(Note: Again, all of the Marvel characters belong to Marvel. Red, Mary, Harris, Jonas, Hanson and McAllister belong to me. Nyah. On with the fic!)
Chapter two:
Reactions
Westchester, New York. The Xavier School.
Professor Charles Xavier looks out his window once more. It doesn't give him the pleasure it once did. Charles has a lot on his mind. The power of Eric's words can still be felt in his heart. The weight of his intentions, as well.
A Knock comes to the door. Charles pauses a moment. Come in. he says. In walks Dr. Henry McCoy, in walks the Beast.
he asks.
Yes, Hank? Charles asks in reply.
Are you all right? Hank asks.
Yes, Hank. I'll be fine. Thank you for your genuine show of concern. Charles replies.
Charles, something else happened, didn't it? This isn't in reaction to the senate hearing. Something else happened while you were gone. What was it? Hank asks.
Charles looks at him, a look of slight shock on his face. I'm supposed to be the psychic, remember? he says with a chuckle.
Hank joins him in that chuckle. Yes, well, we've known each other a long time, Charles. I Know when something's bothering you. I Have a feeling there's more to it than the senate hearing. What happened, Charles? Hank asks.
Eric was there for the hearing. Charles replies.
Oh. Oh dear. Hank says.
Yes. I Spoke with him for a brief moment, we discussed the matter at hand. The recent kidnappings. He isn't pleased by them. In fact, he's rather infuriated by them. Charles says.
Yes. Yes, I would imagine so. Hank says.
He told me what he intends to do. What he has planned. Hank, his words were so filled with sadness, dripping with rage. With passion. He told me he was going to be at the next senate hearing, that he'd get his answers there, if he must. By any means necessary. Charles continues, Hank, what am I going to do? I Cannot allow him to do something rash, something this foolish. he adds.
Hank looks into his friend's eyes. There, he sees worry, dismay, sadness. This was off-putting to Henry McCoy. It startled him. These are things he's never seen in Charles's eyes. This worries him.
Charles, I honestly have no logical solution to your dilemma. I Apologize. Hank says.
Charles sighs. That's okay, Hank. I Didn't expect you to have a solution. This is something I'll have to work through myself. he says.
But Charles, if you ever need me, I am here. Hank adds.
Charles looks at Henry, a tear in his eye. Thank you, old friend. I'll keep that in mind. he says.
Yet another dark room. Somewhere unknown.
A Boy is huddled up against the wall, he is very visibly frightened. He is by no means a small boy, he is twelve or thirteen. But still, he is a boy.
Suddenly, the lights are turned up. Young Edward Harris. A voice exclaims. The boy looks up in fear. He sees McAllister. A Wide, misleading grin on his face. He attempts to comfort the boy. Edward. I Understand you have a gift? he asks, in a non treatening tone.
A What? Edward asks.
A Gift. An ability. Do you have any special abilities, Edward? McAllister asks.
Edward falters.
Come on, Edward. You can tell me. McAllister says.
Well, I can see through stuff. And if I try real hard, I can kinda fly. Edward replies, slowly trusting McAllister.
McAllister asks.
Yeah. Well, see, I get a little bit off the ground, then I fall. Edward replies, coming closer to the barrier.
I See. McAllister says, showing mock interest.
Where am I? Edward asks.
With friends, Edward. With friends. McAllister replies with a smile. How would you like a nice piece of broiled chicken? he asks.
Well, I am kinda hungry. Edward replies, holding his stomach.
Very good, my friend here, Dr. Hanson will get you your chicken. I'll be back to check on you later. McAllister replies. He turns to his associate. Give him his meal. And be nice with him. Don't let on about what's gonna happen to him. he says.
If he asks too many questions, give him a sedative. McAllister replies. Hanson sighs. McAllister leaves the room.
A Dark parking garage. Somewhere in Washington D.C.
Eric is standing amongst the shadows, he is clearly waiting for someone to arrive. Suddenly, Mr. Lensherr? a voice asks.
Eric asks in reply.
Are you looking for information on the kidnappings? the voice asks.
Eric replies. Would you be able to give me such information? he asks.
the voice replies.
Then I am wasting my time. Good day to you. Eric says, he turns to walk away.
the voice says. I Can give you very little information. But I know someone who can give you more. the voice adds.
Eric stops, he turns to face the shadows. Oh? And who might that be? he asks.
His name is Dr. James Hanson. He works on the project. the voice replies.
What project? Eric asks.
I Do not know. All I know is the government is behind some project that involves the capture of young, and newly developed mutants. I Do not know what they're doing to those mutants. But the point is they're still alive, awaiting their rescue. the voice replies.
Eric pauses for a moment. Who is this James Hanson? he asks.
Dr. Hanson is the lab director for the project. He was hired on by some military Big Dog named McAllister. Dr. Hanson's the best in the field of genetics. That may have something to do with it. Anyway, he is unsatisfied with what they're doing. He wants out. He wants the mutants safe. the voice replies. So, shall I arrange your meeting? it asks.
Eric thinks for a moment. Yes. Please do. he replies.
Very well. Meet him in the park tomorrow afternoon, three pm. The bench on the north side. the voice says.
Thank you. Eric says.
You may thank me when those mutants are safe. the voice replies.
One more question. Why do you care so much for these mutants? Eric asks.
