Caged Souls - CHAPTER FIVE
Discl: You know the drill.
Char: Sabretooth and co, and enter Logan and the X-men and co.
= = =
*Blast the damned door!* the commander shouted to his men *and don't waste any more ammunition!*
Two robed figures stood behind him. The tallest one made a gesture of impatience and the commander turned towards him.
*I'm sorry, sir..*
*You will be even sorrier when we get back. Your move was incredibly stupid and left us completely empty-handed, you moron!*
*But sir, YOU ordered us...*
*No matter. You deal with this. I'm off.*
*Stay* the smaller figure said and the word froze the other two. The commander gave the figure a fast glance and lowered his eyes at the sight of Fear's cold and strange blue eyes, just visible under the hood.
*What shall we do?* the commander asked, bowing.
*Step aside* she said as she started towards the door. She took out of her bag a small key and the commander gave the order to move back fifty meters. Everybody sprang to action.
*Why?* the taller figure asked contemptuously.
Fear turned around and gave him and ugly tight-lipped smile.
= = =
Westchester - The Xavier mansion
= = =
*He WHAT?!*
*Scott....*
*You mean to tell me that he just picked up and left?!*
*Scott, you must understand....*
*O yes, I DO understand! Only I've had enough of this!*
*What do you mean?*
*I mean that since he cannot be trusted to show any respect for us, then I have no choice*
*Scott!!*
Scott Summers looked down at his wife and she could feel his anger even without their mental link.
*Scott, please let me try one more time. I know there must be a good reason...* Summers didn't let her finish.
*What would be the point? This is it, Jean. I'm leaving him out of the group on a permanent basis*
*Scott, please! He is an important member of our team!*
*Well, he surely has shown that he cares about that, hasn't he?* his voice was full of sarcasm.
*Scott? * She pleaded again, her hand on his arm.
He could not stay mad at his wife *OK. You have ONE shot at this, Jean*
= = =
*Logan?*
*Yes, Jeanie?*
*Where are you, Logan?*
*Just a few miles from the mansion.* He didn't say it, but she could feel he was on his way, probably for a long time.
*We need to talk, Logan. And I mean face to face*
*Sound mighty serious. Anything wrong?*
*Just meet me at "Barneys" at seven this evening*
*Been a long time, Jeanie*
*No, Logan. I am not in the mood for fencing. Please meet me there*
*Sure, darling*
= = =
Jean Grey entered the small bar and waited a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She spotted Logan sitting at a table in the darkest booth in the place holding a beer in his hands. He looked up and she was startled at the hardness in his eyes. She went over his table, ignoring a few whistles in her way and sat down in front of him.
*So, darling. What is it that can't possibly wait?* he said with a cold grin. His voice was soft but his eyes were still hard.
*You've gone too far this time, Logan. After all the talking of the last days you just left as if nothing had been said. You are quite out of line and I want an explanation*
*??...*
*Don't play dumb with me, Logan. This has been going on for just about enough and Scott has every right..*
*Aw, don't tell me. One-eye made a tantrum...*
*ENOUGH!*
Logan stared in amazement.
*I said enough!* repeated Jean in a calmer tone which hadn't lost its hard edge.
*I can't believe you are taking his side in this..*
*And you believe, in your arrogance, that I should side with you?*
Logan lowered his head, suddenly calm again.
*I didn't mean it that way Jeanie. He is your husband and you owe him your loyalty..* she didn't let him finish.
*I don't "owe" him my loyalty. You seem to forget that I love my husband and he has my loyalty because that is who I am and that is what he deserves*
*I'm sorry darling* he said softly.
*Now I would like to know why, after all that we've talked over the last few days and what everybody has tried to do for you, you just left without even saying goodbye*
Logan sighed heavily and raised his eyes.
*I just can't help it, darling. I need to keep moving. I'm not the kind that stays* There was deep sadness in his voice.
*I wonder, Logan* she said, her tone angry. *I wonder if you can't help it or won't*
*Whatever you say, Jeanie*
*No Logan, not this time. Scott has given me one more chance to speak to you before he throws you out of the X-men. I need a reason from you, not to be dismissed like a child. I don't deserve that from you. None of us deserves that from you.*
*That goes for me too* said a contralto voice right behind him.
*Ro, darling*
*Is time you stopped running, my friend, or are you afraid?*
Logan snapped up with a ferocious snarl only to find Ororo's cold eyes.
*Everyone has to choose his own way. You can't do it for me, girl. And I need to go now*
*Aren't you even going to tell us why? Is that how much we mean to you?* said Jean.
*I just have to go* he replied stubbornly, lowering his eyes again.
