Windows
Summary: A blast from Emma's past causes trouble with the team. Takes place sometime after the episode with Emma's friend Michelle.
Disclaimer: I don't own the show or the characters; I just like to play with them.
Author's note: The rating may change to PG due to some mild language. This is my first published fanfic, so be kind! Constructive criticism is welcomed as is any other review, except for flames, they will be ignored.
Chapter 1: Stood Up?
It was a typical night club, dark with brightly colored lights flashing on dancing bodies and air filled with smoke and the low thumping beat of the music.
Emma carefully made her way over to the bar, fanning her flushed cheeks with one hand as she leaned against the wood and waited for the bar tender to notice her.
"Another water?" She asked over the noise when she finally had his attention.
He raised one pierced eyebrow, "What, no fun for the designated driver?" he responded.
She just shrugged one black clad shoulder. She could hardly tell him that she couldn't afford to let her senses be dulled as she expected to run into covert government agent types any minute now and would probably have to fight her way out.
As she waited for her water, Emma casually scanned the crowd, her blue eyes briefly meeting those of her teammates. A brief head shake indicated what she had suspected. So far, there was no sight of the GSA goon squad that Adam thought might show up, or the New Mutant they were watching for.
The bar tender returned with her water and she indicated to Shalimar, who was closest to her, that she was going to check outside. She made her unhurried way to a doorway that lead to the back alley, a place where clubbers often went to catch a breath of cooler, quieter air.
For the time being, the alleyway was empty. She leaned against the wall next to the door and looked up into the sky. The lights blotted out the stars, but she could just see the curve of the moon above the next building.
Adam and the Double Helix were up there, somewhere, waiting, just in case they might need to make a speedy getaway. Emma smoothed a hand through her hair, speaking softly into the night. "No sign so far. Shalimar says we should give it 'til ll." She had no doubt the silver ring on her finger would broadcast the message to Adam.
The door next to her opened and a 20 something male came out into the alley. Emma gave him no attention as he walked quickly to the end of the alley and lit a cigarette. They were looking for a girl, one who might or might not have gotten the message that this club was no longer safe for New Mutants.
* * * *
Shalimar looked around the dance floor. Even without using her feral senses, she could still see better than the average human and her eyes saw no sign of the young woman Adam had sent them to find.
She casually strolled over to a table being shared by two good looking men who were sipping drinks. She leaned up against the table and leaned in as if flirting with them, but her words were anything but flirtatious. "You know, if this were a date, I'd say we've been stood up. Emma went to check the alley just in case, but I don't think she's going to show."
The taller of the two men, Brennan Mulwray shook his head ruefully. "I'd have to agree with you, Shal. I think Adam's source let us down." His companion, Jesse Kilmartin, caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.
"Don't speak too soon, guys. I think our party is about to be crashed." He nodded toward a set of four men dressed in black trench coats who marched into the bar.
"Those guys really need a fashion consultant," Shalimar commented. "I mean, who wears that stuff to a bar anyway?"
"I haven't seen any sign of the girl, so let's just wait and see what they do," Jesse suggested.
"Fine by me," Brennan agreed. Shalimar just sighed. She'd been looking forward to some action as usual.
The four GSA men not so casually surveyed the crowd. They even took the time to peer into the faces of a few of the dancers, but apparently none of them fit the description of the poor New Mutant Eckhart was hunting.
"I'm kinda surprised there's only four of them. Don't they usually come in six packs?" Shalimar joked. She was amazed at the arrogance of the goons. "They must not be too worried about Marie's New Mutant powers if they only sent four."
The group of agents circulated in a calculated manner through the room. They barely even glanced at the table, none of the team resembled the girl they were looking for. At the far side of the dance floor, they reassembled and started a little conference.
"I wish I were a fly on that wall," Shalimar said. "I can just imagine Eckhart complaining about the costs of a fouled ambush."
"Um, guys, is it just me or are they heading for the alley door?" Jesse asked.
"Emma's still out there!" Brennan responded already rising to his feet.
"Maybe this won't be a wasted evening after all," Shalimar commented as she moved toward the door, her smoky eyes glowing feral green.
* * * *
Emma was reaching for the door when it flew open in her face and the four conspicuously dressed men spread out n the alley facing her. Instantly she went into a defensive position, focusing her total attention on the men.
"Hey!" A voice spoke from behind her. "Don't you think four against one is a little unfair?"
Five heads swiveled around to stare at the speaker, apparently a common bystander who decided to get involved.
The four goons exchanged a glance and the tallest one, evidently designated as the team leader for this mission, stepped forward and pulled out some sort of badge. "Don't interfere. We've been sent by the government to apprehend this criminal."
Emma had to give them credit for thinking on their toes. These GSA idiots may have missed their New Mutant prey, but they knew that bringing in a known member of Mutant X would go a long way towards appeasing Eckhart.
"Where's your warrant?" the bystander demanded, casually flicking out his cigarette on the ground. The goon squad leader looked confused. "Come on," the smoker taunted, "surely you know she doesn't have to go with you if you don't have a warrant?"
The leader opened his mouth as if to respond, but the door forcibly hit his back as the other three members of Mutant X arrived. Realizing themselves to be effectively outnumbered, the GSA group remembered that discretion is the better part of valor and decided that a tactical retreat was in order. Without another word, the four skirted around the Mutant X team and went back into the bar.
Emma and the other relaxed their stance a bit and Emma turned to face her unlikely champion. "Thanks for your help," she said. "Those guys…," her voice gradually trailed off as she got a good look at the man's face. "Derrick?"
"Emma?"
AN: Ok so I know there wasn't much action, but I stink at writing action. I'll try for more in the next chapter.