Disclaimer: see ch 1
A/N 1: I'm using the size of the M'kraan Crystal from the show from the 90s, not the giant one I've seen in the comics.
Scott didn't know how long he'd been in the little cell. It had to have been hours, but there was no clock- and he'd fallen asleep on the cot. A part of him was still in disbelief at how Chris had him put in the ship's jail cell, but the other part- the more sensible part, understood his father's reasoning. That part was winning the arguments in his head as he waited to be released. Scott leaned back on the bed, groaning at his sleep deprived temper.
"About sums it up." Scott sat up and saw Chris standing with his arms crossed. "You gonna tell me what the hell that was about, boy?"
"Did Carrie make it home safely?"
"She did. Now answer my question."
"I… I heard you say execution and I was afraid I was going to lose you to the Shi'ar, too," Scott explained honestly. Chris gave an understanding nod.
"So that turned into disregarding my orders."
"Yes sir."
"Scott, when it mattered, did I disregard your orders to the X-Men?"
"No sir."
"Then why wasn't I given that same consideration?"
"I thought she was going to kill you. I just thought-"
"You thought wrong. And honestly, son, had you been anyone else, I wouldn't have had an issue making you walk out to space without any gear- What the hell are you smirking at?"
"You'd've made them walk the plank?" Chris fought to keep the smile off of his face.
"Do I look like I'm in a joking mood, Scott?"
"No sir."
"Then do you think this is wise?"
"No sir. I'm sorry."
"So from here on out, when I give you an order-?"
"I'll listen."
"Ok." The door to the cell pulled up and Scott stood, quickly stepping out before Chris could change his mind.
"How long was I in there?" Scott asked as they walked to the main part of the ship.
"Eight hours."
"Eight- Dad!"
"What?"
"Eight hours?!"
"I came to get you seven hours ago, but you were asleep. And I came once every hour after that. You must have been exhausted, son."
"You're serious?"
"You just needed a short time out," Chris smirked. Scott rolled his eyes.
"So Carrie's ok? No side effects from being transported like that?"
"She's safe. Emma took the kids to the cabin with Warren and Psylocke. And I talked with your grandpa, confirming August."
"Ok. Thank you. Has Jean woken up?"
"She has," Chris scowled. "She tried taking over my crew. I about sent her to the stockade, too, but I didn't…"
"Didn't what?"
"I didn't want her near you while you were that vulnerable."
"Thanks, Dad. And I really am sorry. I promise… Had you not said something about execution, I wouldn't have defied your orders."
"I appreciate that. But this is my area of expertise and I need you to trust me. We have plans in place to subdue them should they try to attack us. I would have been safe."
"I didn't know that," Scott frowned.
"You didn't need to. You needed to have obeyed orders."
"It won't happen again."
"If it does, I might have to revisit the public flogging. Of course, with some modifications." Scott turned red.
"It won't," he repeated. "Can you share what Gladiator told you? Or is that something else that's need to know?"
"You need to know," Chris nodded. "Have a seat." Scott lowered his gaze when he realized he was in a room, similar to the War Room at the Institute, with the Starjammers and the few members of the X-Men.
"'Bout time you woke up, Slim. Corsair told us you'd finally gone to sleep." Knowing he and Beast had likely heard everything, Scott sent Logan an appreciative look.
"Too many sleepless nights, I suppose. Someone-"
"Just how many sleepless nights?" Chris frowned.
"Corsair, table is not place to talk to Scott-boy as Scott-boy. Scott-boy is Cyclops, leader of X-Men," Hepzibah said. Scott winced on behalf of Chris at the look she was giving him, still obviously angry with his father.
"It's alright, Mom," he defended. "It's hard to turn off. Can someone fill me in?"
"The M'kraan Crystal," Beast started as a hologram appeared, showing a pink gem. "According to Raza's conversation with Gladiator, legend says when nine galaxies line up every million or so years, the Crystal opens a gateway to absolute power. There are rumors D'ken is still alive and looking for this absolute power."
"He also explained that should the Crystal's stasis field be damaged, the destruction will affect the universe," Raza finished. Scott blinked.
"So this is a priority. Any idea where the Crystal is?"
"That's what we're getting paid to find out," Chris grinned. "I feel like they gave us a Mary Poppins bag of gold."
"Who?" Ch'od asked.
"Earth reference," Chris told him. "She was a live-in babysitter with a bag that didn't change shape but seemed bottomless. It fit normal things, but also items that should have been impossible for a bag that size. My point being, we've docked for food, fuel, and spare clothing for you X-Men, and there's not even a dent in the gold."
"Wow," Scott said, his eyes raised in surprise.
"Jean- the Phoenix, I mean. Can't she lead us to the Crystal?" Bobby asked.
