Disclaimer: Marvel owns most of the characters. Please don't sue.
A/N: This takes place after Schism
The bent metal spine spun, digging into the organic mass in front of it. Further and further it went, finally digging far enough to give its evil wielder what she desired. Selene smiled..
.and removed the cork from the bottle of Chateau Cheval Gris she was holding. Normally she would've had one of her servants do it, but she didn't trust anyone else with these bottles. Over two hundred years old, she had bought them up when that fine winery had gone out of business in 1778. Damn American Revolution.
Grimacing to herself, she violated several rules of etiquette by pouring herself a 16-inch tumbler of the stuff. Normally she observed the rules of fine wine, but not tonight.
"Drowning your sorrows, Selene?" Robero DaCosta asked acidly. "I thought you didn't like him anyway."
"Silence yourself, Black Rook." Selene hissed back. "Hellstrom was not my ideal partner. However, with him gone, and Blackheart gone- the Inner Circle is coming apart around our ears."
"I'd leave too, Selene, but you know me."
"Yes, blackmail is a most useful thing. I just wish I had more material. Why do I always lose?" Lashing out, she grabbed him by the lapels and shook him. "ANSWER ME, FOOL! Why must I always be defeated by those filthy little mutant upstarts? What do they have that I don't?"
"Do you really want to know?" Sunspot stopped as she drunkenly whacked her fist against his chest. "Hey! Watch it with the hands."
Selene smiled and traced her finger around his face. "I can see straight through you, Roberto. This terrifies you as much as it intrigues you. After all, how skilled must a millenia-old woman be-hurp-?" She hiccuped drunkenly.
"You're on your third bottle, Selene. And I don't want to lay a finger on you- the whole life-force-draining bit is a problem."
"I HATE YOU!" Her face suddenly flared in rage. "I'M -urp- MAD!" She tried to leap up and grap him around the neck.
"You're drunk." Sunspot replied, catching her as she staggered. She started sobbing on his shoulder.
"Why does everyone hate me, Roberto? Even you? What have I done? And why- must I- ALWAYS LOSE?" Her eyes blazed again, and she grabbed his tie.
"Selene, I think Gideon told you what your problem was- Oh, right, you killed him, along with all the other Externals. That's the other part of your problem."
Her manic strength was gone again. "How'd you know?"
"You did this when Blackheart cut loose."
"Ri- ri- rigit." She closed her eyes. "I'm going to sober up now." She slumped in his arms. Five seconds later, her breathing normalized. Sunspot rolled his eyes and called one of the porters to take her to her room.
***
"Roberto, give me those files on the Department H appropriations." Selene demanded.
"Sit down, Selene- you're still hung over."
"My constitution is stronger than that, Black Rook." She snapped angrily.
"Why do you care about Department H, anyway?"
"Insolent. My business."
"Mine too if you want to go prying through my files."
"If you must know, I've decided to take a new tack. After last night, I've decided to try something new."
Sunspot quirked an eyebrow. "Dare I ask?"
"I'm starting a school."
Sunspot thought for a minute. Then: "Bwaaa- ha- ha!" Selene's recovering head couldn't take the barrage of laughter. She pulled her shoulders up, as if trying to retract her head like a tortoise. "That's a good one. I didn't know you had a sense of humor. Seriously, what do you want them for?"
"I am serious."
His grin faded. "What do you mean?"
"You reminded me what Gideon said." She turned and gazed at the ceiling, recalling something from centuries past. " 'You aren't the be-all and end- all of creation, Selene. While you let your vanity trump everything, you're not going to win. You just keep making enemies.' He was right. I need to be more of a team player if I want to see more results."
"Who are you and what have you done with Selene?"
"Not amusing, Rook. Give me the files."
"Hang on. A school like Xavier's?"
"Exactly, but not limited to mutants." She smiled. "This move is overdue. With my own personal empowered strike force, I can finally make the mark I was meant to." She looked at him with a smile. "And don't bother calling Xavier, Roberto. I'm going to speak to him myself."
He held out the file. "You're crazy. And what do you want this for?"
Her fine-fingered hand took the proffered folder. "I want to see what they're up to. I have some ideas already, but this is a new direction for me. I need material."
***
The sun was at its height in Westchester as the gates of the X-mansion were torn from their hinges. Ignoring the stares of the students, Selene strode up the walkway in full Black Queen regalia. She met with no resistance until she reached the door.
"Now, that wunnit very sociable, babe." Juggernaut cracked his knuckles.
"What are you doing here?" Selene demanded sourly.
"I'm gonna be pounding you into tomato paste if I don't hear a good explanation. Fast."
"I need to speak with Xavier, doorman."
"Doorman? OK, babe, you've just filled out your morgue tag- whuf!" Juggernaut reeled as the concrete beneath his feet slid, carrying him with it. With brutal efficency, Selene carried him down the walk, then flipped him onto his back. The cement rose up, engulfing his head. Selene was about to use the ground to tear his helmets off when she felt cold metal on either side of her neck.
