Freedom

by Stormkpr

The second book in my trilogy in which the X-men must fight back against the dominant FOH. Adults only please. COMPLETED

3. Chapter 3

Leigh's Fanfiction Archive Stormkeeper's Fanfiction Freedom Chapter 3

Freedom

By Stormkeeper

Chapter 3

"Well, what a shock to see you here," I said sarcastically, approaching Hank as he was bent over a series of vials and equipment. "The sun is shining, it's a gorgeous day out, you're in love and yet here you sit….in the lab. As usual. When you die, I think we outta bury you in the infirmary with an inscription like, `Here he lived…'"

Hank turned his furry blue face towards me. "For what it is worth, Bobby, I spent several hours this morning taking a long walk with Panda. We were able to enjoy the beautiful day, as well as gather some specimens of leaves and other foliage. And furthermore, I am making quite a bit of progress on this project and I need to devote some time to it every day."

"Whatcha working on?" I asked, craning my head around his large form. I don't know why I asked. I usually can't understand what he's talking about when he attempts to explain his projects to me. I came to visit him at Jean-Paul's suggestion the previous day that Hank looked distracted. I wanted to see if I could help.

"A chemical that might assist us with our next rescue mission. If this works properly, it will make soldiers lose the desire to fight. It will create a euphoria of sorts."

"A chemical? But FOH knows to wear gas masks now. Seems they have them on all the time when they know we're in the area, since they were ready for our last mission."

"I am working on something that could penetrate conventional gas masks."

"Wow." I was sincerely impressed. But onto more important matters and I had to tag onto his last sentence, "Say, speaking of penetration….so how's it going with Panda?"

"Bobby!" he said, placing his hand on the counter, firmly.

"Sorry----I know it was a tacky pun but I couldn't resist!" I grinned.

"Do you truly need to be so inquisitive about my love life?"

"Just curious. You know I only want what's best for you. And I gotta scope out the competition and see how you're progressing." I had told Hank that others were betting on which couple would hit the sack together first. He had not wanted to know the details, but I knew the betting was really in full swing now because Colossus, Marrow and Ramon had all bet on Panda and Hank. Jubilee, Rogue and Gambit still had bet on Jean-Paul and I. For more reasons than one, I really hoped I wouldn't be letting my good friends down. "So----any news?"

Hank looked from left to right. We were alone in his lab, though a couple other people were milling about the larger infirmary. He got up and closed the door so we'd have privacy in the lab. He then sat back down, facing me and leaning forward. "I will share this with you, my friend, because you are my best friend and I know I can trust you to keep it confidential." He had quite a bit of eagerness in his voice and sounded a tad like the lovestruck teenager that he and Panda teased me that I sometimes resembled when talking about Northstar. "Well," he continued, "Panda and I were engaged in our usual affectionate activities the other day and-----"

"You mean you were making out?"

"Yes. And then she said….well she….she basically gave me the green light."

I was momentarily shocked to hear Hank use a slang term. I got over it and then asked, "Wow. Well, did you?"

"No. But she said that she would like to. Perhaps sometime in the immediate future. In fact," he broke off and reached deep inside a drawer, "she suggested that I replicate some condoms." He took out a packet but held it in his hands and wouldn't let me see it. I assumed they were the condoms but he wouldn't let me take a look.

"Cool! This is great. So you know now for a fact that she does want to, and she's not holding back because of what happened to her."

"Y-yes."

"But still you're holding back," I concluded. I just could tell from his demeanor that he was excited but scared as all get-out.

He took a deep breath. "I am almost ready. However, I have several fears. I think that they are perhaps unfounded and perhaps excessive, and yet I am now experiencing first-hand how paralyzing our worries can be."

"Alright, Hank," I said, sitting back and crossing one leg over the other. "What are you worried about? Tell me. I'm sure we can talk through them and shoot them down one by one. You said yourself that you know they are likely to be irrational fears. So talk." As I said the words, I knew Hank was in the mood to discuss this with someone. I could tell from the moment I entered the lab and then brought the topic around to Panda, he'd been wanting a chance to go over this stuff with someone. So I wasn't surprised when he did begin to talk.

"Well, you see….I am worried about the appearance of my genitalia."

