Star woke late the next day, aware of very little save the emptiness of her stomach. She saw the bowl of fruit that Jubilee had left for her, and eagerly seized an apple. She had watched Gambit slice and eat one the morning before. She didn't have a knife, so she took a hesitant bite. The sweet juice of the fruit ran down her throat, easing her thirst but seeming to only sharpen her hunger. She quickly finished the apple leaving, as she had seen Gambit, the center section with the seeds. There were other fruits in the bowl, but she wasn't sure how they were eaten. She chose a round, orange colored fruit and took a bite. It was very bitter so she put it down. She picked up a long, yellow fruit and tried a bite of it. The skin was tough, but when it split, the meat was soft and tasty. She discarded the skin and ate the center part. There didn't seem to be any seeds in this one. She looked at the orange one again. Maybe its skin came off, too. It did.
After another apple, her hunger pains began to ease. Her hands and face were sticky with the fruit juice, and the blouse she had worn for three days was crumpled and spotted. She pulled the blouse off over her head, then skinned the leggings and skirt off as well. She stepped into the bathroom. The shower controls were familiar enough, so she started a shower. She was surprised by the temperature of the water, however. She had never had access to heated water before, and it was wonderful! She picked up the bar of soap and sniffed it curiously. It had an odd, but pleasant, aroma. She began to soap her hair with it. She stayed in the water a long time, enjoying the way the warm water seemed to loosen her muscles. By the time she was finished, she was hungry again.
As she dried her hair on the towel she had found in the bathroom, she carefully peeled another of the yellow fruits. She looked through the drawers Jubilee had filled the day before, and selected undergarments. Jubilee and Rogue had explained what they were for while they were at the mall. Real people certainly placed a lot of emphasis on their clothing, Star reflected. She'd never worn anything but the white skintight she'd had on when they brought her to this place. After all, it had all the necessary sensors woven right into the fabric. She shrugged and pulled the clothing on. She opened several of the bags she found at the foot of the bed and chose a pair of blue shorts and a bright red blouse. She pulled these on as well, remembering how Jubilee had reacted when she had stepped from the 'dressing room' while wearing just the undergarments. Such body modesty had not been promoted among the Doctor's specimens. She would have to keep it firmly in mind to avoid offending them. She combed her hair in front of a large mirror, then, leaving the comb on the dresser, she went in search of the other people she could hear throughout the large house.
She spied Jubilee in the living room, but she appeared to be busy as she alternately looked in a large book, then scribbled frantically on a pad of paper. She was frowning in concentration. Star quietly went on her way. She paused at the door of Professor Xavier's study, but did not hear him within. Finally, she stopped at the laboratory. That room still made her shiver, but she could sense Storm and Beast. They had just completed a series of tests and were discussing the results. She timidly knocked on the door, as she had seen Jubilee do upon her own door.
"Come in." she heard Beast say, so she opened the door and entered.
"Hello, Star. Are you well rested?" Storm asked.
"Yes."
"Really, child," Beast said kindly. "You must not overextend yourself. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it." He smiled and gestured around him. "After all, we are a family here." She smiled in return.
"Professor Xavier would like us to begin tutoring you as soon as you feel well enough." Storm told her. "Does that suit you?"
"Yes. I would like that."
"When would you like to begin?"
"Now." Star answered simply. Beast and Storm exchanged an amused glance.
"My, my." Beast murmured. "An enthusiastic pupil." He stood up and removed his lab coat. "Come, child," he said. "We shall begin."
Several hours later, Beast begged for a break. He left Star sitting on a couch, surrounded by books, both textbooks and works of fiction. It had been necessary to explain the difference. He walked outside, stretching muscles tense from bending over the books.
"How's the kid?" Wolverine asked from a lounge chair on the deck.
"Star?" Beast snorted. "The child is a sponge. Three hours ago, I began by teaching her the alphabet. Now, she reads at the college level. We shall begin mathematics next." He pulled out another chair, and gingerly lowered himself into it, even though great care was taken to insure that all the furniture in the mansion was sturdy enough to take his weight. He sighed. "At the rate she is going through the books in the Library, by next week, there will be little left that I can teach her."
"Beast?" Both men turned quickly at the sound of Star's voice.
"Yes, dear?" Beast asked, covering his surprise.
"I can't read this one." She held out a copy of 'Dr. Zhivago.'
"Its in Russian, child."
"Russian?"
"It is a different language than English, which is what you have been reading."
"There are two languages?"
"No, child. There many, many more than two."
"Will you teach me?"
"I will teach you as many as I am able." She opened her mouth to say something, but Beast interrupted her.
"Not tonight. Put those books away and get something to eat. You are beginning to look pale."
"Yes, Beast." Star turned and went back into the mansion.
"Hank."
"Yes, Wolverine?"
"We gotta put a bell on that kid."
"You didn't hear her approach either, I take it."
"Nope."
Beast thought Wolverine was speaking metaphorically until he saw the delicate bracelet of tiny silver bells which Star began wearing several days later. His laughter brought several bemused looks from the other X-Men, and a knowing smile from Wolverine.
Star learned quickly. She was willing to learn from anyone who was willing, or had time, to teach her. By the end of the week, she was helping Jubilee with her Algebra homework, a subject which Beast had begun to despair of ever getting across. Star had the ability to see exactly what part of the equation Jubilee was having problems with, and to explain it so she could understand. Jubilee was trying to teach Star to be a teenager. This seemed to be one subject Star was having difficulties with.
"I don't understand." Star said to Storm in the lab.
"What don't you understand, Star?"
"Jubilee. Sometimes she's happy, and the next minute she's mad about something. She gets mad at me and I can't figure out why."
"It is just part of growing up. She is a teenager, and sometimes a teenager's body chemistry gets a little off balance. Just be patient."
"OK."
"Are you ready for the next series of tests?"
"Yes."
When they had completed the day's testing, and Star had joined Jubilee in the living room, Storm turned to Beast.
"Star was asking about Jubilee's mood swings today."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I explained to her that sometimes a teenager is moody because of their changing body chemistry."
"And?" Beast prompted.
"And, I started thinking that Star was acting more like a tractable eight year old than a volatile teen." Storm paused and Beast waited.
"I think we should check the hormone levels in her last few blood samples."
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
"What is it, Henry?"
"You were right. Star's hormone levels are abnormally low. Physically, she is an adult, but she has the hormones of a prepubescent female. And look here," he swiveled the eyepiece of his microscope toward Storm. She looked through at the blood sample.
"What is that?"
"It appears to be an artificial compound designed to inhibit the production of her natural hormones." He reached forward and changed slides. "Now look at this one." Storm obliged.
"There are not as many inhibitors." She looked up at him. "Which is the later sample?"
"The one you have now."
"Then her body is throwing off the inhibitors."
"Yes."
"Which means..."
"We are about to have another teenager on our hands. One which was sufficiently, shall we say, troublesome, that her Doctor saw fit to sully his experiment with drugs."
"We should speak with the Professor."
"I quite agree."
"How long?" Xavier asked.
"If the rate of decline remains the same, as it has so far, her body should start producing hormones in about a week."
