April 2002
She wiped the tears from her face, but it was no use: more just fell to replace them. In her room, alone for the first time in days, she clutched the brown-paper wrapped package like she would die without it. Maybe she would. Her hands trembled and shook violently as she ripped the outer packaging, but stopped when she saw contents. She'd known what it was from the moment they gave it to her four weeks ago, but couldn't bring herself to open it until now. With everything that had happened since then, she didn't really have enough time to do it. There was always somebody around her, even in her room – checking on her, trying to make sure she didn't have the complete emotional breakdown that everyone expected.
If he could see her now, he would've been proud of her strength, she thought – and blinked back another round of tears. She looked down at the videotape in her hands, still shaking… and began to think. The memories came in a jumble at first, but the onslaught soon subsided into an orderly trickle. She remembered it all… what she witnessed and what she had been told… like it was yesterday…
*********
March 2002
Sunday evenings at the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters was usually a relaxing time for its faculty. But this Sunday evening was different. On this day there would be no tranquil walks along the property, no lounging at poolside, no movie-marathons with the students. In fact, the mood this evening was anything BUT calm, cool, and relaxing. Deep below the school, hidden under many feet of concrete and steel, was the secret Ready-Room of the X-Men.
The X-Men were assembled there, along with Professor X and Wise-Son. There was a large computer screen displaying all kinds of information on various topics. Professor X took his place at the head of the meeting table, flanked by Cyclops and Wise-Son. Logan, Jean Grey, and Ororo Munro were seated opposite them. "My X-Men", Professor X started, "I have called you in today to prepare you for a mission that I hoped would never be necessary. When I formed the X-Men, it was to make humanity see that mutants and humans can coexist peacefully and even cooperatively. But I also sought to defuse or sway the flames of war – a war the Erik Lensherr said was inevitable." Charles Xavier's face grew stern and grim. "Today, I see that Erik was indeed right."
"What do you mean Professor?" asked Jean. "I haven't seen anything in the news about any mutant war."
"That's just it Ms. Grey… it would appear that the war between humans and mutants will be a clandestine one: a secret war fought in the shadows. And knowing that it may come to this, I have helped train all of you to not just help others… but to fight. (Turning to Scott) Cyclops, continue with the briefing."
The rest of the team looked at Scott Summers incredulously. He walked in with them… how could he know anything more than they did? "Ahem, (pointing to the computer screen behind him) if you'll take a look at the monitor, you'll see an aerial picture of Dakota's local S.H.R.E.D. headquarters. S.H.R.E.D. is the Special Heavy-equipment Rapid Emergency Division of the Dakota Police Department. It was funded by the federal government, with heavy private donations from this firm (picture changes behind him): ALVA INDUSTRIES."
"Alva?" said Logan, "Sh*t! I don't like where this is going. Those guys are dirty."
"Yes, well…", Scott smirked and continued, "you're going to absolutely HATE this. Alva is more than dirty. Best as we can tell… they're calling all the shots. All of S.H.R.E.D.'s equipment is completely supplied by A.I. (Alva Industries). What's crazy is that A.I. has its own secret PRIVATE security force, called System, which uses the exact SAME equipment – not civilian versions. And folks, this stuff is high-tech, top-of-the-line."
"Like what?" asked Ororo.
"Like medium and heavy battle armor equipped with… (after a brief pause) psi-dampening technology." The words struck the X-Men harder than bullets. The evil implications of this kind of technology were beyond imagination.
"Wha…what do you mean Scott?" Jean's heart skipped a beat as she contemplated how anyone could produce this kind of technology. How could they test it? Why would they even produce it unless it was designed to fight…
"Yes Jean it was", Scott answered her. She suddenly remembered their mental link. Turning to the others, Scott continued, "Alva Industries is the leading technology firm in the illegal super-human genetics research field."
"Leading? You mean there are others?" Ororo asked. She had heard rumors of secret criminal groups doing this sort of thing, but never anything concrete.
"Well Ororo, this field is TECHNICALLY illegal, but with firms like Alva, it is very easy to hide it inside their legitimate research infrastructure. The company manufactures everything from weapons to pharmaceuticals, to household chemicals and items. They also supply a vast amount of equipment to military and paramilitary organizations- like the police. These people are well connected."
"Ok, ok One-Eye, enough with the lectures. What the hell does this mean to US?" Logan hated long speeches as much as Scott loved them.
"Logan, what this means is that Alva is not only aware of psionic mutants, but already knows how to fight them. Chances are they know a lot more about super-powers than even WE do. And Alva is a FOR-profit company. Logan… who do YOU think they're developing all this equipment for?"