"Let him go. Now."
Without a word, Selene complied to Wolverine's demand. "I mean no harm, little man."
"Ya sure don't talk like it."
"I need to speak with Xavier."
"Not bloody likely. Now I'm givin' you five seconds to clear out, before I get irritable."
*WOLVERINE!* Professer X's mental voice thundered. "Hello, Selene." Added his real one. He was walking towards them from the grounds. "To what do I owe this. er. honor?"
"I take it Sunspot warned you of my visit." Selene said as Wolverine retracted his claws.
"He did. He said something about wanting a personal army."
"Leave it to him to over-dramatize the situation. I simply wish to form a school like this one."
"And involve innocent mutants in your schemes?" Xavier's eyes narrowed. "If you start using children as your surrogates-"
"Xavier, you underestimate me. I would never send any of my students to do anything I would not do myself. Perhaps I wish to reform- or did that thought never cross your violence-addled brain?"
"Not amusing, Selene. But given your millennia of evildoing, a sudden conversion is suspicious, at least."
"Not in the least, Xavier. As you will recall, Mystique and her Brotherhood worked for the government for the sake of protection. I wish to call together mutants for mutual protection."
"Freedom Force, I remember. They became the government's pet mutants. Is that what your propose?"
"Hardly. One school is good, but two would be better- especally a secret one. Since dear Sage and the others defected from your new version of the 'dream,' especially in conjunction with the poor publicity over the Jeffrey Garrett affair, mutants' repuations -especally yours- are in terrible shape. Add that to the fact that the Weapon X program has risen from the ashes, and I would say that mutants must stick together." Selene smiled, then produced her new trump card. "And dear Juggernaut, it seems, has reformed. But you're going to deny me, where you allowed him. Blood is thicker than water, after all." She turned away dramatically. "I do not know why I wasted my time here."
Xavier shut his eyes painfully. "Selene, stop." She turned back, a smile on her lips. "You've made your point. What do you want?"
"Cerebra."
"WHAT?"
"Don't look so shocked, Professor." She raised one black eyebrow. "Ten minutes with your little toy, and I'll leave you in peace."
"Hey, Selly, you have access to the Hellfire Club's files on mutants." Wolverine said. "Why do you want Charlie's gizmo?"
"It is logically impossible to plan for the unknown, little man. I want the cream of the crop as the first students. I already have some prospects lined up, but I want to look around."
Xavier shook his head. "No. I refuse. I'm sorry, Selene, but this could all be an elaborate ploy to get at Cerebra. I doubt I could stop you if your formidable powers were enhanced any more. You may actually wish to reform, but letting you into Cerebra isn't a risk I can afford to take."
"Fair enough. Can I have some of your students, then?"
"Selene, I am this close to ordering you out of my house. 'Have' my students? Do I look like I own them? Your cavalier request belies your claims to reform."
"Professor! Such language- have you been taking classes at night?" She chuckled. "And I never said I was reforming, or what you call reforming. I'm bringing mutants together to help us defend ourselves."
"No. Leave."
"I'll take one student off your hands, at least. Jeffrey Garrett."
"No."
She leaned close. "Bogan is getting angry, Charles, and Jeffrey is still here. Sooner or later, he'll send the law after you. I can convince him to drop all charges, ending the legal standoff here. I will do so- if you transfer Jeffrey Garrett to my tutelage."
"How can you stop Bogan?" Xavier felt torn- the Garrett scandal was getting worse by the day. But delivering him into Selene's hands, that would be worse than giving him to the law. With the law, he had a chance. With Selene. who knew?
"Mental might notwithstanding, Bogan is a man." She struck a pose and ran a finger along her lower lip. "He's powerful, he's dangerous, and his will is adamant. But with proper. incentive, I should be able to sway him. Jeffrey is an orphan- he will be as well off with me as with you."
"Much as I appreciate the consideration, Selene, the idea that I would sell one of my students for P.R.-"
"Chuck, can I talk to ya for a second?" Wolverine said.
*What?* Xavier said telepathically.
*I've been takin' a whiff of Selene. She's hidin' it well, but when she mentions Bogan, her scent changes like you wouldn't believe. He scares the crap out of her.*
*So.?*
*She's going out on a limb, Chuck. Much as I hate to admit it, it looks like she's really serious about this. You gave Juggs a chance. That's all I have to say.* Wolverine broke the mental connection.
"This must be Jeffrey's call." Xavier said finally. Selene smiled.
". that's the deal." Wolverine said ten minutes later. "If you go with Selene, you take a risk of gettin' what your family got- she's a nasty customer. The prof don't trust her. But you'll be fee of Bogan and won't have to worry about showing your face."
Jeffrey glanced between the Professor and Selene, finally training his eyes on her. "Really? Wha- whaddo you want with me?"
