Disclaimer: see ch 1
Chris bowed his head after watching Sikorsky hover around his son for several tense moments. There were monitors hooked to him showing a heartbeat, but it was slow and irregular. Sikorsky had done all he could until Scott woke up. If Scott woke up.
It didn't seem likely, he'd been warned. Scott could very well spend the rest of his life, however long or short, in a coma.
"Captain see son, he may," Sikorsky announced. Chris nodded and walked over, grabbing Scott's hand.
A hand that was now as big, if not bigger than his. Chris closed his eyes, remembering a time when Scott's hand was small enough to curl around a single finger. Twenty seven was too young to die, to be reliant on machines to provide oxygen and nourishment. Chris leaned down and kissed Scott's forehead.
"I need to call his mate," he said quietly, afraid to disturb Scott, as if he was simply sleeping.
"Fine, Cyclops will be." Chris could only nod as he stepped away, relieved when Hepzibah took his place to sit with her stepson.
She'd been acting as his mother longer than Katherine, Chris realized. He closed his eyes and continued his journey to the room he'd set aside for private calls. Calls could, of course, be accepted at the controls, but he wanted his children and grandchildren to have the ability to not feel judged. Especially Scott. He cared too much what others thought- Chris cleared his throat and typed the number to the Xavier Institute's video chat.
"I was hoping we'd hear from the Starjammers soon," Charles Xavier said with a tense smile. "How did it go?"
"I need to talk to Emma," Chris said emotionlessly.
"Chris,"
"I need to talk to Emma. I need the kids-"
"She is in Alaska. With your parents." Chris cursed, having forgotten. "Chris?"
"Jean is gone. The Phoenix… had to destroy the Crystal. She gave her life to save the universe. And my boy-" Chris let out a sob. "My boy is fighting for his life." He wiped his eyes and took a shuddered breath. "I apologize. I will have Logan or Hank call to fill in the details. I need to talk to Emma." He hung up and called his parents' cabin, thankful that Scott and Emma had installed this feature for him to be able to keep in touch with his family.
"Corsair!" Warren said happily.
"Grandpa!"
"Chris, what is going on?" Emma asked, walking to the screen.
"Scott has a message just for you," he said, attempting his usual grin. Emma frowned, but sent her children away as hinted.
"They're in their rooms. What's going on?" Chris felt the tears welling in his eyes. "Chris. Where is Scott?"
"I- oh God, Emma. I can't-" Chris threw his hands over his face and sobbed.
"No. No!"
"Mama? What's wrong?"
"Go back to your room, Nathan!"
"What's going on?" Warren asked, hugging a weeping Emma to him.
"Scott…"
"I've got it, Corsair," Bobby said softly as he walked in. "Go sit with him and Hepzibah." Chris shook his head.
"Scott is in a coma," he finally got out. "My medic… He doesn't know if he'll-" Chris bowed his head and cried.
"Ok," Warren said, pushing his grief aside to help his best friend's girlfriend. "Vulcan can get to you. He's done it before. I know he has. We'll call him and get Emma to Scott. If anyone can wake him up, it's her." Chris shook his head.
"Machines are breathing for him. He-"
"Is a fucking Summers! Summers men are survivors, remember?!"
"I don't want his brother to see him-"
"You would take his chance- my chance- to say goodbye?!" Emma cried. Chris looked away.
"Don't tell Gabriel why," he requested. "He needs his concentration to jump here. And please… Alex."
"I'm hanging up and calling them now." The screen went dark and Chris took a deep breath.
"Bobby," he said softly. "Are you…? Can you explain to Xavier what happened? Or do you need time?"
"I've got it," Bobby said as he stepped forward. "Go be with Scott." Chris squeezed the back of Bobby's neck and walked away, back to his son. He sat by the bed, resting his elbows on the side with his head being held up by his clasped hands.
"Scott-boy will be fine," Hepzibah said, determined. "Scott-boy is son of Corsair. Scott-boy-" Hepzibah let out an animalistic cry and flung herself into Chris' arms. "Hepzibah's kitling must live." Chris said nothing as he ran his hand through Hepzibah's hair.
"Id dere anythin' Gambit do for you?" Remy asked as he came to check on Scott. Chris shook his head.
"Need sustenance, Captain does," Sikorsky said, fluttering around the area.
"Gambit be gettin' somethin' fo you and Hepzibah." He walked away and Chris simply rubbed his face.
"Dad?! Dad, where are you?!"
"Kitlings?" Hepzibah said, sitting up. "No! Kitlings do not need see Scott-boy-"
"If they need to say goodbye," Chris said, his voice scratchy. He felt people entering the medical bay and stop.
"Scotty?"
"Dad?" Emma let out a sob and rushed to Scott's side, opposite of Chris.
"Darling," she said tearfully. "Darling, wake up. Scott? I'm here. Wake up. Please. Wake up. I need you. Scott, please. Your children need you. I can't raise them alone. Please. Scott!" Emma lowered her head and rested her cheek on Scott's bare chest.
"Dad?" Gabe said again, trying to understand what happened to his brother.
