The small hub of a coffee shop seemed a bit more busy than usual even for a
morning during the business week. All the tables seemed full of patrons,
for this coffee shop who no one had heard of before, nor had the name
really struck any sort of chord with the locals. Jam & Joe, really didn't
have that ring that a lot of the coffee shops had these days. Though with
the live music twice a month, the coffee shop had started to get more
regular customers, and with the new mutants who were running the place, it
was no wonder even if the patrons had no idea they were being waited on by
people who could read their minds, or having pancakes served by those who
could cook the batter into a golden brown with nothing but a thought. "So
you want that Latte light on the cream heavy on the espresso. oh and those
sprinkles you like so much." Came, the robust face of Ruby Bishop as he
leaned over the counter behind thick over sized glasses.
"You get it every time Ruby!" Came the grinning face of a thin blond who was waiting just getting ready to get to work. The power suit the woman wore seemed to swallow the rest of her petite body.
It had been now two months since Ruby had returned to the outside world, after a long stay in a Genomex stasis pod. Most of the other new mutants who had heard about what the ex-administrator-- of the west side safehouse, under the front, "My friend's Bookstore"-- had done, felt that Asheloche and his team the Strand would have done a better service to keep him in a pod right next to where Mason Eckhart now resided. Though was Ruby really that bad? After a month and a half of seeing Ruby back to the way they remembered him, Alison had given a second thought about her opinion of her old friend, perhaps it wasn't his fault. Though Vince hadn't let up his edge one bit, it appeared to most new mutants who were at the safehouse, that Vince and Ruby did their very best to stay away from one another, and Alison had to fill the role of mediator between the two, once close friends.
"Mr. Bishop, I can cover the counter, you have a phone call." Came a voice out of the back corner of the counter area. Michelle Bigalow smiled, as Ruby turned around. Ruby's eyes slanted as the moderator looked at the crowds forming. A dimpled smile raced over his lips as he nodded and then looked at the next person waiting to be served. "It's Adam Kane."
"Michelle will take care of you in just a moment." Ruby floundered all of the sudden, hearing the name of the man who gave him this second chance. Ruby's body turned around to see Michelle walk from the doorway of the kitchen, her hair was drawn up against her head now and with the elegant suit, she wore gray and black, one would get the strange deju-vu feelings of the GSA. Though Michelle had spent her teen years hanging out with Emma De'lauro causing trouble, and being wild, Michelle found protection like she never had, when she joined the GSA. Though that was ages ago now and she had reformed there was still this block she could put up when she was nervous or apprehensive she found it was easy to go into unfeeling mode. The programming she suffered at Genomex taking hold once more to dimming her emotions. Though Adam was able to get most of the genetic effects resolved, there were still things not even "possibly the world's smartest man" could do. Psychological indentions, in Michelle's make up that could never be reversed. Mannerisms that Michelle's body had adjusted to. Only through time Adam had told her would all the effects of Genomex tampering with her psychic profile be resolved. "Oh and Michelle, call me Ruby. Everyone else does." Ruby adds in his soft squeaking voice as he slides past Michelle moving back toward the kitchen.
The kitchen of Jam & Joe was almost totally decked out in silvers and blacks. Two of the workers were busy making up batter, and slicing vegetables. A quick wave of the hand and nod of the head transpires as he walks to the door that appears to lead outwards. One the side of the door is a flip up panel. When the panel is flipped up, Ruby presses the enter key on the pad and a led light flickers over the face of the Ruby's face. Then as though it was rather normal, 16 of the tiles of the kitchen floor seem to feed up exposing a series of steps in the floor, Ruby strides to the case of stairs and walks softly down the steps. As he hits the last step on the case, his feet tink onto the wood covered floor. Leaning over to the wall he presses the button on the side of the wall-a large cylinder shaped red button-and the linoleum floor in the kitchen slides back into place. The main lobby of the halfway house was rather empty at this time of day. There were a few of the newly found new mutants sleeping on the couches, before they were to move into the underground. And even though this was a halfway house for new mutants to learn to use their powers and other things they never got the chance to learn before. there was also the fact that they had to also operate as a safehouse for the underground. The lobby was rather vast. A wood paneled floor with couches and tables and a large screen TV near one side, the large screen TV now loomed the face of Adam Kane waiting patiently. Ruby walked over to where Adam's face was magnetized. Ruby like Jesse and most of mutantX had realized was not looking that well. On the contrary, Adam's face had produced large circles under his eyes and new folds of stress lines. "Adam, I'm going to talk to you in my office." Ruby's voice boomed almost enough to wake up one of the kids who had been asleep on a couch nearby.
