Disclaimer: Nope, no money here.
Notes: Yup, enough boredom has actually inspired creative-ness!
Rating: PG-13
***
Chapter 5
We entered Earth's atmosphere about 5:46pm, second day of November. Let's dwell on a few details about the place we call home. First of all, The Battle wasn't your typical battle. Our powers were hardly used at all, except to dodge. The Seconds had shields against most of the worst of us, unless you got really close to them, then they were up to physical defense. That's why we won the war. When push came to shove, they couldn't beat our physical prowess.
The initial battle tore up the ozone layer. Seriously. It made the once clear blue sky streaked with blood red. I have no clue how, ask Hank for that one. So now, the air is tainted, in more ways than one. Acid storms are quiet frequent and the actual air is frigid. No more nighttime rides for Rogue. That's what I missed the most.
What we live in...you're not going to believe this, are bubbles. Seriously, they look like huge bubbles caught on the surface of a lake, the ones that haven't popped yet. There are five of them. That's all that's left. Canada, the US and all that ...one. South America...two. ALL of Asia and Europe, including Japan and the Middle East, three. Africa...four. Australia...five. There are monitored entrances and exits so no Seconds get into our perimeters. There are no beaches, or sunsets ...as everything seen through the bubble is horribly distorted ...there are no parks, or trees, food is synthetic and air is controlled like a huge air-conditioner. Water is gathered from the seas, where it is put through tons of strenuous tests and purifying procedures before used for drinking. We don't have showers, Hank developed a "germ-purifying" ...not the technical term by the way, system for water conservation. It still doesn't beat a nice, hot shower, but we've learned to deal. Most of everything is solar. Basically because the sun's rays were enhanced and are well enough sufficient to power us through nights, and even some solar eclipses.
One odd thing about the Seconds, is that they are shells. Almost literally. They have no brain, blood, or bones. They can look like us, or talk like us, but they can't pass an X-ray. That's what we have at every checkpoint. No one can quiet figure out how they function. We believe there has to be some kind of central head controlling them. One thing good about that, is when you blow them up, they make a satisfying popping sound, complete with about 8 quarts of lovely clear goo that resembles the best Hollywood snot.
I wake up with a start as the computer's droned out voice...sounding exactly like Xavier...introduces us to Earth's atmosphere. My sudden movement makes Remy wake up. The only reason I know is because his body tenses up, his sudden instinct is to pretend to stay asleep, but once he realizes he's not in any danger, he relaxes. His arms had surprisingly stayed around me the entire time, he gives me a brief squeeze, before letting me up. I plant a kiss on his cheek and stride smoothly over to the control panels, taking the ship off auto-pilot to glide her into the port, which is basically like a huge garage that sucks all the air out, and then fills with air again once we are inside. Our ship was named ...affectionately Dawning Summers. The last part is pretty obvious, but the first part pertains to our new beginning in this lifestyle that none of us chose.
Remy comes up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist just as we land. "Ya know, chere, you incredibly sexy when ya operate da heavy machinery." He plants a soft kiss on my neck, before pulling back and starting to gather our stuff together. We had been on this blasted thing for 6 months now. We were both ready to be on Earth for a little while, even if it wasn't the same.
The hatch lowered, and we stepped out, with a pack on both of our backs. We traveled lightly. Going through the door to the main room, we were greeted by a loud reception from all of our friends. Everyone was standing around, anticipating our arrival until we entered, then we were crowded around.
First was Jubilation Lee. She was older, and taller, even though she hadn't filled out very much. She was lithe and built like a gymnast with very few curves. She still wore her hair in the same short style, only she lost the earrings and the long yellow jacket. She did retain a few of the colored bracelets, and her suit was yellow. She was a quiet girl now, more solemn. Probably the one who changed the most emotionally. "Heya guys, how'd it go?" She embraced each of us, eyes lingering on Remy for the report.
"We blew dos sucka's raght outta da sky." There were a few mingled reactions from various teammates.