"D'ken…"
"He's dead," Gabe frowned. "We watched the execution." Chris shook his head.
"It was a shapeshifter. He's truly gone now. But he… His lackey stabbed-" Chris pressed his lips together as he watched Emma touch her lips to Scott's before touching pressing her forehead against his, suddenly gasping
"Emma? What is it?" Alex asked, hurrying to her side.
"He's- he's in there." Chris bolted up from his chair.
"What?"
"He's trying to find his way back, but he… He says he's being blocked by something." She closed her eyes and touched Scott's forehead. "He needs something to focus on."
"Can't you do it?" Chris asked. "Warren was right- you're our best chance-"
"He'll respond to you better than me," Emma said looking at Chris. "Please, Chris. If he goes into his mind much more… I don't know if we'll be able to get him back." Chris nodded.
"Scott? Scott, son. Please wake up." Emma shook her head.
"Nothing. Chris-"
"Would… Do you think he'd respond if I… yell?"
"It's worth a try." Chris nodded and took a breath.
"Scott Christopher Summers, you get your ass up, right now!"
"Do it again," Emma pleaded. "He heard you. He's focusing on you." Chris nodded.
"Boy, we have too much to do for you to be slacking off! Now get your ass in gear, or I swear I'll take a strip off your hide with my belt!" Alex and Gabe winced at the threat, even though both knew it'd never happen.
"He's almost back. Chris-" Chris looked at Emma and swallowed before returning his gaze to Scott.
"Last chance, Scott. Open your eyes or I'm gonna whip the tar out of you." They heard murmuring from Scott.
"What?" Emma asked, leaning down. The murmur came again and she stood up, laughing.
"What? What did he say?" Gabe asked, holding onto Hepzibah.
"He asked how your father would be able to tell if they were open or not." Chris hung his head again and wept tears of relief, taking Scott's hand into his. He felt a small squeeze around a single finger. Emma carefully wiped her eyes with her thumb.
"We need to call Warren," Alex said as he squeezed Scott's ankle. "I'm glad… Damn, Scotty. You just can't help but get your ass kicked when Gabe and I don't have your back. I'm tempted to come back to the X-Men just to keep you out of trouble!"
"Out, family needs to go. Exam, Sikorsky must perform."
"I… I'd feel better if one of us stayed," Chris requested, knowing ordering Sikorsky would not be in his best interest. Not about a patient in his care, at least.
"Stay, Captain may. Leave, others must."
"Chris," Emma said, taking Scott's hand. "Please don't make me leave."
"He's my-" Chris stopped and nodded. "You're his partner. Please keep me updated, and let me know when I can return."
"Of course. Thank you."
"Take care of my boy, Sikorsky. The threat about Gabriel applies with Scott, too."
"Worry too much, Captain does." Chris rolled his eyes and headed out, despite everything telling him to kick Emma out and sit with Scott himself. He followed the voices to the ship's mess hall and saw the relief of his team and the X-Men at the announcement that Scott was at least conscious.
"Corsair," Logan said, standing. "How-?"
"He's… able to communicate with Emma, but not fully awake. However, I'll take it over nothing."
"Where's Jean?" Alex asked, looking around. "I'd heard she weirded out and brought you guys here." The atmosphere turned bleak once again.
"It's… complicated," Bobby said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. "But she sacrificed herself to save the universe. She's…" Alex paled.
"You lost her and almost lost Scotty on the same day?"
"Dat be what he said," Remy frowned as he handed food to Chris. "Eat. Scotty gon' need you." Chris gave the former thief an appreciative smile. Alex and Gabe sat down, both familiar enough with the Starjammer to immediately feel comfortable.
"Has anyone told Xavier?"
"I did, Lex," Bobby answered. "He's distraught. We all are. But knowing Scott's going to be ok helps a bit."
"Did you let Warren know he's aware?" Chris asked around bites of food.
"I- shit. I'll do it now, Dad," Alex said as he hurried away.
"What are our orders, Corsair?" Ch'od asked.
"I need to call Lilandra. I'm not sure if the Crystal being destroyed counts as taking care of it… And then we need to head to Earth so Scott can rest and recuperate in his own home. Gabe, go tell your brother to get Warren to take Nate and Carrie home. Scott's going to want them near him."
"Are you sure he wants them to see him like… that?"
"His kids and Emma were his last verbal thoughts to me before he collapsed. He's going to want them."
"I don't think-"
"Gabriel. You're only nineteen. Don't test me," Chris said in a threatening voice.
"Yes sir. I'll go now." Gabe rushed out and Chris shook his head.
"Hep, I'm going to call Lilandra. If Emma needs something for Scott, I want one of us available." Hepzibah nodded and Chris wiped his mouth.
"What do ya want us to do to help?" Logan asked.
"Ch'od can give you a few things that'll help. Thank you." Chris stood up and kissed Hepzibah's cheek as he headed to call the current ruler of the Shi'ar Empire. He went to the front of the ship and sat, taking a few seconds to center himself before contacting Lilandra.