"That's fine Ruby, there is just something we need to talk about. Privacy is crucial, now more than ever." Adam's calculated voice dove through the inlayed speakers. Ruby had already turned his back and walking towards the right corridor that became the mouth of one of the many hallways that intersected the Halfway house like a scar that never knew when to give up. Ruby rushed as quickly as he could to the end of the hallway where a dark stained glass door stood. There were six hallways in all over the whole halfway house. Though many outlets seemed to be set up, most of the initial work to most of what was planned was still being worked up. The medical center, ΒΌ of the residential center, and the server room was all that had been completed. The commissary was next on the list, though that would have to wait until after the first training room in the south wing was done. The kitchen in the coffee shop upstairs would give those means to fix food at least for the time being.
Pulling open the glass door, Adam's face was on the monitor sitting on the oak desk. Ruby quickly pulled out the dark colored chair a smile beaming across his face as he plopped down in a seat that appeared to be perfectly made for his body. His feet pushed forward rolling the seat into the desk. "Hey Adam, sorry it took so long. It gets rather busy in the coffee business in mornings. I'm guessing this isn't a casual call."
"Don't worry yourself Ruby, you are doing fine. The Halfway house is progressing nicely. To the fact, there's something that we had talked about before, when we were setting all this up. Then the GSA was the biggest threat and we had to insure the safety of new mutants. Now the tables have turned, and Asheloche and his group the Strand are the biggest threat. Currently Asheloche is trying to use his numbers against us. To keep us off guard, and I think its time, that we get going on Mutant Zero. The Strand has been pulling alarms to get MutantX attention diverted, when our main focus should be taking Asheloche down before he endangers more lives, both human and new mutant." Adam clears his voice after this long string of information.
"I understand, and it is a good idea at least in theory Adam, a second team to take care of the Strand attacks. I've read some of the reports about the latest three. Just diverting tactics I take it?" Ruby mentions his eyebrows knitting upwards a little.
"Exactly, Ashelocke is sending out some of him team to keep us off guard. And well it seems the best way to fight fire is with fire, you spoke to me about two candidates, and you thought would work out?"
"How soon are you expecting this Adam? I know MutantX didn't happen over night. It took you years to piece together Shalimar, Jesse, Brennan, and Emma."
"Things are different now, Ruby, we have a lot of people to draw from. It seems to me that we need a good team, one that will be able to come back alive from the missions, possibly ones that have worked with MutantX in the past. They know how to handle themselves. You mentioned Matty Collan, who is traveling around to the different safehouses presently, and who was the other one, the molecular? I don't think I'm familiar with this one."
"He was at one of the safehouses-during the disease that took the life of one Charles Marlowe of course I've only read about these people. His name is Todd Richards."
Adam's face goes torque for a moment, as he remembers Brennan's dealings with Todd and his wife as well. It appears that they both were cheating on each other with GSA agents, was this really the best the Underground had to offer. "I vaguely remember him, and I do respect your decisions. I just don't want new mutants dying for this. Who were the others you had in mind?"
"Well Michelle has been improving rather well, Adam-and someone with her abilities would be invaluable in the field." Ruby mentioned, half wishing he could read minds through monitors.
"Yes, she would be an excellent member to the team; a tele-cyber would give more options for what can be done in the field." Adam quickly mentions, as his mind wheels at the outcome of a speedster, a telecyber, and an electric elemental. Well I suppose if they will work well together."
"Well we'll have to get them all here," Ruby Mentioned, idly.
"Leave that to me, I can get that done for you." Adam mentioned...
***** Safehouse 234
Rochester NY
Matty Collan had not been home for almost seven years, though she had gotten word from Brennan only a week ago about the Rochester Safehouse being on alert after a series of attacks by the Strand near the west end bridge. Though the safehouse was intact, seven people were killed the attack, and many of the new mutants who were living around the safehouse decided it would be in the interest of the underground to keep an eye out. One of those seven people was Matty's brother Brian. Matty sat now on one of the couches that suited for a living room for the safehouse three other new mutants were sitting in the room as well, the blue face of Proxy Blue was on relating quick tidbits of information. Matty's eyes flickered in pain as she brought up a slender hand to run through the course of her short raven colored hair. Matty was wearing a long black pinstripe dress, net stocking cutting up from the heels she wore, dotting up her olive colored legs. The Funeral was in about an hour, Brennan had told her he would be making it up there, and if she would mind if they went together. Brennan too was close to Brian, almost feeling guilty that he had helped get Brian on the road that ended his life. Brennan had gotten out of the life almost two years ago now. Though still the causalities still escalated in his life. Adam had also asked Brennan to mention Mutant Zero to Matty, thinking that this might help her deal with the loss of her brother, by helping to put Asheloche back where he belonged.
Brennan Mulwray walked up towards the living room now, resting a hand on the shoulder of Matty, a soft yet painful smile flickering over his face. "Hey Matty, about ready to get going?" Brennan asked in a coarse whisper now.
