Disclaimer: None of it's mine, with the sole exception of Nancy who is my creation who, for some odd reason keeps appearing.

A/N: Big thanks to my beta, Jane Gray for all of the support, info, and history expert. I am not a Political Science major for a very good reason folks, so sorry for all the mistakes that might creep in due to that fact. And as always...feedback really makes a difference so please take a minute to comment! :)


Chapter 4

Place-southern California, a small, elite club in the heart of Pasadena

Time- four weeks have past

A well-dressed woman walked up to the entrance, where a bouncer was guarding the door. She wore an elegant black silk pants suit, her hair curled gently, and the crowd seemed to melt away for her. The man looked her over, not bothering to hide the fact as his eyes roamed over her body. "Who are you?"

Her voice was smooth, and wove its way sleepily into his brain. "My name is Jae Lee, I believe I'm on the list."

His eyes flickered downward over the list in his hand unseeing, nodding he stood aside, blushing slightly. "Of course, I apologize for not recognizing you. Please come in." The door was opened for her, and the murmur of voices buzzed as she entered the dark interior.

The club was small, reserved for the elite of the elite. Music pulsed, the dance floor throbbing with people, and she strode past them, seeking out the person she came to see. Once past the dancers, the club cleared to an area filled with tables and booths where groups of people were talking quietly. Elite or not, legalities were often lacking from many of the discussions. In one far corner, she spotted her, a middle-aged woman laughing and drinking with a contingent of her friends. Weaving around the bustling bodies, she arrived at the table.

The older woman paused mid-sip of her whiskey and looked inquiringly at her. "Yes?"

"You knew my father, Howard Lee?" Her expression was neutral, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

"Yes, yes he was a good friend of mine. How can I help you?" The woman indicated a seat beside her, and Jubilee took the proffered chair.

"I believe we can be of mutual assistance to each other." Jubilee paused and looked pointedly at the other people at the table. Taking the hint, the woman motioned for them to leave. Once they were alone, she took another sip of her drink.

"Now, what do you have that's so valuable to me?"

Jubilee pulled a small file from her coat and handed it to her. "This was made aware to me just last week, my sources tell me that your opponent plans to use these against you. I thought it best you know."

Julianna Pearson's face paled as she opened the folder, flipping through the contents in horror, before shutting it shut and looking around her in panic. "Where did you get this?"

"Needless to say, that wouldn't be prudent for me to tell you. But, I think we can both agree that if your opponent releases this, your chances for election are nil."

"So what do you want from me, is this some kind of blackmail?" Julianna tucked the file in her jacket with shaking hands.

"No, I merely trying to help. I do have resources that will eliminate the problem, I only need two things in return."

Slinging back what was left of her drink, she signaled the waiter for more. "What?" she asked wearily.

Jubilee laid a hand on her arm, leaning forward sincerely. "I want to make sure you get to presidency, you're the only candidate that represents the concerns of women in the nation. I only ask that you allow me to help your campaign and secondly, I want to be put in charge of your protection."

Pearson took the glass from the waiter, and looked at her in disbelief. "Why the hell are you doing this? Besides, my men take quite good care of me."

"Indeed. So well that you're willing to trust your life in their hands with a contract out on you?"

"And why I should I believe you?"

"As I've said before, your opponent does not want you to get into power, and he is willing to use any means necessary. My contacts inform me that he will make an attempt on your life within the next few weeks. Believe it or not, my father cared deeply for you and believed that you could contribute to this nation. Let's say I am trying to protect what he had so much hope in." Jubilee took a small card from her pocket. "Think about it."

Julianna picked up the business card, and slipped it inside her pocket. "And the file?"

The young woman paused for a moment, the soft silk swishing softly. "I'll take care of it, call it...a gesture of good faith." Nodding to the woman, she walked out flipping open her cell phone once she was safely in her limousine. "Emma?"

"Yes?" The cool voice betrayed nothing to anyone who might have tapped into the phone line.

"It's done. Completion should happen before the week's out."

"Good. Be careful."

