Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. Evie is my character.

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 8

As Charles pushed the controls, the recording made of the transmission he had received earlier, began to play on the large view screen. They all saw the beautiful woman with fear in her eyes. Ororo gasped as the message began.

"Ororo, please, you must come and help us. Jaku,…he has changed and has let the evil take him. He no longer cares about any of us. He wants only to please his own selfishness. He has taken all of the women and children and imprisoned them." With tears in her eyes now she continued. "Kira…Kira was very sick when he took her from me. He would not allow me to care for her. He left me in the village alone, knowing I would have no other choice but to contact you. I am sorry, Sister. I could do no more alone. Please forgive me." The screen went blank as all eyes turned toward the stunned Ororo.

Logan had sensed her fear as she watched the message and moved to her side. His heart nearly broke to see her so obviously distraught. He now stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders to try to lend his strength.

"Ro?" Logan questioned softly.

Seeing her still not able to speak, Charles offered the answers he could. "That was Onnaka. She and Ororo were raised as sisters and grew to be extremely close. When Ororo was found orphaned at the age of 2, Onnaka's parents took her in. Her family was one of the ruling families in their village. Jaku is her older brother. There is also Saket, the eldest brother. Their father was one of three leaders until he died two years ago. Saket took his father's place. Kira is Onnaka's 5 year old daughter and Ororo's goddaughter."

"If this brother went on a rampage then what about the men in the village?" Rogue asked.

Softly, and as if in a dream, Ororo finally spoke, "They are on the hunt. It's the season when all the men and boys, who are of age, go away for one month. They hunt and gather and teach the younger boys."

"Well," Remy interjected, "while de men are off on de campin' trip, de village is left unprotected."

Suddenly snapping out of her trance Ororo stood. "Professor, I must go."

"Storm," Wolverine was now all business and was not about to let her walk into anything. "This looks like an attempt to draw you out. You can't just walk into a trap." His voice was strong but his tone conveyed his concern.

"I have to go." She turned on him sharply. "I can't just ignore them. Perhaps I can talk Jaku out of whatever he is thinking. I have to try. I have to make sure Kira is all right." Her voice was controlled but desperation was evident.

"Yes, you must go," said the professor, "but you cannot go alone. Scott and Jean do not plan to be back until at least Friday with the Blackbird. I can try to recall them, immediately."

"Charles," Adam began, "I don't want to interfere but you must know that Mutant X is at your disposal. The Double Helix will easily make the flight and my team is yours to dispatch."

"Thank you, Adam." The professor was very grateful. "I believe Wolverine should accompany Storm." Charles looked at Logan to see him nod his acceptance. "Rogue is still off duty. In her place would you accept the assignment, Shalimar?"

"Of course, Professor." Shalimar stepped over to stand with Logan and Ororo.

Charles continued to assess his team. "Brennan, I wouldn't dream of sending the Helix out without her pilot."

With a sigh of relief and a smile Brennan moved to stand behind Shalimar.

Nodding his head, satisfied with the present mission team, he continued, "Good, now…"

"Charles," Evie interrupted. "Would you please allow me to go with them? I can help whoever is hurt."

"Your offer is kind, My Dear, but are you sure you want to go?" Charles turned and made eye contact with Adam.

Evie turned to Adam, "Adam, please send me along. You don't need me here for Marie. My part is done." Then almost pleading she added, "she's just a baby and there may be more injuries." She saw the hesitation in his eyes. "I'll be ok," she whispered.

Seeing her deep desire and knowing her heart for injured children, Adam consented, "All right."

"Very well, then." Charles picked up again. "Marie's procedure will continue and Remy will help in the lab. Jesse and Emma can help Jubilee and Kitty with the rest of the children. The Helix will take off at 7 AM. There will be a mission briefing tonight at 9. Thank you."