"Of course." He sighed. "Just once, I would like to have a happy, healthy, well adjusted Mutant, walk up to the door and say 'Hello, Professor Xavier. I'd like to join the X-Men. Do you mind?'"
"Professor, happy, healthy, well adjust Mutants generally don't need our help."
"I know. Its just a fantasy I allow myself once in a while. Do you have any recommendations for Star?"
"Not really. If she had less control over her telekinesis I would suggest preparing the mansion for a poltergeist. As it is, I don't really know what to expect."
"So we should just cross our fingers and hope for the best."
"That's about it."
"She's scheduled to testify against her attackers next week."
"I know, Professor."
"Lord help us."
"Aw, c'mon, Wolvie. Please?" Jubilee accosted Wolverine in the hall near the Danger Room.
"Jubilee..."
"Its been ages since I've been in the Danger Room. Nobody else ever seems to have time. I've been doing a lot better in math since Star's been helping me. Hey! She's never been in at all! You could take us both in, and I promise I won't bother you again for at least a week!"
"All right, Jubilee." He held up one hand and she turned to find Star. "If you can clear it with the Professor."
"Aw, Wolverine!"
"Those are my terms, darlin'."
"Oh, all right. I'll go ask him."
A few minutes later, he heard his name called on the intercom.
"Yeah, Chuck?"
"Do you feel comfortable taking both children into the Danger Room?"
"No problem. I've already set the controls to hologram."
"Well, then. Good luck." He could hear Jubilee shouting for Star as the Professor turned off his intercom. He wondered what he was getting himself into.
Jubilee was waiting impatiently at the door to the Danger Room when Wolverine returned from the Control Room. Star stood, immobile. Beside her. Jubilee wore her standard "DR outfit", as she called it, long yellow coat over street clothes, with her sunglasses propped on the top of her head. She was chewing bubble gum. Star was in shorts and a T-shirt. She was barefoot, as she always was except when someone invited her to go into town (but not the Mall). Wolverine turned to them.
"You kids ready?"
"Sure!" Jubilee answered quickly.
"Star?"
"I'm not certain I understand."
"C'mon, Star! I told you. If I know Wolvie, he's got it set on hologram, right?" Wolverine nodded. "Then its just like a big video game, only you get to go inside the machine to play."
"All right."
Wolverine opened the door and gestured for the girls to precede him into the Danger Room. They entered at a back street. It was late evening, everything was quiet. Jubilee was looking around, bouncing on the balls of her feet as Wolverine closed the door behind them and it became the wall to a building. Star looked puzzled.
"C'mon." Jubilee whispered to Star and they followed Wolverine as he moved carefully down the street. At the far end of the street, a Sentinel appeared.
"Wolvie, you know I hate Sentinels!"
"Practice makes perfect, Jubilee." He answered gruffly as he ducked into the cover provided by a doorway. Jubilee quickly followed him, but Star stayed where she was.
"That's one o' the bad guys, kid." Wolverine growled.
"What is?"
"Freeze program." Wolverine stepped out of the doorway and pointed to the now motionless Sentinel. "That."
"I don't see anything." Wolverine looked at her for a moment.
"What do you see? All around us."
"A large room, with equipment on the walls. It looks like there are doors on every surface." She looked at him. "Is that right? Is it still a door if its in the ceiling or floor?"
"Yeah, kid. Its still a door. But that's all you see? A big empty room?"
"Yes."
"Oh, boy. Hang on a minute, Jubilee. Star, stay here." He moved back to the wall they had entered through and touched an invisible control.
"Professor."
"Yes, Wolverine?" the Professor answered a moment later.
"I've got a problem in the Danger Room. Seems Star can't see holograms."
"Interesting. Star does need to begin her training, however. How would you feel about taking them up against some low level robots?"
"I can't be in two places at once, and I'd need somebody in the Control room. Its on auto pilot now."
"I will see if anyone is available."
"Right." He turned to look at the young Mutants waiting for him. Jubilee was tapping her foot and noisily popping her gum. Star stood motionless, watching him.
"Cancel program."
"Hey!" Jubilee protested.
"Cool yer jets darlin'. Just gotta reset the equipment. C'mon, ever'body out." He opened the door and ushered them out.
"Jubilee?" Star said as they waited.
"Yeah?"
"What is the object of the game?"
"Huh?"
"You said the Danger Room was like a video game. What is the object?"
"De object, mes Cheres, is to stay alive." Gambit said as he joined them. "An' to keep you teammates alive too, no?"
"Try ta remember that this time, Cajun."
"You wound me, mon amie. I ever let you down?"
"Not me I'm worried about."
"Wolverine, you not de only one lookin' out for les petites. I do my job, you jus' do yours."
"Right." Wolverine pressed the button on the intercom. "You guys set up yet?"
"Just about, sugah. You just hold your horses for 'bout 'nother minute, then we'll be ready to go."
"Thanks, Rogue."
"This is a training room?" Star asked.
"Yeah, kid. Its a training room."
"Will there be non-combatants?"
"What?"
"Will there be non-combatants?" The door opened invitingly.
"Probably not this time." Wolverine glanced at Gambit, who shrugged, and stepped into the Danger Room. Star followed.
"Wolvie?"
"Yeah?"
"Sounds like, maybe she's done this before."
"Sounds like. Let's go see how much she knows."
"Okay, Rogue, they're in." Cyclops told her. Rogue grinned and started the computerized combat sequence. Professor Xavier and Jean Grey watched silently.
Wolverine and Jubilee followed Gambit and Star as they made their way through the dark streets. A Sentinel came into view.
"Aw, jeez!" Jubilee muttered. "I hate those things."
"Quiet, Jubilee. Let's get around behind it." They circled the building while Gambit and Star continued moving to the left, on an intercept course with the Sentinel. The giant robot moved deceptively slowly. All three X-Men knew of its stunning speed. Suddenly, it spied Gambit. It turned and fired in one motion, but Gambit was faster. He dove out of the path of the energy bolt, dragging Star with him. He rolled to his feet and hurled charged playing cards at the robot, damaging its left leg. Wolverine leaped at the robot from behind, slashing the damaged limb with his adamantium claws. Jubilee extended her hands before her, launching a strike of her own. Star got to her feet behind Gambit. The Sentinel fired a second bolt at Gambit, who had turned to check on her. He didn't see it coming. Her face set in a mask of concentration, Star gestured and the bolt was deflected into the building beside them. The blast knocked them from their feet. Gambit was stunned, unconscious and lying in the street before the robot.
"Rogue! What setting are those bolts on?"
"Not that high, Cyclops. It shouldn't have made that big an explosion!"
The Sentinel stepped forward as Wolverine and Jubilee renewed their attack. The damaged leg crumpled under its weight and the robot fell...toward Gambit. Suddenly, Star was kneeling beside him, one hand on his back, the other held before her in a warding off gesture. The robot's fall slowed, then stopped, scant meters over their heads. The Sentinel turned its attention to the two small figures just beneath it, turning its weapon slowly toward them. Wolverine slashed through the armor of the arm, trying to damage the weapon beyond use. Jubilee attacked the optical sensors, blinding the robot. Still held from the ground by Star, blinded by Jubilee, and disarmed by Wolverine, the Sentinel began to thrash about with its undamaged limbs, trying to smash its human targets.