"Yeah I guess, thank you for all of this Brennan. really I know you and Brian always had your. troubles. but." Tears scrolled down her cheeks"
"Shh don't worry about that now Matty, he would rather you stay brave. If Brian knew one thing it was the special bond you both shared. Come on lets go, for him."
Matty turned around her lips quivering the deep red lipstick she wore chipping and flaking as her lips tensed her body rose as she her body slipped around the couch. Matty's arms curled around the neck of Brennan as she pulled the elemental into a large hug. "Yes, I don't suppose one is supposed to be late to their own brother's funeral. ***** Victoria Lighthouse
Victoria BC, Alberta Canada
The Lighthouse was no longer in working order, long ago did all the lighthouses go into a computerized system, it was a good place to go if one wanted to keep secretive dealings out of the prying eyes of those who wanted to listen. It was the chosen location Sharon, along with three other strand members Mark, Timothy, and Miranda had come to speak to the newest candidate to join the ranks of their team-Urien a Rodent feral who's knowledge of other new mutants was non existent. Sharon had met him at billiards' hall not far from the town limits of Toronto and told him it would be a long drive but he would be safe. Though something about Sharon did not sit right with the rat Feral, though Urien was not sure if it was actually the fact she had the DNA of one of the rodent's most fierce predators which she charmed him into believing or if it was something else. Something that the eye had yet to see-for Urien he was not one to ever make predictions for things he had no clue about. Urien was still bubbling that there were others like him. Though the question still flipped around in The Feral's mind as his eyes watched the jeep wrangler pull into a lot by the abandoned lighthouse.
The day was coming to an end as the gray sky now lined out over the horizon as the door to the jeep were slid open as the two pulled themselves from the vehicle. Three forms walked from the door of the safehouse each with but eyes on the new comer the one who was not sure to be trusted yet. Sharon's eyes turned to Urien as she slid a smile over her lips, blond hair lashing around and sliding down her pale and very slender face. The first in the group of three was a red headed male, rather thin by most standards and seemed to have a glare in his eyes as he looked up to Urien as he slid his hand out for a hand shake. "Welcome, Urien is it? We've heard quite a bit about you. But us well there is more to tell than meets the eyes I suppose. We all have our own different reasons for wanting to come here. But if we can't live with the humans without being hunted and hounded, what other choice is there? My name is Timothy."
Urien nodded as his eyes looked to Timothy and wondered what the distaste his voice felt. Was this the Strand was about? Urien had no idea, all Sharon mentioned was that it was a group of people like he and her who were together because society didn't want them. Though now it appeared there was more to it than that. "Hello Timothy, and yes my name is Urien. Is this the whole group or is there more?" Urien asked in reply.
"Oh there is a lot more." Came the voice of a fifth figure that shocked almost everyone who was there. None of the Strand members expected, Gabriel himself to be there. Long dark brown hair cradled his jaw line as a tinge of a smile came to his place. "I'm Gabriel Urien, and don't let these modest decorations get to you. It is all just a front. I can see you are not sure yourself for coming here. But don't worry, you will find yourself right at home before to long." Gabriel's eyes stared at Urien's who suddenly felt a longing suddenly to be to the side of Gabriel. An attraction to this man now, an attraction that he had never felt before, Urien was suddenly taken away. "We all have a promise to make the world better for our own kind. So it's no mystery that you too have a need to help with the work I have in store." Ashelocke's hand slipped to Urien's shoulder now as he leans and whispers in Urien's ear. "You have great promise; I can see it in your eyes. The determination to do great things, possibly this is just a stepping stone for you. I know you will not let me down." Urien's eyes continue to watch as Ashelocke walks back into the building. A second hand now slides over his shoulder a warmer hand as a pair of lips graze again over his ear.
"I think he likes you Urien." Mentioned a hushed whisper from the mouth of Sharon, which followed by a soft laugh.
A chill ran down the neck of the rat feral as his eyes looked to the door. There was something strange, he couldn't help but think. Though he followed the rest into the lighthouse if only to get another glimpse of this man, Urien had seen Asheloche only briefly yet he knew that what he was thinking could not be true-could this man Asheloche truly save the new mutants from the humans who would hunt them?
*****
Jam & Joe's Toronto, Ontario
"So, Michelle as you can see this new firewall is practically invulnerable from outside attacks, practically being the key word here." Alison mention looked at Michelle whose eyes were looking at the computer screen as the technical director of the safehouse was explaining the new computer system.
"So you want me to test it, find where the holes are in the ports, Alison." Came the soft yet defined voice of Michelle Bigelow with almost an anticipation growing in her eyes. "Well that was the plan. I was thinking you are part computer, so you would be able to tell any leaks better than someone looking at the trianary code." Alison explained as the door suddenly came open. Both of the women turned around to see the robust form of Ruby standing there, his eyes looking at the both of them through the large glasses he wore.
