Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X-Men, titles or characters. Evie is my
character.
Note: I really have to tell all of you just how much I appreciate the reviews. It makes me feel so good when you take the time to really tell me what you're feeling at the end of the chapter. Short 'Good job, Keep going' reviews are nice to see and can be encouraging but when you actually tell me what you feel or hope to see it makes the desire to write more and please you, blossom.
Koala Tangerine - Thanks for noticing the effort to write well. I reread each posting many times and get very upset when I see a chapter already posted and still find typos.
Shalgal - I'm glad to hear you're back and enjoying my stories. This story is actually complete except for a battle scene which my daughter has to help me with. (She's better at that.) My goal is to have the entire story posted by mid Feb. We will be making settlement on a house and I'll need to concentrate on moving my family. One of the neat things about writing is when I move, all my story reading friends will move with me. I hope you'll be there, too. (In case it's not already known, Fiery Feral is my daughter.)
Loveconquers - Thanks for the encouragement. I sometimes feel I'm moving too slowly and boring you. I hope I'm not doing that.
BJvision - I really like this pairing. Both their characters can be developed so nicely. Very little is written about Kitty. Maybe after my move I'll try to do an X Man story and work Jesse into it. Do you think the X Men readers will welcome me as nicely as you have? Will you follow me there?
Louise - Adam has much to do in this story. I hope you will not hate me for what's to come. Just as a little foresight; he doesn't get to punch out Mason. Sorry.
Chapter 9 - Undercover
"Logan, report," the professor opened.
"Jubes said that the chopper was difficult to track. They were using state of the art stealth tech. She was finally able to narrow the point of origin down to a hundred mile section of Louisiana."
"Hey, dat's Gambit's neighborhood."
"Yeah, I thought you'd be interested." Logan grinned at his friend.
"And what did you and Jesse find out from NAXCON?" Charles inquired.
Gambit just looked over at Jesse to turn the floor over to him. "There wasn't much more to find than what we already knew about Eckhart's plan to create the ultimate new mutants." He paused as he saw Brennan come in with Ororo and Kitty. "Since he was in the pod for so long, I figured he needed connections to be able to pay off Shal's dad for his company so I began to run bank and phone records. Bank records showed large government direct deposits into Nicholas Fox's personal accounts and NAXCON accounts. Phone records didn't turn up much. At least I didn't think so until, Logan said Louisiana." Jesse turned back to his computer and began to furiously push buttons.
"What's up with Louisiana?" Brennan asked coming in late on the conversation.
"Origin of the chopper, according to Jubilee." Shal filled him in.
"Nice work, Firecracker." Brennan smiled.
"Here, I got it." Jesse began to explain. "There were a few calls that caught my eye but I had no reason to suspect them, until now. If I trace the number---" he frowned at his results. "It's listed as governmental. Hold on let me try something."
Marie decided to interject. "While we're waiting, Jubilee also told me that Jean is beginning her labor." Happy comments began to circulate. "Hank said that with the first child, we shouldn't expect to hear anythin' any too soon. They'll let us know when he or she arrives."
Kitty made her way around the room and was now standing behind Jesse watching him work over his shoulder. He could sense her there and smiled. After only a few more moments he announced, "Got it." Everyone's attention turned to him. The number belongs to a rather inconsequential medical R&D base, Johnston. Official records don't show any kind of cutting edge projects." He turned and took Kitty's hand. "Mostly pharmaceutical," he concluded.
Ororo's face saddened.
"Maybe someone in there is trying to break into new fields." Brennan quipped.
"You said it was a base. There are usually small towns built to accommodate personnel and their families. Can you find anything like that?" Logan asked.
Turning back to the computer, Jesse dug a little more. "2 miles south of the base is the small town of Johnston, founded the same time as the base. Good call, Logan."
"What major civilian city is closest to the base?" Charles asked.
"New Orleans is 'bout 100 miles south of Johnston." Everyone turned questioning glances to Remy. "Remy used to go out dere to enjoy deir particular brand of hospitality."
"And what exactly would that be, Swamp Rat." Marie's voice carried a dangerous tone as she placed her fists on her hips.