Logan's eyes went wide. He suddenly thought if his own past, especially the missing chunks. He rubbed his knuckles, feeling the adamantium implants… knowing full well that he was literally DESIGNED to be a weapon. Why couldn't he remember his past? Did he even HAVE a past? Was he abducted and turned into a weapon, or was he BRED to be a weapon?!?! Did he kill anyone? How many? How did he escape from the people who did this to him? OhmyGod… DID HE ESCAPE?!?! His eyes went wild at the thought of still being controlled by some unknown masters. The sudden rage that overcame him resulted in a loud "SCHUNK"… as his claws popped out. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him, with differing expressions of surprise and compassion on their faces (except Wise-Son).
"Logan, please remain calm", said Professor Xavier. "let Scott finish his briefing. It is very important that you know your roles in the coming assault."
"Assault? Prof…"
"Jean", said Scott, "let me explain. It'll all make sense when I'm done. (Directing the others to look at the monitor) Here's a list of all of the subsidiaries wholly and partly owned by Alva. Now cross reference them against all the companies that are working on some classified government programs, codenamed "Upper-Hand", and you'll notice…"
"It's nearly ALL of them" Ororo gasped as she saw the names of almost all the firms light up in red. Some of these names were familiar, the makers of popular household products. But others were not only unfamiliar, but ominous. What did firms called Sentinel Electronics and Legacy Bio-Tech actually produce? "Professor, how did we get all this information?"
"Over the past few years I've employed a private investigator named Remy Le Beau", said Professor X. "He is a mutant, with a power very similar to the young man called Commando X. However, he serves me more with his… errrr… expertise in clandestine search and seizure."
"He's a thief", spat out Logan.
"Quite Mr. Logan, but one of the very BEST thieves in the world."
"Mr. Le Beau has been getting us info on Alva Industries since the Big Bang riots in Dakota." Scott asked everyone to look at their personal monitors now, because each of them was getting strategic information of their role in the upcoming mission. "It was then that we discovered the links between all these companies and Alva Industries. It was also then that we got a taste at how much influence Alva has with the local, state, and federal government. The Feds are in bed with Alva, and have been for quite some time. The official reports on the Big Bang differ so much from the eyewitness accounts we've gathered, that we realized the extent of the cover up. FEMA, the FBI, the EPA, and every media organization in the country all collaborated to create the 'official' story."
"So what are we going to do about it One-Eye?" asked Logan.
"Yeah", said Ororo. "Why don't we just take this information to the public?"
"Because we have no proof", said Scott. "Remy was able to get some very damming evidence from A.I's headquarters in Dakota, but he was apparently caught spying and had to ditch it while making his escape."
"So it's gone?"
"No Ororo. He hid the information somewhere in Alva headquarters – in their network. Unfortunately, to retrieve it someone must enter a special password in Edwin Alva's personal computer. That means we have to break into A.I. headquarters, get to the CEO's office, and access his network from his terminal."
"Scott", asked Jean – who was growing increasingly frustrated with this whole idea, "What happened to Remy?"
"We don't know Jean", replied Scott, "we haven't been able to contact him since he gave us the info about the evidence. (turning to the monitors) The Blood Syndicate will stage an all-out assault on S.H.R.E.D. headquarters. This attack will be so ferocious, that S.H.R.E.D. will need help from their big brothers at System. While this attack is underway, a small covert strike-force will infiltrate Alva Industries, and retrieve the data."
"That simple eh?" sneered Logan. "We just attack a heavily armored police division, then break into a company that can manufacture super-humans?"
"Nobody said it was gonna be easy." All eyes turned to look at Wise-Son, since this was the first time he spoke a word in all the time they had been there. "Look… I was the one that holla'd at Professor X and told him that the Syndicate was gonna bust a cap on those S.H.R.E.D. muthaf*ckaz. When he showed ME all his cards, I was tripin' too… just like ya'll. I didn't know that him and Cyclops were rollin' like this. We were just gonna hit S.H.R.E.D., but their plan is to take out the BIG BOYS. I don't know about ya'll, but I'm down for this sh*t. With or without ya'll!"
"Slow down… HOMIE", replied Logan, "Nobody's chickening out. I just want to know HOW we're going pull this off. I think it's a great idea. It's time to make those Alva bastards pay for tearing that city up."
"I'm inclined to agree with you", said Ororo, "but something ELSE is bothering me. Scott, why did you and the Professor hide all your plans from us?"
"Yes SCOTT", Jean could now barely hide her anger. "Scott Summers, I… no, WE trust you with our lives every time we go on these X-missions. And Professor… I've always thought that you were being honest and straight with us."
"Jean…"
"NO SCOTT, now it's YOUR turn to listen! Since last August you've been running some secret operation and you decide to tell us about it NOW? I can't believe this! You set us up… when you sent the team down to Dakota! You probably KNEW about the Blood Syndicate before we did! But how did you hide it… (then she looked at the Professor)… Professor! You blocked part of my link with Scott! How DARE you!!!"