Wolverine dodged under the Sentinel to Gambit's side. The Cajun hadn't moved. Star stared at the Sentinel, her arm held stiffly before her. She stood as Wolverine hoisted the taller man onto his shoulder. From the corner of his eye, he saw Jubilee, safely out of range of the flailing juggernaut, watching them. Suddenly, she leaped forward, shouting.
"Hey, you overgrown erector set! I'm over here!" While it had been blinded, there was nothing wrong with the Sentinel's auditory circuits. It turned its head toward Jubilee, and aimed a smashing fist at her. She scampered back out the way. Just barely. Seizing the opportunity she had made for them, Wolverine darted to safety, calling for Star to follow.
"C'mon, kid!"
"Can't." She answered, and the body of the robot dropped several meters. "I'm busy." The Sentinel turned its attention back to the human directly under its massive chest. Jubilee rushed forward, blasting the elbow of the remaining arm and distracting the robot. It swatted her, knocking her away.
"No!" shouted Star, throwing out her free hand toward Jubilee. Jubilee landed gently on her feet, instead of with bone crushing force. The robot settled again, Star's hand actually touching it. She was trembling with the strain.
Wolverine lowered Gambit to the ground a safe distance from the Sentinel. He groaned and sat up, one hand to his head.
"You all right, Cajun?"
"You get de license o' dat truck, mon amie? Where de little femme I supposed to be takin' care of?"
"She's 'busy'. Takin' care o' you. The two of 'em are takin' apart a Sentinel. Let's go help."
"You t'ink dey need our help?"
"No. But I ain't ready ta be a foundin' member of the Retired X-Men's Home, so I ain't about to let them find out."
"Good point." Wolverine bounded back toward the Sentinel. Gambit followed somewhat more slowly, wincing from the burn on his back where Star's hand had rested.
In the Control Room, several sighs of relief were heard, and a silent prayer of thanks was offered by one, as Gambit got to his feet.
Jubilee ran to the legs of the robot and scrambled up on them. From there she hopped to its back. With both arms damaged it could not reach her there, though it continued to thrash, trying both to throw her off and to crush Star. Balancing carefully, she moved up its back to the area that she knew housed its central processing unit. Suddenly, Wolverine was beside her. He used his adamantium claws to rip through the armor, exposing the circuitry for Jubilee. She grinned at him and blasted the unit.
The dead weight of the deactivated Sentinel drove Star to her knees. Gambit dove beneath the still descending robot and, encircling Star with his arms, rolled clear. The Sentinel dropped to the ground with a bone jarring crash. Gambit released Star hastily.
"Chere, you skin be on fire." Star turned to look at him, her movements jerky and uncoordinated. She sat down suddenly.
"Chere?" She blinked up at him. "You okay?" Wolverine helped Jubilee down from the back of the Sentinel. She was grinning from ear to ear.
"Exercise complete." Rogue's voice sounded through the Danger Room. "You all okay?"
"That was great!" Jubilee said, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Can we do it again?" Gambit gave her a look which seemed to say 'Not in this lifetime.', then he offered Star a hand up. She looked dazed.
"You coolin' off fast, Chere. You gonna be all right?"
"Yes. I'm just..."
"You are just" interrupted Xavier's voice, "going to get yourself down to the kitchen right now. Beast has concocted a high energy compound he wants you to try."
"Yes, Professor." She turned toward the entrance door, a little more steady on her feet. Wolverine followed her.
"Gambit."
"Yeah, Prof.?"
"I want Henry to take a look at you."
"I feel fine."
"You won't if you don't stop 'n see Hank." Rogue said from behind him. "An' I'm here ta see to it that ya do."
"Chere, for a moment on your arm, I'd drop in on Ol' Nick hisownself." He took her arm and together they walked from the remains of the Danger Room.
"Jubilee."
"Yeah?"
"You did very well, dear. I am proud of you."
"Thanks. Ya know, they don't look so big, once you've trashed 'em." She walked around the robot, looking closely at the object of so many nightmares. She kicked the shoulder of the motionless Sentinel and it began to rise.
"Aaak!" She shouted as she scrambled away from it.
"Jubilee? I'm sorry, I thought everyone had left the Danger Room," came Jean's voice over the speakers. "I was just going to put it back together for next time."
"Yeah, well," Jubilee answered shakily. "I was just leaving." She scrambled for the still open door.
"Scott, what caused the back blast that injured Gambit?" Jean asked as she set the controls to rebuild the damaged Sentinel.
"I don't know. I double checked the setting and it was definitely calibrated too low to have caused that much damage."
"I think, perhaps, it was Star." Professor Xavier put in. "I was watching her closely, and she reacted to the Sentinel as if it were a fully powered unit. Her deflection actually accelerated the energy bolt, causing a larger explosion than the equipment was set up to cope with."
"Sounds like you think she's been up against Sentinels before."
"She has spoken of previous training. I made the mistake of assuming that combat training was not included."
Beast greeted Star at the door of the kitchen with a large glass of a murky brown liquid.
"Sit down and drink that," he told her. "There's more in the blender over there. I want you to drink it all. The Professor apprised me of the, shall we say, activity level you have been maintaining. This should help you avoid the worst after effects." He looked at her for a moment, then turned to Wolverine. "I leave her in your care, my friend. I understand I have another patient to attend to."
"Drink up, kid." Wolverine said as he pulled a chair out and, turning it around, sat down in it, his arms resting on the back of the chair. She took a swallow.
"It tastes like chocolate."
"It sure don't smell like chocolate." She smiled at him and took another drink.
"Why wasn't the Sentinel at full power?" she asked suddenly.
"Everything was set at low power for you and Jubilee."
"Why?"
"We don't want you kids gettin' hurt." Star looked thoughtful as she finished the mixture in her glass.
"So the Danger Room is just a...a big video game?"
"No. It has settings all the way up to lethal. Its no game."
"You train there?"
"Yeah." She got up and refilled her glass from the blender Beast had left for her. She shivered.
"You okay, kid?"
"Yes. I am often cold after training."
"Why don't ya go change clothes?" She looked down at herself, puzzled.
"These are not appropriate? Jubilee told me she often wears things like this."
"Clothes are for protection, kid. Not just decoration. If you're cold, go put on some long pants an' a sweater, or somethin'."
"All right."
### When it was time for Star and Jubilee to testify against the three punks, Professor Xavier, Rogue, Star, Jubilee, and Wolverine piled into a large van with the logo "Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters" emblazoned on the door, and drove to the courthouse. Professor Xavier had explained to both young women that they were to remain calm and to answer any questions put to them completely and honestly. Jubilee considered the whole thing to be an exciting adventure and had spent considerable time choosing a wardrobe for both herself and Star, only to be overruled by Jean. Consequently, she was sulking. She was startled out of her funk when Star suddenly turned to her and said,
"Jubilee, will you please shut up!" Jubilee stared at her, her mouth hanging open.
"But I didn't say anything!"
"You have been mumbling constantly for the last half hour and I have grown tired of listening to you complain." Jubilee turned to Wolverine for support. He could only shrug.