I Have my reasons. Just meet with Dr. Hanson tomorrow, aid those mutants. And good luck, Mr. Lensherr. the voice replies. Eric walks away. An evil laugh fills the parking garage as two red eyes flash in the shadows.
Clinton Memorial Park, Washington D.C. The next day.
Eric is sitting on a park bench. He checks his watch. Three fifteen. he mumbles. He sighs. He looks on to a pair of children playing, running around a tree, playing tag. A Smile appears on Eric's face. A Look of content. Then, a small child, orange skin, green hair, clearly a mutant. She approaches the other children, she asks if she can play with them. The children welcome her into their game, even hugging the child as though they had been friends for years.
Suddenly, a woman comes running up. Jimmy, Crystal! Keep away from that dirty mutant! she commands the children, she drags them away. The children protest, but to no avail. They are removed from their game.
A Grimace appears on Eric's face, a look of hatred, despair. He rises, puts on his hat and begins to walk away. When suddenly. Mr. Lensherr? a voice calls out. Eric turns to see a man running towards the park bench. He is wearing a brown suit.
Dr. Hanson? Eric asks, weary of this person running towards him.
Yes. I'm Dr. James Hanson. Are you....Mr. Lensherr? Hanson asks in reply.
Eric turns to shake Hanson's hand. Yes, Eric Lensherr. he replies. I Understand you have information on the kidnappings? he asks.
Yes. I Do. Hanson replies. I Apologize for being late, I had to make sure I wasn't being followed. he adds.
Eric looks at him. Understood. Apology accepted. he says. Now, about this project' of yours. he adds.
Yes. Project Vindication. Hanson replies.
Project Vindication? What is this project, what is the goal behind it? Eric asks.
I Don't know who originated the project, I was hired on later by General McAllister. Hanson replies. George McAllister. he adds.
Eric thinks for a moment. Yes, go on. he says.
McAllister and his goons go out on little pick-up missions'. They go out and capture innocent mutants. Hanson says.
How do they find them? Eric asks.
The mutant registration act. They search the government records for mutants who suit their needs, then they move out. They capture them, put them in cells. Then they force me to conduct experiments on them. Hanson replies.
Eric gives a look of shock and disbelief. What type of experiments? he asks.
Painful ones. Ones to test their pain thresholds. They test how much torture they can take. Hanson replies, slowly, choking on his words. As I understand it, these are the preliminary tests. To prove that we can learn from testing on these mutants. They plan on using the findings as an argument for Prop 110 to be passed. he adds.
My god. Eric mumbles.
I Had no idea what kind of project it was when I signed on. All I knew was that I would have full benefits and a hefty paycheck. If I had known what I would be doing, I never would've agreed. Hanson says.
And what's stopped you from leaving? Eric asks angrily.
Fear for my life. McAllister said that if I threatened to leave before the project was completed, he would have me killed. Or worse, my family. Hanson replies, tears in his eyes.
Eric sighs. I See. he says.
You see why I've had so much trouble? I'm risking my life, the very lives of the ones I love, by bringing you this information. But this has to stop. Hanson says.
Yes. I Understand. And I cannot thank you enough. You're right. This must come to an end. And I will end it. Eric replies, in such a manner to give Hanson chills.
Oh, by the way. Here. These might be useful to you. Hanson says, handing Eric an envelop.
Eric opens the envelop, inside he finds a security card, some forms with McAllister's signature on them and photos from the base. Photos of mutants being tested on. Ah. Yes, these will be most helpful. Again, I thank you. Eric says.
You're welcome. I certainly hope you can help these mutants. I Had better get back to base, before my absence is noticed. Hanson replies.
The base. Where is this base? Eric asks.
The address is on one of the forms in that envelop. Good luck Mr. Lensherr. Hanson replies. He walks away. Eric walks in the opposite direction.
Westchester, New York. The Xavier School. Later that night.
Should medical testing on mutants be legal? That is the question that has been asked world wide for the past few days, as we await the senate hearing this month. Senate will either pass or deny Prop 110. Prop 110 is in favor of government testing on mutants, for the purpose of medical biological advantages...... the reporter says. Charles is in his office, watching the news, a frown on his face. He mutes the television and slips deep into thought.
Hours pass, as though they were seconds. Suddenly, the phone rings, startling Charles. Charles answers.
Oh, hello Eric. he says.
What? You've....but how? he asks.
Well, yes. Of course I can. But what about....Yes. Of course. Good evening, Eric. Charles says, hanging up the phone. He sits back into his chair. He slips back into his thoughts, momentarily. He picks up the phone, and dials.
In the lab, Hank McCoy is pouring some type of liquid from one flask to another. The phone rings, startling him. He drops one of the flasks. Hank sighs. he answers. Yes, Charles. Of course, right away. he says. He bounds out of the room.
A Knock comes to Charles's door. Come in. he says. Hank enters.
You wanted me, Professor? Hank asks.
Yes. I Am leaving for Washington tonight. Charles replies.
Tonight? But, why? Hank asks.
I've just recieved a phone call from Eric. He needs to speak with me immediately. Charles replies.
Oh, I see. Hank says.
I Do not want to alarm the others, please tell them that I merely had some pressing business to attend to in Washington? Charles asks.
Of course, Charles. Hank replies, he walks out of the office door.
Oh, and Hank? Charles says.
Hank leans back into the office. he asks.
Thank you. Charles replies.
Hank smiles. Anytime, Charles. Good luck. he says.