"I want to take over your tutelage. I'm forming a school to teach those with powers to deal with them. If you go with me, you won't have to worry about Bogan anymore- if not, you'll be on the run from the law for your entire life. There's no statute of limitations on murder. I can see you're intrigued." Her smile grew wider. "Also, my face is up here."
"Would I still be able to visit?"
Xavier nodded, then gave Selene an inquiring look. She nodded. "Certainly."
He looked at Xavier. "Can I go with her?"
Xavier sighed heavily. "An. understandable decision, Jeffrey. Selene-" he switched to telepathy. *If this is a trick, Selene, you will never live to regret it. Abuse this chance, and you will not have another.*
*What he said.* Wolverine added mentally. *You're playing with nitro, Selly. Don't fumble.*
She nodded. "I understand. I will collect you in two weeks, Jeffrey. By then, it will be safe for you to show your face at the airport. Until we meet again." She turned away, but was stopped by Wolverine.
"Hey, Selly, morbid curiosity- what's this school gonna be called, anyway?"
"The Nova Roma Academy of the Arts. I already have a location picked out."
"Wonnerful." Wolverine said sarcastically. Selene vanished.
***
".in other news, billionare Elias Bogan has announced that he is dropping all charges against mutant killer Jeffrey Garrett. This dramatic reversal was reportedly brought on by a psychological profile by Dr. Karla Sofen, which stated that Garrett was highly unstable due to poverty and abuse in his early childhood. Said report has yet to be released to the press. Now, here's Trish Tilby for a report on the situation in the middle east."
"That's weird." Mrs. Woolcot switched off the TV. "He's after that little kid's blood for weeks, and suddenly some shrink changes his mind." The door slammed behind her. "Hello, Alex."
"Hey, mom. What's for dinner?"
"Spaghetti. What do you-" the doorbell rang. "Hang on." She went to the door. "Hello. Oh. Alex. What's this about? A school? What for- what did you say? I think you'd better come in."
A quite formidable (and hot) looking woman followed Mrs. Woolcot into the kitchen. She was wearing a black suit. She held out her hand to Alex. "You must be Alex. Allow me to introduce myself- Helena Selene, future headmistress of the Nova Roma Academy of the Arts. I'm here to ask you to come to my school."
"Why me?" Alex asked, a horrible feeling of apprehension coming over him.
"You see, the Academy is an experimental school, already accredited, funded in part by Shaw Industries. That company, as you know, has intimate ties to S.H.I.E.L.D." She sat down and crossed her legs. "I've seen your file, Alex. You killed your own father -accidentally-, and your power enabled you to hold your own at the age of nine against the Hulk."
"I'm not a mutant or anything."
"I know, and that's why you havn't gone to Xavier." She smiled. "Shaw Industries is funding this, because they don't want out-of-control super- beings running around. It plays hell with defense contracting. So they're starting this school for children with unstable powers, be they mutants or -as in your case- people who've been infused with the power of an incinerator ray that their father built."
"So what will this school consist of?" Mrs. Woolcot asked.
"Mainly normal school, but with extended physical education, not to mention special training. It's in South America; Shaw Industries has leased the location for the purpose. It needs to be in a secluded area for saftey reasons."
"Safety?"
"It's overblown, actually, but SHIELD wants it that way. The danger isn't any greater than in the 'normal' world, but people get skittish at the idea of so many empowered beings together. I can arrange to have Alex's credits transferred." She turned to him. "You are a freshman, right?"
He nodded.
"Do you want to go to my school for the empowered in South America?"
He nodded again. "Good. What do you say, Mrs. Woolcot?"
***
A fortnight later, Alex got off the plane at La Guardia airport and checked the slip of paper. He was supposed to meet Selene at the Air Comfort Café, where they'd continue to the school.
He wandered around for a while until he saw the place. It looked upscale, posh- just the place she'd be. Stepping in, she saw her sitting at a table with a guy about his age. She was facing away from him, but she hailed him anyway. "Alex- over here."
"Ms. Selene?" He headed over to the table as she checked her watch.
"We have ten minutes." She smiled up at him. "Jeffrey Garrett, meet Alex Woolcot. Alex, Jeffrey. I hope you two will be friends; team cohesion is important."
They shook hands, and Alex sat down. "THE Jeffrey Garrett?"
"Don't be frightened." Selene said with a smile. "He doesn't kill people on a whim. At least not most of the time."
Alex glanced around. "Did he really-"
"Yes, he did." Jeffrey seemed to deflate in shame. "It was self- defense, though." Jeffrey just sat there, looking miserable. Finally, he spoke up.
"So, Alex, what do you do?"
"I have this incineration ray. You teleport, right?"
Jeffrey nodded. "You you burn stuff?"
"I can incinerate what I touch, or use it as a beam. It's a real bitch when handling textbooks or money."
"Cool!"