*Goodbye, Logan* sighed Jean, her voice full of pain and regret. She stood up and went out the door without a look back. Ororo put her hand on Logan's shoulder, but he didn't even let her start.
*Don't hang around Ro* he said *I won't be a pleasant sight for a while*
*I feel so sorry for you, my friend* she answered. *All that you have accomplished, a home, friends, all gone because of your pride. Is it worth it? I sincerely hope so*
Logan stood up and slowly went over to the bar. Ororo left the bar silently.
*A storm is coming* the barman said a few minutes later.
Logan looked over his shoulder to the clouds gathering in the sky, then he let his head sink towards his chest.
*Hard day?*
*The hardest ever, bub*
========
After a long walk in the parks surrounding the Xavier mansion Jean entered the control room in search of a place to sit down and be alone. Unfortunately somebody else had thought of it first. The robed figure sat in one of the chairs staring at the monitors, arms crossed over his chest.
*Hello dear* she said in a whisper. He turned around to look at her and she could see the bitter twist of his mouth.
*So?* he asked. She lowered her head and he snorted in anger.
*Well, that's a surprise* he said. Then, noticing the pain in her face his voice changed. *Don't be sad, darling* He got up and went over to his wife and held her tight. *I had hoped that he would at least tell you why, but it seems that I was right after all* he murmured as he kissed her hair.
*Oh, Scott. I just can't understand it.*
*I know this is going to be distressing for everyone, but I must do it sweetheart. Some of the team will probably think I do this out of personal reasons and they would be wrong. The truth is that this is a command decision I have been postponing for a long time on account of your feelings and that is not fair to the rest of the group*
Henry McCoy entered the room. *What decision is that, fearless leader?*
*I am taking Logan out of the team*
*Oh. This is most sad* the blue man replied *I can't say I'm surprised though especially after our last mission. I have to confess, however, that I don't see how are we going to replace him. He is, after all, the tough and edgy part of this group, and every group needs one* he said while giving Scott a hopeful look.
*We will have to do without him, Hank. We cannot risk another failure and I am not willing to have the group disrupted and Jubilee's heart broken every time he decides to up and leave*
*What did the professor say*
*He agrees with me, not that I was going to change my mind over his disapproval*
Rogue had entered the room as Scott was finishing his sentence and she sat down besides Hank. *Is this about Logan? I heard some of your conversation from the corridor* she asked softly and Hank nodded.
She sighed heavily *It feels like an important part of our lives is come to an end, you know?* Her sad voice made Jean look up. *It will never be the same without him*
= = =
The bunker in the Patagonian jungle
= = =
*This better be incredibly good, PUNK!* Creed snarled baring his teeth.
*Oh, it is!* Foster was hugely excited and all fear had disappeared from his scent, which calmed Creed down a bit. *I had my suspicions about this place and I was right! This is not only a primary information vault, as your "Fear" probably thinks (she was only a data entry worker here, after all) it has another two levels and is huge!*
*I STILL DON'T SEE HOW THAT IS SO FUCKING GREAT!* Creed roared, advancing one more step towards him.
Foster was not impressed and continued *The great thing is that this place also has two different escape routes* he didn't say he had stumbled on that information by pure chance and out of sheer terror *and we can very possibly fake our exit to one and then blow the whole first level up, leaving us with a second UNKNOWN private entry to this place to do our diggings at complete ease!* He smiled expectantly to Creed and the big man stopped on his tracks.
*Do you think this will fool them?* asked Raims.
*Oh yes. We need Mr. Raims to get out through the first escape route and set up the explosives and Mr. Creed and me can go down to the next level, recover what we can and go out the second one.*
*Where does the second back door lead*
*I don't know, but it appears is two kilometers out and close to a village, or at least was when it was built*
Creed examined their options and had to admit that the situation suddenly looked quite promising. He took a few deep breaths and calmed down in a huge effort of pure will power. His mind started working rationally again and he gave the rat-man a sidelong snarl.
*It will work, Mr. Creed, I swear..*
*OK, let's try it* he shoved his supply of charges to Raims' chest and the latter went dead pale *You better get this right, Raims* he said between teeth.
= = =
One hour later
= = =
Both men were gaping in amazement. In his wildest dreams Creed could not have imagined this place to exist. They were walking along a corridor made of the same material they had found in the surface, only they could see through the walls. Behind the corridor walls they could see rows and rows of cabinets stretching some hundred meters to either side.
Straight ahead of them they could make another room in the dim blue light. As they reached the end of the corridor they found themselves in a circular vault with high ceilings, which seemed to be around 50 meters across.
*WOW* Foster let escape and his voice reverberated all around.
*What the hell is this?*
*Treasure island, Mr. Creed* Foster replied, his eyes wide in awe.