"Star, child," Professor Xavier's voice spoke quietly in her mind.
"I am not a child, Professor, and I wish you would stop referring to me in that fashion."
"You are correct, Star, and I apologize." Xavier continued, "However, Jubilee was not verbalizing. You need to strengthen your shields the way Jean has taught you," he paused. "And you might consider apologizing to Jubilee."
"Of course, Professor. I don't know what is the matter with me. I feel ... strange."
"It will pass, dear." I hope, he added to himself. He sensed her bolstering her shields before she turned to Jubilee.
"Jubilee? I'm sorry. I guess I'm just scared about all this."
"S'okay." The two young mutants sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, then Star said,
"Jubilee? Beast gave me a portable chess set. Do you want to play a game? I promise not to cheat."
"Sure." Wolverine watched as Star set up the game, letting Jubilee choose her pawn. He continued to watch them as they played. Jubilee with youthful enthusiasm and Star with a cool efficiency which was almost frightening to watch. As they pulled into the underground garage at the courthouse, Jubilee made a final move and said,
"There! Checkmate!" Star smiled at her.
"That was fun. Shall we play again on the way home?"
"Yeah, if its not dark by then." They put the game away as Rogue parked the van.
"Jubilee, are you ready?"
"'Course, Professor."
"Star?"
"I think so."
"Keep your shields tight."
"Yes, sir."
They reached the courtroom precisely on time and were told to wait in an anteroom until the girls were called. As their guardian, Professor Xavier would accompany each into the courtroom when they were called upon. Star was called first. When she and Professor Xavier entered the courtroom they were greeted by an almost palpable wave of hatred. Star staggered back a step and Xavier steadied her.
"Easy, Star. Remember your shields."
"Yes, Professor." She straightened her shoulders and took the witness stand as directed. The Prosecutor quickly questioned her. Her answers painted a clear picture of the attack as it had occurred. Then the attorney for the defense rose.
"Miss Star, is it true that you are a Mutant?"
"Objection, your honor," the Prosecutor stood. "This has no bearing on the case at hand."
"Your honor, if you will allow me to continue, I will show that this question does, indeed, have bearing in this case."
"Very well. Objection overruled. Answer the question Miss Star."
"Yes."
"Is it not also true that you are a telepath?"
"Yes."
"A telepath capable of controlling the minds of others?"
"Your honor, I must object to this entire line of questioning."
"Objection sustained. Councilor, if you please."
"Yes, your honor. Miss Star, you have stated that nothing you did provoked the alleged attack, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Nothing at all."
"No."
"Not even, perhaps, a casual probe of the minds of the young men in question?"
"Your honor!"
"Councilor, consider yourself warned. If you continue this line of questioning, I will find you in contempt."
"No further questions, your honor."
"The witness may step down." A bailiff stepped forward to escort Star from the courtroom, and Jubilee was called as the next witness. The bailiff turned toward a different door than the one through which they had entered. They intended to keep the witnesses separate.
"Professor?"
"Its all right, dear. I will send Wolverine to join you." Star followed the bailiff through the door to another small room with several chairs spaced around the walls. She tried to block the thoughts of those gathered to support her attackers, without much success. Her shields were not holding.
"Filthy Mutant," burst upon her as the bailiff closed the door behind her. "How can they allow a thing like that to actually testify in court? Why, its not even human!" She fought to close the hateful voice out.
"Mutants like that ought to be drowned at birth," came another, different, voice. "My boy would never have done anything like this on his own. She was asking for it. Imagine, she had the nerve to parade around among normal people, like she owned the place."
"That ought to take care of her credibility. No jury in the world is going to convict a normal boy of attacking a mutant, who may, just may, have been controlling him. I don't even have to prove anything. It only requires 'a shadow of a doubt' after all."
Other voices crowded into her mind, overlapping, unintelligible, hateful, angry. She was trembling violently, the silver bracelet jangling on her wrist, when she heard Wolverine's voice.
"I don't care if it is a restricted access area, bub, a friend a' mine's in there and I ain't about ta leave her by herself." She could hear the menace in his quiet tones, and could feel that the guard could hear it as well. The door opened and Wolverine stepped in. He closed the door behind him and looked at her. She was as white as a sheet and shaking so badly that he could hear her teeth chattering even over the jangle of the bracelet. He gathered her into his powerful arms, holding her close. Her trembling eased as she sensed his determination to protect her. She leaned on him as she struggled to rebuild her faltering shields. As she closed the hateful voices out, she became aware of his heart beating strongly in his chest, the strength in his arms, the warmth of his body close to hers. When she finally stopped trembling, Wolverine released her. She moved away from him reluctantly and he guided her to a chair.
The outer door opened and a bailiff, with two police officers, entered, their hands on their weapons. Wolverine turned toward them, his head lowered dangerously, his hand fisted at his sides.
"You folks got a problem?" he asked them.
"This is a restricted area, mister. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
"Like I told yer friend there," Wolverine said. "I'm here ta take care o' the kid."
"That's part of our job."
"Yeah. An' yer doin' it real well, too," Wolverine snarled. "If I'd been here ta hurt her, I'd a done it an' been long gone 'fore you showed up." As the tension mounted, Star began to shake again, her bracelet jangling as she raised her hands to her head.
Startled by the sudden metallic sound, the young bailiff snatched his weapon from the holster and pointed it at Star. Moving with speed allowed only by inborn grace augmented by years of training, Wolverine stepped forward, past the closer police officer, and disarmed the bailiff. The gun clattered to the floor as Wolverine lifted the startled man by his shirtfront and slammed him into the wall.
"Didn't your daddy ever tell you not ta play with guns?" His claws glinted in the glare of the fluorescent lights.
"Put him down, mister. Nice and slow." Both officers had their weapons trained on Wolverine.
"Please." Star whispered. "Don't." She stood behind them, her body rigid, her eyes closed. The bailiff had eyes for nothing but Wolverine's claws. Wolverine and the second police officer turned to Star while the first officer didn't take her eyes off Wolverine.
"Please! Stop it!" Star cried, her voice ragged.
"Uh oh," Wolverine muttered under his breath as he retracted his claws with a sharp snick. The first officer spared Star the briefest of glances then said,
"Get her out of here, Terry." The officer turned further, lowering his weapon, and reached for Star.
"No!" Wolverine shouted instinctively. "Don't touch her!" He dropped the bailiff and lunged for the second officer. The first officer fired her weapon, the muzzle less than two feet from Wolverine's chest, just as the second officer grabbed Star's wrist. The officer shouted in surprised pain, tearing the silver bracelet from her arm as he snatched his hand away. Star shrieked. The bullet exploded before it could strike Wolverine, covering everything in the room with a fine metallic powder.
The physical contact with the police officer had been the final blow. Star's brittle shields shattered. The thoughts and emotions of every man, woman, and child in the entire city smashed in on her. She shrieked again, an agonized sound. Her eyes flew open. They blazed, white light literally pouring from her sockets. Her skin began to glow. The bailiff collapsed, then the two police officers sank to the floor. A wave of exhaustion swept through Wolverine and he fell to his knees.