Jubilee shut off the cell, and pressed the intercom to her driver. "Let's go home." The limo slid silently into the night to an apartment that Jubilee had acquired in the city. Her mind was tired as she traveled home, otherwise she would've been more perceptive of a presence that was lurking outside the club, watching her leave.

-in-

-Westchester-

"So what has the Guild turned up on Mystique?" Charles asked Gambit who was sitting across from him.

Gambit shook his head. "Ne rien, nothing. I call in favors from de tieves and assassins' guild and I got nothing. No one 'as seen de femme."

"Has anyone found anything?" Desperation sharpened Charles's tone, and the team looked at him in surprise. "We are out of options people, we need to think a plan, our very lives are at stake."

"Is there any hope of getting through to either of them?" Jean asked.

"From what we've seen in the last two weeks, no. The race is so close that neither can take up an issue like a pro-mutant stance without taking a huge hit in votes."

"Have you talked to Magneto at all?"

Charles shook his head. "No, currently he is too weak to do anything on a global scale, let alone national. If they were to do something, it would be subtle."

"Like Kelly, non?" Gambit said softly.

-in-

Perched high on top of the richest corporations in the world, was the office of one Emma Frost. She barely used the room once she had taken up teaching Generation X, but since their graduation she had found more time to deal with her company on a more hands on method.

Her office was something that she had decorated herself, designed to intimidate anyone on the wrong side of the desk. Every item exuded elegance and class, carefully placed for the greatest effect. Currently, the president of Frost Enterprise was at her desk working on some papers, when her secretary rang.

"Ms. Frost?" The gentle British voice asked.

"Yes, Nancy?"

"I have a Ms. Davis here to see you. She says it's in regard to her employer." Emma caught the faint hint of dislike in Nancy's voice.

"Let her in and then call up for some refreshments." Emma remained seated as a short woman walked in. Jordan Davis was a delicate looking woman, her wispy brown hair falling softly on her shoulders, setting off her deep brown eyes, looking totally unsuited for a life in politics. After the two shook hands, Emma motioned to the chair. "Please sit, and tell me what you need."

Jordan smiled seemingly oblivious to the expansive richness around her. "It has been made know to us that you are now back, so to speak, from your excursion as headmistress at the Academy for Gifted Youngsters. Needless to say, Mr. Roberts has been extremely impressed with your ability to handle things, and was wondering if you would care to join him."

"As what specifically?" Emma handed the woman a cup of tea that Nancy had brought in.

"You are well known as having an extensive background in the field of public relations. The very size of your company attests to that fact. Mr. Roberts, really needs an advisor of sorts, to help him move within the business world, introduce him, make him welcome. You would well compensated for your time and effort."

Emma frowned, stirring sugar into her tea. "Surely, your employer has other people he can use for such an endeavor. I fail to see how I could be of any use."

"Let me be frank, Ms Frost. Mr. Roberts has followed your career for quite a few years and he is quite impressed with your record. You built up the multi-national, billion-dollar company from the ground up within ten years, something no one would have thought possible. You have talents and Mr. Roberts hopes to use them. It's well known that you're a economic genius with an unbelievable talent for creating and keeping high-profile relationships, relationships that he needs to win this election." The woman's face was sincere as she straightened her jacket slightly.

"You've made you're case very well, but I still can't see what Roberts has that he can offer me."

Jordan pulled a file from her briefcase and slid it across the desk. "He believes this will suffice."

Opening the folder, Emma glanced at the contents. "Interesting. Does he actually think he can pull it off?"

"Mr. Roberts has already done so, it's yours for the taking once you agree."

Emma stood up and walked to her windows overlooking New York, gazing down at the lighted streets and bustling cars. Gentling probing the woman's mind, Emma found that she was telling the truth. Walking back to the desk she held out her hand. "Done. Tell Roberts that he has my support. My secretary will inform you how to contact me." The two women shook hands, and Emma escorted Jordan out of the office.