"Ms. Grey, it was necessary…"
"NECESSARY?!?! You invade the most intimate part of our relationship and you tell me it's necessary?!?!" Jean was livid.
"Jean, he didn't INVADE us", Scott said slowly, unable to meet his fiancé's gaze. "I TOLD him to do it. I… told the Professor to give me a mental block whenever I thought about Remy, Alva, or the Big Bang."
"Ms. Grey, it was necessary in order to PROTECT you and the X-Men. The people who did this know too much about the nature of psionic abilities. We had to take more precautions than usual."
"But Professor", asked Ororo, "When we went to Dakota, you and Scott should have told us that you had information on the Blood Syndicate…"
"We didn't tell you because we didn't know about them." Scott looked up and finally made eye contact with Jean and Ororo. They were looking at him like they didn't know him. Like they couldn't believe their eyes. He had lied to them. He had lied to them all: knowing way more than he was letting on, hiding things from the people he loved. "Our investigation into all those firms never pointed to Alva until AFTER the Big Bang. Once the Blood Syndicate surfaced, we KNEW we were on the right track."
"So the plan was ALWAYS to bring them back here? You didn't just make that up on the fly?" asked Logan.
"Yes Logan, that was our main goal. Bring someone from the Blood Syndicate back and speak to them."
"Well congratulations… BOSS", Ororo hissed sarcastically. "YOUR plan worked perfectly. We're all glad that we could be of some USE to you."
"Ororo, please…"
"No Scott, she's right", said Jean. "We're just pawns for you and the Professor to manipulate in your little games…"
"Ms. Grey!!! That will be enough." Professor Xavier raised his voice for the first time since he could honestly remember. "No one here thinks of you as pawns. People… in our personal lives, we have very much become a family… one that I'm proud to be a part of. But the X-Men were set up to be a means of protection for both mutants and humans alike. In the last fifteen years, I've discovered that many organizations view mutants to be a high threat. They think us so dangerous, that they have been trying to create ways to counteract or destroy us. Jean, Ororo, Logan… the things I have done, in the interest of protecting EVERYONE, including you, are solely MY fault. They are MY cross to bear. Scott never intended to bear it with me, but it became necessary to entrust him with this burden, should something happen to me. Scott has had to sacrifice much, holding back information, making unpopular decisions, all the while alienating the very people he loves the most."
"But Scott…", Jean's eyes began to grow moist as she looked into his eyes and stood up. "You could've trusted me. Why didn't you… (her voice trembled, small tears formed in her eyes) trust in ME?"
"Jean…" Scott's voice quivered as well, and a tear streaked from under his glasses. He got up from his side of the room and walked over to Jean, embracing her. "I love you Jean… more than anything. I've been hiding these things because I wanted to protect you. If these people can block psionic powers, then it stood to reason that they may be able to use them too. I couldn't risk them scanning you, hurting you… or worse. Jean, I couldn't LIVE without you."
"And what makes you think, Scott Summers", Jean looked into Scott's ruby-spectacled eyes, "that I could live without you?" The two of them embraced for a little while longer, communicating telepathically. Scott Summers mentally signaled Professor X to remove his mental block, and then, in a rush of information, Jean knew the extent of his secrecy. Mutant hunting robots, anti-mutant viruses, possible alien technology, and corporate-funded super-human assassins… it was almost too much for Jean to bear. She looked into Scott's face to see the look of relief on it, at not having to guard this information from her. She suddenly, however, realized why he kept it from everyone else, and why SHE would have to keep it to herself as well. Scott had shared his thoughts with her and, in doing so, his burden. Jean and Scott suddenly became very conscious of the people around them, and they sat down… this time right next to each other. They held each other's hands in a tight clasp as the meeting progressed.
"Now, may we continue?" asked Professor Xavier. He knew that one day Jean would discover their deception… and he thanked God that she loved Scott so much. This would have been so much harder if they would've had a violent disagreement. He was ready to mind-wipe everyone in the room but Scott (and Wise-Son, who couldn't be wiped) if this argument had not gone smoothly.
"Yes Professor. Look at your screens and notice the diagram of S.H.R.E.D.'s HQ. See those towers?"
"Yeah?" said Logan.
"They're Psi-dampeners. We noticed that every Alva Industry building has towers just like that." Scott pointed to the black towers that adorned the rooftops of each building in the compound. "At first we thought they were communications towers, but the Professor noticed that as soon as those things go up, he loses the ability to mentally scan the area. Those things even interfere with Cerebro."
"So we have to take them down first?" asked Ororo.
