day and night. His bed had been too cold for some time now, something that bothered him the most. Ever since they married in 1994, Roger had gotten used to the reassuring, warm presence that always tossed and turned and grabbed an arm around his neck. Now, he was alone in a queen-sized bed, his body aching for Mae and his tears left hidden.
He always wondered if this was how people felt when their other half died. Roger pondered the implications of that, quickly dismissing them since it was impossible in his book. He was resolved to get Mae back alive. He cared a lot for Danielle and her son too, although he was loathe to admit it, and wanted her back alive too, but Mae…she was his priority and his heart and soul. She was the light of his life and the reason why he was living. Knowing that she was not dead was a balm, although it hurt him more that they were apart.
Hank soon joined Roger outside, carrying a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses. He placed the goodies on the table, watching Roger inanely before the master spy realized who was sitting next to him. He turned to look at Hank in an annoyed manner, but accepted the drink as he extinguished his fire. He poured himself a glass and sipped slowly. Nothing alcoholic in there, but he would sneak something later and behind Hank's back too. He just had to!
"What news?" Roger asked, something he uttered each time he saw Hank.
"Nothing," Hank replied, the usual response.
Roger sighed, slamming his glass on the table and startling Hank into a nervous jump. "Hank, I'm better than I was four months ago. I think the threat of a heart attack has passed. God, I've never felt better in my life and I have you to thank, more so than you believe. I think this is the most relaxed I've been since Erik and Charles visited me in jail and bailed me out. Give me a break. I have a group to run and they're wondering why an invisible man calls the shots instead of me. Now, out with it. What's going on?"
"Good news or bad news?" Hank didn't want to tell Roger everything, but conceded that he had a point. He wasn't going to tell him everything though, leaving it to his spying skills to figure it all out.
"Anything goes. Tell me about the summer, Hank. It's been too quiet for my tastes."
"Fair enough. I'm sure you heard about Ellis' return to the mainland. It's been all over the place. Next, we have Teller. He's settled back in his bar and would not sleep in the upstairs apartment. He was almost killed two months ago when he was tidying up the place. Logan was there in time."
"The kids?"
"Excited. They're all happy to be earning some money and running to McDonald's when they can't stand the food here anymore."
"I'm just surprised the franchise is operating."
"What do you expect from one that caters to having an obese population and giving people low-paying jobs? It kicks our economy and keeps people content."
Roger nodded. "What else?"
"Well, back to Ellis for a second." Hank seemed nervous. "He's led a victory parade to California and has been residing in the same suite as Danielle. He's stayed in Mexico long enough to miss his wife."
"Oh, goodie," Roger said sarcastically.
"I assume that, since his progress has been slow and his vacation time about over, he'll be out of California soon enough."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Roger eyed Hank suspiciously. He imagined roasting the blue fur in frustration and dismissed the thought, thinking that Xavier would fry his mind if he tried. He liked Hank too much anyway.
"A chance, Roger. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Well, people are unhappy with Ellis, right?"
"Some, yes. A lot of his guards are. The general population is split down the middle. All he has between him and death is the military. He has their full support. Without them, he is nothing."
This made Roger think. To control the military meant a lot more than he realized, more so than spreading nasty gossip about the Ellis family. He needed to get through to them and persuade them to turn the tables. Ultimately, that was the best way and it might take a few years to get there, but it'll be faster than word of mouth. If what Hank was saying was right, then it was truly the armies that controlled everything and Ellis is just leading them along. They could dispose anyone and be controlled.
It was a challenge that Roger was up to, a new purpose that would propel him forward and not at the stalemate they've been experiencing with Ellis. Anything to get things set straight would be perfect. All he needed to do was find Chameleon (who had been camping out in Canada recently) and gather together the Summers brothers. Those two would be perfect for the next job Roger had brewing in his mind. Other than ensuring that Peter Ellis did not cross through their lines, Roger was sure that they finally found a way to get to the core of their problems.
Hank saw the brightness on Roger's face. "You've got an idea?"
"More than that," Roger admitted, his feet aching to get up and run. "Charles available?"
"He's downstairs teaching a lesson," Hank offered. "If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then don't. You're not moving for another month and that's an order."
Roger groaned. "I don't have a month to lose, Hank. If I get this done now, we stand a chance to end this forever. Even you said so. There's a good chance right here!"
"I didn't say what kind." Hank felt defensive, his hair now on end.
"Regardless, Hank, there might be something we can do. We have a key and I am willing to use it."
"Use someone else."
"I don't have too many people I can use and trust to lead this mission and get the results I want. I could use one of the kids, but that's too much for them and they're not that experienced. Teller is busy with his bar, Charles can't exactly travel and you…well, you're diplomatic, but I know you're strategizing in that head of yours."
"With Logan. He might do it, but he's too busy."
"Yeah, I wish I could use him, but with Canada so greedy to keep him, I can't afford losing him to the snow."
"I understand. Send a message north?"
"If you can believe this, I don't like using anyone in Canada for this."
"Well, there's Scott," Hank offered coolly. "You just have him ushering refugees across the border and handling security there. He knows the ropes, keeps a level head in battle and can work his way out of any situation."
"Except being used as a double agent," Roger muttered.
"Don't hold the past against him," Hank warned, sighing. "Roger, Scott is a grown man now and almost as good as his brother. Brief him and send him out instead. We need young blood out there. I think he's proven enough."
