Short chapter, sorry. There's a lot more homework in college than I'm used to *amused*

A/N 1: Ideas for fic and character development, questions, plotbunnies, suggestions, flames, character pictures, ficlets, corrections, additions, comments, and everything in between can be mailed to hack_heaven@usa.net.

Italics indicate thoughts/telepathy

* * *

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Desperate Times

* * *

It didn't take long for Ryan to realize that something was wrong. The moment he contacted Kyle, it became clear that something had changed - along with his friend's usual calm, composed presence, there was also a lingering sense of shock, anger, and worry, leaving a bitter taste in Ryan's mouth.

Kyle... he wasn't quite able to hide his concern, the words carrying a hint of the fear he felt for his longtime friend.

Ryan. Faint surprise followed the words as Kyle was torn out of his dark musing about their less-than-pleasant situation. Surprise, then relief as he let the comforting presence of his friend chase out some of the depressing thoughts that lingered in his mind.

What happened? Ryan asked, frowning slightly.

Kyle hesitated for a moment before he replied, a gesture that only served to add to Ryan's worry. We found out what they wanted us to do, he replied, his words strangely calm compared to the dark emotions Ryan had picked up from him. Ryan didn't reply, sensing that Kyle needed a moment to gather his thoughts, and a few, brief seconds of silence passed between them before Kyle continued.

They want to make mutants looks bad, probably to justify what the government is doing. To accomplish that, they want us to kill Senator Ross on national TV. Still calm, still with barely suppressed emotions behind the words, still adding to Ryan's worry.

How...? he asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Another paused before Kyle answered.

They want us to take over the conference room, hold the reporters hostage, and execute Ross in front of the cameras. And of course, to make sure that there's no doubt about what we are, we've been ordered to use our powers onscreen as well, Kyle added, a hint of bitterness shining through the words. They claim that the soldiers called in to 'handle it' will be using sedatives, but we all know it's a lie.

Oh, God... Ryan breathed softly, appealing to a deity he had all but forgotten during his time on the streets.

Yeah, a hint of bitterness, of anger, and but still far calmer than most other people would have reacted in his situation.

How much have they told you? Ryan asked, switching to the more logical side of his mind, hoping to find some way to help his friend.

Not much...what I told you, that's all, Kyle sighed. They'll give us weapons, blueprints of the building, whatever we need, but the collars stay on.

Which rules out a possible escape on your own, Ryan concluded, and was met by a nod from Kyle.

Since there's no way we can open the collars without killing ourselves...yeah, he admitted.

But there must be something we can do... Ryan trailed off, unsure of what to say. Because there wasn't really anything they could do at the moment, was there? He knew where Kyle and the others were, but even with the united strength of both teams, attacking a military compound of that size would be suicide. That left only one option - the one that Ryan desperately wanted to avoid.

No...we've tried to think up something, but...Kyle trailed off, the meaning clear. He paused for a moment, then continued. There's one more thing...unless we find some way out of this, Blade and Melee intend to through with the plan.

What? They can't - he's pro-mutant! Ryan objected, but even as he spoke the words, he knew that there was very little they could do to prevent it. If those two had already decided to do this...

They don't care, and they've made that quite clear, Kyle sighed, confirming Ryan's fears.

Damn...

Yeah, Kyle agreed silently, then paused for a moment. What do we do now?

Ryan sighed. I don't know...I really don't know. A direct attack is out of the question...it would be suicide.

Then what if we wait until after the thing has been put into motion? Kyle suggested. We know where it's going to take place...if you and the others can somehow find a way to be inside the conference room when it happens, then... he trailed off, disappointed. But that won't work as long as we're wearing these collars.

Daryn could handle that, Ryan commented and, noticing Kyle's confusion, added, he's one of the new ones - we met two young mutants while we escaped. One of them, Daryn, can communicate with electronic equipment.

It *could* work, then, Kyle remarked, a faint hope entering his voice. If you're already there when we arrive, then Daryn can deactivate the collars and cameras.