"Well---" Remy fidgeted in his seat as Logan snickered. "de base employees especially like to play poker. Remy has a special knack for the game." He slyly shuffled a deck of cards that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"That makes you the perfect person to do some recon work for us. It is a safe assumption that whoever it is who took Adam will be on the lookout for Mutant X. They should, however, have no suspicions of the X Men. How would you like to proceed, Gambit?" Charles asked.
"Gambit should probably ride in from New Orleans. If anyone is checkin', dat would be de leas' suspicious."
"Ah'll go in with ya."
"No, Chere. It's better for Gambit to go in alone. Gambit had---a reputation wid de women of Johnston." He saw the hurt surface in Marie and took her into his arms. "Don' worry, mon amour; that was de past. Your Remy promises to be a good boy."
"That's the plan then. We will lock down here and set up operations in New Orleans. Ororo, will you contact a hotel and reserve us 7 rooms for---a family reunion? We will take the Blackbird and leave in 1 hour."
Once there, Gambit rented a bike, and Logan rented a car. After setting up in the hotel, they all gathered in the professor's room. "How long will it take you to get there?" He turned to inquire of Gambit.
"Gambit got a good bike. Used to do it in 45 minutes. Long stretch of road, not too many cops around to worry about."
"Very well. I will keep a light link open with you. That way you can report whenever you need to."
"It's a warm night. Should have a good crowd for a game tonight. Give Gambit a kiss for luck, chere." He took Marie in his arms and kissed her deeply before leaving the room.
"I suggest the rest of us go down to the dining room for dinner. There is nothing to do now but wait." Charles led the way.
Gambit parked the bike and walked confidently toward the familiar building housing what was one of his favorite haunts.
"Just a moment, Sir." A tall uniformed guard politely stopped Gambit as he was entering the club lobby. He approached and Gambit noticed his partner hold up a picture and scrutinize his features. "May I see a piece of ID, please," the guard was now in front of him.
Gambit slowly began to reach for his wallet when he heard a woman's voice behind him. "Remy LeBeau---Ah can't believe mah eyes. Is it really you?"
Turning around he saw a woman he knew from years past. Holding open his arms as she came and embraced him, he replied, "Chastity---chere---you get more beautiful by de minute."
"You are still a shameless flatterer, Remy." Turning to the guard standing next to her, she stated, "Don't worry yourself about this one, Rick. He and I go way back."
"Yes, ma'am, Miss Chastity." He nodded to the elegantly clad woman and turned on his heels to go back to his post.
Wrapping a friendly arm around her waist, Gambit led her into the lobby. "Yes, ma'am, Miss Chastity," he mimicked. "You sure have come along, chere."
"You be nice, or Ah won' let you play in mah club." She saw him smile in surprise at her. "Yes, it's mah club now. Ah own it all."
"Well, Remy has sure missed a lot 'round here. Look like he's got some catchin' up to do." They walked into the club and headed for the bar. Chastity silently ordered with a glance to the bartender then turned to Remy.
"Why you back now? Come to hustle mah customers?" She let a knowing smile cross her face.
"Got bored. Between jobs. Wanted to see some action." Remy moved to close the distance between them. "Knew you could help." His voice was low as his eyes gazed deeply into hers.
"How long you plannin' on stayin'?" The woman by his side grinned slightly as she allowed her eyes to brazenly roam his physique.
"Don' know. Couple a days maybe. Got somewhere for Remy to kick off his boots?" He smiled and hoped the professor would be discrete in his details to Marie.
"You'll always have a room here, Remy. Mah husband and Ah will see to it." She watched and got the reaction she expected.
"Husband? Remy's heart is broken." He exaggerated placing a hand to his chest.
"You are shameless." With satisfaction in their game of romance her tone brightened. She saw him smile back then got up to leave. "Ah'll bring you a key and you can clean up and eat somethin'. Just so happens you're in time for a big game tonight; first night of a weekend marathon. Go easy on 'em, huh?" She kissed his cheek. "It's good to see you again, Remy."
Gambit smiled as he watched her walk away. He knew she wouldn't knowingly be involved in anything but wondered what affect the result of his mission would have on his old friend. He prayed she would be spared.