"And his eyes?"
"I'm sure I can develop a pair of glasses to make him less conspicuous. If that's the issue, I'm certain he can handle that. It's not like he hasn't had his fair share of teasing."
"His family?"
"Jean can take care of herself and her children. She has Magda, Lorna, Wanda and Peter there too."
"Well, that's another thing. If I get Scott, I'll need Peter to accompany him."
Hank nodded evenly. "Peter's speed is certainly an asset. Go on."
Roger had to think about the first, working it out in his mind before speaking. He didn't want to reveal too much information, even to a friend. "Hank, you hit upon a very good point. Originally, we played with the public. Always a fun thing since Ellis did the same to us and it got us to where we are now. Today, I'm seeing that it might not be enough and that the true power may not lie with Ellis, but credited to those around him."
"That's a pretty risky chance you're taking."
"And this is why I need the time away. Since you are so concerned that I will drop dead from working too hard, then I need to delegate the duties to another and join them later. However, they need to be on my time. Not an issue for Peter, but I am worried about Scott."
"Use Alex for all I care if it makes you feel better, Roger. Just stay here."
Roger growled this time. I am beginning to sound like Logan when he's pissy…
"Are you going to give me the basics at least?" Hank then asked, seeing the fire in Roger's eyes. He understand that it meant that Roger was close to rage and needed to tread carefully. "I mean, if that's all you can give me…"
Abruptly, Roger stood up and left. He could not afford setting the place on fire, especially with a bunch of teenagers in the mansion. Frustrated with Hank, he stormed inside, immediately hooking a left-hand turn to find the door to the basement levels. From a distance behind him, he heard an explosion. He stopped himself when he found his destination, unsure of how to proceed now. He had to admit to himself that the noise startled him more than he realized. Granted, gunshots and such had been a part of their lives since the attempted invasion across the lines. This was new and much too close.
Peeking through a nearby window, Roger found Hank to still be at his seat, sipping his lemonade calmly and watching the distant action. Satisfied that he was safe for now, Roger made his way down the stairs. He passed the teenagers, chatting amongst each other in a circle. Ororo had joined them, trying to get them to calm down, but she failed. Joining in on the merriment instead, she corralled them down the hallway and away from Roger.
Roger had to admire Ororo's spirit. What a conflicted woman.
On the other hand, Roger felt a little sorry for Ororo and praised her for her persistence. Even after going through a very rough patch herself, she had to sit there day after day and work with Matthew. Even after being rescued all that time ago, Matthew was progressing slowly and was hardly back to the way he used to be. He would not talk to anyone except Ororo and refused all help from Xavier. Everyone guessed that it was best he was with someone he cared for deeply, even if he raged against her constantly. Nobody took it to heart. To see him gain back his humanity seemed to be the best gift of all.
Fiona had been another story, Roger thought as he searched for Xavier downstairs. In his spare time and recently too, Logan took care of her. Everyone had taken the time to check in on Fiona, but Roger found that Logan was soon taking an interest in her recovery and was pushing her to start eating, walking and talking. Over the summer, the older mutant managed to get Fiona to become mobile around her room, eat at least a meal a day and hold a five minute conversation. Nobody knew why Logan was taking on an additional responsibility, but if Roger had to put his finger on it, it was because of guilt and Danielle most of all.
After checking out a serious of makeshift classrooms, Roger found Xavier in the last one. Gathering some papers together, the Professor was about to leave, but stopped when seeing the master spy. Smiling, he motioned for Roger to sit down at a desk in the front. Roger obeyed, trying his best not to snicker out something sarcastic. He was no student, although he sure felt like one the way Xavier was looking at him.
"Charles, I think I've pinpointed our true focus now," Roger started.
Xavier tilted his head slight to one side in rapt attention. "Oh, Roger? What is it?"
"Military," Roger replied. "Hank reminded me that we also have them to contend them. Words can whip up a mob, Charles, but the real control is with the people who helped Ellis be the dictator we all know and love."
Another explosion was heard, closer than the last. Xavier was hardly shaken, but this started to get on Roger's nerves, especially since he was cooped up in the same place for months. He checked the ceiling, feeling some dust drizzle down on his face, and wiped himself clean. He checked the Professor too. Other than being unfazed, he seemed genuinely sincere on listening. However, Roger did not think that he was being taken seriously.
"We cannot delay," Roger urged when Xavier said nothing. "Hank has me bedridden and chained to this place. You want peace? You can look out of your home and watch the town you grew up in destroyed. You want equality? Fight back. We might be dealing with a force stronger than we are, Charles, but if they can right the wrong, then so be it."
"Who are you planning on using now?" Xavier only asked, a gentle tone that drove Roger mad.
"Hank suggested Scott," Roger said as calmly as he could muster under the unusual circumstances. "I want Quicksilver with him."
"I think it would be a good combination," Xavier conceded, leaning forward at his desk. "Why don't you tell me more about this plan of yours? I think you might be right this time."
This surprised Roger. Despite the slight disability he had now, he was taken aback that someone was willing to hear him out. Even after so many years of taking control, the people around him had mistrust and regarded him warily. Now, it seems like someone was willing and had trusted him to do the right thing.
Roger only grinned. "I'd thought you'd never ask."
