Chapter Eight:
As the X-Jet soared quickly west over the vast plains of the mid-west, Professor Charles Xavier sat in silent thought, watching the passing clouds with vague interest. His mind was currently very preoccupied, mainly with questions about their new candidate, and on the list which Scott had given him from Cerebro the previous evening.
Following the training demonstration, Bobby had completed compiling the computer's latest information and had printed a list containing the names and suspected abilities of many mutants that Cerebro had located during Xavier's last session in the machine. The results had been lengthy, but not entirely unexpected. Many of the names listed had been individuals whom Charles had sensed previously, although, the number of new mutants had increased significantly.
And, as always, there were several very obvious omissions from the list.
Erik, Charles thought, a frustrated frown lingering on his face, Where are you now, old friend? Eight months and I have only caught fleeting glimpses of your Brotherhood and not a single hint of you. Are you still recovering from your incarceration with Stryker, or are you merely biding your time, building your strength, recruiting more lost and angry mutants to your cause?
Xavier sighed quietly, and massaged one temple with his finger tips. With all the concerns he had about the world stage today, Magneto's silence worried him most of all.
It had taken Erik Lensherr years to organize his first major attack on humanity at Liberty Island, but that had been when he was first creating what was now called the "Brotherhood of Mutants." His followers had been few, but fierce, and Xavier was certain Magneto's Brotherhood had not been idle during these changing and difficult months.
However, it had proven impossible to guess how many others might now follow Magneto, despite the Professor's monitoring of mutants around the globe. The only two he could be certain of was Mystique…and John Allerdyce.
Xavier knew he could look deeper, he could focus harder on those mental signatures he may recognize…but every time he tried, the memories of his experiences from Alkalai Lake kept him from opening his mind to such a degree again.
So for now, as frustrating as it was, Xavier knew he had no choice but to wait and see where Erik and his Brothers would appear next. The only thing Xavier and his X-Men could do was try to reach as many other mutants as possible, to lead them to answers beyond violence and revenge.
Charles raised his eyes and stared out of the large front windows of the jet. He did his best to clear his mind of all else except their task at hand. They were flying now to Arizona, to meet and do what they could to help another mutant in need. It was their duty, his responsibility to guide others like himself through this confusing world, and keep them on the path of hope, instead of revenge and hate.
"How are we doing on time, Scott?" the Professor asked in an even and controlled voice.
Scott glanced backwards at the Professor through his ruby colored glasses. He and Storm were both in plain clothes, looking very casual next to the X-Jet's large navigation panels.
"We're crossing out of Kansas now," Scott replied, "We're a little more than halfway there. Considering the time zone difference, we should be within landing distance by about ten o'clock Arizona time."
"Good," Xavier replied quickly.
"Any new thoughts on the young lady's abilities?" Storm asked, curiously.
Xavier shook his head, "I'm afraid not. We'll just have to wait and see when we meet her."
Scott frowned slightly, "Do you think we should have let them know to expect another guest? They only know that me and Storm are coming…"
"Somehow," Xavier said, "I think she's been expecting all of us for a long time."