Once in his room he relaxed his mind and reported in to the professor. ~~"You were right, mon ami. Dey are on guard for Mutan' X. Not a good idea for any of dem to come out here. Ran into an old friend, got in wid no trouble. Got a room in de club, too. Dere's a big poker game dis weekend. Gambit should be able to find out sometin'."
"Very good. If you need back up, I'll send someone in. Don't hesitate to ask."~~
Back in New Orleans the rest were becoming much stressed. "All this waiting around is getting on my nerves." Shalimar began pacing.
"I need a drink." Jesse added.
"Don't you think we can hit a club of our own? After all, this is New Orleans." Brennan knew they all needed a change of scenery.
The professor and Evie looked worried and undecided.
"Ororo and I will go as chaperones." Logan felt he needed to get out of the room as well. With his healing factor, getting drunk was an improbability, so he offered to keep and eye on everyone else.
"Very well; but be careful." Charles granted.
At the club the music was loud and the place was packed. The three couples found a table and ordered then hit the dance floor. After a while the music changed and the beat slowed as the rhythm became more prominent. Ororo watched as Jesse smiled at Kitty and took her hand, silently asking her to dance. He slowly put one arm around her waist as they glided about with the music talking softly in each other's ears. About halfway through the song Kitty put her head down on Jesse's shoulder and he slipped his other hand around her back, holding her close. She was nervous, remembering her conversation with Ororo but she couldn't help herself. Jesse seemed happy. That's all she cared about.
His mind began to spin in circles as he held her. Breathing in deeply he could smell her shampoo and perfume. She was young and beautiful. He knew she cared for him. He'd seen it in her actions since the moment she arrived at Sanctuary. He cared for her, too. He always thought she was a special kid. But this was different. He felt her warmth in his arms as they danced. Their movements instantly synchronized as they moved as one. Something began to stir deep within him. He couldn't resist resting his head against hers. Before he'd realized it, his eyes were closed in calm peacefulness and he'd kissed her hair. Suddenly afraid of his reactions to being so close to her; he pulled away. "I need my drink. Come on."
She looked stunned as he led her back to their table. She began to wonder what she had done wrong as she watched him sit silently across the table nursing his beer and avoiding all eye contact with her. As the music changed and his beer was drained, he stood and leaned in so she could hear him over the music. "Kitty, I'm sorry. I---uh---I'm going to the bar for a drink." He turned and left and never saw the tear fall from her eye.
At the bar, Jesse ordered a bottle of whiskey and began doing shots. He couldn't sort out his feelings. 'What am I doing? She's so trusting and I'm taking advantage of her.' He threw back the first shot. 'How could I be such a jerk after everything she's done for me?' Second shot followed. 'We just buried Emma. How can I even be thinking of someone else.' Third shot down. His eyes slowly drifted back to the table. He could see her sitting with her back to him. 'Her long hair is beautiful and so soft.' As if he'd been suddenly smacked, his face hardened and his head turned back around and he reached for the bottle. 'What the hell's wrong with you, Kilmartin. She's always been like your kid sister.' He nearly choked on the fourth shot completely disgusted with himself.
Brennan and Shalimar came back to the table to find Kitty sitting sadly alone. "Kitty, where's Jess?" Shalimar asked. Her only reply was a nod toward the bar.
"I'll go." Brennan offered.
As he approached he saw Jesse throw back a shot and reach for a now half empty bottle. "Hey, Jess. You're not used to drinking like that."
"Leave me alone, Brennan." Jesse didn't even look at him.
"Yeah, right. Tell me what's going on." Brennan leaned back and rested an elbow on the bar at Jesse's side.
"Can't you see I'm getting drunk?"
"You're gonna be plastered soon. You don't have Logan's healing factor, you know."
"Well, then, leave me to be plastered in peace. I don't want to talk about it right now."
Brennan studied the young man next to him. Jesse looked awful. He was well groomed and dressed nicely. That wasn't it. It was something else; something more subtle and something that only a friend would see. After a moment more of careful thought Brennan shrugged and turned away to go back to the table. Maybe he would be easier to deal with if he did get good and drunk. He would probably pass out. Then they could carry him out without a hassle. When he wakes up he might be more inclined to talk.
TBC
Any further thoughts? I would be interested in hearing them.
