Part 6, Interlude 1:
The harsh, cleanliness of artificial light assaulted the large laboratory, reflecting off the sterile metal structures that filled it. A jungle of computers and machines rose up against the gray walls, an array of buttons and levers splattering the sleek consoles. Active screens displayed brightly colored graphs, charts, and diagrams that changed and evolved with the passing of every moment. There was no chair in the room, for the man—if he could still be called that—who occupied it had no need to sit.
He walked from station to station, analyzing screens of numbers and pressing buttons with practiced ease. His long white fingers stretched out to a complex keyboard, flying across it with almost inhuman speed. The display above it changed, filling with a jumble of indecipherable numbers and a slow cruel smile spread across his dark lips. Everything was going exactly as planned.
He turned and walked to another part of the room and another computer console. His steps were clean and concise, and he moved with an intimidating purpose and power. Black spandex covered a muscular body, contrasting terribly with the stark skin. From the back of his suit sprouted long strips of stiff material that were frighteningly reminiscent of spikes and talons. He'd found that they helped induce fear in his victims quite efficiently. On his chest a perfect red diamond was printed, matching the one that was tattooed neatly on his pale forehead. Its blood-like color was offset by crimson eyes that glowed devilishly, even in the bright light. This man was truly, without a doubt, something sinister.
He stopped at the desired computer station and quickly went to work at it, alternating typing with examining the information that scrolled across the screen. This was his passion. Genetic research was what he lived for; it was his mission. There was a world of specimens out there waiting to be cataloged and examined, and it was his dream to study every last one of them. Knowledge was power. It was greatness. It was life. It was omniscience. And it would be his.
But step by step. First there were those that would oppose him. First there were the so-called heroes... who also happened to be some of the most worthy specimens in existence. What was that old adage? ...Kill two birds with one stone. Another terrible smile spread across his lips. Lower life forms were so predictable. The best of them had fallen right into his grasp, allowed themselves to be manipulated perfectly. The screen flashed and displayed a new set of readings. His smile broadened further and he even allowed a dry, rare chuckle to escape his black lips. The screen simply flashed happily the words:
All nano-controllers successfully in place. Mutant powers fully negated and stable in all subjects. X-Factor gene ready for further manipulation.
Experiment: X-Men successful.
Yes, everything was going exactly as planned.
The sadistic smile adorning Mr. Sinister's face spread to reach his eyes.