I managed to keep my jaw from dropping open or from making a joke. This wouldn't have been the time because Hank was in really-serious-mode now. So I kept my expression placid and nodded. "Can you say specifically what about the appearance worries you?" Never having seen him naked, I didn't really know what he meant.

"Well, they are somewhat large."

"Okay. Well, she's a large woman, right? Don't you think perhaps her genitals are large too?" I was amazed at my ability to refrain from making jokes at this point. I don't think I'd ever had occasion to say the word "genitals" before too, but I sensed that using a slang term would not have met with approval from Hank.

"I have considered that to be a strong possibility. However, I do not know for certain. The condoms that I replicated for myself," he said, looking at the package he held in his hand, "are quite a bit larger than the ones that the others use. I could not even begin to fit in the regular ones."

"If I might ask….how big are we talking here? I mean, are you basically saying it's like…in proportion to the rest of you?"

"Oh, yes. I do not think anything is out of proportion."

"Well there you have it," I said, shrugging. "I'm sure that's fine. I bet everything's in proportion with her too. Hey….you might want to practice putting one of those condoms on, if you haven't before. The first time can get tricky."

"I have already done so."

"Hank, you old pro!" I said, smiling. He returned my smile and I went on. "So….what else is on your mind? Is there anything else worrying you?"

"Well, you see along the same topic….I am also worried about the color."

"The color? You mean of, uh, your genitals?" I deserve big points here for handling this so maturely and not giggling. Well….on second thought, I guess I am 32 years old though.

"Yes. They're black."

"You mean they're not blue?" I asked, surprised. At that point, Hank and I just broke down laughing. It wasn't that it was all that funny but I think we both needed a tension-reliever. So we cracked up.

"No, my friend. They're black."

"Oh. So like **why** are you worried about this?" I asked. We were both still laughing. "You think she's going to kick you out of the bed, all disappointed that your dick isn't blue??"

Hank laughed uproariously. Ramon knocked on the door, needing to use some of the supplies in the room. He acquired what he needed and left, giving us a strange look, as Hank and I kept on laughing. My sides were starting to hurt. I managed to add, "Hey, at least it's not like neon yellow…or striped! It's not striped. Or pink and blue polka-dotted!" We continued to laugh so hard that Hank was getting a few tears in his eyes.

"So, in conclusion," Hank began, once our giggles were subsiding, "you hypothesize that these are insignificant matters and that I am placing excessive worry over them?"

"Yes!"

"Should I mention it to her….Before we get intimate?"

"Well, Hank, I can't really think of a smooth way to work it into the conversation, can you?" I smiled and leaned forward. "Would you just stop worrying already?! It's going to be ok! Everything will be fine! You'll look back and wonder why you got so bent out of shape over this."

"You are right, my friend."

"Duh! Now go to it and get laid! Sheesh." I shook my head. "You're having much better luck than I am so far."

Gambit caught up with Rogue after dinner. The two made eye contact, and he walked over to her. "Chere, let's talk `bout dis. It's no fun if we stay mad at each other."

Rogue nodded. He was right. "C'mon," she said, gesturing towards the back porch of the complex. The largest porch swing was unoccupied and they sat together on it.

"Chilly evening," Gambit said, noticing Rogue shiver from the cold. "You want dis?" he asked, removing his duster.

Rogue nodded and gratefully wrapped herself in the warn garment. "You're not too cold, sugar?"

"No. But if it get any chillier, I might wanna go inside." He moved closer to her and placed an arm around her. "So, we gonna talk `bout our argument or we gonna go on not talkin' to each other?"

"We need to talk," Rogue admitted. They then both started to speak at the same time. Rogue smiled and insisted Gambit go first.

"Chere, you know dat I love you and wanna be with you. And I wouldn't have proposed if I didn't wanna marry you. But Gambit jus' feel strongly dat we gotta help mutants on earth."

Rogue nodded. "I hate to eat crow, but I been thinkin' `bout our argument a lot. I think you are right. There are mutants on earth suffering and we need to help." She turned towards him. "It's just that….I wish we could have it both ways. I wish we could help these folks but still get time together, time to be a normal couple."

"Gambit wish so too. But we were not dealt dat hand, chere. An easy, relaxing life ain't in the cards for us mutants."

