Foundations Conclusion
(Additional Note: This section takes place about a week after "He's Gone". For Mutant X fans, it is to be treated as spoiler space since it is an alternate beginning to "A Breed Apart")
Conclusion
[Genomex]
Lionel Luthor stormed into Genomex. Once again, Lex had defied him in going out with the Sullivan girl. My son was meant for better women than that poor trash. Reaching his office, he sat down and allowed his rage to cool a bit. Best not to let the underlings see you out of control. For several minutes, he sat there, staring off into space, contemplating what might have been. He had intended to send his son out to the countryside in order to teach him the lessons of Empire. Instead, the latter had fallen prey to the wiles of the conquered, falling to their meager levels and ignoring the glory for which he was meant.
It's time to teach you a lesson, Lex. And what a bitter lesson it will be indeed. One's friends make you weak. It's time to learn you can't defy me, Lex.
Looking around him, he thought about what his friend, Mason Eckhart, contemplated in this very chair and in the room here. Granted, the pictures and effects, which he had added since acquiring the facility, livened things up a bit, but the area still echoed his colleague's sterility and coldness. Then his mind shifted to the jail cell where his friend, Stuart Dubois, rotted for the alleged crimes against his children. You were too obsessed with the genocide of new mutants, Mason. I, on the other hand, will turn some of them to my advantage. Fight fire with fire. Along with Lex's friends, I will take down Stuart Dubois's freakish offspring as well. I promise you, Mason, they will pay for what they did to us all.
With that, he left the office and headed down to the genetic research area. There, he found the rows upon rows of stasis pods. What a waste. Still, they can be put to use particularly a certain one.
Dr. Harrison, the chief researcher, approached him. "Mr. Luthor, can I be of some assistance?"
"Yes. This is where the new mutants are kept for future study, are they not?" the businessman asked.
"Indeed. Why?" the slender, gray-haired man asked.
"I want to revive one. I believe he is designated Patient 0.0," Lionel replied frankly.
Harrison fidgeted with his glasses for a second. He wants to revive a new mutant? Why? "We have other new mutant GSA agents."
"Not like this one," the new administrator asserted. "Take me to him."
"Very well," the other man conceded, leading him down a corridor into another area where the earliest new mutant children of Genomex rested in their pods. Pressing a button, he caused a circle of the containers to spin slowly into position. After a minute, they stopped and one snapped open, releasing the gases within.
Lionel stepped over to survey the sleeping man's face. He seems so at peace. If the computers are right, he'll be the perfect instrument of vengeance. "This is Patient 0.0?"
"He is," Harrison stated, allowing a bit of nervousness into his voice.
At that moment, the patient's eyes snapped open. "W...Where am I? Who are you?"
"I'm Lionel Luthor, the new administrator of this facility, and you are Gabriel Ashlocke, are you not?"
"I am indeed," the new mutant replied. "But why would you need my help? These sheep hate me."
"I believe we can help each other. You see, I have some people I need to eliminate," Lionel told him.
"And, what does that have to do with me?"
Lionel frowned. This one is going to be trouble. I'll have to keep an eye on him. "I believe you know one of them-a certain biogeneticist who used to work here: Adam."
Ashlocke's face betrayed a tiny bit of rage before he regained his composure and allowed a cocky smile to form on his face. The little man doesn't know why I was imprisoned in the tube there nor does he care. He'll be the perfect instrument. Meantime, I'll make Adam pay for what he did. "I'll be glad to help you deal with him. Now, can I get something to eat? Forgive me, but I've been asleep for so long."
"Absolutely," Lionel agreed, leading his liberated ally toward the main part of the compound.
As they walked off, Harrison trembled nervously. At the first opportunity, he would need to find out more about Ashlocke before he was the doom of them all.
****
[Tucson]
The sunset had painted Sabino Canyon in an array of colors. Once the night had settled across the desert, its creatures came out to play. One being stood on the plateau staring at the lights of the city far below.
"Intolerable," Eckhart groused. "This is intolerable."
"What is, Mason?" Ali wondered although he already knew the answer. I need to break him of this obsession with the mutants.