"Please, Mr. Woolcot, watch you language. We're in public." her cell phone beeped. "What? Yes? Ah, good." She stood up and dropped a twenty. "Our ride is here."
Together, they headed for the airport doors.
"Cool. A private jet."
"Shaw Industries is footing the bills, and American Airlines doesn't exactly have a Nova Roma airstrip." She smiled and motioned them into the Learjet. "Welcome abord."
***
Selene was making marks on a paper as the plane flew. Jeffrey was asleep, while Alex was staring out of the window with a glazed look. They had full mobility of the cabin, but there wasn't much to see. In front of her was spread out a large tactical of the Savage Land. Then the satellite phone beeped, maximum priority. She cursed in Latin. There was only one man with that- Sebastian Shaw. She angrily took up the reciever.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"What am I doing, Sebastian?"
"You're abusing the line of credit I set up for you. I wanted you to further the Hellfire Club's goals, now that I'm funding you guys again, and you draw seventeen million dollars."
"That's chump change to you."
"I know that. But you didn't tell anyone anything, and I hear you've been talking with Xavier. According to Black Rook, you've been using MY money to fund YOUR little pet project. And from the sound of it, you're starting to deal with Xavier. I am not pleased, Selene."
Her lip curled angrily. "Yes, I am using your money, for the simple reason that I don't want to spend my own."
"Oh, that's a good-"
"GODDAMNIT!" She cut him off angrily. "How many times is it, Sebastian? How many times have you been beaten, maimed, or otherwise humiliated by the X- men? Far, far too many. The same thing goes for me. And do you know why we always lose? Because we never change, that's why. In Rome, I hobnobbed in the highest circles by knowing how to set my sails to the wind. Think about it- our own, personal X-men. If we stay secret, as per my plan, we have a hidden strike force. If we're exposed, we can play the philanthropic line for a public-relations gold mine. We need to be more fluid, and we need MORE PEOPLE. The Inner Circle is all very well, but it has a maximum of ten people, and the criteria-and risks- of admission are too high for most. This way, we have a group to further the Club's ends while playing what the public loves- heroes. Think about it- we could raze Roxxon with the proper team to get at evidence of their crimes, eliminating a major competitor. And all the time, we'll be wooing the public. Even before anti-mutant nightmares like Bastion emerged, our survival has been doubtful. We need an edge, Sebastian- we need our own X-men. What threatens them often threatens us, as well."
"An X-men conveniently under your control." Shaw said wearily. "You win, Selene. What did you think to call them?"
"I was thinking of the old name- the Hellions."
"The other Hellions were slaughtered. You want that hanging over their heads?"
"They weren't led by Selene, but rather the incompitent and lily-livered Emma Frost."
"Ah. So this is a catfight thing, is it?"
Selene pursed her lips. "Hang up now, Sebastian. My patience is within a hair's bredth of ending."
"One last thing- what do you need the money for?"
"Technology, plumbing, power plants- all that nice stuff. Everybody left Nova Roma years ago, so I fixed up the city myself. Now I'm having all the modern conveniences installed. Think of it- a city for our private proving ground."
"You've got it. I'll increase the line of credit." She could hear the happiness in his voice. "You've delivered this time, Selene. Don't screw this up. I don't want any mass fatalities like last time."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
He hung up, and she did likewise. Then she glanced over at Alex, sighed, and made a few stategic memory modifications.
"Whoa! It's like the set from I Claudius." Jeffrey said as the plane descended.
"They got it wrong..." Selene murmured. Then she spoke alound: "Aside from the airstrip and modern facilities. It's just a school of architecture I'm fond of."
"They built an entire city for this?" Alex sounded amazed.
"It was already here. I'll fill you in on it, first history class- until the student body expands, I will function for most of the teaching jobs. I have three assistants, though, who will help out."
As they were stepping out of the jet, the three "assistants" came to meet them. Three men, military-looking, two white and one black. They also had various metal replacement parts.
"Alex, Jeffrey, meet Cole, Macon, and Reese. They will help around here, and teach certain subjects, particularly practical mechanics."
"They look like they've had a lot of hands-on experience," Alex murmered to Jeffrey. The ladder cracked up.
"Yes, they're cyborgs. It was an experimental procedure to save their lives- not available to the public, you understand. For the most part, it's still the the 'concept' stage." Selene nodded to them, and they moved off. "Go get your luggage, you two. The next week is going to be strong on Phys Ed."
"How come?" Alex was struggling with his suitcase.
"I'll be frank with you- we need your help for the next students. We recruit young super-humans whose powers are a public menace. However, for people who comprise a public menace, the public menaces them back. It may come to blows if we want to be allowed to help these people."
"We aren't going to break the law or anything, right?" Alex asked. "Dammit!" The suitcase slipped from his grasp and popped open.
"You two are desperately out of shape." Selene said. "And no, we have no plans to break the law, but better safe than sorry. Besides, where our next recruit is coming from, there's only one law."