"Oh no…", replied Scott, shaking his head, "we take them down LAST!"
"I don't get it, why not take them down first and gain the psionic advantage?"
"Because Ro, we WANT everyone in that building to be outside before we hit those things."
"The Syndicate's gonna attack S.H.R.E.D. with a vengeance", said Wise-Son, "but it's going to be public. The entire news media is going to be there, CNN, NBC, FOXNews… the whole f*ckin' world. Fade's gonna have the boys blast the hell out of the regular SHRED cops, that'll make them call in the super-high tech folks."
"You mean the ones that they claim are just a 'private' security force?" asked Logan.
"Exactly", Wise-Son continued, "By then, all the personnel will have evacuated the building. Then they'll call in System, the high-tech dudes, to deal with the Syndicate. That's when we'll destroy the towers."
"But what's the point?" said Jean. "After the employees are outside, and Alva Industries shows the world that they have developed technology to fight super-powered mutants, what good will it do?"
"Well Jean", Scott replied, "we know that as soon as we attack the HQ, any evidence linking them to those illegal Alva activities and research will likely be on its way to being destroyed. But the knowledge the actual employees posses, especially the top executives…"
"Will still be inside their heads", interrupted Jean, "Professor, we could get the exact contents of their minds and turn it over to the public!"
"Ms. Grey, we'll do no such thing", said Professor Xavier, smiling wryly. "I am going to make THEM confess everything to the national media. Live!"
"Then what about Alva Industries?" asked Logan.
"While all this going down", piped in Wise-Son, "You, me, and Cyclops are going to sneak into Alva Industries and download the info from Edwin Alva's computer." Ororo and Jean were clearly not ready for this disclosure.
Jean looked at Scott, squeezed his hand even tighter and firmly said, "No. You. Will. Not."
"Now Jean…"
"No Scott! You guys don't know what's in there. We don't know what they're capable of. Why don't we just use whatever those people say…"
"Because it won't be enough Jean. We need to get that hard data and nail Alva once and for all. If we can't stop them, we can expose them and let the world stop them!"
"But does it have to be YOU?" Jean suppressed a tear as her anger and fear mixed together. "Wise-Son is indestructible, Logan can heal his wounds but you… Scott, no. It's too dangerous. Send someone else."
"Jean… (touching her face gently) precious…", Scott said, "I am the leader of the X-Men, and I know this is going to be dangerous, but that's why I can't leave this to anyone else. I HAVE to go. Our team is going to need some serious offensive firepower, and that's why I definitely need to be a part of it."
"Then let me go with you Scott."
"No Jean. You and Ororo will be with the Blood Syndicate, making sure they don't let their violent tendencies get the better of them. (turning to Wise-Son) No offense."
"None taken", replied Wise-Son.
"Plus, you'll be my communications link to the outside world. If anything happens to me, or any of us, I'll be able to contact you."
"But what about any psi-dampeners at A.I.'s headquarters?" asked Logan.
"We're taking those out first. The distraction should allow us to sneak into the facility. (turning to Jean) Don't worry. We'll be fine. We always have right?"
"Right", said Jean, and embraced him tightly. Scott waved at the Professor Xavier, giving him a hand signal that the meeting was over. The Professor dismissed the remaining folks, and then exited the meeting room himself. All the while, Jean Grey and Scott Summers remained in a tight embrace, holding each other as if they were afraid the world would end if they let go.
~~~~~~~
The following takes place AFTER the events of the last chapter
It was Monday evening, classes were over, and most of the students and teachers of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters were at dinner. Wise-Son and Marie lay in his bed together, under the sheets. That afternoon they had finally professed their love for one another, and then spent the rest of the time intimately talking, with long and intermittent passionate kisses punctuating the conversation. Marie had never loved someone like this before because, in fact, she couldn't. She had fantasized about what it would be like, to be with a man she completely loved, touching him, feeling him, knowing him… romanticizing every aspect of it. But even in her most rose-colored dreams could she not have imagined that it would be as gentle, as loving, and as rewarding as what the two lovers had conceived on that day. Hannibal Bruce, a young man who thought he didn't deserve her love, being loved by Marie, a young woman who had so much love pent up inside her.
The two of them, as Wise-Son would put it, "came clean". There were no more pretenses, no more walls. They had achieved a level of transparency that rivaled that of couples who've been together for years. That's what happens when you get two people together who have been yearning for this kind of love their entire lives. They were on the bed, Marie's head resting on Hannibal's bare chest, with her snow-white skin contrasting to his light brown perfect features. She gently kissed his chest, and reveled as she felt his breathe skip, reacting to her touch. He then pulled her up to his face and whispered, "I love you", but so softly that only a lover could hear it.
"Hannibal", whispered Marie, "When are you leaving?"