Note: I really have to tell all of you just how much I appreciate the reviews. It makes me feel so good when you take the time to really tell me what you're feeling at the end of the chapter. Short 'Good job, Keep going' reviews are nice to see and can be encouraging but when you actually tell me what you feel or hope to see it makes the desire to write more and please you, blossom.
Koala Tangerine - Thanks for noticing the effort to write well. I reread each posting many times and get very upset when I see a chapter already posted and still find typos.
Shalgal - I'm glad to hear you're back and enjoying my stories. This story is actually complete except for a battle scene which my daughter has to help me with. (She's better at that.) My goal is to have the entire story posted by mid Feb. We will be making settlement on a house and I'll need to concentrate on moving my family. One of the neat things about writing is when I move, all my story reading friends will move with me. I hope you'll be there, too. (In case it's not already known, Fiery Feral is my daughter.)
Loveconquers - Thanks for the encouragement. I sometimes feel I'm moving too slowly and boring you. I hope I'm not doing that.
BJvision - I really like this pairing. Both their characters can be developed so nicely. Very little is written about Kitty. Maybe after my move I'll try to do an X Man story and work Jesse into it. Do you think the X Men readers will welcome me as nicely as you have? Will you follow me there?
Louise - Adam has much to do in this story. I hope you will not hate me for what's to come. Just as a little foresight; he doesn't get to punch out Mason. Sorry.
Chapter 9 - Undercover
"Logan, report," the professor opened.
"Jubes said that the chopper was difficult to track. They were using state of the art stealth tech. She was finally able to narrow the point of origin down to a hundred mile section of Louisiana."
"Hey, dat's Gambit's neighborhood."
"Yeah, I thought you'd be interested." Logan grinned at his friend.
"And what did you and Jesse find out from NAXCON?" Charles inquired.
Gambit just looked over at Jesse to turn the floor over to him. "There wasn't much more to find than what we already knew about Eckhart's plan to create the ultimate new mutants." He paused as he saw Brennan come in with Ororo and Kitty. "Since he was in the pod for so long, I figured he needed connections to be able to pay off Shal's dad for his company so I began to run bank and phone records. Bank records showed large government direct deposits into Nicholas Fox's personal accounts and NAXCON accounts. Phone records didn't turn up much. At least I didn't think so until, Logan said Louisiana." Jesse turned back to his computer and began to furiously push buttons.
"What's up with Louisiana?" Brennan asked coming in late on the conversation.
"Origin of the chopper, according to Jubilee." Shal filled him in.
"Nice work, Firecracker." Brennan smiled.
"Here, I got it." Jesse began to explain. "There were a few calls that caught my eye but I had no reason to suspect them, until now. If I trace the number---" he frowned at his results. "It's listed as governmental. Hold on let me try something."
Marie decided to interject. "While we're waiting, Jubilee also told me that Jean is beginning her labor." Happy comments began to circulate. "Hank said that with the first child, we shouldn't expect to hear anythin' any too soon. They'll let us know when he or she arrives."
Kitty made her way around the room and was now standing behind Jesse watching him work over his shoulder. He could sense her there and smiled. After only a few more moments he announced, "Got it." Everyone's attention turned to him. The number belongs to a rather inconsequential medical R&D base, Johnston. Official records don't show any kind of cutting edge projects." He turned and took Kitty's hand. "Mostly pharmaceutical," he concluded.
Ororo's face saddened.
"Maybe someone in there is trying to break into new fields." Brennan quipped.
"You said it was a base. There are usually small towns built to accommodate personnel and their families. Can you find anything like that?" Logan asked.
Turning back to the computer, Jesse dug a little more. "2 miles south of the base is the small town of Johnston, founded the same time as the base. Good call, Logan."
"What major civilian city is closest to the base?" Charles asked.
"New Orleans is 'bout 100 miles south of Johnston." Everyone turned questioning glances to Remy. "Remy used to go out dere to enjoy deir particular brand of hospitality."
"And what exactly would that be, Swamp Rat." Marie's voice carried a dangerous tone as she placed her fists on her hips.