A/N: This takes place after Schism
The bent metal spine spun, digging into the organic mass in front of it. Further and further it went, finally digging far enough to give its evil wielder what she desired. Selene smiled..
.and removed the cork from the bottle of Chateau Cheval Gris she was holding. Normally she would've had one of her servants do it, but she didn't trust anyone else with these bottles. Over two hundred years old, she had bought them up when that fine winery had gone out of business in 1778. Damn American Revolution.
Grimacing to herself, she violated several rules of etiquette by pouring herself a 16-inch tumbler of the stuff. Normally she observed the rules of fine wine, but not tonight.
"Drowning your sorrows, Selene?" Robero DaCosta asked acidly. "I thought you didn't like him anyway."
"Silence yourself, Black Rook." Selene hissed back. "Hellstrom was not my ideal partner. However, with him gone, and Blackheart gone- the Inner Circle is coming apart around our ears."
"I'd leave too, Selene, but you know me."
"Yes, blackmail is a most useful thing. I just wish I had more material. Why do I always lose?" Lashing out, she grabbed him by the lapels and shook him. "ANSWER ME, FOOL! Why must I always be defeated by those filthy little mutant upstarts? What do they have that I don't?"
"Do you really want to know?" Sunspot stopped as she drunkenly whacked her fist against his chest. "Hey! Watch it with the hands."
Selene smiled and traced her finger around his face. "I can see straight through you, Roberto. This terrifies you as much as it intrigues you. After all, how skilled must a millenia-old woman be-hurp-?" She hiccuped drunkenly.
"You're on your third bottle, Selene. And I don't want to lay a finger on you- the whole life-force-draining bit is a problem."
"I HATE YOU!" Her face suddenly flared in rage. "I'M -urp- MAD!" She tried to leap up and grap him around the neck.
"You're drunk." Sunspot replied, catching her as she staggered. She started sobbing on his shoulder.
"Why does everyone hate me, Roberto? Even you? What have I done? And why- must I- ALWAYS LOSE?" Her eyes blazed again, and she grabbed his tie.
"Selene, I think Gideon told you what your problem was- Oh, right, you killed him, along with all the other Externals. That's the other part of your problem."
Her manic strength was gone again. "How'd you know?"
"You did this when Blackheart cut loose."
"Ri- ri- rigit." She closed her eyes. "I'm going to sober up now." She slumped in his arms. Five seconds later, her breathing normalized. Sunspot rolled his eyes and called one of the porters to take her to her room.
***
"Roberto, give me those files on the Department H appropriations." Selene demanded.
"Sit down, Selene- you're still hung over."
"My constitution is stronger than that, Black Rook." She snapped angrily.
"Why do you care about Department H, anyway?"
"Insolent. My business."
"Mine too if you want to go prying through my files."
"If you must know, I've decided to take a new tack. After last night, I've decided to try something new."
Sunspot quirked an eyebrow. "Dare I ask?"
"I'm starting a school."
Sunspot thought for a minute. Then: "Bwaaa- ha- ha!" Selene's recovering head couldn't take the barrage of laughter. She pulled her shoulders up, as if trying to retract her head like a tortoise. "That's a good one. I didn't know you had a sense of humor. Seriously, what do you want them for?"
"I am serious."
His grin faded. "What do you mean?"
"You reminded me what Gideon said." She turned and gazed at the ceiling, recalling something from centuries past. " 'You aren't the be-all and end- all of creation, Selene. While you let your vanity trump everything, you're not going to win. You just keep making enemies.' He was right. I need to be more of a team player if I want to see more results."
"Who are you and what have you done with Selene?"
"Not amusing, Rook. Give me the files."
"Hang on. A school like Xavier's?"
"Exactly, but not limited to mutants." She smiled. "This move is overdue. With my own personal empowered strike force, I can finally make the mark I was meant to." She looked at him with a smile. "And don't bother calling Xavier, Roberto. I'm going to speak to him myself."
He held out the file. "You're crazy. And what do you want this for?"
Her fine-fingered hand took the proffered folder. "I want to see what they're up to. I have some ideas already, but this is a new direction for me. I need material."
***
The sun was at its height in Westchester as the gates of the X-mansion were torn from their hinges. Ignoring the stares of the students, Selene strode up the walkway in full Black Queen regalia. She met with no resistance until she reached the door.
"Now, that wunnit very sociable, babe." Juggernaut cracked his knuckles.
"What are you doing here?" Selene demanded sourly.
"I'm gonna be pounding you into tomato paste if I don't hear a good explanation. Fast."
"I need to speak with Xavier, doorman."
"Doorman? OK, babe, you've just filled out your morgue tag- whuf!" Juggernaut reeled as the concrete beneath his feet slid, carrying him with it. With brutal efficency, Selene carried him down the walk, then flipped him onto his back. The cement rose up, engulfing his head. Selene was about to use the ground to tear his helmets off when she felt cold metal on either side of her neck.