"What else...?" the former administrator asked impatiently.
"Patience, my apprentice. Subtlety will win the day here not the direct approach. We aren't powerful enough yet to take on Brabant and the others."
"Then what do we do? Those freaks need to be eliminated for everyone's sake," the fledgling argued, vamping out.
Ali nodded. I need to teach this one patience. "And they will be, Mason. Give it time. Tomorrow, we leave for Toronto. Our allies are now ready."
"Allies?"
"Yes," the former Janissary stated. "Come, we need to hunt." With that, he streaked off into the night sky.
Eckhart grinned wickedly. Someday, Adam, I will have you and those pets you love as children. Someday. Having affirmed that, he followed his master toward the Old Pueblo.
****
Across town, Nick walked into the El Gato Negro and took his usual place at the bar. In the six weeks since Ali and Eckhart had made their appearance, it had been too quiet. Several times, he could have sworn that his senses had picked up on the Janissary and his fledgling. However, when he had gone to intercept them, they had vanished without a trace. Something needs to be done before the Community and the new mutants are drawn into a war. I'll have to get a hold of LaCroix. As much as I hate to admit it, I may need his help.
"Pride goes before a fall, Nicolas," Janette advised, putting a glass of wine in front of him. "LaCroix will want to know about the activities of the Enforcers and the Renegades. Perhaps you two can trade information, no?"
That's a good point. "Considering what we're all up against, that's worth pursuing, Janette," he admitted.
"How are Dubois's students doing anyhow?" she asked.
"They're fine with both college and with their powers. A couple of times, they've already helped some of our kind stay unnoticed," he noted, sipping on his drink.
"At least they know how to stay unnoticed," Tracy mentioned, joining them. "Unlike their professor."
"He's stayed out of trouble the last few months, Trace," Nick disagreed. "Coordinating all of these things with me has taken all of our time."
"Yeah, leaving me and Schanke to deal with extra paperwork on those nights you take vacation," she groused.
"Vacation isn't just for mortals," Nick pointed out.
"True," his partner indicated, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Still, I wish you would get this stuff settled with the Enforcers so that Vachon and the others can relax. This city's like a powder keg, you know."
"I know," he sighed. Don't I know it. "Well, I guess we have to get back on the road. Crime never sleeps."
"Yeah and neither do we," she groused, putting the glass down and leaving a five dollar bill with Janette to cover the cost. "Thanks."
"My pleasure," the lady of the night replied as they left. Be careful, Nicolas. You are treading on thin ice with this one. Listen to your partner. She knows of what she speaks.
****
Max sat on the roof of the Congress Hotel overlooking the city. Beneath her, the lights shone and the cars zoomed up and down the thoroughfares as they always did. Even the birds seemed to fly by blissfully unaware of how things were changing. Those adjustments were occurring even in her own life. The day job wasn't working out. Maybe delivering messages for Jam Pony had worked in the future, but she was tired of it. She knew Original Cindy wasn't happy here with the town or with how things were going with Logan.
How lucky most of them are. They just go on with their lives day in and day out. They'd freak if they really knew about the kind of crap that's going down around them. At least, things are going okay with those new mutant kids. I'm glad someone's making a difference with them. Maybe this time, Adam and Mutant X can prevent the Pulse from taking place.
Then she heard the door creak open behind her. Assuming a defensive posture almost immediately, she was relieved to see Dave standing there, observing her movements. "What are you doing here?"
"You're not the only one who needs to meditate, you know," he pointed out walking over to share the view. "Nice vantage point."
"Thanks," she accepted. "So what are you really doing up here?"
"I figured that this is where you go to think. After that, well, I followed your aura up here," he explained.
She cracked a smile. Sometimes, this guy's too much. "So you're our resident psychic bloodhound, huh?"
"To quote a friend of mine: 'I have many skills'," he quipped. "And you're right, I do have an alternate motive for being up here. I wanted to offer you something."
She glared at him. Usually when people offered things, they wanted something in return. "Okay, what's the deal?"
He put his hands up defensively. "Hey! Chill out. No strings, I promise."
"Great. So what is it?" she asked.