*And what the hell are those?* Creed said while pointing at a series of casket like devices lined to their right.
*Those must be stasis pods*
*Never mind. Just collect what you can and let's get out of here. I'm sick of playing the mole*
*Sure thing, Mr. Creed* Foster said, and went over one of the walls to plug his console in.
Creed went over the stasis pods and as he approached them he noticed they had small oval windows on one end. The surface was dull and he wiped one of them with his sleeve and took a peek. He could hardly make out the form inside, but their state was unmistakable.
*Bad luck* he said, and chuckled.
His fine hearing caught a gasp from Foster and he looked over. Foster seemed engulfed in what he was doing. The scrawny man had taken another device out of his bag and was putting in and then taking out of it, small clear cubes which he was then storing in his bag.
Creed went over the next three pods and found their occupants to be in the same condition as the first. Bored, he started going along the wall, looking at all the indicators and labels until he found a cabinet of sorts. He grabbed the handle and shook it, without positive results. He thought of breaking it open, but decided against it. There was a sort of bunk further on and he dropped on it with a huff.
He didn't like the place. His experience of bunkers and underground facilities in general had been unfortunate, to say the least. He looked at the roof above him and was surprised to see a nice reproduction of a renaissance painting in it. Somehow it looked quite out of place in the present surroundings.
*How long?* he muttered while putting an arm over his eyes. Foster was so engulfed in his work that didn't hear him. *HOW LONG?!* he roared
Foster nearly jumped out of his skin *Give me an hour, Mr. Creed, and we can take the rest in the next trip*
*One that I will not be making with you*
*If the second door is as anonymous as I think, then there won't be any need*
*Good, wake me up when you're finished*
= = =
Westchester
= = =
Two figures were in the control room, even though midnight had come and gone. McCoy was sitting in a chair, rubbing his chin worriedly, his eyes fixed on the main screen.
*From outer space?* Hank asked.
The second figure moved closer to Hank, a faint swooshing sound coming from it *Yes, Hank. The transmission is quite clear but heavily coded* said professor Xavier *I could not deal with it and I'm sorry I woke you up but it seems important that we should*
*Most unusual.... Is not a Shi-ar transmission, is it?*
*No, Hank. Is coming from a completely different direction and the fact that the Shi-ar decoder cannot deal with it worries me*
*I have been scanning nearby space but there is no sign of the transmission coming from any ships around. Or perhaps they can cloak themselves from the Shi-ar technology?* he sighed heavily *another puzzle...*.
*You can say that again*
*Have you consulted any other team like, perhaps the Avengers, just to make sure? After all, we have been heavily relying on Shi-ar technology and perhaps we don't need it for this message*
*Contact them*
Scott entered the room in his pajamas, scratching his head.
*What's going on?* he yawned.
As the professor filled him in, Hank was setting up a four-way videoconference on the screen.
= = =
Somewhere out in nearby space
= = =
The man in command stood in front of a holographic plate, which was showing a bright blue ball streaked in white. Two other men were sitting at different stations in the small circular helm, surrounded by smaller versions of holographic displays. By human standards, this man was quite tall, perhaps two meters and more, and his call in life was clearly stated by the armor he wore.
The humanoid eyes were clear pink on white and his skin pale blue. His massive shoulders were covered by the armor in a cascade of scale-like plates of rainbow, a hooded cape hanging from his shoulders from two gemmed brooches. His long raven black hair hang back, held in place by a series of rainbow rings.
Under the armor, which covered him to his knees, a simple skin-tight suit in black going up to his neck and down to his wrists. The general impression was somewhat Roman.
*Are you sure this is the planet, my lord?* one of the minor warriors asked.
*Yes. But the planet has not been subdued yet and that is very strange*
*It was last spotted in this vicinity a year ago, milord*
*Time enough for It to act. This is very strange. Yet, there is no other possibility, it has to be the blue planet*
*We've tried to contact the local forces, but have not received any reply* the other warrior put in.
*Try a less advanced code and limit it to private law enforcement sources* the warrior replied.
*I've found evidence of Shi-ar technology, milord*
*Shi-ar? What would they be doing here?*
*Is just a single source, milord*
*Mmmm... Perhaps a gift to someone special. Let's try a Shi-ar signal that only that special person can pick up*
*Yes, milord*
The warrior started to pace the small space inside the helm; his head hang over his chest and his hands were on his back. He didn't like the idea of interfering in under-developed planets but he had no choice in this occasion.
The Shi-ar technology existing in the planet worried him. Why would the Shi-ar interfere with the development of a planet so far away from their empire? It would have to be addressed and the Shi-ar would have to answer to that.
*Got them, sir*
*Are they answering?*
*Yes, but they are acting very cautiously*
The warrior smiled.