"Let him go. Now."
Without a word, Selene complied to Wolverine's demand. "I mean no harm, little man."
"Ya sure don't talk like it."
"I need to speak with Xavier."
"Not bloody likely. Now I'm givin' you five seconds to clear out, before I get irritable."
*WOLVERINE!* Professer X's mental voice thundered. "Hello, Selene." Added his real one. He was walking towards them from the grounds. "To what do I owe this. er. honor?"
"I take it Sunspot warned you of my visit." Selene said as Wolverine retracted his claws.
"He did. He said something about wanting a personal army."
"Leave it to him to over-dramatize the situation. I simply wish to form a school like this one."
"And involve innocent mutants in your schemes?" Xavier's eyes narrowed. "If you start using children as your surrogates-"
"Xavier, you underestimate me. I would never send any of my students to do anything I would not do myself. Perhaps I wish to reform- or did that thought never cross your violence-addled brain?"
"Not amusing, Selene. But given your millennia of evildoing, a sudden conversion is suspicious, at least."
"Not in the least, Xavier. As you will recall, Mystique and her Brotherhood worked for the government for the sake of protection. I wish to call together mutants for mutual protection."
"Freedom Force, I remember. They became the government's pet mutants. Is that what your propose?"
"Hardly. One school is good, but two would be better- especally a secret one. Since dear Sage and the others defected from your new version of the 'dream,' especially in conjunction with the poor publicity over the Jeffrey Garrett affair, mutants' repuations -especally yours- are in terrible shape. Add that to the fact that the Weapon X program has risen from the ashes, and I would say that mutants must stick together." Selene smiled, then produced her new trump card. "And dear Juggernaut, it seems, has reformed. But you're going to deny me, where you allowed him. Blood is thicker than water, after all." She turned away dramatically. "I do not know why I wasted my time here."
Xavier shut his eyes painfully. "Selene, stop." She turned back, a smile on her lips. "You've made your point. What do you want?"
"Cerebra."
"WHAT?"
"Don't look so shocked, Professor." She raised one black eyebrow. "Ten minutes with your little toy, and I'll leave you in peace."
"Hey, Selly, you have access to the Hellfire Club's files on mutants." Wolverine said. "Why do you want Charlie's gizmo?"
"It is logically impossible to plan for the unknown, little man. I want the cream of the crop as the first students. I already have some prospects lined up, but I want to look around."
Xavier shook his head. "No. I refuse. I'm sorry, Selene, but this could all be an elaborate ploy to get at Cerebra. I doubt I could stop you if your formidable powers were enhanced any more. You may actually wish to reform, but letting you into Cerebra isn't a risk I can afford to take."
"Fair enough. Can I have some of your students, then?"
"Selene, I am this close to ordering you out of my house. 'Have' my students? Do I look like I own them? Your cavalier request belies your claims to reform."
"Professor! Such language- have you been taking classes at night?" She chuckled. "And I never said I was reforming, or what you call reforming. I'm bringing mutants together to help us defend ourselves."
"No. Leave."
"I'll take one student off your hands, at least. Jeffrey Garrett."
"No."
She leaned close. "Bogan is getting angry, Charles, and Jeffrey is still here. Sooner or later, he'll send the law after you. I can convince him to drop all charges, ending the legal standoff here. I will do so- if you transfer Jeffrey Garrett to my tutelage."
"How can you stop Bogan?" Xavier felt torn- the Garrett scandal was getting worse by the day. But delivering him into Selene's hands, that would be worse than giving him to the law. With the law, he had a chance. With Selene. who knew?
"Mental might notwithstanding, Bogan is a man." She struck a pose and ran a finger along her lower lip. "He's powerful, he's dangerous, and his will is adamant. But with proper. incentive, I should be able to sway him. Jeffrey is an orphan- he will be as well off with me as with you."
"Much as I appreciate the consideration, Selene, the idea that I would sell one of my students for P.R.-"
"Chuck, can I talk to ya for a second?" Wolverine said.
*What?* Xavier said telepathically.
*I've been takin' a whiff of Selene. She's hidin' it well, but when she mentions Bogan, her scent changes like you wouldn't believe. He scares the crap out of her.*
*So.?*
*She's going out on a limb, Chuck. Much as I hate to admit it, it looks like she's really serious about this. You gave Juggs a chance. That's all I have to say.* Wolverine broke the mental connection.
"This must be Jeffrey's call." Xavier said finally. Selene smiled.
". that's the deal." Wolverine said ten minutes later. "If you go with Selene, you take a risk of gettin' what your family got- she's a nasty customer. The prof don't trust her. But you'll be fee of Bogan and won't have to worry about showing your face."
Jeffrey glanced between the Professor and Selene, finally training his eyes on her. "Really? Wha- whaddo you want with me?"