"Since your arrival, you've been a great help to us all, Max. I know it hasn't always been easy for you here, but when we've needed you, you've been there for us. I just spoke with Adam and the others and there may be something to offer you. How would you like to go to college?"
She scoffed. Me? In college? Yeah right, that'll be the day. "Look, I appreciate the offer, Dave. Really, I do. However, I can't see myself at the university. Not yet anyway. Umm...there was something though."
He replied, "Sure. What is it?"
"I would really like to join Mutant X. No offense, but I can learn more from Adam and the others than in the classroom," she requested.
He shrugged. "You understand if I disagree with the second statement, Max, but the offer will be there when you're ready to take it. Meanwhile, you'll need to talk with Adam about that request. Okay?"
"Sure. Thanks," she told him, returning to her vigil.
He smiled and turned toward the door.
As he opened it, she called, "Hey, Dave!"
He answered, "Yes, Max?"
She smiled warmly. "Thanks to you and your wife for being so nice to me. I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with, but you guys have been great."
He grinned. There's more to her than just the drone. "It's our pleasure. Just remember what I said. Have a good night." With that, he departed, leaving her to the vigil.
She looked out on the city once again, but this time, it seemed a little brighter. Perhaps I might make it here after all. Hopefully, Adam will let me join the team. Meantime, I can help everyone and keep learning something in the process. Looking at her watch, she saw it was 11:30. Hmm...almost time to meet up with Logan. She grinned to herself, thinking how he had arranged for a gourmet dinner for tonight.
Things were definitely looking up, but for how long? One could never know. All they could do was live for the moment, and deal with the future as it came.
THE END (for now)
(Thanks for reading this piece and for your interest! Now, that you've met the U of A's special freshmen and I've set up all of the events, now it's time to set the events in motion. In the next piece, "Sins of the Fathers", Dave and company set out for their class reunion as well as their families' gathering to celebrate Miri's homecoming. What happens will shock everyone as the GSA spoils both parties. Stay tuned!
If you want to keep up with the Dubois Chronicles, go to my site at http://dante6.fanspace.com/dubois/dubois.html and sign up for the DuboisChronicleUpdates group on Yahoo Groups.
Thanks again for your interest!)
Conclusion
[Genomex]
Lionel Luthor stormed into Genomex. Once again, Lex had defied him in going out with the Sullivan girl. My son was meant for better women than that poor trash. Reaching his office, he sat down and allowed his rage to cool a bit. Best not to let the underlings see you out of control. For several minutes, he sat there, staring off into space, contemplating what might have been. He had intended to send his son out to the countryside in order to teach him the lessons of Empire. Instead, the latter had fallen prey to the wiles of the conquered, falling to their meager levels and ignoring the glory for which he was meant.
It's time to teach you a lesson, Lex. And what a bitter lesson it will be indeed. One's friends make you weak. It's time to learn you can't defy me, Lex.
Looking around him, he thought about what his friend, Mason Eckhart, contemplated in this very chair and in the room here. Granted, the pictures and effects, which he had added since acquiring the facility, livened things up a bit, but the area still echoed his colleague's sterility and coldness. Then his mind shifted to the jail cell where his friend, Stuart Dubois, rotted for the alleged crimes against his children. You were too obsessed with the genocide of new mutants, Mason. I, on the other hand, will turn some of them to my advantage. Fight fire with fire. Along with Lex's friends, I will take down Stuart Dubois's freakish offspring as well. I promise you, Mason, they will pay for what they did to us all.
With that, he left the office and headed down to the genetic research area. There, he found the rows upon rows of stasis pods. What a waste. Still, they can be put to use particularly a certain one.
Dr. Harrison, the chief researcher, approached him. "Mr. Luthor, can I be of some assistance?"
"Yes. This is where the new mutants are kept for future study, are they not?" the businessman asked.
"Indeed. Why?" the slender, gray-haired man asked.
"I want to revive one. I believe he is designated Patient 0.0," Lionel replied frankly.
Harrison fidgeted with his glasses for a second. He wants to revive a new mutant? Why? "We have other new mutant GSA agents."
"Not like this one," the new administrator asserted. "Take me to him."