There was nothing of the hope Kyle had expected from Ryan, just a lingering sadness, and he frowned. What's wrong?

Daryn...I asked him about his powers. He has to touch whatever it is he's trying to communicate with. There's going to be dozens of cameras in that room...he won't be able to disable them all, Ryan said quietly. I'm sorry.

Kyle frowned, his mindset switching to fit this new piece of information into the complex puzzle that made up their situation.

Then...let's go with that plan, anyway, he said slowly. We'll make sure to get close to Daryn at various times so he can deactivate the collars.

And what about the cameras? Ryan reminded him. It's going to be transmitted live to entire nation. If you do this... he trailed off. There was no need to finish the sentence - they both knew what the consequences would be.

We don't have a choice...it's the only option left.

You're going to be wanted criminal for that, Ryan reminded him softly, concern for his friend shining through, accompanied by the almost paternal feelings he held for Suzuka.

Kyle shook his head. Thanks to the military, we're going to be that, anyway. Those files they have on us...they're going to end up with the police whether we do this or not.

Ryan nodded, not bothering to disagree. They both knew that he was right, and any arguments would only be a waste of time.

It isn't going to be easy - there'll be security personal outside, not to mention bodyguards in the room itself. Even getting inside the room will be difficult, Ryan pointed out. And you and Suzuka haven't exactly had any experience with situations like this.

Maybe it was about time we got that, then, Kyle said quietly, his voice far more serious than Ryan's last comment had been.

It's dangerous, Ryan pointed out with a frown.

We don't have a choice, Kyle replied. There are no other options left.

A moment passed, then Ryan sighed quietly. It's just...I don't want to see you hurt, he admitted, the mindlink revealing some of the emotions that Ryan so often kept well-hidden behind a mental shield and the careful facade he'd created over the years.

And it won't happen, Kyle promised, conviction behind his words. Not because he believed they would get safely out of this, far from, but because that was what Ryan needed to hear, and Kyle knew that.

Right now both of their teams needed a capable leader, and Ryan would be the best person for that job. But doing a good job would be a lot harder if he had to deal with Kyle's fears and worries as well. Nobody could stand alone, and just like Ryan took care of the teams, Kyle would take care of Ryan - that was how it had worked for years, and it was something they were both happy with. Kyle had no desire to lead. It was a responsibility he didn't want, and which he liked to think was handled far better by Ryan. Instead he would support Ryan when needed be, and now was one of those times.

Ryan shook his head. I still think it's a bad idea...with Blade and Melee involved, something is bound to go wrong.

Actually, I don't think so, Kyle corrected thoughtfully. They have just as much at stake as we do, and like it or not, they're the people most likely to have experience with something like this.

Don't tell me you actually *trust* him, Ryan half-demanded, worry for Kyle and Suzuka making his voice sharper than he'd intended.

I don't, Kyle replied, a hint of cynical amusement in his voice. But we don't really have a choice.

Ryan sighed. How's Suzuka taking this?

A shrug.

As good as could be expected...she and Blade aren't on good terms, not by a long shot, but I think we can pretty much manage to keep them from killing each other at the first chance they get.

'We'? Ryan repeated, curious.

More amusement from Kyle. Melee and I. She didn't object when Suzuka and Blade got into a fight, but it's clear that she doesn't like it.

And do you think he's going to care? Ryan asked skeptically.

Kyle hesitated for a moment before replying.

Yeah, I think so. As far as I can see, he seems to genuinely care about her. He won't try something stupid, not as long as Melee's life is on the line.

If you're sure... Ryan replied dubiously.

I am, Kyle repeated, and Ryan nodded.

All right. I trust your judgement.

Another long pause passed before Kyle broke the silence, almost hesitantly. So what do we do? Are we going to go through with it?

I don't like it, Ryan repeated and shook his head. I don't like it at all, but...we don't really have a choice.

Ryan... Kyle's voice was soft, soothing, and Ryan sent him a curious thought. What?

It's going to work. I know it, Kyle said with quiet confidence.

Ryan just sighed. We can only hope.

* * *