"I'm sorry Alison, but is it possible for the firewall to wait?" Came the telepath's voice even though he had no idea what was going on, it only took a moment of thought for him to be filled in. "There is something I need to talk to Michelle about."
Alison's head turned momentarily over to where Ruby was standing, her teeth clinching together. Alison could not help but wonder how much information Ruby was able to tell the GSA. Sure the GSA was no longer a threat-for now. But the strand now had that information. A telepath was always the weakest link. The ability to get the most information, and very little defense capabilities, yet now Alison was going to not get in Ruby's way. Yet Alison knew full well something was going on. Alison had noticed the amount of New mutant bio reports that had been pulled from the database in the last week or so. Though why, Ruby had been keeping secretive from both her and Vince. That and the conversations over the phone that had been blocked out, all she knew was that the IPs matched those of Sanctuary, how was MutantX involved she wondered. "Sure, we can continue this later, if that is alright with you Michelle?"
Ruby took Michelle from the room, walking with her down the corridor towards his office. A silence over took Ruby as he couldn't wave the thoughts that Alison had been showing on the surface of her mind. Though this Mutant Zero project that Adam had spoken to him about was of the utmost importance, Ruby knew that deep down this could really be the break that MutantX needed to finally put a stop to the Strand. And to level the deaths they were causing both with new mutants and with humans.
***** Masterson's Funeral home
Rochester, New York
The affair was like the usual funeral, which both Brennan Mulwray and Matty Collan had seen countless times before. Though for Matty, this time it hit as close to home as it could. Matty had been a run away, and had no idea the trail she left for her brother when she left on a junior in the United States high school program, and not three years after that Brian would take the same leap of faith. A leap that landed him dead at a tender age, Matty wondered if her mother ever wondered the situation that gave Matty her new mutant heritage, the way that her mother went to breedlove for her, yet for her brother it was almost a miracle. The funeral succession was sad, and as everyone was turning to follow the hearse to the cemetery, Brennan put his hand on Matty's shoulder pulling her close to a hug.
"Matty, I don't know if this is a good time to bring this up, but there's something I need to tell you about."
Matty's eyes shinned with tears as Brennan's hand cleared some of them away from her cheek. "Tell me, Brennan? Is it about my brother, or the underground?"
"Both sort of." Brennan mentions with a sort of sigh in his voice. Though Brennan knew deep down that really if this was the best time to bring it up. Brennan's own life and team-- especially that of Shalimar depended on the fact that this new project Adam was trying to get started would work out.
"You all need my help, with the Strand, is that Brennan?" Matty asked now her eyes going wide for a moment. "Is that what you all need?"
"Well there is this new team, Adam and a safehouse operator Ruby Bishop is working on. The idea is that this new team will take care of The Strand, so MutantX can take out Ashelocke."
"Brennan, what can I say, here? You come to my brother's funeral- your friend. You play with my emotions, and now. you want me to join some team. some team that will save lives ultimately. Protect people from the Strand, so more people don't Die? Its bad timing Brennan, but I don't think I have to say that. But any path that leads to vengeance, you know I will take it without thinking twice."
Brennan's eyebrows arch upwards as he looks at Matty, never having seen her quite like this before. Brennan says not a word just slips his arms around her shoulder. "I hate you for this Brennan, hate that all this had to happen. But I've been thinking of what I was going to do, to make my heart quit racing so fast. I owe something to Adam, for helping me with my new mutant powers, so they didn't completely fade away. I also don't want my brother to have died in vein. Damnit Brennan, it doesn't stop hurting does it?"
"No, Matty it doesn't. Not ever, no matter how far you go. no matter all the good you do for the world it doesn't stop hurting. But this Mutant Zero thing. I think it will be a start, get you out of the life. I don't want to be attending your funeral."
"So Mutant Zero. the name alone could give a girl an inferiority complex."
***** Los Angeles, CA,
USA
"So. let me get this straight, you want me to join some new group. to help you all?" Came the quick voice, as Todd sleeked some of hair back. As he sat back in the over sized chair. His wife curled arms around him laying her head against his shoulder.
"Yeah that's about the size of it." Shalimar Fox mentions as she looks to the couple who were now holding each other lovingly. It had been a while since Shalimar or Emma had seen these two. Last time, they met this couple Jeri, the red headed woman who was holding Todd was busy looking through Jesse and Brennan's pants.
"Well you all did help us from making a big mistake." Jeri mentioned looking at Emma with a scrunch of her nose.
"Well I'm not the one who started cheating first you know. Not that they really care one way or the other way about you Jeri."
"Oh don't even get started on the cheating, I only started hanging out with Max, because I found out you were with what's her name?"
"Was it Bianca, or Shelly?"
"Shelly I think. wait Bianca. my sister Bianca?"
Emma looked over at, Shalimar a smile licking across her lips. "Do you really think they kept Ruby in that stasis pod a little too long?"