"Well---" Remy fidgeted in his seat as Logan snickered. "de base employees especially like to play poker. Remy has a special knack for the game." He slyly shuffled a deck of cards that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"That makes you the perfect person to do some recon work for us. It is a safe assumption that whoever it is who took Adam will be on the lookout for Mutant X. They should, however, have no suspicions of the X Men. How would you like to proceed, Gambit?" Charles asked.
"Gambit should probably ride in from New Orleans. If anyone is checkin', dat would be de leas' suspicious."
"Ah'll go in with ya."
"No, Chere. It's better for Gambit to go in alone. Gambit had---a reputation wid de women of Johnston." He saw the hurt surface in Marie and took her into his arms. "Don' worry, mon amour; that was de past. Your Remy promises to be a good boy."
"That's the plan then. We will lock down here and set up operations in New Orleans. Ororo, will you contact a hotel and reserve us 7 rooms for---a family reunion? We will take the Blackbird and leave in 1 hour."
Once there, Gambit rented a bike, and Logan rented a car. After setting up in the hotel, they all gathered in the professor's room. "How long will it take you to get there?" He turned to inquire of Gambit.
"Gambit got a good bike. Used to do it in 45 minutes. Long stretch of road, not too many cops around to worry about."
"Very well. I will keep a light link open with you. That way you can report whenever you need to."
"It's a warm night. Should have a good crowd for a game tonight. Give Gambit a kiss for luck, chere." He took Marie in his arms and kissed her deeply before leaving the room.
"I suggest the rest of us go down to the dining room for dinner. There is nothing to do now but wait." Charles led the way.
Gambit parked the bike and walked confidently toward the familiar building housing what was one of his favorite haunts.
"Just a moment, Sir." A tall uniformed guard politely stopped Gambit as he was entering the club lobby. He approached and Gambit noticed his partner hold up a picture and scrutinize his features. "May I see a piece of ID, please," the guard was now in front of him.
Gambit slowly began to reach for his wallet when he heard a woman's voice behind him. "Remy LeBeau---Ah can't believe mah eyes. Is it really you?"
Turning around he saw a woman he knew from years past. Holding open his arms as she came and embraced him, he replied, "Chastity---chere---you get more beautiful by de minute."
"You are still a shameless flatterer, Remy." Turning to the guard standing next to her, she stated, "Don't worry yourself about this one, Rick. He and I go way back."
"Yes, ma'am, Miss Chastity." He nodded to the elegantly clad woman and turned on his heels to go back to his post.
Wrapping a friendly arm around her waist, Gambit led her into the lobby. "Yes, ma'am, Miss Chastity," he mimicked. "You sure have come along, chere."
"You be nice, or Ah won' let you play in mah club." She saw him smile in surprise at her. "Yes, it's mah club now. Ah own it all."
"Well, Remy has sure missed a lot 'round here. Look like he's got some catchin' up to do." They walked into the club and headed for the bar. Chastity silently ordered with a glance to the bartender then turned to Remy.
"Why you back now? Come to hustle mah customers?" She let a knowing smile cross her face.
"Got bored. Between jobs. Wanted to see some action." Remy moved to close the distance between them. "Knew you could help." His voice was low as his eyes gazed deeply into hers.
"How long you plannin' on stayin'?" The woman by his side grinned slightly as she allowed her eyes to brazenly roam his physique.
"Don' know. Couple a days maybe. Got somewhere for Remy to kick off his boots?" He smiled and hoped the professor would be discrete in his details to Marie.
"You'll always have a room here, Remy. Mah husband and Ah will see to it." She watched and got the reaction she expected.
"Husband? Remy's heart is broken." He exaggerated placing a hand to his chest.
"You are shameless." With satisfaction in their game of romance her tone brightened. She saw him smile back then got up to leave. "Ah'll bring you a key and you can clean up and eat somethin'. Just so happens you're in time for a big game tonight; first night of a weekend marathon. Go easy on 'em, huh?" She kissed his cheek. "It's good to see you again, Remy."
Gambit smiled as he watched her walk away. He knew she wouldn't knowingly be involved in anything but wondered what affect the result of his mission would have on his old friend. He prayed she would be spared.
