Secret Meetings

Later that evening two figures sat at a charming Italian restaurant. Ms. Baron sat across her companion wearing a long black strapless gown. They had just ordered their meal. "I must say this is a strange place to discuss the fate of the world," She smiled.

"I wouldn't be so melodramatic," Guyrich said. "So tell me Ms. Baron…"

"Alexya," She corrected him.

"Alexya," He smiled. "When did you first take interest in advanced mutations?"

"Oh it must be about…fifteen…no seventeen years ago," Ms. Baron told him. "My professor was part of a project. I can't go into details you understand, at least not yet."

"Oh of course," Guyrich nodded.

"But we did study the effects of telekinesis and telepathy," She said. "Perhaps you've heard of him, Doctor Modrovich?"

"No I can't say I have," Guyrich shook his head.

"I thought not," She sighed. "The government confiscated most of his works and banned the project. They thought his studies to be fraudulent, an embarrassment. But I knew even then that he was onto something."

"Sounds like a true pioneer," Guyrich said. "I'd like to meet him."

"That's…not possible. Shortly after they closed the project the government had him assassinated. I was lucky to get out of the country alive."

"I'm sorry."

Ms. Baron shrugged. "I can never return to my homeland. There are still people there who wish to kill me simply because they are afraid of the truth. Even now they are still in denial. That's partly why I had to cover my tracks so to speak."

"Bureaucrats," Guyrich spat. "Close minded fools! I thought our government was blind."

"That's life I'm afraid," She shrugged. "Fortunately I found a benefactor who was more than willing to study the good doctor's notes. If you like I can arrange for you to have a copy of them."

"I'd find them enlightening," Guyrich said. "I'd like to meet this benefactor of yours."

"In due time. Let's just say for the moment he works with several powerful individuals who don't want to draw too much attention to themselves. But can give you one of our backers. Extensive Enterprises."

"What?" Guyrich gasped. "That's the world's most powerful corporation! The owners make Donald Trump look like a shoeshine boy!"

"Yes," Ms. Baron smiled knowing she had him hooked. "Thanks to their generous contributions we've been working on some…projects of our own. But they are not as successful as Mr. Trask's."

"Some success," Guyrich sighed. "All we achieved was causing a worldwide panic!"

"Don't be so hard on yourselves," Ms. Baron told him. "There are more mutants than you know existing out there and they are very tricky! All the more reason we have to act quietly as possible. The world is changing by the hour. Genetic warfare will soon make nuclear warfare seem like a dinosaur. It's not just mutants themselves that are a danger. There are governments, terrorist agencies; you name it that would do anything to get their hands on such power. For example what better way to find out government secrets than to send an agent who can read minds into the field? Or how about one that can control the weather…the possibilities are endless."

"And frightening," Guyrich said.

"Fear is a healthy response," Ms. Baron said. "But it is also a dangerous one. If you look at mutants logically, like a problem that needs to be solved the fear dissolves and you can solve it."

"I must say I find your approach to the mutant problem refreshing," Guyrich told her. "A real change from Trask's. Not as…emotional."

"I have heard of his tendency to rant," Ms. Baron smiled. "That's why I decided to contact you first."

"Yes he does tend to go on a bit," Guyrich admitted. "Always raving about how the uh…non humans are corrupting our gene pool."

"The only problem with people like Trask is that they view mutants as a threat for the wrong reasons," Ms. Baron told him. "They see them as inferior to humans. When sadly it's the other way around. Once the mutants realize this they will see us as obsolete, therefore disposable. And it's only a matter of time before they find a leader to lead them into battle against us. That's when the real danger begins."

"Agreed," Guyrich nodded. "Of course it might be wise to keep a few around, so we can incorporate some of their DNA into the gene pool. The less violent strains you understand. I don't know about you but I'd like some of that DNA that helps you heal wounds automatically and extends your lifespan. Just don't tell Trask I said that."

"Of course. Oh you might want to look at this," Ms. Baron handed him a list.

"What's this?" Guyrich looked at it.

"It's a list of government agents posing as teachers in the school building," She said calmly. Guyrich stared at her. "I told you we had resources. Don't worry, they don't know about you yet and we intend to keep it that way."

"I see," Guyrich looked at it. "I was right. You are a valuable ally. Why are they here?"

"To keep an eye on the mutants of course," Ms. Baron told him. "The government is blind to the threat. Wants to keep them safe for their own purposes, never realizing that they could turn on them at any minute."

"We've got to tell Kelly, someone," Guyrich said.