"Well at least we only have to deal with one of them. Well for New mutant stuff at least."
"Yeah just wait till the MutantX/Mutant Zero BBQ"
There was a sudden blur as a hand slipped between the shoulders of Emma and shalimar. There were a series of slash marks over the face of Todd. "Okay I'm in. ANYTHING TO GET A WAY FROM HER!"
"Oh dear." Emma hummed musically.
"You get it every time Ruby!" Came the grinning face of a thin blond who was waiting just getting ready to get to work. The power suit the woman wore seemed to swallow the rest of her petite body.
It had been now two months since Ruby had returned to the outside world, after a long stay in a Genomex stasis pod. Most of the other new mutants who had heard about what the ex-administrator-- of the west side safehouse, under the front, "My friend's Bookstore"-- had done, felt that Asheloche and his team the Strand would have done a better service to keep him in a pod right next to where Mason Eckhart now resided. Though was Ruby really that bad? After a month and a half of seeing Ruby back to the way they remembered him, Alison had given a second thought about her opinion of her old friend, perhaps it wasn't his fault. Though Vince hadn't let up his edge one bit, it appeared to most new mutants who were at the safehouse, that Vince and Ruby did their very best to stay away from one another, and Alison had to fill the role of mediator between the two, once close friends.
"Mr. Bishop, I can cover the counter, you have a phone call." Came a voice out of the back corner of the counter area. Michelle Bigalow smiled, as Ruby turned around. Ruby's eyes slanted as the moderator looked at the crowds forming. A dimpled smile raced over his lips as he nodded and then looked at the next person waiting to be served. "It's Adam Kane."
"Michelle will take care of you in just a moment." Ruby floundered all of the sudden, hearing the name of the man who gave him this second chance. Ruby's body turned around to see Michelle walk from the doorway of the kitchen, her hair was drawn up against her head now and with the elegant suit, she wore gray and black, one would get the strange deju-vu feelings of the GSA. Though Michelle had spent her teen years hanging out with Emma De'lauro causing trouble, and being wild, Michelle found protection like she never had, when she joined the GSA. Though that was ages ago now and she had reformed there was still this block she could put up when she was nervous or apprehensive she found it was easy to go into unfeeling mode. The programming she suffered at Genomex taking hold once more to dimming her emotions. Though Adam was able to get most of the genetic effects resolved, there were still things not even "possibly the world's smartest man" could do. Psychological indentions, in Michelle's make up that could never be reversed. Mannerisms that Michelle's body had adjusted to. Only through time Adam had told her would all the effects of Genomex tampering with her psychic profile be resolved. "Oh and Michelle, call me Ruby. Everyone else does." Ruby adds in his soft squeaking voice as he slides past Michelle moving back toward the kitchen.
The kitchen of Jam & Joe was almost totally decked out in silvers and blacks. Two of the workers were busy making up batter, and slicing vegetables. A quick wave of the hand and nod of the head transpires as he walks to the door that appears to lead outwards. One the side of the door is a flip up panel. When the panel is flipped up, Ruby presses the enter key on the pad and a led light flickers over the face of the Ruby's face. Then as though it was rather normal, 16 of the tiles of the kitchen floor seem to feed up exposing a series of steps in the floor, Ruby strides to the case of stairs and walks softly down the steps. As he hits the last step on the case, his feet tink onto the wood covered floor. Leaning over to the wall he presses the button on the side of the wall-a large cylinder shaped red button-and the linoleum floor in the kitchen slides back into place. The main lobby of the halfway house was rather empty at this time of day. There were a few of the newly found new mutants sleeping on the couches, before they were to move into the underground. And even though this was a halfway house for new mutants to learn to use their powers and other things they never got the chance to learn before. there was also the fact that they had to also operate as a safehouse for the underground. The lobby was rather vast. A wood paneled floor with couches and tables and a large screen TV near one side, the large screen TV now loomed the face of Adam Kane waiting patiently. Ruby walked over to where Adam's face was magnetized. Ruby like Jesse and most of mutantX had realized was not looking that well. On the contrary, Adam's face had produced large circles under his eyes and new folds of stress lines. "Adam, I'm going to talk to you in my office." Ruby's voice boomed almost enough to wake up one of the kids who had been asleep on a couch nearby.
"That's fine Ruby, there is just something we need to talk about. Privacy is crucial, now more than ever." Adam's calculated voice dove through the inlayed speakers. Ruby had already turned his back and walking towards the right corridor that became the mouth of one of the many hallways that intersected the Halfway house like a scar that never knew when to give up. Ruby rushed as quickly as he could to the end of the hallway where a dark stained glass door stood. There were six hallways in all over the whole halfway house. Though many outlets seemed to be set up, most of the initial work to most of what was planned was still being worked up. The medical center, ΒΌ of the residential center, and the server room was all that had been completed. The commissary was next on the list, though that would have to wait until after the first training room in the south wing was done. The kitchen in the coffee shop upstairs would give those means to fix food at least for the time being.