= = =
Westchester
= = =
*WOW!* Jubilee's expression summarized everybody's feelings.
The whole team had gathered in the control room, having come in one at the time in different stages of awakening.
The professor was now in front of the screen, together with Beast, speaking to the strange looking humanoid.
*I understand you are private.. er.. "fighters"? for the cause of control and defense of your planet* the stranger was saying. His lips moved differently to the sounds they were hearing and as he spoke, they could see a collar in his neck blinking.
*Before we answer, we need to know who you are* the professor said calmly.
*My name is Wind-rider. My origins are not to be disclosed to a civilization as young as yours, as per our strict laws of no interference. Suffice to say that I mean no harm to you and my mission is one of recovery of one of our own*
*Is this a rescue mission, then?* Scott chimed in.
The stranger's eyes moved towards Scott and he paused. *No. It is a hunting mission*
*I don't like to participate in "hunting" missions without any background information* Scott replied.
*I don't have time to waste in paranoiac games* the stranger said with a start of impatience. *I have a mission to fulfill in this planet and I would rather do it with the assistance of some discrete local source of law enforcement*
*Come to mama!* whispered Rogue to Storm, who gave her an admonishing look.
The stranger smiled and continued, while Rogue blushed scarlet *I need an answer now, or I will take my quest to somebody else. Of course, I will have to destroy your Shi-ar receiver in order to make my activities the more inconspicuous* he said coldly.
*Well, that is one hell of a goodwill demonstration!* an angry Jubilee spat out before Storm could control her with a shush. *Sheesh!* she continued and slumped down in one of the chairs with a pout.
Wind-rider smiled again and hanged his head. When he raised it again a flicker of amusement shone in his eyes.
*Very well. I understand your concern. I will descend and meet you in your terms. However, should you choose to betray me in any way rest assured that I have power enough to wipe out your entire home, including the underground facilities*
*How did he know that? Isn't that supposed to be disguised by the Shi-ar technology?* Jubilee whispered before another shush from Storm shut her up again.
= = =
The Patagonian jungle
= = =
*Well, boy, where to now?* They had come to a bifurcation in the long tunnel and Creed could not tell which one they should take, as they smelled the same: unused.
There was a thin layer of dust covering everything and the air was stale. The tunnel had obviously been made for smaller men than Creed and he had to walk stooping, which was beginning to piss him off. Foster felt lightheaded and couldn't think right. Victor took one look at the man and with a sweep of his arm caught him and slung him over his shoulder, bag and all.
*OK, lets see what's behind door "A" * he said with an angry grin, and took the right tunnel.
He also felt lightheaded and figured his supply of oxygen was running out. In a haze he kept going forward until he found his way blocked by what seemed to be a big rock jammed tight in the tunnel. He let Foster drop from his shoulder to the ground and crouched resting on his massive legs, panting. Amidst the thumping of his heart he was suddenly aware of another sound. He knelt and put his ear to the rock and then smiled.
He took a small explosive charge out of his belt and aided by a knife made a small hole on one side of the rock. After putting the activated charge in place, he made it a few meters back dragging Foster by his shirt collar like a rag.
The explosion was not more than a big bang but had achieved its purpose. After the dust inside the tunnel settled Victor could see that a small opening about the size of a plate had appeared by the side of the rock, and there was a stream of light coming from it.
He went back to the opening, still dragging Foster by the neck, and sat down leaning on the wall taking in the fresh air with delight.
= = =
A huge smoking hole in the rock was all it was left of the bunker's door. The explosion had left a black streak in front of it and big chunks of black smoking material were scattered all around, amidst chunks of charred armors and limbs.
Fear sat down in the grass some twenty meters away, her arm being bandaged by the medic. By her side, the second warrior was in much worse shape, having caught the blast straight on but without the shield Fear wore. He had made it only on account of being a mutant with some TK ability. He was gasping for air, all his ribs having been broken and his skin was badly burned.
The commander of the troops knelt besides Fear with a bow.
*They seemed to have taken an escape route and blasted the whole compound to hell* he said *I think we can pick up their trail if we hurry*
*Just leave it* Fear spat out.
*Excuse me. This is the third time we fail to get hold of the man and the Patrician is not going to be pleased if we just let him go* the commander said and immediately repented as Fear glared back at him.
*Ready* the medic said addressing the commander *any more to go?*
*How about the warrior?*
*He'll make it. Have him transported immediately*
The commander looked around and saw what was left of his unit: in all, 4 out of 12 men, the rest having perished in the blast. He blinked as he realized Fear was still looking at him, then got up and signaled his men.
*Let's move out of here. OK men, get what's left of the gear and get moving!*
= = =
END OF CHAPTER FIVE
Discl: You know the drill.