Jubilee smiled wider and nodded. "Good job guys!" Showing more enthusiasm in that statement than I have seen her encompass in a while.
Storm had her turn with us next. The exotic African beauty, with the mane of platinum hair had changed very little. There were a few more wrinkles on her near flawless face, and those startling blue eyes were clouded over more often than not. "I am glad for your safe return, my friends. But do you think that conclusion was the best one for your journey? You were sent there to make a peaceful negotiation."
"Now 'Ro, ya've see these things at work. Ya know what they're capable of. I'm sure if the Cajun felt destroyin' 'em was the best way ta go, then that's all we need ta know." The stocky Canadian looked exactly the same. His healing factor kept him from changing at all.
Hank had probably changed the most out of everyone. His blue fur was salted with gray and his large hands shook a little more as he peered under a microscope, or turned a page in his favorite book. It's not that he was getting old. It seems the change to Earth had affected him most directly. Oddly enough, there is no explanation for his rapid aging. "I believe we should let our comrades explain."
I was most interested as well, Remy had left out any details. The only thing I had seen was the ship blowing the proverbial sky high.
Remy breaks up our little get together by walking through everyone, and plopping down in the first chair he came to. A heavy shrug of those broad shoulders, and he rubbed his eyes with a free hand. "Gambit was tryin' ta made de peaceful talks, said everyt'ing de Professer discussed wit' him. Den, outta de blue, dey started shootin' at Gambit. Dey made me leave my weapons on my odder ship, so Ah charged dere ship, an' high tailed it outta here."
He was lying. I could tell. I was surprised, as long as the rest of the team had been around him that they couldn't tell. It was so obvious! Just look at how he rubbed his leg, an old battle injury. He never did that. But the dead give away, was when he flicked his eye towards me. They said something. One of those "I'll tell ya later" type of deals.
The team accepted it, a mingled response, the words I didn't really concentrate on as I made my way to one of the chairs as well. As I passed by Remy, his snaked his arms out and pulled me to him, making me plop down in his lap. I gratefully curled there, closing my eyes, knowing he was up to more than wanting a little down time with me.
Soon, just as I expected, I felt his warm breath against my ear, words forming there. "Dat isn't de reason Ah blew up de ship."
I nodded. See? He can't hide anything from me anymore.
"Tell ya 'bout it later, chere." He gave a loud "smack" to my ear which made me dart up, recoiling from him. He laughed, getting up and heading to our bedroom. He had the oddest sense of humor.
I sat there, in the air, legs crossed indian-style just thinking. What reason would he have for hiding some kind of information from the other X-men? Well, I guess I'd find out soon enough, but damned if I didn't hate it when he played all secretive from me.
"X-Men, join me in the conference room. There is something I have to tell you. Oh, and Welcome Back Rogue, Remy. Good job." That came over the loudspeaker nearly directly above my head. That was about as excited for "The Cause" as Charles Xavier ever got now. It was hard to keep his spirits up after his No. 1 Ace bit the dust. God Rest His Soul.
I straightened my legs, and flew the rest of the way to the "conference room." He decided to change things. If it was a crisis, it was the "Danger Room" if it was just to talk, it was the "conference room." There rarely were any dangers anymore, a breach in security or protocol was the worst of it. Alien invasions ended the call for "Danger Room."
This was defiantly not how it used to be. I was second in the room. Remy, first. Now I know how Scott and Jean felt. They had to be the leaders. Imagine what the rest of the team would have started thinking if they had just decided to show up last. Morale was low enough in our people for us to start acting like they did. One, by one, the X-Men filed in, with Jean Grey being last. Once again, things have defiantly changed. No, wait, things really have been screwed over. Professor Xavier was last. I wasn't the only one who noticed it. Remy looked at me about the same time that I shot him a look. This was getting out of hand. But how to fix it? What would Scott do would be the more important question, and why did Remy and I seem to be the only ones who noticed it? I had a personal theory, but it was awfully romantic and didn't belong in these times. We were in love. The world stopped for us. It was easier to see what was wrong and what needed to be changed for the simple fact that our love for each other has kept us young. Told ya.