"After Cyclops… I mean Scott, gets back here with my family. I want them to meet you." Scott Summers had left that morning in the Blackbird to retrieve Wise-Son's family (his mom, sister, and son: Edmund), and Static's family as well. "They should be in later tonight, and then we leave tomorrow morning. It's very important that they get here today. I called Scott this afternoon and asked him to bring back a family friend as well, this pastor named Reverend Larsen."
"Why?"
"Cuz he's a friend of the family, and he's someone that's been mentoring me for a while. He's the only other person that I confessed my feelings to from back home (he omitted the conversation with Fade the night before). I've been calling him every other day since we got here."
"What does he think about us?" asked Marie.
"He was telling me to 'fess up to you all along. Said somethin' about honesty being the best policy in a mar… relationship. (quickly changing the subject) You'll like him. He's a little long-winded, but have you ever met a preacher that wasn't?" Marie laughed at his joke, but didn't miss that misspoken word… and smiled.
~~~~~~~
Halfway into the dinner session, several heads turned to watch Marie and Wise-Son walking in to get their food. They went together to the food counter and picked up trays, some food, some beverages, and sat down together. Before long, Static and Jubilee, along with Kitty Pryde and the other Blood Syndicate members, all sat at their table. There was a pall of silence when Wise-Son and Commando X made eye contact. Both of these two had been members of Nur Allah, the racist Muslim faction of the Paris Bloods. But since then, Wise-Son had obviously moderated his views – if he ever actually had them. Commando X had not.
"Is this what it's come to brother?" Commando X asked.
"Shut-Up X, the man wants to tap a white-girl, let 'im", cut in Holocaust.
"You shut-up Holly! This ain't your business. This is Nur Allah business", Commando X hissed.
"That's the issue, X", said Wise-Son, "there IS no Nur Allah. They're all dead or disbanded."
"No they're not! As long as you and me are alive, so is the 'Light'. 'Light of God' remember? That's what it means! You took an oath!" Commando X slammed his fist on the table. This made just about everyone in the dining room stop and look. He lowered his voice and said, "You took an oath to uphold all our ways."
"Yeah", said Wise-Son, "Like: 'It's a cold world, Blood – NO MERCY'? Or how about: 'The white man is the devil'? Or your personal favorite: 'Every brother ain't a brother, unless he's a BLOOD-brother'? Huh? Is that what you mean X? Well, you know what? All of that is bull-sh*t. It always was. I can see clearly now."
"Bull-sh*t?" Commando X looked Wise-Son incredulously. "You sayin' the Bloods were bull-sh*t? Your dead homies… bull-sh*t?"
"No, but most of the stuff we were livin' for was bull-sh*t." Wise-Son looked at Holocaust, Static, and Commando X. "Look at us, if the gas wouldn't have killed our homies, what were they goin' to do?"
"Murder each other", said Static.
"Shut the f*ck up Virgil, you ain't never been a Paris Blood", Commando X was furious. "You a phoney mutha-f*cka from the start. Li'l buster, mark-a** b*tch!"
"I don't think so thug-boy! Watch your mouth", crooned in Jubilee. "Just because he's not a killer like you, and actually wants to use his powers to HELP people, doesn't make him weak."
"Jubilee", Wise-Son said, "Butt out." The three shocked girls all looked at Wise-Son. "This is a conversation that has been long in coming, but we don't have much time for. (Looking at the Blood Syndicate members) The last time I checked, I was still in charge. I didn't form Blood Syndicate just to keep the Paris Bloods alive, or to keep bangin' over cash-money and ho's."
"Then why'd you do it?" asked Holocaust. "You and Fade been runnin' the whole f*cken show. I thought we came together to take over Dakota, not run around bein' super-cops!"
"Holly, X…", said Wise-Son, "I love you guys. Ya'll been my brothers for years. But this sh*t has got to end some time. The old days ended as soon as the gas came down. We were all going to kill each other over bull-sh*t. ALL of us should have died, but we got a second chance. We cleaned up Paris Island, but what are we going to do with it?"
"Run it", said Holocaust. "Look man, I ain't in no mood to play super-hero. I'm just gonna get that money, pull them ho's, and f*ck anybody up that wants to take mines. Man, f*ck the WORLD if they can't adjust."
"That's fine for you Holly", continued Wise-Son, "but I know that we've been given these powers for a reason. All that time I was runnin' around with 'Nur Allah', Light of God… I never really saw the light. Every brother IS a brother, and it don't matter what gang, what color, whatever he is. Blood Syndicate already proved that the old gang wars were bull-sh*t. We all came from different gangs, but it's the Big Bang that made us see past that."
"And what now?" asked Commando X. "Put aside everything? For what?"