Char: Sabretooth and co, and enter Logan and the X-men and co.
= = =
*Blast the damned door!* the commander shouted to his men *and don't waste any more ammunition!*
Two robed figures stood behind him. The tallest one made a gesture of impatience and the commander turned towards him.
*I'm sorry, sir..*
*You will be even sorrier when we get back. Your move was incredibly stupid and left us completely empty-handed, you moron!*
*But sir, YOU ordered us...*
*No matter. You deal with this. I'm off.*
*Stay* the smaller figure said and the word froze the other two. The commander gave the figure a fast glance and lowered his eyes at the sight of Fear's cold and strange blue eyes, just visible under the hood.
*What shall we do?* the commander asked, bowing.
*Step aside* she said as she started towards the door. She took out of her bag a small key and the commander gave the order to move back fifty meters. Everybody sprang to action.
*Why?* the taller figure asked contemptuously.
Fear turned around and gave him and ugly tight-lipped smile.
= = =
Westchester - The Xavier mansion
= = =
*He WHAT?!*
*Scott....*
*You mean to tell me that he just picked up and left?!*
*Scott, you must understand....*
*O yes, I DO understand! Only I've had enough of this!*
*What do you mean?*
*I mean that since he cannot be trusted to show any respect for us, then I have no choice*
*Scott!!*
Scott Summers looked down at his wife and she could feel his anger even without their mental link.
*Scott, please let me try one more time. I know there must be a good reason...* Summers didn't let her finish.
*What would be the point? This is it, Jean. I'm leaving him out of the group on a permanent basis*
*Scott, please! He is an important member of our team!*
*Well, he surely has shown that he cares about that, hasn't he?* his voice was full of sarcasm.
*Scott? * She pleaded again, her hand on his arm.
He could not stay mad at his wife *OK. You have ONE shot at this, Jean*
= = =
*Logan?*
*Yes, Jeanie?*
*Where are you, Logan?*
*Just a few miles from the mansion.* He didn't say it, but she could feel he was on his way, probably for a long time.
*We need to talk, Logan. And I mean face to face*
*Sound mighty serious. Anything wrong?*
*Just meet me at "Barneys" at seven this evening*
*Been a long time, Jeanie*
*No, Logan. I am not in the mood for fencing. Please meet me there*
*Sure, darling*
= = =
Jean Grey entered the small bar and waited a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She spotted Logan sitting at a table in the darkest booth in the place holding a beer in his hands. He looked up and she was startled at the hardness in his eyes. She went over his table, ignoring a few whistles in her way and sat down in front of him.
*So, darling. What is it that can't possibly wait?* he said with a cold grin. His voice was soft but his eyes were still hard.
*You've gone too far this time, Logan. After all the talking of the last days you just left as if nothing had been said. You are quite out of line and I want an explanation*
*??...*
*Don't play dumb with me, Logan. This has been going on for just about enough and Scott has every right..*
*Aw, don't tell me. One-eye made a tantrum...*
*ENOUGH!*
Logan stared in amazement.
*I said enough!* repeated Jean in a calmer tone which hadn't lost its hard edge.
*I can't believe you are taking his side in this..*
*And you believe, in your arrogance, that I should side with you?*
Logan lowered his head, suddenly calm again.
*I didn't mean it that way Jeanie. He is your husband and you owe him your loyalty..* she didn't let him finish.
*I don't "owe" him my loyalty. You seem to forget that I love my husband and he has my loyalty because that is who I am and that is what he deserves*
*I'm sorry darling* he said softly.
*Now I would like to know why, after all that we've talked over the last few days and what everybody has tried to do for you, you just left without even saying goodbye*
Logan sighed heavily and raised his eyes.
*I just can't help it, darling. I need to keep moving. I'm not the kind that stays* There was deep sadness in his voice.
*I wonder, Logan* she said, her tone angry. *I wonder if you can't help it or won't*
*Whatever you say, Jeanie*
*No Logan, not this time. Scott has given me one more chance to speak to you before he throws you out of the X-men. I need a reason from you, not to be dismissed like a child. I don't deserve that from you. None of us deserves that from you.*
*That goes for me too* said a contralto voice right behind him.
*Ro, darling*
*Is time you stopped running, my friend, or are you afraid?*
Logan snapped up with a ferocious snarl only to find Ororo's cold eyes.
*Everyone has to choose his own way. You can't do it for me, girl. And I need to go now*
*Aren't you even going to tell us why? Is that how much we mean to you?* said Jean.
*I just have to go* he replied stubbornly, lowering his eyes again.
*Goodbye, Logan* sighed Jean, her voice full of pain and regret. She stood up and went out the door without a look back. Ororo put her hand on Logan's shoulder, but he didn't even let her start.