"That's why she's helping Sikorsky navigate," Chris nodded.
"What do we do when we find it?" Scott asked.
"Play my favorite game: keep away from D'ken," Chris grinned, almost ferally.
"Will Lilandra be able to keep it from him?" Bobby asked.
"With the help of the Phoenix, supposedly yes," Beast answered his teammate.
"But- Jean is the Phoenix. Does that mean she'd…?" Scott tapered off, not wanting to know the answer.
"Jean or the universe, kid?" Chris asked rhetorically, but Scott saw the understanding in his eyes. He swallowed and nodded.
"For now, we just follow the Phoenix's lead to the Crystal," Logan nodded. "I called Chuck and got him in the loop as best I could. Ya might want to call 'im yourself. And your woman." Scott flinched.
"She still pissed?" Logan verbally said nothing, but the look said enough. "Shit."
"And with that, I believe it's time for some of us to retire," Chris announced. "Ch'od, Raza, you're off duty. Hepzibah, you've requested sentry and navigation. I'd like an X-Man to be paired with her-"
"Scott-boy," Hepzibah requested. Chris shot her a look.
"Cyclops?"
"Sure. I just slept for several hours, so I'm good. If that's alright with you, Corsair." Chris nodded.
"Beast, Wolverine, and Iceman. Try to learn your way around the ship. If you have questions and they're awake, feel free to ask Raza or Ch'od. I'll be taking a few hours to get some sleep. If that's everything?" Chris said as he stood.
"Is there anywhere we shouldn't go?" Hank asked.
"Stay away from the airlock," Ch'od recommended. "Unless you want to be sucked into space."
"That certainly sounds unpleasant."
"Mom? You mind if I call-?"
"No," Chris said, shaking his head. "You're on duty, Cyclops. If they call looking for you, that's one thing. But I need your attention on Jean while Hepzibah flies and keeps us out of danger." Scott wanted to protest, but finally nodded.
"Yes, Corsair." Chris squeezed his shoulder.
"Anything else?"
"No, Captain. I will handle things," Ch'od said, urging Chris to go rest.
"Then I will bid you all good night," Chris told his crew and the X-Men.
"Night, Dad." Chris put a hand on Scott's head.
"Good night, son. Ch'od is in charge. Listen to your mother."
"Yes sir." Chris walked out and Scott rolled his eyes. "Seriously. Am I giving off vibes that I'm seventeen again?" Bobby smirked.
"You do revert to acting like a kid when your dad's around."
"Thanks," Scott scowled.
"Follow Hepzibah, Scott-boy," Hepzibah said as she also stood up.
"Can I get dressed?" Hepzibah frowned, but nodded. Scott stood and followed her back to the area that housed their quarters and quickly changed into his uniform. When he stepped back out, he saw Chris, arm outstretched to Hepzibah as Hepzibah turned her back to him.
"Hepzibah does not want apology, Corsair."
"Hep, please. You know it had to be done. I-"
"Am I interrupting?" Scott asked.
"No," Hepzibah said glaring at Chris. "Follow Hepzibah."
"Hep-"
"Do not talk to Hepzibah." Scott shook his head as he watched his stepmother storm away.
"I'll try to calm her down, Dad."
"I'd appreciate it. You know how protective she is of you and your brothers."
"Get some rest. You seem like you've slept as much as I have the last few days."
"I will. Hey- did Carrie make the team?"
"She did," Scott smiled. "Tried calling you as soon as we got home."
"That's my girl. Good night, kiddo."
"Night, Dad." Scott did his best to follow Hepzibah's path. Considering he only got lost three times on his way to her, Scott decided to call it a win.
"Scott. This is your father's ship." Scott looked at Jean- at Phoenix- and nodded.
"His and his crew's." Jean frowned and then turned towards the massive… Scott cocked his head. Windshield?
"We need to veer more towards the right," Jean informed Hepzibah. Hepzibah nodded and pressed several glowing, holographic buttons before turning the holographic wheel to the right. Scott looked at everything on the alien console in amazement. His respect for his father skyrocketed- Corsair would have had to have taught himself how to fly something like this, after all.
"Mom?"
"Yes Scott-boy?"
"Can you teach me?" Hepzibah looked at Scott and grinned.
"Hepzibah would love to teach Scott-boy. Sit." Scott sat beside her and paid close attention to what she touched and when, as well as watching Jean from the corner of his eye.
"How's it going in here?" Scott jumped and spun.
"Corsair," he greeted. "Phoenix has us on course for the M'Kraan Crystal. Fuel is more than adequate. Lady Hepzibah is tired-"
"Scott-boy."
"You are, Mom. I've seen you yawn multiple times now."
