Author's note and Disclaimer: As I pull more crossovers into this story, I'll restate that I own none of them. These are just my own ramblings and expression in appreciation for stories and movies I've enjoyed. (Next SK's The Dark Tower book comes out in four days! Hooray!) I just want to see what happens when they're all thrown into the blender and someone hits 'purée.' Dammit...now I want a milkshake...
Chapter Twenty-One:
"Systems Operations Incorporated," Xavier said as he stared down at the aged document, "That is a name I have not heard in a long time..."
The Professor tapped his fingers on the armrest of his wheel chair. He was examining the paper under a large projection lamp, which also scanned the information into the computer for further analysis. Logan stood to his left with his arms folded across his broad chest. Scott and Storm were sitting at opposing consoles, tapping quickly at their keyboards.
"So...you know what it is then?" Logan asked with a deep frown, "That place I found, you've heard of it before..."
"Oh, yes," Xavier replied, "As would any stock market investor from twenty-five or thirty years ago. It was a corporation that specialized in chemical and plastics manufacturing...at least, to the public. It was widely suspected that the company also developed and sold weapons...and not only to the American government."
"What kind of weapons?" Logan asked, flexing one hand and feeling the metal blades against the bones of his wrist. Xavier turned his chair and glanced up at him.
"Human weapons..." he replied honestly, and then explained, "Fifty years ago, the government created a new branch called the Department of Scientific Investigations. Its primary purpose was for the advancement of scientific research in all fields from medical to aviation. However, as the 'mutant phenomenon' began to gain public interest, a new facility was built specifically for studies of the human mind. Its nickname was the SHOP..."
Scott frowned and glanced at the Professor, "I thought that was an urban legend...the only place I've ever heard about the SHOP was on those late night 'unexplained mysteries' shows..."
Xavier nodded knowingly, "A public perception that was purposefully created. When the SHOP facilities were destroyed, which was nearly forty years ago, the evidence of what had once been happening there was quickly disposed of, and what better place to hide the truth but in an 'urban legend.' Common public knowledge but not publicly believed."
"What did happen there, Professor?" Storm asked.
"Essentially," Xavier explained, "The scientists there discovered a chemical that activated a dormant mutant gene, typically enhancing it to a point that use of one's abilities actually deteriorated the mind itself. They called it the 'Lot Program,' and began with twelve test subjects, all of which eventually went mad or were killed..."
"And what does this 'SHOP' have to do with the documents I found?" Logan interrupted quickly.
"After the SHOP was destroyed," Xavier continued, "The 'Lot Program' was abandoned...until certain individuals associated with Systems Operations realized how lucrative the development of human weapons could be...especially considering how quickly governments around the world were searching for ways to control the 'mutant problem.' What better way to deal with mutants but with their own powerful mutant weapons."
Logan let out a disgusted and angry sigh and paced around the room. The memories of his fight with the clawed woman at Alkalai Lake floated through his mind. Mutant weapons...how many others were there?
"Why would they continue the program if all the original subjects died?" Storm asked, a strange coldness filling her eyes.
"Because the 'Lot Program' was not considered a failure," Xavier said darkly, "The subjects did show enhanced mental abilities and some did live past the original experiment..."
"Is this still going on?" Logan interrupted again, and Xavier was patient with the man's anger, "Is this company still doing this 'Lot' shit?"
Xavier shook his head, "No, not for at least twenty-five years, as is evident by the facility you found, Logan. The Systems Operations main offices were destroyed in a similar manner as the SHOP facilities. After that, there were very few organizations, whether through government or private funding, interested in developing living mutant weapons."
"How was it destroyed?" Logan asked.
"By fire," Xavier replied, "A very controlled, very purposeful fire."
"By a mutant..." Storm said quietly.
"Yes, I believe so..." Xavier said.
"Where did you learn all this, Professor?" Scott asked, "How come you've never told us about this?"
Xavier smiled sadly, "I learned about the 'Lot Program' about thirty years ago...when I worked with an old friend of mine in England."
"Magneto?" Logan asked firmly, wanting to confirm who Xavier's 'old friend' was.
Xavier nodded, "Yes. When Erik and I were younger, we were associated with a watch group of a sort, which was based in London. There, we were able to monitor the increasing rate of mutant activity around the world and locate those in danger. It was there that we developed the first prototype for Cerebro."
Xavier glanced around at the others, who were watching him intently.
"With that prototype," he continued, "I located the signature of a very powerful mutant traveling through the middle of the United States. When Erik and I were sent to meet this young woman, we began discovering the truth about the SHOP and the 'Lot' experiments. After she told us her story, she disappeared, and I have never been able to locate her again. Erik was so disturbed by her revelations that he tried to convince our 'Council' to take action against those organizations who were using mutants unwillingly in such a horrific manner."