"I want to take over your tutelage. I'm forming a school to teach those with powers to deal with them. If you go with me, you won't have to worry about Bogan anymore- if not, you'll be on the run from the law for your entire life. There's no statute of limitations on murder. I can see you're intrigued." Her smile grew wider. "Also, my face is up here."
"Would I still be able to visit?"
Xavier nodded, then gave Selene an inquiring look. She nodded. "Certainly."
He looked at Xavier. "Can I go with her?"
Xavier sighed heavily. "An. understandable decision, Jeffrey. Selene-" he switched to telepathy. *If this is a trick, Selene, you will never live to regret it. Abuse this chance, and you will not have another.*
*What he said.* Wolverine added mentally. *You're playing with nitro, Selly. Don't fumble.*
She nodded. "I understand. I will collect you in two weeks, Jeffrey. By then, it will be safe for you to show your face at the airport. Until we meet again." She turned away, but was stopped by Wolverine.
"Hey, Selly, morbid curiosity- what's this school gonna be called, anyway?"
"The Nova Roma Academy of the Arts. I already have a location picked out."
"Wonnerful." Wolverine said sarcastically. Selene vanished.
***
".in other news, billionare Elias Bogan has announced that he is dropping all charges against mutant killer Jeffrey Garrett. This dramatic reversal was reportedly brought on by a psychological profile by Dr. Karla Sofen, which stated that Garrett was highly unstable due to poverty and abuse in his early childhood. Said report has yet to be released to the press. Now, here's Trish Tilby for a report on the situation in the middle east."
"That's weird." Mrs. Woolcot switched off the TV. "He's after that little kid's blood for weeks, and suddenly some shrink changes his mind." The door slammed behind her. "Hello, Alex."
"Hey, mom. What's for dinner?"
"Spaghetti. What do you-" the doorbell rang. "Hang on." She went to the door. "Hello. Oh. Alex. What's this about? A school? What for- what did you say? I think you'd better come in."
A quite formidable (and hot) looking woman followed Mrs. Woolcot into the kitchen. She was wearing a black suit. She held out her hand to Alex. "You must be Alex. Allow me to introduce myself- Helena Selene, future headmistress of the Nova Roma Academy of the Arts. I'm here to ask you to come to my school."
"Why me?" Alex asked, a horrible feeling of apprehension coming over him.
"You see, the Academy is an experimental school, already accredited, funded in part by Shaw Industries. That company, as you know, has intimate ties to S.H.I.E.L.D." She sat down and crossed her legs. "I've seen your file, Alex. You killed your own father -accidentally-, and your power enabled you to hold your own at the age of nine against the Hulk."
"I'm not a mutant or anything."
"I know, and that's why you havn't gone to Xavier." She smiled. "Shaw Industries is funding this, because they don't want out-of-control super- beings running around. It plays hell with defense contracting. So they're starting this school for children with unstable powers, be they mutants or -as in your case- people who've been infused with the power of an incinerator ray that their father built."
"So what will this school consist of?" Mrs. Woolcot asked.
"Mainly normal school, but with extended physical education, not to mention special training. It's in South America; Shaw Industries has leased the location for the purpose. It needs to be in a secluded area for saftey reasons."
"Safety?"
"It's overblown, actually, but SHIELD wants it that way. The danger isn't any greater than in the 'normal' world, but people get skittish at the idea of so many empowered beings together. I can arrange to have Alex's credits transferred." She turned to him. "You are a freshman, right?"
He nodded.
"Do you want to go to my school for the empowered in South America?"
He nodded again. "Good. What do you say, Mrs. Woolcot?"
***
A fortnight later, Alex got off the plane at La Guardia airport and checked the slip of paper. He was supposed to meet Selene at the Air Comfort Café, where they'd continue to the school.
He wandered around for a while until he saw the place. It looked upscale, posh- just the place she'd be. Stepping in, she saw her sitting at a table with a guy about his age. She was facing away from him, but she hailed him anyway. "Alex- over here."
"Ms. Selene?" He headed over to the table as she checked her watch.
"We have ten minutes." She smiled up at him. "Jeffrey Garrett, meet Alex Woolcot. Alex, Jeffrey. I hope you two will be friends; team cohesion is important."
They shook hands, and Alex sat down. "THE Jeffrey Garrett?"
"Don't be frightened." Selene said with a smile. "He doesn't kill people on a whim. At least not most of the time."
Alex glanced around. "Did he really-"
"Yes, he did." Jeffrey seemed to deflate in shame. "It was self- defense, though." Jeffrey just sat there, looking miserable. Finally, he spoke up.
"So, Alex, what do you do?"
"I have this incineration ray. You teleport, right?"
Jeffrey nodded. "You you burn stuff?"
"I can incinerate what I touch, or use it as a beam. It's a real bitch when handling textbooks or money."
"Cool!"