"Very well," the other man conceded, leading him down a corridor into another area where the earliest new mutant children of Genomex rested in their pods. Pressing a button, he caused a circle of the containers to spin slowly into position. After a minute, they stopped and one snapped open, releasing the gases within.
Lionel stepped over to survey the sleeping man's face. He seems so at peace. If the computers are right, he'll be the perfect instrument of vengeance. "This is Patient 0.0?"
"He is," Harrison stated, allowing a bit of nervousness into his voice.
At that moment, the patient's eyes snapped open. "W...Where am I? Who are you?"
"I'm Lionel Luthor, the new administrator of this facility, and you are Gabriel Ashlocke, are you not?"
"I am indeed," the new mutant replied. "But why would you need my help? These sheep hate me."
"I believe we can help each other. You see, I have some people I need to eliminate," Lionel told him.
"And, what does that have to do with me?"
Lionel frowned. This one is going to be trouble. I'll have to keep an eye on him. "I believe you know one of them-a certain biogeneticist who used to work here: Adam."
Ashlocke's face betrayed a tiny bit of rage before he regained his composure and allowed a cocky smile to form on his face. The little man doesn't know why I was imprisoned in the tube there nor does he care. He'll be the perfect instrument. Meantime, I'll make Adam pay for what he did. "I'll be glad to help you deal with him. Now, can I get something to eat? Forgive me, but I've been asleep for so long."
"Absolutely," Lionel agreed, leading his liberated ally toward the main part of the compound.
As they walked off, Harrison trembled nervously. At the first opportunity, he would need to find out more about Ashlocke before he was the doom of them all.
****
[Tucson]
The sunset had painted Sabino Canyon in an array of colors. Once the night had settled across the desert, its creatures came out to play. One being stood on the plateau staring at the lights of the city far below.
"Intolerable," Eckhart groused. "This is intolerable."
"What is, Mason?" Ali wondered although he already knew the answer. I need to break him of this obsession with the mutants.
"What else...?" the former administrator asked impatiently.
"Patience, my apprentice. Subtlety will win the day here not the direct approach. We aren't powerful enough yet to take on Brabant and the others."
"Then what do we do? Those freaks need to be eliminated for everyone's sake," the fledgling argued, vamping out.
Ali nodded. I need to teach this one patience. "And they will be, Mason. Give it time. Tomorrow, we leave for Toronto. Our allies are now ready."
"Allies?"
"Yes," the former Janissary stated. "Come, we need to hunt." With that, he streaked off into the night sky.
Eckhart grinned wickedly. Someday, Adam, I will have you and those pets you love as children. Someday. Having affirmed that, he followed his master toward the Old Pueblo.
****
Across town, Nick walked into the El Gato Negro and took his usual place at the bar. In the six weeks since Ali and Eckhart had made their appearance, it had been too quiet. Several times, he could have sworn that his senses had picked up on the Janissary and his fledgling. However, when he had gone to intercept them, they had vanished without a trace. Something needs to be done before the Community and the new mutants are drawn into a war. I'll have to get a hold of LaCroix. As much as I hate to admit it, I may need his help.
"Pride goes before a fall, Nicolas," Janette advised, putting a glass of wine in front of him. "LaCroix will want to know about the activities of the Enforcers and the Renegades. Perhaps you two can trade information, no?"
That's a good point. "Considering what we're all up against, that's worth pursuing, Janette," he admitted.
"How are Dubois's students doing anyhow?" she asked.
"They're fine with both college and with their powers. A couple of times, they've already helped some of our kind stay unnoticed," he noted, sipping on his drink.
"At least they know how to stay unnoticed," Tracy mentioned, joining them. "Unlike their professor."
"He's stayed out of trouble the last few months, Trace," Nick disagreed. "Coordinating all of these things with me has taken all of our time."
"Yeah, leaving me and Schanke to deal with extra paperwork on those nights you take vacation," she groused.
"Vacation isn't just for mortals," Nick pointed out.
"True," his partner indicated, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Still, I wish you would get this stuff settled with the Enforcers so that Vachon and the others can relax. This city's like a powder keg, you know."