Pulling open the glass door, Adam's face was on the monitor sitting on the oak desk. Ruby quickly pulled out the dark colored chair a smile beaming across his face as he plopped down in a seat that appeared to be perfectly made for his body. His feet pushed forward rolling the seat into the desk. "Hey Adam, sorry it took so long. It gets rather busy in the coffee business in mornings. I'm guessing this isn't a casual call."
"Don't worry yourself Ruby, you are doing fine. The Halfway house is progressing nicely. To the fact, there's something that we had talked about before, when we were setting all this up. Then the GSA was the biggest threat and we had to insure the safety of new mutants. Now the tables have turned, and Asheloche and his group the Strand are the biggest threat. Currently Asheloche is trying to use his numbers against us. To keep us off guard, and I think its time, that we get going on Mutant Zero. The Strand has been pulling alarms to get MutantX attention diverted, when our main focus should be taking Asheloche down before he endangers more lives, both human and new mutant." Adam clears his voice after this long string of information.
"I understand, and it is a good idea at least in theory Adam, a second team to take care of the Strand attacks. I've read some of the reports about the latest three. Just diverting tactics I take it?" Ruby mentions his eyebrows knitting upwards a little.
"Exactly, Ashelocke is sending out some of him team to keep us off guard. And well it seems the best way to fight fire is with fire, you spoke to me about two candidates, and you thought would work out?"
"How soon are you expecting this Adam? I know MutantX didn't happen over night. It took you years to piece together Shalimar, Jesse, Brennan, and Emma."
"Things are different now, Ruby, we have a lot of people to draw from. It seems to me that we need a good team, one that will be able to come back alive from the missions, possibly ones that have worked with MutantX in the past. They know how to handle themselves. You mentioned Matty Collan, who is traveling around to the different safehouses presently, and who was the other one, the molecular? I don't think I'm familiar with this one."
"He was at one of the safehouses-during the disease that took the life of one Charles Marlowe of course I've only read about these people. His name is Todd Richards."
Adam's face goes torque for a moment, as he remembers Brennan's dealings with Todd and his wife as well. It appears that they both were cheating on each other with GSA agents, was this really the best the Underground had to offer. "I vaguely remember him, and I do respect your decisions. I just don't want new mutants dying for this. Who were the others you had in mind?"
"Well Michelle has been improving rather well, Adam-and someone with her abilities would be invaluable in the field." Ruby mentioned, half wishing he could read minds through monitors.
"Yes, she would be an excellent member to the team; a tele-cyber would give more options for what can be done in the field." Adam quickly mentions, as his mind wheels at the outcome of a speedster, a telecyber, and an electric elemental. Well I suppose if they will work well together."
"Well we'll have to get them all here," Ruby Mentioned, idly.
"Leave that to me, I can get that done for you." Adam mentioned...
***** Safehouse 234
Rochester NY
Matty Collan had not been home for almost seven years, though she had gotten word from Brennan only a week ago about the Rochester Safehouse being on alert after a series of attacks by the Strand near the west end bridge. Though the safehouse was intact, seven people were killed the attack, and many of the new mutants who were living around the safehouse decided it would be in the interest of the underground to keep an eye out. One of those seven people was Matty's brother Brian. Matty sat now on one of the couches that suited for a living room for the safehouse three other new mutants were sitting in the room as well, the blue face of Proxy Blue was on relating quick tidbits of information. Matty's eyes flickered in pain as she brought up a slender hand to run through the course of her short raven colored hair. Matty was wearing a long black pinstripe dress, net stocking cutting up from the heels she wore, dotting up her olive colored legs. The Funeral was in about an hour, Brennan had told her he would be making it up there, and if she would mind if they went together. Brennan too was close to Brian, almost feeling guilty that he had helped get Brian on the road that ended his life. Brennan had gotten out of the life almost two years ago now. Though still the causalities still escalated in his life. Adam had also asked Brennan to mention Mutant Zero to Matty, thinking that this might help her deal with the loss of her brother, by helping to put Asheloche back where he belonged.
Brennan Mulwray walked up towards the living room now, resting a hand on the shoulder of Matty, a soft yet painful smile flickering over his face. "Hey Matty, about ready to get going?" Brennan asked in a coarse whisper now.
"Yeah I guess, thank you for all of this Brennan. really I know you and Brian always had your. troubles. but." Tears scrolled down her cheeks"
"Shh don't worry about that now Matty, he would rather you stay brave. If Brian knew one thing it was the special bond you both shared. Come on lets go, for him."