Once the doors were closed she flipped open the file, it contained ownership papers for the most elite genetics research company in the world. Vector Genetics was the leading facility and several months ago, Emma had made discrete inquiries about acquiring them. Although she had made no move to purchase them since, she had let it be known that she was after Vector Genetics, providing a convenient opportunity to join with Sen. Roberts.

She smiled as she walked back to the window, allowing herself the luxury of a sense of satisfaction. "Excellent."

-in-

Three days had gone by since Jubilee's meeting with Sen. Pearson, and she had used the time to prepare for the next few weeks. Her blunt shoulder length haircut had been sculpted in a professional looking hairstyle that hung in waves around her face. Jubilee's makeup had also been toned down, with a more natural look, concentrating on a more mature appearance, older than her 18 years. Old photos, knickknacks and personal items were sent to Xavier's mansion, tucked away in the basement until she came back for them. Charles had talked to her only a few days ago, congratulating her on her choice of working in Emma's company and understood her decision to break away from the X-men for a few years. He wished her well, telling her that she would always be welcome and hung up the phone. It pained Jubilee to lie to Xavier, but she couldn't afford to have him interfere. There was too much at stake. Similar calls were made to her teammates, and after she set the phone down from her conversation with Angelo, she finally completed the separation of her life as a mutant.

The one person she hadn't been able to get a hold of was Logan, and it bothered her that she didn't know where he was. Jubilee had been told that he was in Japan, helping a friend that had called in an old favor. "Typical." was her only response, ignoring the sharp prick of jealousy in her stomach.

Sighing, she turned on the television to CNN, where one of the announcers was revealing breaking news.

"CNN, has just confirmed reports that an attempt was made on Sen. Pearson's life. Julianna Pearson was giving a speech at the Women's Community Center for Rape and Domestic Abuse Counseling when a gunman emerged from the crowd and fired five shots. Eyewitnesses say that none of the shots hit their mark, but the senator was quickly rushed to the hospital. Correspondent Peter Wilson is on the scene now. Peter?"

"Yes, Wendy. The scene at Mercy General is one of intense chaos. Throngs of her supporters have been clamoring to hear of her status since she was admitted to the emergency care section just less than an hour ago. Wait just one second, I'm receiving news...Yes, it has been confirmed that the senator received a flesh wound, not fatal and is currently recovering in a private room in the hospital. More after these..."

The television clicked off, and Jubilee strolled to her kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. Taking a sip of the cold liquid she reached for the phone as it started ringing.

"Hello?...Yes, I've been expecting your call. Have you made your decision?....Good, I'll see you tomorrow and I will bring protection. Rest well." Jubilee set the phone down thoughtfully, and walked into her bedroom getting her address book. Punching in the number, she smiled in satisfaction as it began to ring. "Hello, Jean-Luc this Jae Lee. I have a favor to ask of you."

"Mademoiselle Lee, I did make inquiries as to what you asked and I have found two that are fit your requirements."

"Loyalty is of the utmost importance. I cannot have someone who will turn on me the first chance they get."

She could almost hear him shrug. "If dat's so important then mebbe you should use one of your own men. As it is, their loyalty comes at a price."

"Do you have someone or not?" Jubilee allowed a trace of her irritability come through.

"The only person I would trust fully would be my son, Remy Lebeau, but as you say he is a mutant and therefore unsuitable. However, I have worked closely with the woman before, she worked with me for a number of years before moving out onto her own. She is human, her brother was killed last year by KKK members, so I don't believe you would have problems with her loyalty. In the end, of course, it's your choice."

"Indeed, send me the files and let me know when I can return the favor."

"Oui, there are on their way as we speak. Au revior mademoiselle."

Jubilee reviewed the files coming through the fax machine, taking time to look over the details. The two other possibilities were a man and a woman, Taylor Young and Sarah Quincy aside from Gambit. The man was a ex-Navy Seal, who had become a cop once he had retired from the Navy, he was an older, clean-cut looking African American man , and the woman had a background in military special operations, a black-haired woman of african-american descent. Both had more than enough qualifications to be hired, but Jubilee hesitated in her decision.

