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-