"I know," he sighed. Don't I know it. "Well, I guess we have to get back on the road. Crime never sleeps."
"Yeah and neither do we," she groused, putting the glass down and leaving a five dollar bill with Janette to cover the cost. "Thanks."
"My pleasure," the lady of the night replied as they left. Be careful, Nicolas. You are treading on thin ice with this one. Listen to your partner. She knows of what she speaks.
****
Max sat on the roof of the Congress Hotel overlooking the city. Beneath her, the lights shone and the cars zoomed up and down the thoroughfares as they always did. Even the birds seemed to fly by blissfully unaware of how things were changing. Those adjustments were occurring even in her own life. The day job wasn't working out. Maybe delivering messages for Jam Pony had worked in the future, but she was tired of it. She knew Original Cindy wasn't happy here with the town or with how things were going with Logan.
How lucky most of them are. They just go on with their lives day in and day out. They'd freak if they really knew about the kind of crap that's going down around them. At least, things are going okay with those new mutant kids. I'm glad someone's making a difference with them. Maybe this time, Adam and Mutant X can prevent the Pulse from taking place.
Then she heard the door creak open behind her. Assuming a defensive posture almost immediately, she was relieved to see Dave standing there, observing her movements. "What are you doing here?"
"You're not the only one who needs to meditate, you know," he pointed out walking over to share the view. "Nice vantage point."
"Thanks," she accepted. "So what are you really doing up here?"
"I figured that this is where you go to think. After that, well, I followed your aura up here," he explained.
She cracked a smile. Sometimes, this guy's too much. "So you're our resident psychic bloodhound, huh?"
"To quote a friend of mine: 'I have many skills'," he quipped. "And you're right, I do have an alternate motive for being up here. I wanted to offer you something."
She glared at him. Usually when people offered things, they wanted something in return. "Okay, what's the deal?"
He put his hands up defensively. "Hey! Chill out. No strings, I promise."
"Great. So what is it?" she asked.
"Since your arrival, you've been a great help to us all, Max. I know it hasn't always been easy for you here, but when we've needed you, you've been there for us. I just spoke with Adam and the others and there may be something to offer you. How would you like to go to college?"
She scoffed. Me? In college? Yeah right, that'll be the day. "Look, I appreciate the offer, Dave. Really, I do. However, I can't see myself at the university. Not yet anyway. Umm...there was something though."
He replied, "Sure. What is it?"
"I would really like to join Mutant X. No offense, but I can learn more from Adam and the others than in the classroom," she requested.
He shrugged. "You understand if I disagree with the second statement, Max, but the offer will be there when you're ready to take it. Meanwhile, you'll need to talk with Adam about that request. Okay?"
"Sure. Thanks," she told him, returning to her vigil.
He smiled and turned toward the door.
As he opened it, she called, "Hey, Dave!"
He answered, "Yes, Max?"
She smiled warmly. "Thanks to you and your wife for being so nice to me. I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with, but you guys have been great."
He grinned. There's more to her than just the drone. "It's our pleasure. Just remember what I said. Have a good night." With that, he departed, leaving her to the vigil.
She looked out on the city once again, but this time, it seemed a little brighter. Perhaps I might make it here after all. Hopefully, Adam will let me join the team. Meantime, I can help everyone and keep learning something in the process. Looking at her watch, she saw it was 11:30. Hmm...almost time to meet up with Logan. She grinned to herself, thinking how he had arranged for a gourmet dinner for tonight.
Things were definitely looking up, but for how long? One could never know. All they could do was live for the moment, and deal with the future as it came.
THE END (for now)
(Thanks for reading this piece and for your interest! Now, that you've met the U of A's special freshmen and I've set up all of the events, now it's time to set the events in motion. In the next piece, "Sins of the Fathers", Dave and company set out for their class reunion as well as their families' gathering to celebrate Miri's homecoming. What happens will shock everyone as the GSA spoils both parties. Stay tuned!
If you want to keep up with the Dubois Chronicles, go to my site at http://dante6.fanspace.com/dubois/dubois.html and sign up for the DuboisChronicleUpdates group on Yahoo Groups.
Thanks again for your interest!)