*Don't hang around Ro* he said *I won't be a pleasant sight for a while*
*I feel so sorry for you, my friend* she answered. *All that you have accomplished, a home, friends, all gone because of your pride. Is it worth it? I sincerely hope so*
Logan stood up and slowly went over to the bar. Ororo left the bar silently.
*A storm is coming* the barman said a few minutes later.
Logan looked over his shoulder to the clouds gathering in the sky, then he let his head sink towards his chest.
*Hard day?*
*The hardest ever, bub*
========
After a long walk in the parks surrounding the Xavier mansion Jean entered the control room in search of a place to sit down and be alone. Unfortunately somebody else had thought of it first. The robed figure sat in one of the chairs staring at the monitors, arms crossed over his chest.
*Hello dear* she said in a whisper. He turned around to look at her and she could see the bitter twist of his mouth.
*So?* he asked. She lowered her head and he snorted in anger.
*Well, that's a surprise* he said. Then, noticing the pain in her face his voice changed. *Don't be sad, darling* He got up and went over to his wife and held her tight. *I had hoped that he would at least tell you why, but it seems that I was right after all* he murmured as he kissed her hair.
*Oh, Scott. I just can't understand it.*
*I know this is going to be distressing for everyone, but I must do it sweetheart. Some of the team will probably think I do this out of personal reasons and they would be wrong. The truth is that this is a command decision I have been postponing for a long time on account of your feelings and that is not fair to the rest of the group*
Henry McCoy entered the room. *What decision is that, fearless leader?*
*I am taking Logan out of the team*
*Oh. This is most sad* the blue man replied *I can't say I'm surprised though especially after our last mission. I have to confess, however, that I don't see how are we going to replace him. He is, after all, the tough and edgy part of this group, and every group needs one* he said while giving Scott a hopeful look.
*We will have to do without him, Hank. We cannot risk another failure and I am not willing to have the group disrupted and Jubilee's heart broken every time he decides to up and leave*
*What did the professor say*
*He agrees with me, not that I was going to change my mind over his disapproval*
Rogue had entered the room as Scott was finishing his sentence and she sat down besides Hank. *Is this about Logan? I heard some of your conversation from the corridor* she asked softly and Hank nodded.
She sighed heavily *It feels like an important part of our lives is come to an end, you know?* Her sad voice made Jean look up. *It will never be the same without him*
= = =
The bunker in the Patagonian jungle
= = =
*This better be incredibly good, PUNK!* Creed snarled baring his teeth.
*Oh, it is!* Foster was hugely excited and all fear had disappeared from his scent, which calmed Creed down a bit. *I had my suspicions about this place and I was right! This is not only a primary information vault, as your "Fear" probably thinks (she was only a data entry worker here, after all) it has another two levels and is huge!*
*I STILL DON'T SEE HOW THAT IS SO FUCKING GREAT!* Creed roared, advancing one more step towards him.
Foster was not impressed and continued *The great thing is that this place also has two different escape routes* he didn't say he had stumbled on that information by pure chance and out of sheer terror *and we can very possibly fake our exit to one and then blow the whole first level up, leaving us with a second UNKNOWN private entry to this place to do our diggings at complete ease!* He smiled expectantly to Creed and the big man stopped on his tracks.
*Do you think this will fool them?* asked Raims.
*Oh yes. We need Mr. Raims to get out through the first escape route and set up the explosives and Mr. Creed and me can go down to the next level, recover what we can and go out the second one.*
*Where does the second back door lead*
*I don't know, but it appears is two kilometers out and close to a village, or at least was when it was built*
Creed examined their options and had to admit that the situation suddenly looked quite promising. He took a few deep breaths and calmed down in a huge effort of pure will power. His mind started working rationally again and he gave the rat-man a sidelong snarl.
*It will work, Mr. Creed, I swear..*
*OK, let's try it* he shoved his supply of charges to Raims' chest and the latter went dead pale *You better get this right, Raims* he said between teeth.
= = =
One hour later
= = =
Both men were gaping in amazement. In his wildest dreams Creed could not have imagined this place to exist. They were walking along a corridor made of the same material they had found in the surface, only they could see through the walls. Behind the corridor walls they could see rows and rows of cabinets stretching some hundred meters to either side.
Straight ahead of them they could make another room in the dim blue light. As they reached the end of the corridor they found themselves in a circular vault with high ceilings, which seemed to be around 50 meters across.
*WOW* Foster let escape and his voice reverberated all around.
*What the hell is this?*
*Treasure island, Mr. Creed* Foster replied, his eyes wide in awe.
