Eighteen Months Later …

"A pleasure to meet you, Doctor McCoy," said Alex, shaking the man's hand.  He was inside a laboratory, meeting one of the most famous professors in the United States.

"I'm abashed, my well-mannered acquaintance."  The professor had a friendly and soothing voice, and even his tone betrayed his great intellect.  "My title is so rigid that it makes most forget I'm actually human.  Please, call me Hank."

Alex laughed.  "Sure thing, Hank.  It's been awhile since I've met a PhD that wasn't in love with his title."

"How unfortunate."  The scientist put several beakers and flasks away, clearing off the lab table.  "Now.  Alex, was it?  To what do I owe the honor of your esteemed presence?"

For a moment, he did not know if Hank was being sarcastic of friendly.  When he saw the professor grin, he knew the answer.  "I heard you're researching mutation for the United States Government.  Specifically, how to prevent mutations from reaching fruition."

Hank nodded, and leaned against the lab table.  "You have excellent sources.  How may I be of service, Mister Summers?"  His tone was now all-business, and the pleasant demeanor had left him.

"Alex.  Remember?"

"A thousand pardons."  The apology was obviously not heartfelt.

"I have … befriended a mutant who to me for help.  I'll call him Mutant X for reference."  Alex licked his lips, and slipped his hands into his pockets.  "She, or he," he said, trying to build his own anonymity, "converts ambient radiation into heat.  It's amplified countless times into waves of plasma."

"I see," said the young doctor, adjusting into a thoughtful pose.  Hank adjusted his glasses before continuing.  "This has the potential for untold destruction.  Does Mutant X have any control over his or her … ability?"

Alex shook his head.  "Very limited control.  Mutant X can increase or decrease the flow of plasma, but can't halt it completely.  If he or she drains him- or herself completely, the powers are temporarily … disabled.  Other than that, there's no control whatsoever."

"Stars and garters," Hank said distantly, rubbing his chin.  "I take it there is a temporary solution, as you've obviously made contact with said individual."

This time, Alex nodded.  "There's a containment suit, which holds back Mutant X's powers.  Energy can still be released through the suit, but only with a conscious effort."  He could see the gears turning inside Hank's head as he tried to wrap his brain around the problem.  I'd like you to help come up with an alternative for the suit."

Hank lowered his hand, and his eyes came back into focus.  "Can you get me a sample of the material used to make the containment suit?" he asked.  Alex handed him the black cowl.  "Can Mutant X live without this headpiece?"  Alex nodded.  "You said you wanted me to help you … what's your background?"

At this question, Alex hesitated.  He was still a student, and did not have much of an education when it came to anything not related to rocks and the elements.  "I'm an undergrad here.  I've taken a biology and chemistry class, that's really it."

To the student's surprise, the PhD laughed.  "I applaud your ethics.  The primary purpose of my research is to find a way to halt mutation," he raised his index finger, "but you bring an interesting point.  Not every mutation can possibly be prevented, therefore a method of inhibiting these changes should be developed.  I would like to help you, Alex.  You will make a good lab assistant …" he trailed off, waiting for Alex to nod before continuing.  "I think we will work well with together.  Good luck to us both.

… … …

Six Months Later …

 Alex fitted the golden armbands onto his wrists.  They looked like something out of He-Man, and would make him conspicuous in short sleeves.  His sight moved to the black jumpsuit lying on the floor.  This is goodbye to the clothes I've had to wear for the past six years.  He smiled, remembering that the armbands were waterproof.  I can finally take a shower, he thought to himself.

"Do they fit?" said a voice from behind.

He spun around to his friend, Hank McCoy.  Hank was easily the most brilliant man he knew, but he was also a mutant.  It had not taken long to realize that Alex was indeed Mutant X.  When Hank confronted him, he shared a secret of his own: hThat he was a mutant, and the experiments were an attempt to prevent him from changing into something that looked inhuman.  Soon before developing Alex's armbands, a laboratory mistake had had catastrophic effects on Hank's body.  He'd become larger, stronger and more agile.  His body was now completely covered in blue fur, and his digits ended in small claws.

"Yeah.  They fit."

"Don't be so morose, my fair-haired friend," said Hank, rather cheerfully.  "It's either those rather fashionable bracelets, or the silent, black death of your former constraints."

How graphic, Alex thought.  "That's not what's bothering me," he said, only half-lying.  "The Government's calculator boys will be over soon, and I think they're going to notice the change in your appearance."  The summer intercession conveniently allowed Hank to hide from public view.

The scientist grinned, showing off his especially-large canines.  "Then I suggest a change in scenery.  You know, I've always wanted to go to New York.  Are you ready to go on vacation?" he asked.