Once in his room he relaxed his mind and reported in to the professor. ~~"You were right, mon ami. Dey are on guard for Mutan' X. Not a good idea for any of dem to come out here. Ran into an old friend, got in wid no trouble. Got a room in de club, too. Dere's a big poker game dis weekend. Gambit should be able to find out sometin'."
"Very good. If you need back up, I'll send someone in. Don't hesitate to ask."~~
Back in New Orleans the rest were becoming much stressed. "All this waiting around is getting on my nerves." Shalimar began pacing.
"I need a drink." Jesse added.
"Don't you think we can hit a club of our own? After all, this is New Orleans." Brennan knew they all needed a change of scenery.
The professor and Evie looked worried and undecided.
"Ororo and I will go as chaperones." Logan felt he needed to get out of the room as well. With his healing factor, getting drunk was an improbability, so he offered to keep and eye on everyone else.
"Very well; but be careful." Charles granted.
At the club the music was loud and the place was packed. The three couples found a table and ordered then hit the dance floor. After a while the music changed and the beat slowed as the rhythm became more prominent. Ororo watched as Jesse smiled at Kitty and took her hand, silently asking her to dance. He slowly put one arm around her waist as they glided about with the music talking softly in each other's ears. About halfway through the song Kitty put her head down on Jesse's shoulder and he slipped his other hand around her back, holding her close. She was nervous, remembering her conversation with Ororo but she couldn't help herself. Jesse seemed happy. That's all she cared about.
His mind began to spin in circles as he held her. Breathing in deeply he could smell her shampoo and perfume. She was young and beautiful. He knew she cared for him. He'd seen it in her actions since the moment she arrived at Sanctuary. He cared for her, too. He always thought she was a special kid. But this was different. He felt her warmth in his arms as they danced. Their movements instantly synchronized as they moved as one. Something began to stir deep within him. He couldn't resist resting his head against hers. Before he'd realized it, his eyes were closed in calm peacefulness and he'd kissed her hair. Suddenly afraid of his reactions to being so close to her; he pulled away. "I need my drink. Come on."
She looked stunned as he led her back to their table. She began to wonder what she had done wrong as she watched him sit silently across the table nursing his beer and avoiding all eye contact with her. As the music changed and his beer was drained, he stood and leaned in so she could hear him over the music. "Kitty, I'm sorry. I---uh---I'm going to the bar for a drink." He turned and left and never saw the tear fall from her eye.
At the bar, Jesse ordered a bottle of whiskey and began doing shots. He couldn't sort out his feelings. 'What am I doing? She's so trusting and I'm taking advantage of her.' He threw back the first shot. 'How could I be such a jerk after everything she's done for me?' Second shot followed. 'We just buried Emma. How can I even be thinking of someone else.' Third shot down. His eyes slowly drifted back to the table. He could see her sitting with her back to him. 'Her long hair is beautiful and so soft.' As if he'd been suddenly smacked, his face hardened and his head turned back around and he reached for the bottle. 'What the hell's wrong with you, Kilmartin. She's always been like your kid sister.' He nearly choked on the fourth shot completely disgusted with himself.
Brennan and Shalimar came back to the table to find Kitty sitting sadly alone. "Kitty, where's Jess?" Shalimar asked. Her only reply was a nod toward the bar.
"I'll go." Brennan offered.
As he approached he saw Jesse throw back a shot and reach for a now half empty bottle. "Hey, Jess. You're not used to drinking like that."
"Leave me alone, Brennan." Jesse didn't even look at him.
"Yeah, right. Tell me what's going on." Brennan leaned back and rested an elbow on the bar at Jesse's side.
"Can't you see I'm getting drunk?"
"You're gonna be plastered soon. You don't have Logan's healing factor, you know."
"Well, then, leave me to be plastered in peace. I don't want to talk about it right now."
Brennan studied the young man next to him. Jesse looked awful. He was well groomed and dressed nicely. That wasn't it. It was something else; something more subtle and something that only a friend would see. After a moment more of careful thought Brennan shrugged and turned away to go back to the table. Maybe he would be easier to deal with if he did get good and drunk. He would probably pass out. Then they could carry him out without a hassle. When he wakes up he might be more inclined to talk.
TBC
Any further thoughts? I would be interested in hearing them.