While I was spacing off, the Professor had begun his "introductions" and was just now beginning what he called us in here for. For some reason, he looked twice as solemn as he usually did...and there was something else. His eyes, they sparkled. I could tell that he was trying to hide something. Prof. ...excited? Since when. That perked my interest and I started to listen more intently.
"X-Men." He seemed at a loss for words, he bowed his shining head, closing his eyes a moment as though trying to gather his thoughts. Instantly, that seemed to have an impact on everyone in the room. They all stood up a little straighter, they're eyes got a bit more focused. Even Jean, who had lost her eyes, seemed to sense what was going on. "X-Men...something I could have never anticipated has occurred." Another pause. "First, let me begin by telling you that under the diligent effort of Dr. McCoy, we now have a machine that can defy the very essence of time. He has perfected it, however with it, comes grave responsibility. This responsibility has given you a new purpose X-Men. A new mission in life. This is what I wish to reveal to you today. But I am not even near able to convey your purpose as good as I should be able to. Let me just show you." Turning his craft around to the doorway that he came from, he beckons a figure that I don't think anyone had noticed. Not even Logan. Coming into the light, our jaws drop. Everyone was stunned into silence, and flicking my eyes towards the Prof, a satisfied smirk came to his lips. That cocky bastard sure does know how to keep a secret. Now someone has some explaining to do.
***
Ta Da! I bet no one thought I would ever continue it! Now, before you get your pitch-forks and spears, I need some reviews. No, I'm only partly being selfish, but mainly, I want to know what ya'll think of the dialog between Rogue, Remy, and the rest of the team when they first arrive. Personally, I think it sucks. But in order to finish the chapter, I had to get through that. So! Now, with your mission in life firmly grasped, go! Click that button. You know you want to.
Notes: Yup, enough boredom has actually inspired creative-ness!
Rating: PG-13
***
Chapter 5
We entered Earth's atmosphere about 5:46pm, second day of November. Let's dwell on a few details about the place we call home. First of all, The Battle wasn't your typical battle. Our powers were hardly used at all, except to dodge. The Seconds had shields against most of the worst of us, unless you got really close to them, then they were up to physical defense. That's why we won the war. When push came to shove, they couldn't beat our physical prowess.
The initial battle tore up the ozone layer. Seriously. It made the once clear blue sky streaked with blood red. I have no clue how, ask Hank for that one. So now, the air is tainted, in more ways than one. Acid storms are quiet frequent and the actual air is frigid. No more nighttime rides for Rogue. That's what I missed the most.
What we live in...you're not going to believe this, are bubbles. Seriously, they look like huge bubbles caught on the surface of a lake, the ones that haven't popped yet. There are five of them. That's all that's left. Canada, the US and all that ...one. South America...two. ALL of Asia and Europe, including Japan and the Middle East, three. Africa...four. Australia...five. There are monitored entrances and exits so no Seconds get into our perimeters. There are no beaches, or sunsets ...as everything seen through the bubble is horribly distorted ...there are no parks, or trees, food is synthetic and air is controlled like a huge air-conditioner. Water is gathered from the seas, where it is put through tons of strenuous tests and purifying procedures before used for drinking. We don't have showers, Hank developed a "germ-purifying" ...not the technical term by the way, system for water conservation. It still doesn't beat a nice, hot shower, but we've learned to deal. Most of everything is solar. Basically because the sun's rays were enhanced and are well enough sufficient to power us through nights, and even some solar eclipses.
One odd thing about the Seconds, is that they are shells. Almost literally. They have no brain, blood, or bones. They can look like us, or talk like us, but they can't pass an X-ray. That's what we have at every checkpoint. No one can quiet figure out how they function. We believe there has to be some kind of central head controlling them. One thing good about that, is when you blow them up, they make a satisfying popping sound, complete with about 8 quarts of lovely clear goo that resembles the best Hollywood snot.