"Go get some rest, Hep," Chris said. "I've got it for a while."
"Aren't you still tired?" Scott asked.
"We don't get the luxury of sleeping all night," Chris said, shaking his head. "Not unless someone is ill or injured. There are so few of us, we have to keep the hours fair."
"Still-"
"I did this for ten years, Scotty. I can handle it."
"Yeah, but you're old now," Scott grinned, only to frown and rub his head. "I said old, not weak."
"And you're lucky you didn't say that in front of my crew- other than Hepzibah, or you'd have gone back in the stockade."
"I get zero leeway?"
"I am the captain of this ship, Scott. I have an image to maintain-"
"You mean like I did? The image you constantly disregarded to joke around?" Chris narrowed his eyes.
"You've got one last chance-"
"Corsair," Hepzibah snapped. "Hepzibah will pass role to Ch'od. Corsair will-"
"And now you've turned my mate against me and have her barking orders at me," Chris said, glaring at Scott.
"Oh, because having your mate be mad is my fault? What's the excuse when I'm not here?"
"Surprisingly enough, it doesn't happen often when you're not around."
"This was a mistake," Scott grumbled. "Here I was, thinking you'd take me seriously- maybe not as an equal-"
"You're not my equal," Chris stressed.
"And thank God for that! I think one dirty pirate is all this family needs!" Chris raised his hand and Scott flinched, bracing for the impact. When nothing struck him, he glanced at Chris. He was turned around and breathing hard with his hands on his hips.
"Go get something to eat," Chris suggested in a voice that was clearly not a suggestion.
"Yes Corsair." Scott started walking from the room, only to be stopped by Chris' hand on his arm. "Corsair?"
"Dad," Chris said. "You'll eat and come back to Dad, not Corsair. Maybe…" Chris sighed. "Maybe that's what's wrong here. I'm expecting you to fall in without question, but that's not quite our relationship, is it?"
"No sir."
"I let Hepzibah get away with a lot because she's my mate, my partner. You are my son."
"I don't want to overstep, Dad. Just… I don't know this side of you. Not really. I need a chance to get used to it. I'll fall in." Chris nodded and dropped his hand from Scott.
"Corsair," Jean said. "I can feel the Crystal. It's close." Scott looked at Jean and then back to Chris.
"I'll eat later." Chris nodded and took the seat Hepzibah had been using.
"Ready to watch your old man work?"
"It'd be a first," Scott grinned as he sat beside Chris.
"Hush." Chris pressed a few buttons above him, opening up the window even more. "Where do I go?"
"Straight and to the left." Chris nodded and flew the Starjammer that direction. "Something is wrong," Jean said, alarmed.
"Wrong how?"
"We aren't alone."
"Got it. Scott, you see that purple key right there?"
"Yes sir."
"Turn it to the left." Scott did so immediately and the lights turned off.
"Should I get-?"
"No. They'll know, and they'll bring your team, too." Scott nodded and waited.
"Corsair," he heard Ch'od say as he and the rest of the Starjammers and X-Men entered the quickly cramped space.
"What's going on?" Logan asked, his cowl around his neck.
"We're nearing the Crystal. Jean says we're not the only ones. Be prepared for a fight. Ch'od, you and Sikorsky will remain on the Starjammer. Cyclops-"
"I'm not staying behind."
"I was going to say cover Jean."
"Yes sir."
"Everyone else, make sure they can get to the Crystal before whoever else is there." Scott watched Iceman ice up and Gambit's shortened bo staff expand.
"Gambit be ready, Corsair." Scott swallowed.
"Follow the lead of the Starjammers," he ordered. "If Corsair calls for a retreat, do it."
"Here. I can feel it calling to me," Phoenix said, closing her eyes. The group watched as fire seemed to envelop her- and then it enveloped them, transporting them elsewhere within seconds.
"That's slightly disconcerting," Scott heard his father mutter as he drew his sword.
"You'll get used to it, bub," Wolverine grinned as his adamantium claws shot out of his fists. Scott looked around him, hair standing on end at the eerie silence.
"Corsair, I think this is a-" The lights turned off and the room delved into pitch black.
"Everyone, remain alert." Scott had to bite his tongue from responding, knowing Corsair would most certainly not appreciate the 'no shit' comment he wanted to say.
"Corsair, Hepzibah smells tyrant D'ken," Hepzibah said in a hiss-like whisper. Suddenly, there was a sinister laugh echoing around them.
"You are too late. The Crystal is mine." Scott closed his eyes and listened to the sounds around him. He could hear Chris breathing. Bobby's iced feet slightly scratching the floor. Gambit shuffling his deck of cards. Footsteps-
Scott blasted towards the footsteps. The sound of a grunt and body hitting the floor confirmed the hit.