"Star!" he said through gritted teeth. "Stop it, Star!" Her gaze fell across him, burning his skin. He cried out and she snapped her eyes away from him, looking upward.
"Away from here," he heard her say. "Too much." The ceiling of the room exploded outward, then the ceiling of the room above, allowing bright sunlight to flow in. She rose swiftly through the hole she had smashed in the building, her body glowing brighter by the moment, her clothing beginning to smolder. Wolverine blacked out.
After another apple, her hunger pains began to ease. Her hands and face were sticky with the fruit juice, and the blouse she had worn for three days was crumpled and spotted. She pulled the blouse off over her head, then skinned the leggings and skirt off as well. She stepped into the bathroom. The shower controls were familiar enough, so she started a shower. She was surprised by the temperature of the water, however. She had never had access to heated water before, and it was wonderful! She picked up the bar of soap and sniffed it curiously. It had an odd, but pleasant, aroma. She began to soap her hair with it. She stayed in the water a long time, enjoying the way the warm water seemed to loosen her muscles. By the time she was finished, she was hungry again.
As she dried her hair on the towel she had found in the bathroom, she carefully peeled another of the yellow fruits. She looked through the drawers Jubilee had filled the day before, and selected undergarments. Jubilee and Rogue had explained what they were for while they were at the mall. Real people certainly placed a lot of emphasis on their clothing, Star reflected. She'd never worn anything but the white skintight she'd had on when they brought her to this place. After all, it had all the necessary sensors woven right into the fabric. She shrugged and pulled the clothing on. She opened several of the bags she found at the foot of the bed and chose a pair of blue shorts and a bright red blouse. She pulled these on as well, remembering how Jubilee had reacted when she had stepped from the 'dressing room' while wearing just the undergarments. Such body modesty had not been promoted among the Doctor's specimens. She would have to keep it firmly in mind to avoid offending them. She combed her hair in front of a large mirror, then, leaving the comb on the dresser, she went in search of the other people she could hear throughout the large house.
She spied Jubilee in the living room, but she appeared to be busy as she alternately looked in a large book, then scribbled frantically on a pad of paper. She was frowning in concentration. Star quietly went on her way. She paused at the door of Professor Xavier's study, but did not hear him within. Finally, she stopped at the laboratory. That room still made her shiver, but she could sense Storm and Beast. They had just completed a series of tests and were discussing the results. She timidly knocked on the door, as she had seen Jubilee do upon her own door.
"Come in." she heard Beast say, so she opened the door and entered.
"Hello, Star. Are you well rested?" Storm asked.
"Yes."
"Really, child," Beast said kindly. "You must not overextend yourself. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it." He smiled and gestured around him. "After all, we are a family here." She smiled in return.
"Professor Xavier would like us to begin tutoring you as soon as you feel well enough." Storm told her. "Does that suit you?"
"Yes. I would like that."
"When would you like to begin?"
"Now." Star answered simply. Beast and Storm exchanged an amused glance.
"My, my." Beast murmured. "An enthusiastic pupil." He stood up and removed his lab coat. "Come, child," he said. "We shall begin."
Several hours later, Beast begged for a break. He left Star sitting on a couch, surrounded by books, both textbooks and works of fiction. It had been necessary to explain the difference. He walked outside, stretching muscles tense from bending over the books.
"How's the kid?" Wolverine asked from a lounge chair on the deck.
"Star?" Beast snorted. "The child is a sponge. Three hours ago, I began by teaching her the alphabet. Now, she reads at the college level. We shall begin mathematics next." He pulled out another chair, and gingerly lowered himself into it, even though great care was taken to insure that all the furniture in the mansion was sturdy enough to take his weight. He sighed. "At the rate she is going through the books in the Library, by next week, there will be little left that I can teach her."
"Beast?" Both men turned quickly at the sound of Star's voice.
"Yes, dear?" Beast asked, covering his surprise.
"I can't read this one." She held out a copy of 'Dr. Zhivago.'
"Its in Russian, child."
"Russian?"
"It is a different language than English, which is what you have been reading."
"There are two languages?"
"No, child. There many, many more than two."
"Will you teach me?"
"I will teach you as many as I am able." She opened her mouth to say something, but Beast interrupted her.
"Not tonight. Put those books away and get something to eat. You are beginning to look pale."
"Yes, Beast." Star turned and went back into the mansion.
"Hank."
"Yes, Wolverine?"
"We gotta put a bell on that kid."
"You didn't hear her approach either, I take it."
"Nope."
Beast thought Wolverine was speaking metaphorically until he saw the delicate bracelet of tiny silver bells which Star began wearing several days later. His laughter brought several bemused looks from the other X-Men, and a knowing smile from Wolverine.
Star learned quickly. She was willing to learn from anyone who was willing, or had time, to teach her. By the end of the week, she was helping Jubilee with her Algebra homework, a subject which Beast had begun to despair of ever getting across. Star had the ability to see exactly what part of the equation Jubilee was having problems with, and to explain it so she could understand. Jubilee was trying to teach Star to be a teenager. This seemed to be one subject Star was having difficulties with.
"I don't understand." Star said to Storm in the lab.
"What don't you understand, Star?"
"Jubilee. Sometimes she's happy, and the next minute she's mad about something. She gets mad at me and I can't figure out why."
"It is just part of growing up. She is a teenager, and sometimes a teenager's body chemistry gets a little off balance. Just be patient."
"OK."
"Are you ready for the next series of tests?"
"Yes."
When they had completed the day's testing, and Star had joined Jubilee in the living room, Storm turned to Beast.
"Star was asking about Jubilee's mood swings today."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I explained to her that sometimes a teenager is moody because of their changing body chemistry."
"And?" Beast prompted.
"And, I started thinking that Star was acting more like a tractable eight year old than a volatile teen." Storm paused and Beast waited.
"I think we should check the hormone levels in her last few blood samples."
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
"What is it, Henry?"
"You were right. Star's hormone levels are abnormally low. Physically, she is an adult, but she has the hormones of a prepubescent female. And look here," he swiveled the eyepiece of his microscope toward Storm. She looked through at the blood sample.
"What is that?"
"It appears to be an artificial compound designed to inhibit the production of her natural hormones." He reached forward and changed slides. "Now look at this one." Storm obliged.
"There are not as many inhibitors." She looked up at him. "Which is the later sample?"
"The one you have now."
"Then her body is throwing off the inhibitors."
"Yes."
"Which means..."
"We are about to have another teenager on our hands. One which was sufficiently, shall we say, troublesome, that her Doctor saw fit to sully his experiment with drugs."
"We should speak with the Professor."
"I quite agree."
"How long?" Xavier asked.
"If the rate of decline remains the same, as it has so far, her body should start producing hormones in about a week."
"Of course." He sighed. "Just once, I would like to have a happy, healthy, well adjusted Mutant, walk up to the door and say 'Hello, Professor Xavier. I'd like to join the X-Men. Do you mind?'"
"Professor, happy, healthy, well adjust Mutants generally don't need our help."
"I know. Its just a fantasy I allow myself once in a while. Do you have any recommendations for Star?"
"Not really. If she had less control over her telekinesis I would suggest preparing the mansion for a poltergeist. As it is, I don't really know what to expect."