"I know. Our people are in pain and we gotta help them all we can. But I get so jealous of…." She looked around quickly, ensuring no one else was in ear shot. "…of Scott and Jean. They're going to stay here and sit out the next mission, raise their children in peace. They're lucky."

"I know what you mean. But Scott and Jean, dey be older dan us. Dey were X-men longer and paid deir dues. But dey don't have it easy either. Cyke dropped everythin' to help wit' rescuing me and the others. And life here on An'zhina ain't exactly a breeze either. Gambit t'ink dat you and me both might get tired of takin' care of so many former prisoners."

"I just get so worried that you'll get captured again, Remy. I—I can't remember ever being so afraid last time the damn FOH got you. I didn't know if you were alive or dead. It was so horrible."

Gambit nodded. "You're right, chere. And if you were captured, I t'ink I'd go crazy wit' worry too. But I think we X-men be more careful dis time."

"We were careful last time though…." She allowed her voice to drift off.

"Look, chere. How does dis sound? After the next mission to earth, den we start planning our wedding? All the things we need are pretty much easily replicated. Maybe we can have the wedding on An'zhina, after the next mission? Or if preparing takes longer dan we t'ink, we can at least make most of the preparations."

"Now you're talkin', sugar! I like it."

The couple returned to their room, hand in hand.

Hank McCoy was more nervous than he'd ever been in his life. He also wondered how normal people dealt with it. `Of course, most people do not wait until they are 36 years old to begin their forays into this,' he mused.

He and Panda sat in her room, cuddled up together on the fluffy chair. Their large bodies overflowed from the confines of the chair, but they made it work. Panda sat on Hank's lap, kissing him fervently. She slid her tongue in his mouth and around his lips while aggressively scratching the fur on the back of his head, shoulders, and neck---a move which she knew he adored.

Several clues led Hank to believe that Panda would initiate sexual relations that evening. First, she had inquired about the status of the condoms and asked him to bring "a few" with him. He complied. Secondly, she had produced a nail clipper and trimmed his nails down a bit, saying "if they're too long, it could be painful when they touch certain sensitive areas." And thirdly, she had flirted with him excessively during the private dinner they'd shared, thrusting her tongue into his ear and murmuring about how delightful their evening would be. Evaluating these pieces of evidence together, Hank came to the conclusion that the woman he loved was going to make love to him.

"Oh my!" Hank exclaimed, as one of Panda's hands reached and fondled a sensitive area.

"Do you like this?" she asked, seductively.

"Oh….oh yes," Hank breathed. His whole body felt on fire. He could feel the heat burning his face and the blood rushing to his groin. His heart beat at a rapid rate, comparable to the rate during Danger Room training. This was so much better, he mused.

Panda continued to stroke the steadily swelling bulge. For several moments, Hank was paralyzed but then he regained his composure. He placed his hands back on her body, caressing with one hand and scratching with the other----he knew she liked that. He leaned forward and planted several kisses on her furry face. "I love you, Panda," he whispered.

"I love you too, Hank." She removed her hands and placed them on his shoulders. He pulled her towards him for a sensuous kiss. This time, Hank kissed back with as much passion and desire as she gave him. After several luscious moments, Panda broke the kiss off. She pointedly looked in the direction of her bed. It was big enough to accommodate them both. "Perhaps we should take this over there," she suggested.

"Yes!" Hank replied eagerly. He followed her onto the bed. The strong Endarian technology did not even creak despite that it was hit with over 700 lbs of weight when both Panda and Hank stretched out on it.

The couple lay side by side. Hank boldly reached a hand forth and caressed areas of her body he'd never touched before. Although she was still fully clothed, she seemed to enjoy it as his hand traversed her thighs, her belly, her breasts, her shoulders. "Mmmmm…." she murmured. "That feels really nice. You're a natural, Hank."

He smiled at the compliment. Although he was apprehensive, caressing her body felt wonderful. Panda continued, "It might be better if I took my dress off though."

Hank felt the tips of his ears burning as she reached for the outfit and discarded it. Panda favored two types of outfits: leggings with an oversized shirt or full dresses. The blue frock she'd chosen for that day was tossed onto the side of the bed. Deftly, Panda removed her undergarments as well.

Hank's eyes bulged. "You are beautiful, my love," he whispered. "I—I am so overwhelmed that I cannot recall any poetry to describe your loveliness."