"My men! Attack!" The lights came on and Scott saw them surrounded by the aliens loyal to D'ken.
"Cyclops, protect Jean! Starjammers, X-Men, take them down!" Scott rushed to Jean, blasting his way to her as needed. She flew over him, making her way to the Crystal that beckoned her. Scott shot at anyone and anything that tried to stop him or pull her down.
"You think you can defeat me, Corsair? For twenty years-"
"You have hidden behind your guards. I don't see them now, do you?" Scott chanced a glance towards his father and saw him fighting with D'ken.
"Corsair! He's distracting you! Behind you!" Chris turned and shot the alien behind him before again going after the being who destroyed his wife.
"Leave Corsair, Cyclops!" Hepzibah called as she catapulted off of her opponent. Scott turned his attention back to Jean- just in time to have the miniature Crystal dropped in his hands. He froze, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
"Run, Cyclops!" Beast cried. Broken out of his reverie, Scott held the Crystal like a football and ran, blasting D'ken's people out of his way.
"That's my boy!" The whip wrapped around his leg before Scott realized it was coming for him. He went down, the Crystal sliding out of his hands.
"NO!" D'ken chuckled as he picked up the Crystal- just for Scott to blast him again. This time, Bobby grabbed the Crystal as Scott tried to keep D'ken away from his teammate. When he felt the tip of a blade against the back of his neck, he stopped. D'ken walked closer to him, grabbing a fist full of his exposed hair. He took Scott's visor and looked at it before tossing it aside.
"Son of Corsair," he greeted. "Tell me: will you scream as loud as your mother when I have you gutted?"
"That was a mistake," Scott grinned. He opened his eyes, blasting D'ken into a wall. "That felt gr-" Scott gasped at the sharp pain in his back through his stomach. He touched his hand to his middle and brought it away, coated with something wet. Scott dropped to his knees.
"Cyclops? Cyclops! Scott!" From the voice and hand on his shoulder, Scott knew it was his father.
"Visor," Scott panted. Chris put it over his eyes and Scott looked at him as his vision began to fade. "Daddy. M-my kids. Tell them- tell them I love them. 'M sorry. Tell Emma-" And then he was silent as he fell into Chris' arms.
"BEAST!" Hank came lumbering over.
"Cyclops!"
"Get him to Sikorsky!" Chris ordered. Beast, as quickly and gently as he could, lifted Scott into his arms.
"Corsair, his pulse-"
"Sikorsky can work with it! Go before it's too late!" Beast nodded and took off. "Ch'od, incoming!" Corsair yelled into his Starjammers' communicator.
"He is here, Corsair." Chris saw red as he took in the alien who was carrying a still bloody sword.
"He is Hepzibah's!" Chris watched as his mate leapt onto the shoulders of his son's would-be murderer and snapped his neck. In the distraction, Bobby's grip on the Crystal went slack and it fell into D'ken's waiting hands.
"I will rule the universe," D'ken said, searching for Corsair. "And you-" The screech of a bird startled him, causing him to drop the Crystal.
"No!" Phoenix cried as the beings in the room were sucked inside. It looked like a desolate wasteland, Chris determined from his brief glance. Seeing that his team was safe for the moment, he looked for the former Shi'ar emperor. He saw D'ken on his knees, arms up, as if worshipping the power of the M'kraan Crystal.
"He's mine," Chris growled, stalking towards the tyrant.
"We cannot stay! The Crystal will consume everything- nothing is safe," Phoenix told him. "It has been damaged beyond repair."
"Then I'm not going until he's left the same way," Chris spat.
"Your son is dying!" That stopped Chris and he turned. "I can return you to him." Chris swallowed.
Was revenge on his wife's murderer worth not seeing his son in his possible last moments? He turned and punched D'ken, relishing the sickening crunch under his fist.
"Get me to my boy." The Starjammers and the X-Men were once again transported by the Phoenix's fire.
"Wait- where's Jean?" Bobby asked. They looked around the little area of the Starjammer they'd arrived in, not seeing her.
"What is that?" Raza inquired, looking out the window. They saw the ship they had been on, outlined with a fiery Phoenix.
"Non!" Gambit cried, seeing the red hair of Jean in the center of the Phoenix. It flew off towards a bright light and the remaining X-Men dropped to their knees.
"Jean…"
A/N 2: Happy June! Happy Hurricane season to my fellow Americans- wait... Wonderful. Thankfully, storms don't hit my state until August/September, but now that's all I'll get to hear about from the news (which, honestly, is a bit better than some of the stuff I hear most days. I'm certainly happier when it's off.)
Writing is going slow. Lots of stuff is getting in the way- including a handsy almost 6 month old. But I'm on ch 9!