Looking at Gambit's file, she considered the possibilities of hiring him. Jean had taken over leadership of his team, so he was free to do it and with the members of Gen X graduated, they would have more than enough manpower to protect them. The one thing that made her hesitate was the fact that he was visibly a mutant. No matter how much she wanted to have a friend with her, the possibilities of accidental exposure was too great, no matter precautions were taken.

"Dammit." she swore softly, pacing the room. Sitting down at her desk, she turned on her laptop, typing rapidly at the keys for over a half an hour. With the help of a little hacking, Jubilee had been able to find every record available on the Taylor and Cynthia. Of the numerous files and databases she had searched, and after she had looked over the files, her mind was firmly convinced. Picking up her cell, she dialed the number that was one the file. "Hello? This is Jae Lee, I have job prospect for you. It's imperative that we meet. How soon can you get here?"

-in-

The coffee shop, was filled with people from every walk of life, drinking lattes and discussing matters while eating the biscotti, liberally placed in baskets all over the room. Soft music played in the background, and Jubilee walked in wearing a pair of jeans and a white shirt. After ordering a fruit smoothie, she took her drink to an empty table near the back of the room.

"Jae Lee?" The voice no indication of what the owner thought of her employer's young appearance.

Jubilee turned to the voice to see a tall, woman behind her. "Yes, you must be Sarah. Please, have a seat."

Sitting stiffly down, the buff woman looked slightly out of place in the crowded room. "Jean-Luc recommended me?"

"Yes, he seemed to think that you were able to do the job."

"And what is the job specifically?"

Smiling, Jubilee stirred her drink thoughtfully. "You know better then to ask at this stage. Please keep in mind that while I'm young, I am not stupid."

Sarah's eyes flashed. "I do not go into a job until I know the specifics. It prevents interests from clashing later on in the deal."

"Fair enough. It's a high-profile security detail for a two year period. After the two years we can renegotiate or if you feel the need, leave."

"Who will I be guarding?"

"Let's just say a politician."

"The pay?"

"Two million. One million starting and then the other at the end of two years along with a bonus of another million if you do your job right and the person lives."

Expressionless, Sarah sat back thoughtfully and looked at the woman in front of her, her mind calculating, and assessing Jubilee's character. "That's quite a bit of money. What's the risk?"

Pleased that she wasn't dealing with a fool, Jubilee elaborated. "No more than any other bodyguard job. Due to the high profile nature of person, assassination attempts might be more frequent but I need the person to kept alive. It is essential that I know they're taken care of so that I can work. Also, your first loyalty would be to me and me alone. There is no room for gray areas in this respect. One last thing is that I need to take samples of your blood on occasion. Call it an extra security measure." She looked at Sarah inquiringly. "So?"

"I can guarantee my loyalty as long as you never cross me and that the politician is not Senator Roberts. If you agree, then you have my loyalty for the period of two years while I'm under contract. Afterwards, I will keep whatever happens to myself as a matter of client confidentiality."

"I can assure you Roberts is one of the last people I would try and hire protection for. As for the rest, you have a deal. The money has already been wired to your account. How long take you to get ready?"

Shaking Jubilee's hand, Sarah blinked thoughtfully. "Perhaps two hours. Where will I meet you?" Keeping her hand steady, she let Jubilee prick her pinky and a drop of blood oozed out.

Sliding the stick into a tiny machine, Jubilee waited a few minutes for the machine to run the scans on the blood. Beeping twice, it confirmed Sarah's status as a human and she put the hand held machine in her jean pocket. Pulling out a business card, Jubilee handed it to Sarah. "Meet me at my home, once you arrive we will go and meet the person I want you to protect."

Sarah nodded and slipped out of the crowd within seconds. Jubilee took a long sip of her smoothie, her minding running over what would happen in the next months. For better or worse, it had been started and for the life of her, Jubilee still wasn't sure if she was one of the good guys, clinging to the one hope that all of it would work out in the end. The back of her neck tingled, as if someone was watching her and she whirled around to find no one around her. Shivering slightly, she finished the rest of her drink while watching the college kids that in any other life, would have been her.

-in-