Matty turned around her lips quivering the deep red lipstick she wore chipping and flaking as her lips tensed her body rose as she her body slipped around the couch. Matty's arms curled around the neck of Brennan as she pulled the elemental into a large hug. "Yes, I don't suppose one is supposed to be late to their own brother's funeral. ***** Victoria Lighthouse
Victoria BC, Alberta Canada
The Lighthouse was no longer in working order, long ago did all the lighthouses go into a computerized system, it was a good place to go if one wanted to keep secretive dealings out of the prying eyes of those who wanted to listen. It was the chosen location Sharon, along with three other strand members Mark, Timothy, and Miranda had come to speak to the newest candidate to join the ranks of their team-Urien a Rodent feral who's knowledge of other new mutants was non existent. Sharon had met him at billiards' hall not far from the town limits of Toronto and told him it would be a long drive but he would be safe. Though something about Sharon did not sit right with the rat Feral, though Urien was not sure if it was actually the fact she had the DNA of one of the rodent's most fierce predators which she charmed him into believing or if it was something else. Something that the eye had yet to see-for Urien he was not one to ever make predictions for things he had no clue about. Urien was still bubbling that there were others like him. Though the question still flipped around in The Feral's mind as his eyes watched the jeep wrangler pull into a lot by the abandoned lighthouse.
The day was coming to an end as the gray sky now lined out over the horizon as the door to the jeep were slid open as the two pulled themselves from the vehicle. Three forms walked from the door of the safehouse each with but eyes on the new comer the one who was not sure to be trusted yet. Sharon's eyes turned to Urien as she slid a smile over her lips, blond hair lashing around and sliding down her pale and very slender face. The first in the group of three was a red headed male, rather thin by most standards and seemed to have a glare in his eyes as he looked up to Urien as he slid his hand out for a hand shake. "Welcome, Urien is it? We've heard quite a bit about you. But us well there is more to tell than meets the eyes I suppose. We all have our own different reasons for wanting to come here. But if we can't live with the humans without being hunted and hounded, what other choice is there? My name is Timothy."
Urien nodded as his eyes looked to Timothy and wondered what the distaste his voice felt. Was this the Strand was about? Urien had no idea, all Sharon mentioned was that it was a group of people like he and her who were together because society didn't want them. Though now it appeared there was more to it than that. "Hello Timothy, and yes my name is Urien. Is this the whole group or is there more?" Urien asked in reply.
"Oh there is a lot more." Came the voice of a fifth figure that shocked almost everyone who was there. None of the Strand members expected, Gabriel himself to be there. Long dark brown hair cradled his jaw line as a tinge of a smile came to his place. "I'm Gabriel Urien, and don't let these modest decorations get to you. It is all just a front. I can see you are not sure yourself for coming here. But don't worry, you will find yourself right at home before to long." Gabriel's eyes stared at Urien's who suddenly felt a longing suddenly to be to the side of Gabriel. An attraction to this man now, an attraction that he had never felt before, Urien was suddenly taken away. "We all have a promise to make the world better for our own kind. So it's no mystery that you too have a need to help with the work I have in store." Ashelocke's hand slipped to Urien's shoulder now as he leans and whispers in Urien's ear. "You have great promise; I can see it in your eyes. The determination to do great things, possibly this is just a stepping stone for you. I know you will not let me down." Urien's eyes continue to watch as Ashelocke walks back into the building. A second hand now slides over his shoulder a warmer hand as a pair of lips graze again over his ear.
"I think he likes you Urien." Mentioned a hushed whisper from the mouth of Sharon, which followed by a soft laugh.
A chill ran down the neck of the rat feral as his eyes looked to the door. There was something strange, he couldn't help but think. Though he followed the rest into the lighthouse if only to get another glimpse of this man, Urien had seen Asheloche only briefly yet he knew that what he was thinking could not be true-could this man Asheloche truly save the new mutants from the humans who would hunt them?
*****
Jam & Joe's Toronto, Ontario
"So, Michelle as you can see this new firewall is practically invulnerable from outside attacks, practically being the key word here." Alison mention looked at Michelle whose eyes were looking at the computer screen as the technical director of the safehouse was explaining the new computer system.
"So you want me to test it, find where the holes are in the ports, Alison." Came the soft yet defined voice of Michelle Bigelow with almost an anticipation growing in her eyes. "Well that was the plan. I was thinking you are part computer, so you would be able to tell any leaks better than someone looking at the trianary code." Alison explained as the door suddenly came open. Both of the women turned around to see the robust form of Ruby standing there, his eyes looking at the both of them through the large glasses he wore.
"I'm sorry Alison, but is it possible for the firewall to wait?" Came the telepath's voice even though he had no idea what was going on, it only took a moment of thought for him to be filled in. "There is something I need to talk to Michelle about."