Xavier looked down sadly, "However, they refused to interfere with anything associated with the 'mutant phenomenon,' considering it not to be of their concern or their responsibility..."
"I guess that didn't sit well with Magneto," Scott replied.
"Indeed," Xavier agreed, "To say he was dissatisfied with their response would be quite an understatement."
Storm frowned and shook her head, "But, you said you learned all this from a young woman..."
"Yes," Xavier said, "She was barely twenty when I met her..."
"So, say she's in her late-thirties or early forties now," Storm continued, "How did she know so much about what had happened at the SHOP? She would have only been a child when it was destroyed..."
Xavier sighed, "Because her parents were two of the original test subjects of the 'Lot Program.' As far as I know, she is the sole living product of those experiments...if she is still alive..."
"And she had her own gifts?" Scott asked and Xavier nodded.
"Oh, yes," he said, "Extremely powerful gifts...which she was learning to repress due to their destructiveness."
"And they were after her..." Logan said, "Right? That's why she ran again..."
Xavier nodded solemnly, "First, the SHOP, then Systems Operations. She was a weathered traveler for one so young, and I don't think even Erik could have kept her from running again."
"And you have no idea where she might be?" Logan asked.
"None," Xavier replied, "As I've said, the project was abandoned by all those involved and it's been nearly twenty-five years since our first and only meeting."
Logan frowned, "Could it be possible...that someone is looking for her again?"
Xavier looked at Logan curiously, wondering what had prompted the question.
"Back at that compound," Logan continued, "It looked like somebody had been there before me. Recently. Doors smashed in, the file room had been torn apart, most of the equipment destroyed, but by the way the rest of the place looked I don't think it was done by the ones who worked there. Nothing else looked like it had been touched."
Xavier frowned thoughtfully, "I suppose it is possible. Was there any thing that could have given proof as to whom had been there?"
"Yeah," Logan said, and then sighed (which sounded like a quiet growl) before speaking again, "The walls...the metal walls...looked like they had been clawed..."
He clenched his fists before continuing.
"...five clean marks...like Stryker's personal assistant back at Alkalai Lake."
Scott raised his eyebrows but his face was grim, "You mean that woman who attacked me at Magneto's cell? Do you think it could be her?"
Logan scoffed rudely, but spoke softly, "Only if it was a ghost..."
Xavier gazed at him intently, knowing enough of what happened to Logan in Stryker's base to understand what he meant. But, was it possible she survived both the fight with Logan and the flood? It did seem impossible. However, she had possessed the same healing powers as Logan. Could it be her...or could there be still others more who were also subjected to Stryker's experiments?
"How long ago would you say the previous break in had occurred?" Xavier asked.
Logan shrugged, "Only a month or two, but the scent was faint..."
"Could it have been prior to the events of eight months ago?" Xavier asked.
"No," Logan replied and then repeated thoughtfully, "No, these marks were newer than that."
Xavier sat for a moment in silent thought, considering the possibilities carefully. The others waited respectfully for his response.
"Well," he began, "Let's wait and see what we restore from the video and what other information the computer can give us about these documents. I won't make assumptions about any possible threats this situation may incur without more solid facts. However, I do believe, given the history behind that facility, this does warrant our further investigation. If there is someone out there looking to reinitiate the 'Lot Program,' we must find out who it is…and why."
"How long do you think that'll take?" Logan said and Storm shrugged.
"It's hard to tell," She replied, "There's not much film here that hasn't been exposed or damaged. Give me a few hours and then check back in…"
Logan nodded, and turned back to Xavier. A sudden change came over Logan's face, the hard, angry glare fading into a calm, almost pleasant grin.
The pair headed out into the hall and back towards the elevator, leaving Scott and Storm to decipher Logan's discoveries.
"How's the kid been?" he asked and Xavier smiled.
"She's been doing very well," the Professor replied, "She's become quite an active member of the team. She's been working with Storm and Dr. McCoy regularly. I think the other students have begun to see her as more of an adult instead of a peer."
"Yeah," Logan said, "Well, she's been through more than most adults."
"Very true," Xavier replied, "I think working with the younger students has helped her recapture some of that lost innocence. However, I believe she's permanently absorbed your temper."
Logan chuckled, "I'm glad she got my best quality."
They reached the elevator, and, as Logan stepped inside, Xavier threw him one last glance.
"By the way," he called with amusement, "When you see Rogue or Bobby, let them know…their uniforms will be coming in next week."
Logan grinned again and nodded, figuring both of the kids would be glad to hear those were arriving sooner than he had predicted.