A/N: Thanks y'all so much for all your fantastic reviews! Sorry it took me a while to update, I'm right in the middle of finals week. Quick note; most of 'McKenna's' speech was taken and/or edited from a speech of President Bush's pertaining to 9/11… Once again, thanks for the great reviews, please keep on reviewing!!!

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"You sure it's ok?" Kelly asked cautiously, following Brian up the walk to his house. He waved his hand, as if brushing the idea away.

The two were back at Brian's house now, the school and let everyone out early to 'deal'. He had brought Kelly home with him in because she had commented on how she really didn't feel safe at home alone. Of course he had been obliged to offer to let her come over to his house…Not that he minded at all.

"No one will be home anyway," He muttered, fumbling with the keys. A few moments later the two teens were walking into the dark, empty house.

Brian walked on ahead of Kelly, throwing his books and bag down as he walked; leaving behind a trail. Kelly looked around the large house as she carefully set down her backpack and slowly removed her jacket.

"Kelly!" Brian called from another room. "You gotta see this…" He added, trailing off.

Lost, Kelly wandered down the hallway, her fingers grazing the sky blue paint of the walls. Suddenly the hall ended and she was in what seemed to be a living room; spacious, with an adjunct dining room and kitchen off to the side and another hall leading who knows where.

Brian was standing directly in front of the TV- remote in hand, with his back to her.

"What is it?" She asked curiously. "Nice house by the way," She added as an afterthought.

Either Brian didn't care or wasn't listening to her, for he made no signs of acknowledgement. Kelly gently tapped him on the shoulder.

Brian slightly jumped, seemingly coming out of his daze. He took a step back and over to the side, revealing what he had been watching.

The scenes on the screen were quite similar to what they had scene all morning; but they were slightly different.

By now, two more attacks had taken place, the first in downtown Los Angeles; And the second into the statue of liberty.

Kelly brought her hands up to her mouth. "Oh god," she breathed, stunned.

Brian gently held on to her shoulders and helped her over to the couch. The two sat down and watched for several more hours, his arm wrapped protectively over her shoulder.

The newscast continued, replaying the scenes over and over. Many times there were declarations of a great mutant conspiracy.

* * * * * * * *

Around five o'clock, both of Brian's parents came home.

Brian and Kelly were still on the couch watching TV; well, at least Brian was- for Kelly had long ago fallen asleep, he head resting on his shoulder. Not that he minded... Since he didn't wish to disturb her, he hadn't even bothered to turn on the lights yet.

Arguing, and soaking wet from the Seattle rain, his parents unknowingly walked into the house. Brian's jaw dropped in surprise at the unexpected arrival of his parents, but before he could do anything, His mother realized that not only was he home but also he was cuddled up next to a sleeping girl on their couch. Her sense of shock was to be expected.

"Brian!" His mothered scolded in a loud whisper so as not to wake the girl up.

Brian opened his mouth then quickly closed it again, at a loss for words.

His father then strode in, unaware of the unfolding drama in his living room. He was focusing on the hall mirror; with his back to his family, he was messing with his thinning dark hair again, a near obsession of his.

"Robert!" His with hissed, causing him to turn around.

The look on his face was something Brian would never forget. Never.

Eventually though, his father did snap out of it; and while still speechless, it was quite clear he didn't approve.

Kelly chose this moment to wake up. Still half asleep she let out a little groan and stretched. Brian nudged her. She blinked a few times and then finally fully opened her eyes. She looked first at Brian and smiled, unaware of the 'audience'. He nudged her again, more pointedly in their direction. Confused, she turned and saw the two glaring faces that belonged to his parents.

His father loudly cleared his throat.

Looking embarrassed, Kelly gave a weak smile. "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Tandon."

* * * * * * * * *

Kelly had quickly left, most likely not wanting to be a part of the upcoming confrontation.

At the moment though, things were really not looking all that good for Brian. He sat in one of the kitchen chairs; while his father paced around the room, and his mother sat down across from him.

"We trust you to be responsible." Robert declared once again, pausing momentarily from his pacing.

"I am," Brian protested. "Look, we didn't do anything!

His father rolled his eyes.

"Honestly!" Brian declared. "The school let us out early because of the attacks, and she didn't want to go home alone; so I invited her over! She practically fell asleep immediately."

Robert looked about ready to say something, but caught his wife's glare and was silent.

"Something like that is exactly what could activate your mutation gene. Do you want that, dear?" His mother said in a tone that one would see a psychologist use.

Annoyed, Brian sighed…Again with the mutant threat. Losing his temper, he stood up and slammed his fist down on the table "I am sick and tired of being treated like a little kid! If I become a mutant, then so what?! I'm already a freaking invalid!" And with that he angrily turned and quickly went to his room, leaving his parents in a shocked state around the kitchen table.

_______________________________________________________________________

President McKenna nervously ran his fingers through his graying hair. This televised speech could rither make or break him. But, the risk is always worth the reward, He reminded himself.

His assistant popped up next to the nearest camera. "Okay sir, we're live in three…two…one."

With a smile, he cleared his throat and began.

"Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.

The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Many lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our very race into compliance and fear. But they have failed; we are still strong.

These attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of Humanity. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of Human resolve.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human—no, mutant nature.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, to help with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption.

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who are similar to them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.

It is with a heavy heart that I give you, the American people – and the world our proposal. We have tried peace among the two dominant species – Humans and the mutants, that is. But our heartfelt attempts at peace have only been met with violence, hatred, and now these horrid acts of terrorism.

The time has come for change in how we 'handle' the mutant problem. We can't simply have them run rampant, underming society. I propose for the American people to follow in the footsteps of Former President Bush – Any and all acts of terrorism will be dealt with accordingly. Now if this means we have to follow a similar brigade as the former president's 'war on terror' then so be it. We have given them a chance and now is the time of reckoning.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me." This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night and God bless America.