She smiled. "I'll forgive you this time, Hank," Panda said wryly. She then took a pointed look towards his midsection. "Aren't your shorts getting a bit uncomfortable?"

"Why yes," he replied, earnestly. The normally dexterous McCoy found himself fumbling with the zipper. Panda reached over and easily unzipped the garment and helped him move it down. Soon, Hank had shed all of his clothing as well.

"You are so beautiful!" he exclaimed again, overwhelmed by her exquisiteness. For a few moments, he was stunned and had no idea what to do next. But in a flash, some of Gambit's suggestions returned to him. Hank placed his hands on her again and slowly touched her body. His hands fondled and stroked her plump thighs, her broad belly, her pendulous breasts. His eyes were wide with wonder and rapture.

Panda lay back and savored the touches. She also bit her lower lip to stifle a giggle. Hank was caressing her in a very meticulous fashion, almost in a methodical way. Not that she was complaining; it was just **so** Hank. She could tell he was enjoying it quite a bit though. Hank was so wrapped up in his probing of Panda, he did not notice her bemusement. As he touched her, she wrapped one hand around his hardness and rhythmically pumped.

Hank remembered Gambit's advice---pay attention to her breathing and other non-verbal cues to attempt to discern her level of enjoyment. Hank took a deep breath. It seemed as though Panda was enjoying the attention but it was hard to say for certain. Of course he remembered that he could always ask her if need be. The throbbing in his groin, exacerbated by the work of Panda's hand, was interfering with his ability to think rationally and he struggled to hold on to all of these thoughts.

At one point, Panda reached for one of Hank's hands. It was in the vicinity of her thigh, and she reached for it and placed it at her core. `She must be giving me a signal!' he determined. He began to stroke her wetness, very gently at first but more rapidly as the movement of her hips seemed to suggest. He also listened to her moans and again deduced that she was probably taking pleasure from this. But he wanted to be sure. "Panda?" he began softly.

"Mmmmm?" she asked, languidly.

"You are enjoying this, correct?"

"Yes, my love. Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

"I am positive. Um….Panda? Could you stop what you are doing with your hand? I – uh—"

"Are you enjoying it a bit too much?" she asked, teasingly as she withdrew the hand. He did seem to be throbbing quite a bit. Hank was worried he would orgasm too soon if she continued the motion of her hand.

Hank then maneuvered himself a bit further down the bed. He wanted to devote more time to his exploration of her as Gambit had advised long ago. Hank wanted to investigate her body in a way that he never would dream of doing with one of his patients. Panda spread her legs wider, allowing him. He continued to touch her, delighting in the wetness on his fingers, the sensual aroma of her, and the different colors and textures of her womanhood. He noted her clitoris, large and swelling and her plump vaginal lips, and the dark red color. He attempted to guess her reaction as his fingers stimulated the different parts of her---did she like best having her lips touched, her clitoris rubbed or a finger inserted? He gently inserted a finger within her and moved it out. Panda groaned loudly. Hank knew that the persistent wetness was a good sign. His powerful hands were getting just a bit tired, he noted, but this was so….provocative, so fascinating and so arousing, he did not mind. His confidence started to build.

"Do you think it's time to break out one of the condoms?" Panda whispered after a bit. She was more than ready and guessed that he had to be as well.

"Y-yes," Hank answered. He reached for his trousers, which were on the floor by the bed, and retrieved a condom from his pants pocket.

"Let me," Panda offered.

Hank lay on his back and smiled. One thing he had always loved about her was her initiative. And her confidence. Panda unwrapped the prophylactic and deftly rolled the it onto him. "You did that so easily," he observed.

Panda smiled. "Rogue showed me how to. She had me practice on a banana." Hank and Panda both then laughed at the thought. Rogue had bragged of her skills in this area, even telling Panda that she was able to roll a condom on using her mouth. But Rogue had added that she didn't recommend Panda try that her first time. Instead, Panda added, "Rogue---and Storm----told me about a lot of things they suggest we try at some point."

Hank continued to grin. He was now more ecstatic than nervous, though both emotions were coursing through him. "I am sure their suggestions will be good ones." He was glad Panda was talking to the other women about it. Perhaps it would save him from having to speak with Gambit about sex again. Not that he minded doing so, but it had been awkward.