"For our lives, Howell." The other girls, staying wisely silent, smirked slightly at hearing Commando X's real name. "It's time we stopped fightin' against everything, and started fightin' FOR something." Static smiled as Wise-Son continued to speak. Wise-Son outlined the assault plan for the fellow Syndicate members. The girls were interested in the details too, especially Jubes and Marie. Jubilee held Static's hand tightly and rested her head on his shoulders, as he assured her that he would take every safety precaution possible. Wise-Son then dropped the bombshell on the group: That only he, Cyclops, and Wolverine would be infiltrating Alva Industries. The other Syndicate Members protested.
"You kiddin' me Wise?" said Holocaust. "N*gga I could just blow the whole sh*t up! That's bull-sh*t! You don't know what them mutha-f*ckaz got in there!"
"I thought you weren't concerned with anything but getting 'money and hos'?" asked Marie.
"I was 'til he told me we was gettin' back at that Alva b*tch. We owe that mutha-f*cka some SERIOUS payback. Money and ho's can wait."
"Look guys", said Wise-Son, "we can't just blow the place up because we need to get some stuff from there."
"The data?" asked Static.
"Yep. We're going to do two things, make a copy to a disk or CD, and then UPLOAD it to every major message board and news site on the internet. Alva's world is going to come crashing down."
"It'll be a whole new world for us!" said Static, as he hugged Jubilee.
"Assuming you live through it", said Commando X, "Wise, I want to go with you. Brother, you and I may not see eye-to-eye, but you gonna need a n*gga who can bring some serious heat."
"Maybe he's right Hannibal", said Marie. Everyone was taken by surprise by the fact that Marie used his real name, and how Wise-Son didn't seem affected at all. Instead, his eyes seem to soften as he looked at her. "You should take some more people."
"No Marie, we're trying to sneak in, and get in the least amount of fights as possible. Don't worry about me. Remember, I'm invulnerable right?"
"Right", she said. And the group kept on discussing the pending assault all throughout dinner. Wise-Son told the Syndicate members that they didn't have to be a part of the attack if they chose not to do so. Commando X and Holocaust quickly agreed to do it (quite happily), but Static hesitated. Wise-Son asked them all to think about it overnight, and asked Static to speak to him later in private (after dinner). Conspicuously absent from dinner were Bobby Drake and St. John Allerdyce – who had been suspended from school and had their meals taken to their rooms. St. John may even face expulsion, but the Professor hadn't made that decision yet. He was hoping for a change in attitude from the young man. Unlike Bobby Drake, who seemed genuinely remorseful, St. John didn't seem to want to take the blame for ANY of his actions – and continuously blamed others.
~~~~~~~~
Later that night, Scott Summers returned with Static's and Wise-Son's families. The two families stepped off of the Blackbird, followed by Scott and Rev. Larsen. Wise-Son, Static, along with Jubilee, Marie, Logan, and Jean Grey greeted them.
"MOM!!!" Static ran up to his mother and almost knocked off her feet in a bear hug. His mom just held him tight, as did his sister. Jubilee quietly waited for the trio to disengage so she could introduce herself.
Wise-Son didn't have to run to his family, since his son Edmund and his little sister Cordelia ran and almost tackled him. "Daddeeeee!" the little boy squealed. Wise-Son's mother came up and gave her son a hug at the same time. She turned to look at Marie and spoke:
"Is this the young lady the Rev'rund been tellin' me about, Hannibal?" She spoke in a southern accent that was reminiscent of everyone Marie knew back in Mississippi. "She's a good one son."
"Thank you", said Marie, "Nice to meet you as well. I'm Marie…"
"Oh I know your name, child", said Wise-Son's mother. The heavyset black woman lowered her glasses. "And don't you be callin' me Mrs. Bruce. Call me 'Momma', seein' as we gonna be kin anyhow?"
"Ummmm Momma…" Wise-Son blurted in nervously, "Why don't you follow the others and take Edmund and Cordelia to their rooms." Mrs. Bruce wasn't paying him much attention. She was speaking with Marie and Jean Grey, who had just barely pried herself from kissing Scott as soon as he got off the plane. Logan and Reverend Larsen were speaking and catching up on Dakota's events, with Logan casting an ever-mindful eye at Wise-Son and Marie. There was so much he wanted to tell them both, but that would have to wait. Tomorrow night they were traveling to Dakota, so this matter could wait. Marie was playing with Edmund, who had taken a genuine liking to her. It was easy to love Edmund, since he was the cutest 2-1/2 yr old on the planet – just ask his father.
When they all left, Wise-Son remained behind with Marie. He had told her to leave as well, but she didn't, waiting for them to be alone. "Hannibal", she said, taking his hand into hers, "you're hiding something from me."