"And risk the mutants escaping? Don't worry, we have ways of handling them." Ms. Baron waved her hand. "But we do need a little help with the final phase of containment. That's where you and Mr. Trask come in."

"I think Mr. Trask and I may accommodate you on that," Guyrich smiled. "I'll have to consult him of course."

"Of course."

"It may take time. He's …indisposed at the moment."

"I understand. Our plan needs a few months to get the right people and equipment prepared anyway. It's best to take these things slowly."

"I couldn't agree more, Alexya. Let's have a toast!" Guyrich said pouring some champagne. "To a better world."

"A better world," Ms. Baron smiled.

************************************************************************

Finally Rogue and Remy made it to the cliff overlooking Bayville. She had snuck out borrowing Kitty's ability to phase. She had also agreed to cover for her. "Well we're here," She turned around. "So where is…"

"Hello Rogue."

Rogue turned around and saw whom she was supposed to meet. "Irene? It is you!"

"Yes child," Irene smiled. "I can't stay long. I needed to talk to you."

"What's going on?" She asked.

"Magneto and Mystique have changed everything," Irene told her. "I'm not exactly sure how, but their actions are putting all us mutants at great risk."

"Tell me something I don't know," Rogue sighed.

"I do know this," Irene looked at her. "Magneto wishes to become the supreme leader of all mutants. That will never happen now. There will be others to take his place."

"Others?" Rogue looked at him. "Who?"

"I'm not sure," She said. "Too many probabilities. I also know that they haven't given up on you. Mystique has been spying on you child. I don't know what form she's taken to do it in, but I am sure of it."

"Oh great," Rogue said.

"There's more," She told her. "I fear there are others spying on all the mutants at Bayville. Some want to help us, others wish us harm. You must trust no one. Not yet."

"I don't suppose you know who they are?" Rogue asked.

"All I know is that the ones who will harm us follow the snake," Irene said. "That's all I can figure out."

"Why are you telling me all this?" Rogue asked. "And why is he here?"

"Because she asked me chere," Remy told her.

"Listen to me," Irene took her gloved hand. "Something big will happen. In Chicago. Magneto will do something there but I don't know what or why. I do know this, when the time comes, you must trust Remy. He will be the only one that can save you."

"Him?" She looked at Remy. "Why? I thought you worked for him?"

"I first joined Magneto when I thought he would help all mutants," Remy told her. "Now I see him for what he really is. The day he killed Toad was the day I stopped being loyal to him."

"But you must not leave him," Irene said. "Not yet. Not until what must be done has been done."

"So you're with us now," Rogue asked him.

"Yes," Remy said. "But you cannot tell anyone else."

"Well one person," Irene handed her a note. "Give this to Xavier, make sure that no one else sees it or knows about it. We cannot take any chances. Promise me you'll do this."

"I promise Irene," Rogue said. "I…"

"Hush now," Irene said softly. "There isn't much time. I have to leave soon. I must hide from Magneto while there is still time. He's away in one of his hidden labs. Working on one of his projects. I must hide before he finds out that I have disappeared. It's the best way we can be safe."

"You'll be careful?" Rogue asked.

"Of course child," Irene smiled. She turned to Gambit. "You will take care of her?"

"I promise," Remy said. "Despite what the saying goes even thieves have some honor."

"Well that's nice to know," Rogue said.

"Child I can see the upcoming months ahead will be difficult at best," Irene said. "You will be tested and tricked. Disillusioned and deceived. But you must not lose hope. You must stay with the X-Men. They'll need you. I know that now. I just wish I realized it before."

"Don't blame yourself," Rogue said. "Mystique has a lot to do with this. Remember?"

Irene nodded. "One thing more Remy," she said. "Don't try to recruit anyone else, not because they might betray you, but they might be destroyed because of you."

Remy said nothing. "I see," She sighed. "You do what you must, but don't say I didn't warn you. I must go now. Remy take her home." She hugged her foster daughter. "Take care my dear child. And know this, I love you." She walked away into the night.

"Irene…" Rogue called, but Remy put a hand on her shoulder.

"No Rogue," He said sadly. "Let her do this. She's one tough lady. She'll be fine. Come on, Gambit take you home now."

"Are you really with us?" Rogue asked him.

"Yes," He nodded. "I may pretend to be Brotherhood for now, but my heart is that of an X-Man."

Will the Baroness succeed in her dastardly plan? Will she get the Sentinel plans? And what is Magneto's upcoming plan of attack? Can Remy really be trusted? Darned if I know. I'm making this up as I go along.