"Please, Mr. Woolcot, watch you language. We're in public." her cell phone beeped. "What? Yes? Ah, good." She stood up and dropped a twenty. "Our ride is here."
Together, they headed for the airport doors.
"Cool. A private jet."
"Shaw Industries is footing the bills, and American Airlines doesn't exactly have a Nova Roma airstrip." She smiled and motioned them into the Learjet. "Welcome abord."
***
Selene was making marks on a paper as the plane flew. Jeffrey was asleep, while Alex was staring out of the window with a glazed look. They had full mobility of the cabin, but there wasn't much to see. In front of her was spread out a large tactical of the Savage Land. Then the satellite phone beeped, maximum priority. She cursed in Latin. There was only one man with that- Sebastian Shaw. She angrily took up the reciever.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"What am I doing, Sebastian?"
"You're abusing the line of credit I set up for you. I wanted you to further the Hellfire Club's goals, now that I'm funding you guys again, and you draw seventeen million dollars."
"That's chump change to you."
"I know that. But you didn't tell anyone anything, and I hear you've been talking with Xavier. According to Black Rook, you've been using MY money to fund YOUR little pet project. And from the sound of it, you're starting to deal with Xavier. I am not pleased, Selene."
Her lip curled angrily. "Yes, I am using your money, for the simple reason that I don't want to spend my own."
"Oh, that's a good-"
"GODDAMNIT!" She cut him off angrily. "How many times is it, Sebastian? How many times have you been beaten, maimed, or otherwise humiliated by the X- men? Far, far too many. The same thing goes for me. And do you know why we always lose? Because we never change, that's why. In Rome, I hobnobbed in the highest circles by knowing how to set my sails to the wind. Think about it- our own, personal X-men. If we stay secret, as per my plan, we have a hidden strike force. If we're exposed, we can play the philanthropic line for a public-relations gold mine. We need to be more fluid, and we need MORE PEOPLE. The Inner Circle is all very well, but it has a maximum of ten people, and the criteria-and risks- of admission are too high for most. This way, we have a group to further the Club's ends while playing what the public loves- heroes. Think about it- we could raze Roxxon with the proper team to get at evidence of their crimes, eliminating a major competitor. And all the time, we'll be wooing the public. Even before anti-mutant nightmares like Bastion emerged, our survival has been doubtful. We need an edge, Sebastian- we need our own X-men. What threatens them often threatens us, as well."
"An X-men conveniently under your control." Shaw said wearily. "You win, Selene. What did you think to call them?"
"I was thinking of the old name- the Hellions."
"The other Hellions were slaughtered. You want that hanging over their heads?"
"They weren't led by Selene, but rather the incompitent and lily-livered Emma Frost."
"Ah. So this is a catfight thing, is it?"
Selene pursed her lips. "Hang up now, Sebastian. My patience is within a hair's bredth of ending."
"One last thing- what do you need the money for?"
"Technology, plumbing, power plants- all that nice stuff. Everybody left Nova Roma years ago, so I fixed up the city myself. Now I'm having all the modern conveniences installed. Think of it- a city for our private proving ground."
"You've got it. I'll increase the line of credit." She could hear the happiness in his voice. "You've delivered this time, Selene. Don't screw this up. I don't want any mass fatalities like last time."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
He hung up, and she did likewise. Then she glanced over at Alex, sighed, and made a few stategic memory modifications.
"Whoa! It's like the set from I Claudius." Jeffrey said as the plane descended.
"They got it wrong..." Selene murmured. Then she spoke alound: "Aside from the airstrip and modern facilities. It's just a school of architecture I'm fond of."
"They built an entire city for this?" Alex sounded amazed.
"It was already here. I'll fill you in on it, first history class- until the student body expands, I will function for most of the teaching jobs. I have three assistants, though, who will help out."
As they were stepping out of the jet, the three "assistants" came to meet them. Three men, military-looking, two white and one black. They also had various metal replacement parts.
"Alex, Jeffrey, meet Cole, Macon, and Reese. They will help around here, and teach certain subjects, particularly practical mechanics."
"They look like they've had a lot of hands-on experience," Alex murmered to Jeffrey. The ladder cracked up.
"Yes, they're cyborgs. It was an experimental procedure to save their lives- not available to the public, you understand. For the most part, it's still the the 'concept' stage." Selene nodded to them, and they moved off. "Go get your luggage, you two. The next week is going to be strong on Phys Ed."
"How come?" Alex was struggling with his suitcase.
"I'll be frank with you- we need your help for the next students. We recruit young super-humans whose powers are a public menace. However, for people who comprise a public menace, the public menaces them back. It may come to blows if we want to be allowed to help these people."
"We aren't going to break the law or anything, right?" Alex asked. "Dammit!" The suitcase slipped from his grasp and popped open.
"You two are desperately out of shape." Selene said. "And no, we have no plans to break the law, but better safe than sorry. Besides, where our next recruit is coming from, there's only one law."