"What me?" asked Wise-Son. "No, I'm just glad that my family's here, safe and sound."
"Don't lie to me Hannibal."
"I'm not… I mean, I'm…"
"Yes?"
Wise-Son looked like a deer caught in headlights. He fumbled in his pocket for a moment and pulled out his hand - clutched in a fist. "Marie, I didn't want to give this to you until AFTER we got back from Dakota. Let it wait until then."
"No Hannibal, tell me now. I guarantee you that my feelings aren't going to change in a couple days. Tell me now." Marie's insides were bursting apart. *Jubilee is going to die when she hears this!*, she thought. She could barely contain her emotions, and began to breathe unconsciously faster. Wise-Son drew her into a close embrace, and opened his hand, to reveal a platinum ornate wedding band.
"This belonged to my grandma, and I asked my Mom to bring it with her. (taking her left hand into his right hand) Marie… will… you… marry… me?"
And with that… Marie's mind was completely blown. She had to remember to breathe, and almost stopped breathing again. She barely composed herself, tears starting to stream down her face, and answered, "Yes… Yes… I'll marry you." Wise-Son slipped the ring onto her finger – a perfect fit. The two lovers kissed as the world spun around them. When their lips parted, albeit slightly, she whispered, "Why wait until you get back, isn't the Reverend here now?"
"Now?" asked Wise-Son incredulously.
"Now. Hannibal Bruce", she whispered, "I want to make love to you… as your wife… tonight… and forever." Wise-Son nodded and kissed her again.
"As so it will be…" he whispered, and took her by the hand. The two of them had already become "one flesh" in their hearts. It was time to declare it before the world. The next few hours were tumultuous. Wise-Son speedily got Reverend Larsen, his mother, sister, and son to Professor Xavier's office. Marie barely broke the news to Kitty and Jubilee, and the three erupted into a fit of crying, giggling, and OhmyGod's. Jubilee could barely breathe, which made her hiccup as she spoke. Kitty was able to calm her down, but then burst into tears herself, all the while hugging Marie in congratulations.
~~~~~~~~~
A small audience was assembled in the ornate conference room adjoining Professor Xavier's office: The Reverend Tat Larsen, Wise-Son's family, Scott Summers and Jean Grey, Logan, Static and his family, Jubilee, Kitty, Ororo Munro, Holocaust, and Commando X. The service was short, that is, except the "short" sermon given by Rev. Larsen. Marie was dressed in a white "prom-gown" type dress, borrowed from Jean. Jean hadn't worn it in eight years, and it looked better on Marie than she ever remembered it looking on her. Wise-Son was dressed in a black tuxedo. It seemed that Professor Xavier had an entire wardrobe selection available for any of his frequent guests: a luxury of being so wealthy. Marie held a hastily assembled bouquet – courtesy of Jean and Ororo. Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Hawkins (Static's mom) were mutually crying. Moms!
As the Bride and Groom faced each other, the Reverend spoke: "Dearly Beloved: We are gathered here, in the presence of God and of this company, that Hannibal and Marie may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform - the act by which He converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred estate of marriage. This relationship is an honorable and sacred one, established by our Creator. May it be in extreme thoughtfulness and reverence, and in dependence upon divine guidance, that you enter now into this holy relationship."
(Turning to the audience) "Being assured that your love and your choice of each other as lifelong companions are in God's will and that you have your families' blessings, I now ask. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"I do", said Logan, before Professor Xavier could answer. He stepped forward, and stood beside Professor Xavier, looking into Marie's eyes.
Marie silently mouthed the words, "Thank You", and "I love you" to him. He nodded and smiled, affirming he loved her as well.
Revered Larsen continued, as Wise-Son and Marie looked into each other's eyes: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.... This kind of love enriches each part of life, and marriage enriches love. Two lives, shared with this kind of love, can hold more fulfillment and happiness than either life alone.
(Turning to Wise-Son) Hannibal, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Marie, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am", replied Wise-Son, never looking away from Marie.
(Turning to Marie) Rev. Larsen asked, "Marie, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Hannibal, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am", replied Marie, whose brown eyes stared into the eyes of the man who would be her husband.
The Reverend cleared his throat and pronounced to Wise-Son, "Hannibal, do you take Marie to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love her, to honor and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to her in all things a good and faithful husband as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." He answered.
"Marie, do you take Hannibal to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love her, to honor and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to her in all things a good and faithful wife as long as you both shall live?"
"I do", she answered.
The two of them joined hands and the Reverend prayed, "Father in heaven, You ordained marriage for your children, and You gave us love. We present to You Hannibal and Marie, who come this day to be married. May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment. We ask that You, will give them the ability to keep the covenant they have made. When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. Amen."