"So we should just cross our fingers and hope for the best."
"That's about it."
"She's scheduled to testify against her attackers next week."
"I know, Professor."
"Lord help us."
"Aw, c'mon, Wolvie. Please?" Jubilee accosted Wolverine in the hall near the Danger Room.
"Jubilee..."
"Its been ages since I've been in the Danger Room. Nobody else ever seems to have time. I've been doing a lot better in math since Star's been helping me. Hey! She's never been in at all! You could take us both in, and I promise I won't bother you again for at least a week!"
"All right, Jubilee." He held up one hand and she turned to find Star. "If you can clear it with the Professor."
"Aw, Wolverine!"
"Those are my terms, darlin'."
"Oh, all right. I'll go ask him."
A few minutes later, he heard his name called on the intercom.
"Yeah, Chuck?"
"Do you feel comfortable taking both children into the Danger Room?"
"No problem. I've already set the controls to hologram."
"Well, then. Good luck." He could hear Jubilee shouting for Star as the Professor turned off his intercom. He wondered what he was getting himself into.
Jubilee was waiting impatiently at the door to the Danger Room when Wolverine returned from the Control Room. Star stood, immobile. Beside her. Jubilee wore her standard "DR outfit", as she called it, long yellow coat over street clothes, with her sunglasses propped on the top of her head. She was chewing bubble gum. Star was in shorts and a T-shirt. She was barefoot, as she always was except when someone invited her to go into town (but not the Mall). Wolverine turned to them.
"You kids ready?"
"Sure!" Jubilee answered quickly.
"Star?"
"I'm not certain I understand."
"C'mon, Star! I told you. If I know Wolvie, he's got it set on hologram, right?" Wolverine nodded. "Then its just like a big video game, only you get to go inside the machine to play."
"All right."
Wolverine opened the door and gestured for the girls to precede him into the Danger Room. They entered at a back street. It was late evening, everything was quiet. Jubilee was looking around, bouncing on the balls of her feet as Wolverine closed the door behind them and it became the wall to a building. Star looked puzzled.
"C'mon." Jubilee whispered to Star and they followed Wolverine as he moved carefully down the street. At the far end of the street, a Sentinel appeared.
"Wolvie, you know I hate Sentinels!"
"Practice makes perfect, Jubilee." He answered gruffly as he ducked into the cover provided by a doorway. Jubilee quickly followed him, but Star stayed where she was.
"That's one o' the bad guys, kid." Wolverine growled.
"What is?"
"Freeze program." Wolverine stepped out of the doorway and pointed to the now motionless Sentinel. "That."
"I don't see anything." Wolverine looked at her for a moment.
"What do you see? All around us."
"A large room, with equipment on the walls. It looks like there are doors on every surface." She looked at him. "Is that right? Is it still a door if its in the ceiling or floor?"
"Yeah, kid. Its still a door. But that's all you see? A big empty room?"
"Yes."
"Oh, boy. Hang on a minute, Jubilee. Star, stay here." He moved back to the wall they had entered through and touched an invisible control.
"Professor."
"Yes, Wolverine?" the Professor answered a moment later.
"I've got a problem in the Danger Room. Seems Star can't see holograms."
"Interesting. Star does need to begin her training, however. How would you feel about taking them up against some low level robots?"
"I can't be in two places at once, and I'd need somebody in the Control room. Its on auto pilot now."
"I will see if anyone is available."
"Right." He turned to look at the young Mutants waiting for him. Jubilee was tapping her foot and noisily popping her gum. Star stood motionless, watching him.
"Cancel program."
"Hey!" Jubilee protested.
"Cool yer jets darlin'. Just gotta reset the equipment. C'mon, ever'body out." He opened the door and ushered them out.
"Jubilee?" Star said as they waited.
"Yeah?"
"What is the object of the game?"
"Huh?"
"You said the Danger Room was like a video game. What is the object?"
"De object, mes Cheres, is to stay alive." Gambit said as he joined them. "An' to keep you teammates alive too, no?"
"Try ta remember that this time, Cajun."
"You wound me, mon amie. I ever let you down?"
"Not me I'm worried about."
"Wolverine, you not de only one lookin' out for les petites. I do my job, you jus' do yours."
"Right." Wolverine pressed the button on the intercom. "You guys set up yet?"
"Just about, sugah. You just hold your horses for 'bout 'nother minute, then we'll be ready to go."
"Thanks, Rogue."
"This is a training room?" Star asked.
"Yeah, kid. Its a training room."
"Will there be non-combatants?"
"What?"
"Will there be non-combatants?" The door opened invitingly.
"Probably not this time." Wolverine glanced at Gambit, who shrugged, and stepped into the Danger Room. Star followed.
"Wolvie?"
"Yeah?"
"Sounds like, maybe she's done this before."
"Sounds like. Let's go see how much she knows."
"Okay, Rogue, they're in." Cyclops told her. Rogue grinned and started the computerized combat sequence. Professor Xavier and Jean Grey watched silently.
Wolverine and Jubilee followed Gambit and Star as they made their way through the dark streets. A Sentinel came into view.
"Aw, jeez!" Jubilee muttered. "I hate those things."
"Quiet, Jubilee. Let's get around behind it." They circled the building while Gambit and Star continued moving to the left, on an intercept course with the Sentinel. The giant robot moved deceptively slowly. All three X-Men knew of its stunning speed. Suddenly, it spied Gambit. It turned and fired in one motion, but Gambit was faster. He dove out of the path of the energy bolt, dragging Star with him. He rolled to his feet and hurled charged playing cards at the robot, damaging its left leg. Wolverine leaped at the robot from behind, slashing the damaged limb with his adamantium claws. Jubilee extended her hands before her, launching a strike of her own. Star got to her feet behind Gambit. The Sentinel fired a second bolt at Gambit, who had turned to check on her. He didn't see it coming. Her face set in a mask of concentration, Star gestured and the bolt was deflected into the building beside them. The blast knocked them from their feet. Gambit was stunned, unconscious and lying in the street before the robot.
"Rogue! What setting are those bolts on?"
"Not that high, Cyclops. It shouldn't have made that big an explosion!"
The Sentinel stepped forward as Wolverine and Jubilee renewed their attack. The damaged leg crumpled under its weight and the robot fell...toward Gambit. Suddenly, Star was kneeling beside him, one hand on his back, the other held before her in a warding off gesture. The robot's fall slowed, then stopped, scant meters over their heads. The Sentinel turned its attention to the two small figures just beneath it, turning its weapon slowly toward them. Wolverine slashed through the armor of the arm, trying to damage the weapon beyond use. Jubilee attacked the optical sensors, blinding the robot. Still held from the ground by Star, blinded by Jubilee, and disarmed by Wolverine, the Sentinel began to thrash about with its undamaged limbs, trying to smash its human targets.
Wolverine dodged under the Sentinel to Gambit's side. The Cajun hadn't moved. Star stared at the Sentinel, her arm held stiffly before her. She stood as Wolverine hoisted the taller man onto his shoulder. From the corner of his eye, he saw Jubilee, safely out of range of the flailing juggernaut, watching them. Suddenly, she leaped forward, shouting.