At 9 PM Wolverine, Storm, and all of Mutant X joined the professor in the control room once again. They needed little briefing. They all knew their jobs. Logan was assigned as mission leader. "Medical supplies and emergency equipment have been loaded on board the Helix. Is there anything else you think you will need?" Professor X made sure they lacked nothing. Seeing everyone was in agreement he turned to Adam. "Do you have anything to add?"

"Yes, thank you. My guys, give your rings to Jesse. Tonight he'll make the adjustments needed to link the signal to the computers here, with your permission, Charles." The professor just nodded. "I believe we can use the Helix as a relay and the satellite hookup in the war-room should be able to catch the signal." Turning to explain to the X Men, he said, "I designed our rings to be communication devices as well as tracking devices. The rings are coded to our personal DNA and will only work as long as they are worn and the wearer is alive. I feel more comfortable about a mission when I know I can track them if something goes wrong."

"Very wise precautions. Now get some rest and I will see you off at 7." Professor X was confident in the team's abilities but was still concerned about whatever they may find waiting for them.

Everyone went to retire as requested. Logan walked behind Ororo up the stairs and couldn't help but notice she was still lost in her own thoughts. Once they got to their doors which were across the hall from one another he spoke softly, "Ro…"

She stopped but didn't turn. He moved in front of her. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Without looking up and still lost in her thoughts she responded, "Of course, Logan. Please come in." She opened the door and led him up the stairs to her attic loft.

Once inside he stepped in front of her again. "Ro." When she didn't respond, he took her shoulders and urged, "Ro, look at me."

She finally looked up and he saw the fear in her eyes. With the tears finally breaking through, she covered her face with her hands and fell onto his chest. "Logan, I'm so worried." He heard her muffled voice against him.

Holding her tightly and leading her over to the bed, they sat and he held her and stroked her hair as he let her cry out her fears. After a few minutes of intense sobbing he felt her begin to relax in his arms. "Ro, Darlin', it'll be ok. I promise we'll take care of it."

"Thank you, Logan." After the release of tears she was finally able to think more clearly. "I know we will handle it. I'm sure Kira will be fine." Her show of strength made him proud.

"Ro,…I want you to know,…I'll always be here for you, Darlin'." He looked into her eyes and was caught by their dazzle, shining even more after the tears.

Trying to not let her heart feel more than he may mean she replied, "Thank you, Logan." She looked away and stood.

Sensing her feelings change and knowing if he didn't leave quickly he wouldn't leave at all, he willed himself to stand and walk to the steps. Without looking back he said goodnight and walked down. Once in his room, he leaned on the door and let out the breath he had been holding. He took a shower and knew he wasn't going to get much sleep.

Wednesday

The early morning brought the teams to the Helix. No final instructions were needed. Everyone was getting in their seats as Brennan started preflight and input the destination into the Helix computer. Emma checked the interior and supplies one last time.

Jesse came on board. "Here're your rings." He handed each out. He kissed the girls and stopped at Brennan. "Watch yourself." He grasped his extended hand. "It'd take me too long to get there to clean up after you." He smiled as he poked fun.

"Nice," Brennan reacted but knew the sentiment was there.

Adam kissed Evie. "Be careful," he whispered in her ear. "I love you." She sat back and smiled. He touched Shalimar's shoulder and she gave him a reassuring smile. As he approached Brennan he made eye contact and shook his hand.

Brennan nodded, hearing his unspoken command to watch himself and the girls. "Don't worry," he responded.

Passing back to Ororo he put a caring hand on her shoulder. She reached for him. "Please take care of Marie. Don't worry about us."

"She'll be fine. I promise." Adam gave her a comforting smile.

"So will we. That's my promise." Logan looked at Adam who nodded and shook his hand, grateful for the assurance.

Adam, Jesse and Emma left the Helix and watched as it disappeared.

The flight over was mostly silent. Ororo told them of her village and of Kira. The last time she visited was for her father's funeral. It had been an emotional visit; her father was a wise man and well loved by everyone. Still, she did not sense there were any signs of impending trouble.

TBC