"Amen" all responded. Jean and Scott looked into each other's eyes, wondering how long they could wait until they too were wed. Six months was not all that long from now, but being at the impromptu wedding, watching two younger people publicly make a vow that Scott and Jean had also already made in their own hearts… it was going to be a lot harder to wait six more months.
After the exchange of wedding rings, supplied by the wealthy Professor Xavier, and the lighting of a Unity Candle (in which Marie and Wise-Son each held their own candles, and lit another single candle by joining their flames together over it), the Reverend spoke one last time: "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Hannibal and Marie have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, I, therefore, by the authority of this state, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
"The Groom may now kiss the Bride…" but it was too late, the newly married couple were already kissing. The others laughed, cried, and applauded. When the two newlyweds broke their embrace, they were greeted by friends and family alike. Logan walked up to Wise-Son and clasped his hand tightly.
"You're getting a good woman there. Take care of her", he said, barely holding back his own tear. Marie reached in and hugged the first man she ever loved. She embraced Logan and he looked into her eyes and saw something that he'd never seen in them before: true happiness. After she released him, Hannibal took her by the hand and led them into the small crowd of well-wishers. Logan stood back and eventually left the revelry of the conference room and stepped out onto the balcony. So deep in thought was he that he didn't notice the person who walked up and touched his shoulder.
"Huh?" he said, turning around to see Scott Summers.
"It's great to be back right?" said Scott with a wry smirk.
"Yeah, man, peachy", said Logan, "I go away for six months, almost get killed by some crazy tear gas… get back… fight a bunch of super-powered street thugs… (Logan now clenched his fists) and then the only person that I've genuinely loved in what little time I can remember… marries somebody else. Heh-heh, yeah. It's GREAT to be back, One-Eye."
Scott didn't say anything at first. He just watched Logan take in a difficult breath and let him release it before he spoke. "You know, when I first saw Jean, my knees went weak. I knew that if I could just get her to speak to me, my world would suddenly make sense. But she had eyes for Warren, Mr. Blond-Super guy. He was rich, and he could fly – literally. The guy had wings..."
"This goin' somewhere Scott?"
"Yeah. Eventually, I stopped going after her, and tried to convince myself that she and I weren't meant to be together. I became her best friend, and after a year of ups and downs, she and Warren broke up."
"And you were there to catch her."
"No Logan. I was there for her, period. You see, I already loved Jean. I loved her so much that I just wanted to see her happy, with or without me. Even though I never said so, my actions spoke louder than my words. It was another year before Jean confessed she loved me too."
"Is that when you got that mental thingy with her?"
"The
link? Actually that happened about four
months after we met, while she was still dating Warren. We went on a camping trip, and she had
almost drowned in a river. I remember
her mind reaching out as she went under the water. I just jumped in and swam as hard as I could. The only thing I cared about was making sure
that Jean was alive. When I pulled her
out, she wasn't breathing. I cleared
her airways, and started mouth to mouth.
But nothing happened. Logan, I
started to cry. I mean it. I was cryin' my eyes out, with every ounce
of will in my heart, my mind… I don't know if it was her mind reaching mine, or
mine reaching hers… but mentally I just begged for one thing: for Jean to live.
And her eyes popped open and she began to breathe. We held each other, and communicated mentally for about an hour
before anybody else reached us."
"Thanks Scott, I feel much better
now. (he said sarcastically)"
"Logan, my point is that if you love someone so much that you're willing to die for them… you have to willing to live for them as well. Marie loves you, you know that…"
"And I blew it."
"Did you? You literally saved her life, and gave her something to live for, and somebody to love. And you loved her back, loved her when everyone else in the world that was SUPPOSED to love her abandoned her. Logan, you poured so much love into that girl, that now she's just pouring it on someone else – walking in your footsteps."
"So I taught her to love like that?"
"Yes. And she's teaching Hannibal. Logan, those two owe you a lifetime debt. Continue to love her now… and be happy for her."
"You know what?" Logan turned to Scott, almost smiling, taking in another deep breath, "I can see why Chuck made you the leader, Scott. You're real. (He clasped Scott's hand in a tight handshake) I'll be proud to fight and die alongside you."
"Well, let's try to fight and LIVE tomorrow night, ok?"
"Ok."
"The whole world is full of possibilities, Logan. You just have to keep your eyes open."
"Yeah", replied Logan, and caught Ororo looking at him as he and Scott walked back into the conference room. She smiled sweetly, and quickly averted her eyes – trying to act like she wasn't staring. "Yeah, Scott… you said it. The world is FULL of possibilities."
Author's Note: Sorry this was so long, but it's been long in coming. And the end is coming soon – an all action sequel to this all-relationship chapter. Please be patient for the conclusion in "All Good Things… Part 2".