*And what the hell are those?* Creed said while pointing at a series of casket like devices lined to their right.
*Those must be stasis pods*
*Never mind. Just collect what you can and let's get out of here. I'm sick of playing the mole*
*Sure thing, Mr. Creed* Foster said, and went over one of the walls to plug his console in.
Creed went over the stasis pods and as he approached them he noticed they had small oval windows on one end. The surface was dull and he wiped one of them with his sleeve and took a peek. He could hardly make out the form inside, but their state was unmistakable.
*Bad luck* he said, and chuckled.
His fine hearing caught a gasp from Foster and he looked over. Foster seemed engulfed in what he was doing. The scrawny man had taken another device out of his bag and was putting in and then taking out of it, small clear cubes which he was then storing in his bag.
Creed went over the next three pods and found their occupants to be in the same condition as the first. Bored, he started going along the wall, looking at all the indicators and labels until he found a cabinet of sorts. He grabbed the handle and shook it, without positive results. He thought of breaking it open, but decided against it. There was a sort of bunk further on and he dropped on it with a huff.
He didn't like the place. His experience of bunkers and underground facilities in general had been unfortunate, to say the least. He looked at the roof above him and was surprised to see a nice reproduction of a renaissance painting in it. Somehow it looked quite out of place in the present surroundings.
*How long?* he muttered while putting an arm over his eyes. Foster was so engulfed in his work that didn't hear him. *HOW LONG?!* he roared
Foster nearly jumped out of his skin *Give me an hour, Mr. Creed, and we can take the rest in the next trip*
*One that I will not be making with you*
*If the second door is as anonymous as I think, then there won't be any need*
*Good, wake me up when you're finished*
= = =
Westchester
= = =
Two figures were in the control room, even though midnight had come and gone. McCoy was sitting in a chair, rubbing his chin worriedly, his eyes fixed on the main screen.
*From outer space?* Hank asked.
The second figure moved closer to Hank, a faint swooshing sound coming from it *Yes, Hank. The transmission is quite clear but heavily coded* said professor Xavier *I could not deal with it and I'm sorry I woke you up but it seems important that we should*
*Most unusual.... Is not a Shi-ar transmission, is it?*
*No, Hank. Is coming from a completely different direction and the fact that the Shi-ar decoder cannot deal with it worries me*
*I have been scanning nearby space but there is no sign of the transmission coming from any ships around. Or perhaps they can cloak themselves from the Shi-ar technology?* he sighed heavily *another puzzle...*.
*You can say that again*
*Have you consulted any other team like, perhaps the Avengers, just to make sure? After all, we have been heavily relying on Shi-ar technology and perhaps we don't need it for this message*
*Contact them*
Scott entered the room in his pajamas, scratching his head.
*What's going on?* he yawned.
As the professor filled him in, Hank was setting up a four-way videoconference on the screen.
= = =
Somewhere out in nearby space
= = =
The man in command stood in front of a holographic plate, which was showing a bright blue ball streaked in white. Two other men were sitting at different stations in the small circular helm, surrounded by smaller versions of holographic displays. By human standards, this man was quite tall, perhaps two meters and more, and his call in life was clearly stated by the armor he wore.
The humanoid eyes were clear pink on white and his skin pale blue. His massive shoulders were covered by the armor in a cascade of scale-like plates of rainbow, a hooded cape hanging from his shoulders from two gemmed brooches. His long raven black hair hang back, held in place by a series of rainbow rings.
Under the armor, which covered him to his knees, a simple skin-tight suit in black going up to his neck and down to his wrists. The general impression was somewhat Roman.
*Are you sure this is the planet, my lord?* one of the minor warriors asked.
*Yes. But the planet has not been subdued yet and that is very strange*
*It was last spotted in this vicinity a year ago, milord*
*Time enough for It to act. This is very strange. Yet, there is no other possibility, it has to be the blue planet*
*We've tried to contact the local forces, but have not received any reply* the other warrior put in.
*Try a less advanced code and limit it to private law enforcement sources* the warrior replied.
*I've found evidence of Shi-ar technology, milord*
*Shi-ar? What would they be doing here?*
*Is just a single source, milord*
*Mmmm... Perhaps a gift to someone special. Let's try a Shi-ar signal that only that special person can pick up*
*Yes, milord*
The warrior started to pace the small space inside the helm; his head hang over his chest and his hands were on his back. He didn't like the idea of interfering in under-developed planets but he had no choice in this occasion.
The Shi-ar technology existing in the planet worried him. Why would the Shi-ar interfere with the development of a planet so far away from their empire? It would have to be addressed and the Shi-ar would have to answer to that.
*Got them, sir*
*Are they answering?*
*Yes, but they are acting very cautiously*
The warrior smiled.