I wake up with a start as the computer's droned out voice...sounding exactly like Xavier...introduces us to Earth's atmosphere. My sudden movement makes Remy wake up. The only reason I know is because his body tenses up, his sudden instinct is to pretend to stay asleep, but once he realizes he's not in any danger, he relaxes. His arms had surprisingly stayed around me the entire time, he gives me a brief squeeze, before letting me up. I plant a kiss on his cheek and stride smoothly over to the control panels, taking the ship off auto-pilot to glide her into the port, which is basically like a huge garage that sucks all the air out, and then fills with air again once we are inside. Our ship was named ...affectionately Dawning Summers. The last part is pretty obvious, but the first part pertains to our new beginning in this lifestyle that none of us chose.
Remy comes up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist just as we land. "Ya know, chere, you incredibly sexy when ya operate da heavy machinery." He plants a soft kiss on my neck, before pulling back and starting to gather our stuff together. We had been on this blasted thing for 6 months now. We were both ready to be on Earth for a little while, even if it wasn't the same.
The hatch lowered, and we stepped out, with a pack on both of our backs. We traveled lightly. Going through the door to the main room, we were greeted by a loud reception from all of our friends. Everyone was standing around, anticipating our arrival until we entered, then we were crowded around.
First was Jubilation Lee. She was older, and taller, even though she hadn't filled out very much. She was lithe and built like a gymnast with very few curves. She still wore her hair in the same short style, only she lost the earrings and the long yellow jacket. She did retain a few of the colored bracelets, and her suit was yellow. She was a quiet girl now, more solemn. Probably the one who changed the most emotionally. "Heya guys, how'd it go?" She embraced each of us, eyes lingering on Remy for the report.
"We blew dos sucka's raght outta da sky." There were a few mingled reactions from various teammates.
Jubilee smiled wider and nodded. "Good job guys!" Showing more enthusiasm in that statement than I have seen her encompass in a while.
Storm had her turn with us next. The exotic African beauty, with the mane of platinum hair had changed very little. There were a few more wrinkles on her near flawless face, and those startling blue eyes were clouded over more often than not. "I am glad for your safe return, my friends. But do you think that conclusion was the best one for your journey? You were sent there to make a peaceful negotiation."
"Now 'Ro, ya've see these things at work. Ya know what they're capable of. I'm sure if the Cajun felt destroyin' 'em was the best way ta go, then that's all we need ta know." The stocky Canadian looked exactly the same. His healing factor kept him from changing at all.
Hank had probably changed the most out of everyone. His blue fur was salted with gray and his large hands shook a little more as he peered under a microscope, or turned a page in his favorite book. It's not that he was getting old. It seems the change to Earth had affected him most directly. Oddly enough, there is no explanation for his rapid aging. "I believe we should let our comrades explain."
I was most interested as well, Remy had left out any details. The only thing I had seen was the ship blowing the proverbial sky high.
Remy breaks up our little get together by walking through everyone, and plopping down in the first chair he came to. A heavy shrug of those broad shoulders, and he rubbed his eyes with a free hand. "Gambit was tryin' ta made de peaceful talks, said everyt'ing de Professer discussed wit' him. Den, outta de blue, dey started shootin' at Gambit. Dey made me leave my weapons on my odder ship, so Ah charged dere ship, an' high tailed it outta here."
He was lying. I could tell. I was surprised, as long as the rest of the team had been around him that they couldn't tell. It was so obvious! Just look at how he rubbed his leg, an old battle injury. He never did that. But the dead give away, was when he flicked his eye towards me. They said something. One of those "I'll tell ya later" type of deals.