"Starjammers," Lilandra answered quickly. "What news do you bring me?"
"Your majesty," Chris greeted with a dip of his head. "With the help of the Phoenix, we were able to locate the M'kraan Crystal. Unfortunately, the tyrant D'ken was there before us. After a battle for possession, the Crystal was dropped and damaged-"
"No! The results-"
"I apologize for interrupting, Empress. The Phoenix- Jean Grey of the X-Men- took it from us and somehow destroyed it. D'ken was destroyed with it."
"And your crew? How did you fare?"
"My crew remained safe, thanks to the Phoenix. Cyclops was stabbed and it was unsure if he would survive for some time, but he has started to recover."
"I will send Gladiator to your location with the final payment and a Shi'ar physician."
"I appreciate that, your highness. However, we will be returning Cyclops to Earth for him to heal with his lover and his children."
"Will Cyclops allow you entrance to his home for this?" Chris gave her a small smile.
"Empress Lilandra, Cyclops is my son."
"Yet you treated him like a stranger-?"
"For the safety of my crew," Chris nodded. "Cyclops agreed with the deceit to protect myself and my mate, his stepmother. I apologize for the ruse."
"I suppose that makes his emphatic statements to keep you safe more justifiable than simple X-Men morals." Chris chuckled humorlessly.
"His mother was taken from him by D'ken. He heard me say execution and was concerned he was moments away from losing his father as well."
"Does he not trust me even after having worked with me previously?"
"I don't think he trusts anyone where I'm concerned, considering my… occupation," Chris said honestly. "But he did trust you with his daughter, and that's a higher level of trust."
"I concede to your point, Corsair."
"Empress,"
"Yes?"
"Is my crew safe from you?"
"You have my word on my ancestors that the Starjammers crew is safe. With the M'kraan Crystal destroyed, the universe is safe. We owe you and the Phoenix a debt of gratitude. As long as there is no attempt on my life, the Starjammers will be conspicuously dropped from our radar."
"Thank you, your majesty. And rest assured, there has only ever been talk of doing our part in your elevation from princess to empress." Lilandra ended the communication and Chris leaned forward, his head in his hands.
"Dad?" Chris sat up straight and looked at Alex.
"What can I do for you, son?"
"Emma said Scott's awake and asking for you. She was going to tell you directly, but she sensed your meeting and didn't want to interrupt without it being an emergency." Chris nodded and stood, making his way to the medical bay of the Starjammer.
"Dad," Scott said in a raspy voice once he saw Chris. Chris handed him a glass of water with a straw, holding it so Scott could take a sip.
"How are you feeling?" Chris asked as he set the cup down.
"I feel sore," Scott admitted. "But considering what happened and what Sikorsky healed… I'm lucky to be alive."
"But you are, and that's what I care about."
"What happened after I…? Is word going to get out that I'm still alive? Do I need to protect my children?"
"I've informed Lilandra, but Hepzibah took care of the man who stabbed you. D'ken is dead, for real this time. I doubt Lilandra will let this story get out. Hearing that she'd executed the wrong man would be an embarrassment to her rule. The rest of the rebels who had followed him were also destroyed with the Crystal."
"It was destroyed? How?" Chris sat on the bed, mindful of Scott's legs.
"The Phoenix flew it out to a bright light. I don't know if it was a sun or… She destroyed it."
"And she's ok?"
"Scott,"
"Dad- she- knowing she'd be in space was one thing, but she can't be-"
"I'm sorry, son. Her sacrifice was noble-" Scott turned his head.
"She's ok. Nate and Nathan always told me she would be." Chris put a hand on Scott's leg.
"She's gone, Scott."
"She'll be back," Scott said, determined. "I know she will." Chris said nothing as he took in Scott's tensed body.
"Scott-boy? May Hepzibah visit?" Hepzibah asked near the door.
"Of course, Mom," Scott smiled. "Dad told me you took care of the ass who did this. I mean… He literally stabbed me in the back. What a coward." Hepzibah hugged Scott and Scott leaned forward. Chris frowned as he saw the unblemished skin.
"Son, turn."
"What? Dad! You can't-!"
"I'm not going to pop you," Chris scowled. "Those threats were just to get you out of the coma. You're a few years from being thirty, Scott."
"Then why-?"
"I thought I saw something. Just… Turn." Scott shifted and allowed his back to be exposed to Chris.
"Corsair?" Hepzibah questioned as Chris ran a finger down Scott's back.
"Sikorsky… Scott, Sikorsky healed your back. There's not a single scar on you."
A/N: I've been meaning to update... Life just... yeah. I was diagnosed with stuff early last year, but I was recently told that it's not actually "that," but since it's enough like it, it's just called that. I really hate when people in the medical field, especially nurse practitioners, are condescending. Seriously. It's like she talks down to me just because I'm a Stay at Home Mom- I'm a college educated woman. I'm a published author (self publishing on Amazon still counts!). I just choose to be home with my babies.
Rant over. Sorry.
We're going on vacation with my in-laws this next week, so there won't be an update until after Father's Day (June 20th). Thanks for reading :)