"Hey, you overgrown erector set! I'm over here!" While it had been blinded, there was nothing wrong with the Sentinel's auditory circuits. It turned its head toward Jubilee, and aimed a smashing fist at her. She scampered back out the way. Just barely. Seizing the opportunity she had made for them, Wolverine darted to safety, calling for Star to follow.
"C'mon, kid!"
"Can't." She answered, and the body of the robot dropped several meters. "I'm busy." The Sentinel turned its attention back to the human directly under its massive chest. Jubilee rushed forward, blasting the elbow of the remaining arm and distracting the robot. It swatted her, knocking her away.
"No!" shouted Star, throwing out her free hand toward Jubilee. Jubilee landed gently on her feet, instead of with bone crushing force. The robot settled again, Star's hand actually touching it. She was trembling with the strain.
Wolverine lowered Gambit to the ground a safe distance from the Sentinel. He groaned and sat up, one hand to his head.
"You all right, Cajun?"
"You get de license o' dat truck, mon amie? Where de little femme I supposed to be takin' care of?"
"She's 'busy'. Takin' care o' you. The two of 'em are takin' apart a Sentinel. Let's go help."
"You t'ink dey need our help?"
"No. But I ain't ready ta be a foundin' member of the Retired X-Men's Home, so I ain't about to let them find out."
"Good point." Wolverine bounded back toward the Sentinel. Gambit followed somewhat more slowly, wincing from the burn on his back where Star's hand had rested.
In the Control Room, several sighs of relief were heard, and a silent prayer of thanks was offered by one, as Gambit got to his feet.
Jubilee ran to the legs of the robot and scrambled up on them. From there she hopped to its back. With both arms damaged it could not reach her there, though it continued to thrash, trying both to throw her off and to crush Star. Balancing carefully, she moved up its back to the area that she knew housed its central processing unit. Suddenly, Wolverine was beside her. He used his adamantium claws to rip through the armor, exposing the circuitry for Jubilee. She grinned at him and blasted the unit.
The dead weight of the deactivated Sentinel drove Star to her knees. Gambit dove beneath the still descending robot and, encircling Star with his arms, rolled clear. The Sentinel dropped to the ground with a bone jarring crash. Gambit released Star hastily.
"Chere, you skin be on fire." Star turned to look at him, her movements jerky and uncoordinated. She sat down suddenly.
"Chere?" She blinked up at him. "You okay?" Wolverine helped Jubilee down from the back of the Sentinel. She was grinning from ear to ear.
"Exercise complete." Rogue's voice sounded through the Danger Room. "You all okay?"
"That was great!" Jubilee said, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Can we do it again?" Gambit gave her a look which seemed to say 'Not in this lifetime.', then he offered Star a hand up. She looked dazed.
"You coolin' off fast, Chere. You gonna be all right?"
"Yes. I'm just..."
"You are just" interrupted Xavier's voice, "going to get yourself down to the kitchen right now. Beast has concocted a high energy compound he wants you to try."
"Yes, Professor." She turned toward the entrance door, a little more steady on her feet. Wolverine followed her.
"Gambit."
"Yeah, Prof.?"
"I want Henry to take a look at you."
"I feel fine."
"You won't if you don't stop 'n see Hank." Rogue said from behind him. "An' I'm here ta see to it that ya do."
"Chere, for a moment on your arm, I'd drop in on Ol' Nick hisownself." He took her arm and together they walked from the remains of the Danger Room.
"Jubilee."
"Yeah?"
"You did very well, dear. I am proud of you."
"Thanks. Ya know, they don't look so big, once you've trashed 'em." She walked around the robot, looking closely at the object of so many nightmares. She kicked the shoulder of the motionless Sentinel and it began to rise.
"Aaak!" She shouted as she scrambled away from it.
"Jubilee? I'm sorry, I thought everyone had left the Danger Room," came Jean's voice over the speakers. "I was just going to put it back together for next time."
"Yeah, well," Jubilee answered shakily. "I was just leaving." She scrambled for the still open door.
"Scott, what caused the back blast that injured Gambit?" Jean asked as she set the controls to rebuild the damaged Sentinel.
"I don't know. I double checked the setting and it was definitely calibrated too low to have caused that much damage."
"I think, perhaps, it was Star." Professor Xavier put in. "I was watching her closely, and she reacted to the Sentinel as if it were a fully powered unit. Her deflection actually accelerated the energy bolt, causing a larger explosion than the equipment was set up to cope with."
"Sounds like you think she's been up against Sentinels before."
"She has spoken of previous training. I made the mistake of assuming that combat training was not included."
Beast greeted Star at the door of the kitchen with a large glass of a murky brown liquid.
"Sit down and drink that," he told her. "There's more in the blender over there. I want you to drink it all. The Professor apprised me of the, shall we say, activity level you have been maintaining. This should help you avoid the worst after effects." He looked at her for a moment, then turned to Wolverine. "I leave her in your care, my friend. I understand I have another patient to attend to."
"Drink up, kid." Wolverine said as he pulled a chair out and, turning it around, sat down in it, his arms resting on the back of the chair. She took a swallow.
"It tastes like chocolate."
"It sure don't smell like chocolate." She smiled at him and took another drink.
"Why wasn't the Sentinel at full power?" she asked suddenly.
"Everything was set at low power for you and Jubilee."
"Why?"
"We don't want you kids gettin' hurt." Star looked thoughtful as she finished the mixture in her glass.
"So the Danger Room is just a...a big video game?"
"No. It has settings all the way up to lethal. Its no game."
"You train there?"
"Yeah." She got up and refilled her glass from the blender Beast had left for her. She shivered.
"You okay, kid?"
"Yes. I am often cold after training."
"Why don't ya go change clothes?" She looked down at herself, puzzled.
"These are not appropriate? Jubilee told me she often wears things like this."
"Clothes are for protection, kid. Not just decoration. If you're cold, go put on some long pants an' a sweater, or somethin'."
"All right."
### When it was time for Star and Jubilee to testify against the three punks, Professor Xavier, Rogue, Star, Jubilee, and Wolverine piled into a large van with the logo "Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters" emblazoned on the door, and drove to the courthouse. Professor Xavier had explained to both young women that they were to remain calm and to answer any questions put to them completely and honestly. Jubilee considered the whole thing to be an exciting adventure and had spent considerable time choosing a wardrobe for both herself and Star, only to be overruled by Jean. Consequently, she was sulking. She was startled out of her funk when Star suddenly turned to her and said,
"Jubilee, will you please shut up!" Jubilee stared at her, her mouth hanging open.
"But I didn't say anything!"
"You have been mumbling constantly for the last half hour and I have grown tired of listening to you complain." Jubilee turned to Wolverine for support. He could only shrug.
"Star, child," Professor Xavier's voice spoke quietly in her mind.
"I am not a child, Professor, and I wish you would stop referring to me in that fashion."
"You are correct, Star, and I apologize." Xavier continued, "However, Jubilee was not verbalizing. You need to strengthen your shields the way Jean has taught you," he paused. "And you might consider apologizing to Jubilee."