= = =
Westchester
= = =
*WOW!* Jubilee's expression summarized everybody's feelings.
The whole team had gathered in the control room, having come in one at the time in different stages of awakening.
The professor was now in front of the screen, together with Beast, speaking to the strange looking humanoid.
*I understand you are private.. er.. "fighters"? for the cause of control and defense of your planet* the stranger was saying. His lips moved differently to the sounds they were hearing and as he spoke, they could see a collar in his neck blinking.
*Before we answer, we need to know who you are* the professor said calmly.
*My name is Wind-rider. My origins are not to be disclosed to a civilization as young as yours, as per our strict laws of no interference. Suffice to say that I mean no harm to you and my mission is one of recovery of one of our own*
*Is this a rescue mission, then?* Scott chimed in.
The stranger's eyes moved towards Scott and he paused. *No. It is a hunting mission*
*I don't like to participate in "hunting" missions without any background information* Scott replied.
*I don't have time to waste in paranoiac games* the stranger said with a start of impatience. *I have a mission to fulfill in this planet and I would rather do it with the assistance of some discrete local source of law enforcement*
*Come to mama!* whispered Rogue to Storm, who gave her an admonishing look.
The stranger smiled and continued, while Rogue blushed scarlet *I need an answer now, or I will take my quest to somebody else. Of course, I will have to destroy your Shi-ar receiver in order to make my activities the more inconspicuous* he said coldly.
*Well, that is one hell of a goodwill demonstration!* an angry Jubilee spat out before Storm could control her with a shush. *Sheesh!* she continued and slumped down in one of the chairs with a pout.
Wind-rider smiled again and hanged his head. When he raised it again a flicker of amusement shone in his eyes.
*Very well. I understand your concern. I will descend and meet you in your terms. However, should you choose to betray me in any way rest assured that I have power enough to wipe out your entire home, including the underground facilities*
*How did he know that? Isn't that supposed to be disguised by the Shi-ar technology?* Jubilee whispered before another shush from Storm shut her up again.
= = =
The Patagonian jungle
= = =
*Well, boy, where to now?* They had come to a bifurcation in the long tunnel and Creed could not tell which one they should take, as they smelled the same: unused.
There was a thin layer of dust covering everything and the air was stale. The tunnel had obviously been made for smaller men than Creed and he had to walk stooping, which was beginning to piss him off. Foster felt lightheaded and couldn't think right. Victor took one look at the man and with a sweep of his arm caught him and slung him over his shoulder, bag and all.
*OK, lets see what's behind door "A" * he said with an angry grin, and took the right tunnel.
He also felt lightheaded and figured his supply of oxygen was running out. In a haze he kept going forward until he found his way blocked by what seemed to be a big rock jammed tight in the tunnel. He let Foster drop from his shoulder to the ground and crouched resting on his massive legs, panting. Amidst the thumping of his heart he was suddenly aware of another sound. He knelt and put his ear to the rock and then smiled.
He took a small explosive charge out of his belt and aided by a knife made a small hole on one side of the rock. After putting the activated charge in place, he made it a few meters back dragging Foster by his shirt collar like a rag.
The explosion was not more than a big bang but had achieved its purpose. After the dust inside the tunnel settled Victor could see that a small opening about the size of a plate had appeared by the side of the rock, and there was a stream of light coming from it.
He went back to the opening, still dragging Foster by the neck, and sat down leaning on the wall taking in the fresh air with delight.
= = =
A huge smoking hole in the rock was all it was left of the bunker's door. The explosion had left a black streak in front of it and big chunks of black smoking material were scattered all around, amidst chunks of charred armors and limbs.
Fear sat down in the grass some twenty meters away, her arm being bandaged by the medic. By her side, the second warrior was in much worse shape, having caught the blast straight on but without the shield Fear wore. He had made it only on account of being a mutant with some TK ability. He was gasping for air, all his ribs having been broken and his skin was badly burned.
The commander of the troops knelt besides Fear with a bow.
*They seemed to have taken an escape route and blasted the whole compound to hell* he said *I think we can pick up their trail if we hurry*
*Just leave it* Fear spat out.
*Excuse me. This is the third time we fail to get hold of the man and the Patrician is not going to be pleased if we just let him go* the commander said and immediately repented as Fear glared back at him.
*Ready* the medic said addressing the commander *any more to go?*
*How about the warrior?*
*He'll make it. Have him transported immediately*
The commander looked around and saw what was left of his unit: in all, 4 out of 12 men, the rest having perished in the blast. He blinked as he realized Fear was still looking at him, then got up and signaled his men.
*Let's move out of here. OK men, get what's left of the gear and get moving!*
= = =
END OF CHAPTER FIVE