The team accepted it, a mingled response, the words I didn't really concentrate on as I made my way to one of the chairs as well. As I passed by Remy, his snaked his arms out and pulled me to him, making me plop down in his lap. I gratefully curled there, closing my eyes, knowing he was up to more than wanting a little down time with me.
Soon, just as I expected, I felt his warm breath against my ear, words forming there. "Dat isn't de reason Ah blew up de ship."
I nodded. See? He can't hide anything from me anymore.
"Tell ya 'bout it later, chere." He gave a loud "smack" to my ear which made me dart up, recoiling from him. He laughed, getting up and heading to our bedroom. He had the oddest sense of humor.
I sat there, in the air, legs crossed indian-style just thinking. What reason would he have for hiding some kind of information from the other X-men? Well, I guess I'd find out soon enough, but damned if I didn't hate it when he played all secretive from me.
"X-Men, join me in the conference room. There is something I have to tell you. Oh, and Welcome Back Rogue, Remy. Good job." That came over the loudspeaker nearly directly above my head. That was about as excited for "The Cause" as Charles Xavier ever got now. It was hard to keep his spirits up after his No. 1 Ace bit the dust. God Rest His Soul.
I straightened my legs, and flew the rest of the way to the "conference room." He decided to change things. If it was a crisis, it was the "Danger Room" if it was just to talk, it was the "conference room." There rarely were any dangers anymore, a breach in security or protocol was the worst of it. Alien invasions ended the call for "Danger Room."
This was defiantly not how it used to be. I was second in the room. Remy, first. Now I know how Scott and Jean felt. They had to be the leaders. Imagine what the rest of the team would have started thinking if they had just decided to show up last. Morale was low enough in our people for us to start acting like they did. One, by one, the X-Men filed in, with Jean Grey being last. Once again, things have defiantly changed. No, wait, things really have been screwed over. Professor Xavier was last. I wasn't the only one who noticed it. Remy looked at me about the same time that I shot him a look. This was getting out of hand. But how to fix it? What would Scott do would be the more important question, and why did Remy and I seem to be the only ones who noticed it? I had a personal theory, but it was awfully romantic and didn't belong in these times. We were in love. The world stopped for us. It was easier to see what was wrong and what needed to be changed for the simple fact that our love for each other has kept us young. Told ya.
While I was spacing off, the Professor had begun his "introductions" and was just now beginning what he called us in here for. For some reason, he looked twice as solemn as he usually did...and there was something else. His eyes, they sparkled. I could tell that he was trying to hide something. Prof. ...excited? Since when. That perked my interest and I started to listen more intently.
"X-Men." He seemed at a loss for words, he bowed his shining head, closing his eyes a moment as though trying to gather his thoughts. Instantly, that seemed to have an impact on everyone in the room. They all stood up a little straighter, they're eyes got a bit more focused. Even Jean, who had lost her eyes, seemed to sense what was going on. "X-Men...something I could have never anticipated has occurred." Another pause. "First, let me begin by telling you that under the diligent effort of Dr. McCoy, we now have a machine that can defy the very essence of time. He has perfected it, however with it, comes grave responsibility. This responsibility has given you a new purpose X-Men. A new mission in life. This is what I wish to reveal to you today. But I am not even near able to convey your purpose as good as I should be able to. Let me just show you." Turning his craft around to the doorway that he came from, he beckons a figure that I don't think anyone had noticed. Not even Logan. Coming into the light, our jaws drop. Everyone was stunned into silence, and flicking my eyes towards the Prof, a satisfied smirk came to his lips. That cocky bastard sure does know how to keep a secret. Now someone has some explaining to do.
***
Ta Da! I bet no one thought I would ever continue it! Now, before you get your pitch-forks and spears, I need some reviews. No, I'm only partly being selfish, but mainly, I want to know what ya'll think of the dialog between Rogue, Remy, and the rest of the team when they first arrive. Personally, I think it sucks. But in order to finish the chapter, I had to get through that. So! Now, with your mission in life firmly grasped, go! Click that button. You know you want to.