"Of course, Professor. I don't know what is the matter with me. I feel ... strange."
"It will pass, dear." I hope, he added to himself. He sensed her bolstering her shields before she turned to Jubilee.
"Jubilee? I'm sorry. I guess I'm just scared about all this."
"S'okay." The two young mutants sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, then Star said,
"Jubilee? Beast gave me a portable chess set. Do you want to play a game? I promise not to cheat."
"Sure." Wolverine watched as Star set up the game, letting Jubilee choose her pawn. He continued to watch them as they played. Jubilee with youthful enthusiasm and Star with a cool efficiency which was almost frightening to watch. As they pulled into the underground garage at the courthouse, Jubilee made a final move and said,
"There! Checkmate!" Star smiled at her.
"That was fun. Shall we play again on the way home?"
"Yeah, if its not dark by then." They put the game away as Rogue parked the van.
"Jubilee, are you ready?"
"'Course, Professor."
"Star?"
"I think so."
"Keep your shields tight."
"Yes, sir."
They reached the courtroom precisely on time and were told to wait in an anteroom until the girls were called. As their guardian, Professor Xavier would accompany each into the courtroom when they were called upon. Star was called first. When she and Professor Xavier entered the courtroom they were greeted by an almost palpable wave of hatred. Star staggered back a step and Xavier steadied her.
"Easy, Star. Remember your shields."
"Yes, Professor." She straightened her shoulders and took the witness stand as directed. The Prosecutor quickly questioned her. Her answers painted a clear picture of the attack as it had occurred. Then the attorney for the defense rose.
"Miss Star, is it true that you are a Mutant?"
"Objection, your honor," the Prosecutor stood. "This has no bearing on the case at hand."
"Your honor, if you will allow me to continue, I will show that this question does, indeed, have bearing in this case."
"Very well. Objection overruled. Answer the question Miss Star."
"Yes."
"Is it not also true that you are a telepath?"
"Yes."
"A telepath capable of controlling the minds of others?"
"Your honor, I must object to this entire line of questioning."
"Objection sustained. Councilor, if you please."
"Yes, your honor. Miss Star, you have stated that nothing you did provoked the alleged attack, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Nothing at all."
"No."
"Not even, perhaps, a casual probe of the minds of the young men in question?"
"Your honor!"
"Councilor, consider yourself warned. If you continue this line of questioning, I will find you in contempt."
"No further questions, your honor."
"The witness may step down." A bailiff stepped forward to escort Star from the courtroom, and Jubilee was called as the next witness. The bailiff turned toward a different door than the one through which they had entered. They intended to keep the witnesses separate.
"Professor?"
"Its all right, dear. I will send Wolverine to join you." Star followed the bailiff through the door to another small room with several chairs spaced around the walls. She tried to block the thoughts of those gathered to support her attackers, without much success. Her shields were not holding.
"Filthy Mutant," burst upon her as the bailiff closed the door behind her. "How can they allow a thing like that to actually testify in court? Why, its not even human!" She fought to close the hateful voice out.
"Mutants like that ought to be drowned at birth," came another, different, voice. "My boy would never have done anything like this on his own. She was asking for it. Imagine, she had the nerve to parade around among normal people, like she owned the place."
"That ought to take care of her credibility. No jury in the world is going to convict a normal boy of attacking a mutant, who may, just may, have been controlling him. I don't even have to prove anything. It only requires 'a shadow of a doubt' after all."
Other voices crowded into her mind, overlapping, unintelligible, hateful, angry. She was trembling violently, the silver bracelet jangling on her wrist, when she heard Wolverine's voice.
"I don't care if it is a restricted access area, bub, a friend a' mine's in there and I ain't about ta leave her by herself." She could hear the menace in his quiet tones, and could feel that the guard could hear it as well. The door opened and Wolverine stepped in. He closed the door behind him and looked at her. She was as white as a sheet and shaking so badly that he could hear her teeth chattering even over the jangle of the bracelet. He gathered her into his powerful arms, holding her close. Her trembling eased as she sensed his determination to protect her. She leaned on him as she struggled to rebuild her faltering shields. As she closed the hateful voices out, she became aware of his heart beating strongly in his chest, the strength in his arms, the warmth of his body close to hers. When she finally stopped trembling, Wolverine released her. She moved away from him reluctantly and he guided her to a chair.
The outer door opened and a bailiff, with two police officers, entered, their hands on their weapons. Wolverine turned toward them, his head lowered dangerously, his hand fisted at his sides.
"You folks got a problem?" he asked them.
"This is a restricted area, mister. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
"Like I told yer friend there," Wolverine said. "I'm here ta take care o' the kid."
"That's part of our job."
"Yeah. An' yer doin' it real well, too," Wolverine snarled. "If I'd been here ta hurt her, I'd a done it an' been long gone 'fore you showed up." As the tension mounted, Star began to shake again, her bracelet jangling as she raised her hands to her head.
Startled by the sudden metallic sound, the young bailiff snatched his weapon from the holster and pointed it at Star. Moving with speed allowed only by inborn grace augmented by years of training, Wolverine stepped forward, past the closer police officer, and disarmed the bailiff. The gun clattered to the floor as Wolverine lifted the startled man by his shirtfront and slammed him into the wall.
"Didn't your daddy ever tell you not ta play with guns?" His claws glinted in the glare of the fluorescent lights.
"Put him down, mister. Nice and slow." Both officers had their weapons trained on Wolverine.
"Please." Star whispered. "Don't." She stood behind them, her body rigid, her eyes closed. The bailiff had eyes for nothing but Wolverine's claws. Wolverine and the second police officer turned to Star while the first officer didn't take her eyes off Wolverine.
"Please! Stop it!" Star cried, her voice ragged.
"Uh oh," Wolverine muttered under his breath as he retracted his claws with a sharp snick. The first officer spared Star the briefest of glances then said,
"Get her out of here, Terry." The officer turned further, lowering his weapon, and reached for Star.
"No!" Wolverine shouted instinctively. "Don't touch her!" He dropped the bailiff and lunged for the second officer. The first officer fired her weapon, the muzzle less than two feet from Wolverine's chest, just as the second officer grabbed Star's wrist. The officer shouted in surprised pain, tearing the silver bracelet from her arm as he snatched his hand away. Star shrieked. The bullet exploded before it could strike Wolverine, covering everything in the room with a fine metallic powder.
The physical contact with the police officer had been the final blow. Star's brittle shields shattered. The thoughts and emotions of every man, woman, and child in the entire city smashed in on her. She shrieked again, an agonized sound. Her eyes flew open. They blazed, white light literally pouring from her sockets. Her skin began to glow. The bailiff collapsed, then the two police officers sank to the floor. A wave of exhaustion swept through Wolverine and he fell to his knees.
"Star!" he said through gritted teeth. "Stop it, Star!" Her gaze fell across him, burning his skin. He cried out and she snapped her eyes away from him, looking upward.
"Away from here," he heard her say. "Too much." The ceiling of the room exploded outward, then the ceiling of the room above, allowing bright sunlight to flow in. She rose swiftly through the hole she had smashed in the building, her body glowing brighter by the moment, her clothing beginning to smolder. Wolverine blacked out.