Alison's head turned momentarily over to where Ruby was standing, her teeth clinching together. Alison could not help but wonder how much information Ruby was able to tell the GSA. Sure the GSA was no longer a threat-for now. But the strand now had that information. A telepath was always the weakest link. The ability to get the most information, and very little defense capabilities, yet now Alison was going to not get in Ruby's way. Yet Alison knew full well something was going on. Alison had noticed the amount of New mutant bio reports that had been pulled from the database in the last week or so. Though why, Ruby had been keeping secretive from both her and Vince. That and the conversations over the phone that had been blocked out, all she knew was that the IPs matched those of Sanctuary, how was MutantX involved she wondered. "Sure, we can continue this later, if that is alright with you Michelle?"
Ruby took Michelle from the room, walking with her down the corridor towards his office. A silence over took Ruby as he couldn't wave the thoughts that Alison had been showing on the surface of her mind. Though this Mutant Zero project that Adam had spoken to him about was of the utmost importance, Ruby knew that deep down this could really be the break that MutantX needed to finally put a stop to the Strand. And to level the deaths they were causing both with new mutants and with humans.
***** Masterson's Funeral home
Rochester, New York
The affair was like the usual funeral, which both Brennan Mulwray and Matty Collan had seen countless times before. Though for Matty, this time it hit as close to home as it could. Matty had been a run away, and had no idea the trail she left for her brother when she left on a junior in the United States high school program, and not three years after that Brian would take the same leap of faith. A leap that landed him dead at a tender age, Matty wondered if her mother ever wondered the situation that gave Matty her new mutant heritage, the way that her mother went to breedlove for her, yet for her brother it was almost a miracle. The funeral succession was sad, and as everyone was turning to follow the hearse to the cemetery, Brennan put his hand on Matty's shoulder pulling her close to a hug.
"Matty, I don't know if this is a good time to bring this up, but there's something I need to tell you about."
Matty's eyes shinned with tears as Brennan's hand cleared some of them away from her cheek. "Tell me, Brennan? Is it about my brother, or the underground?"
"Both sort of." Brennan mentions with a sort of sigh in his voice. Though Brennan knew deep down that really if this was the best time to bring it up. Brennan's own life and team-- especially that of Shalimar depended on the fact that this new project Adam was trying to get started would work out.
"You all need my help, with the Strand, is that Brennan?" Matty asked now her eyes going wide for a moment. "Is that what you all need?"
"Well there is this new team, Adam and a safehouse operator Ruby Bishop is working on. The idea is that this new team will take care of The Strand, so MutantX can take out Ashelocke."
"Brennan, what can I say, here? You come to my brother's funeral- your friend. You play with my emotions, and now. you want me to join some team. some team that will save lives ultimately. Protect people from the Strand, so more people don't Die? Its bad timing Brennan, but I don't think I have to say that. But any path that leads to vengeance, you know I will take it without thinking twice."
Brennan's eyebrows arch upwards as he looks at Matty, never having seen her quite like this before. Brennan says not a word just slips his arms around her shoulder. "I hate you for this Brennan, hate that all this had to happen. But I've been thinking of what I was going to do, to make my heart quit racing so fast. I owe something to Adam, for helping me with my new mutant powers, so they didn't completely fade away. I also don't want my brother to have died in vein. Damnit Brennan, it doesn't stop hurting does it?"
"No, Matty it doesn't. Not ever, no matter how far you go. no matter all the good you do for the world it doesn't stop hurting. But this Mutant Zero thing. I think it will be a start, get you out of the life. I don't want to be attending your funeral."
"So Mutant Zero. the name alone could give a girl an inferiority complex."
***** Los Angeles, CA,
USA
"So. let me get this straight, you want me to join some new group. to help you all?" Came the quick voice, as Todd sleeked some of hair back. As he sat back in the over sized chair. His wife curled arms around him laying her head against his shoulder.
"Yeah that's about the size of it." Shalimar Fox mentions as she looks to the couple who were now holding each other lovingly. It had been a while since Shalimar or Emma had seen these two. Last time, they met this couple Jeri, the red headed woman who was holding Todd was busy looking through Jesse and Brennan's pants.
"Well you all did help us from making a big mistake." Jeri mentioned looking at Emma with a scrunch of her nose.
"Well I'm not the one who started cheating first you know. Not that they really care one way or the other way about you Jeri."
"Oh don't even get started on the cheating, I only started hanging out with Max, because I found out you were with what's her name?"
"Was it Bianca, or Shelly?"
"Shelly I think. wait Bianca. my sister Bianca?"
Emma looked over at, Shalimar a smile licking across her lips. "Do you really think they kept Ruby in that stasis pod a little too long?"
"Well at least we only have to deal with one of them. Well for New mutant stuff at least."
"Yeah just wait till the MutantX/Mutant Zero BBQ"
There was a sudden blur as a hand slipped between the shoulders of Emma and shalimar. There were a series of slash marks over the face of Todd. "Okay I'm in. ANYTHING TO GET A WAY FROM HER!"
"Oh dear." Emma hummed musically.