"Sweetie," Panda began, ruffling some of his chest and belly fur, "do you mind if I get on top?" Storm had strongly recommended to Panda that for her first time, being on top would provide a better degree of control and help her physically get used to the sensation.

"Not at all. Um—please be my guest."

She smiled and swung her large form over him. Panda then bent down and kissed Hank's face. Their lips and tongues met again. She then reached her mouth towards one of his ears, and licked it.

Hank's eyes flew open and he failed to stifle a gasp as his lover lowered herself onto him. Indescribable. He had never felt these sensations before. His surprise quickly turned to concern. She was tighter than he would have thought she'd have been. He suspected that he was quite a bit bigger than the FOH dregs who had raped Panda. Would this cause her discomfort? Would she feel outright pain and even bleed? He lay perfectly still and struggled for the right thing to do or say. He then thought that perhaps he could ask her. "Panda," he began quietly, "are you----is this---okay?"

Panda forced herself to smile. This was more than a bit uncomfortable—approaching painful---and he was only partly inserted within. She took a deep breath. "I'm fine, Hank. I—I think maybe I just need to go slowly and take a minute to get used to this."

He silently nodded and took another deep breath. Hank detested the thought that she might be in pain but he didn't know what else to do. She seemed confident and steady enough though.

Panda closed her eyes and hovered above him for several moments. Then very gingerly, a tiny bit at a time, she lowered herself the rest of the way down and then remained motionless. Hank closed his eyes. He could feel himself throbbing and pulsing within her tight and wet passage. As urgent and pleasurable it felt to him, he was wracked with guilt as her physical discomfort was palpable. `Will she resent me for this? Perhaps I can tell her that we do not need to do this again if she does not want to? What if-----' Hank's train of irrational thought was cut off by the feel of Panda's lips against his own. She was leaning forward and kissing him in earnest.

And then slowly, very slowly, she began to thrust her hips. "A—are you feeling alright, my love?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "It feels better now….It feels good."

Panda continued the movement of her body, gradually increasing the pace. Hank lay back, mesmerized. This was incredible. When he had found himself falling in love with Panda at first, it had been a revelation to him----he finally understood what all the poems and plays and songs were about. And now this. This introduced him to a new world and helped him understand a whole other level of human experience. It was mind blowing, universe-expanding. Hank now pitied the man he had been; one who for so long denied himself even the notion that such a relationship might someday be possible. This sensation….it was paradise, it was heaven, it was like nothing else.

"Oh my stars and garters!" Hank exclaimed. To his chagrin, he found himself orgasming right then and there. His eyes flew wide open. By his calculations, he had only been inside of her for a minute or two. And Gambit had once told him that a gentleman allows the lady to come first. `Oh no!' Hank thought to himself. He felt the ejaculate spilling out of him and then felt himself gradually growing soft.

"Oh dear," Hank breathed. "I---I'm sorry! Truly, I am. I did not mean for it to be-----"

"Relax," Panda said, smiling. "It's okay." She slowly lifted herself off of him. Hank promptly removed the condom and disposed of it in the trash next to the bed.

"Panda, my love, I really am sorry. Perhaps it happened so suddenly because I am unfamiliar with the sensation. Next time I will be sure to exhibit better control."

"It's **okay** Hank," Panda said. "I'm not upset. Remember what we talked about? We're both so new at this, we knew it wasn't going to be like a romance novel the first time. We'll learn. But I—uh---am still feeling turned on. Maybe you could….."

"Have I ever told you that is one of the things I love about you? The fact that you do note hesitate to ask for something when you want it." Hank told her, smiling. He was starting to feel less ashamed; he believed Panda when she said she was not upset.

Panda rearranged her limbs so that she lay on her back. Hank eagerly faced her, smothering her body with kisses and bringing his hand right back towards her core. She guided his hand as he probed and rubbed her slippery wetness, inserting and rhythmically moving his fingers inside her as other fingers stroked her clitoris. When she came, he let out as big a yowl as she did.

The two lovers fell back against the pillows, laughing together in rhapsody. So many emotions were flowing through Hank----love, relief, delight. They remained together for the entire night. "Let us practice this until we get it right," Hank suggested. "Practice makes perfect!" Panda grinned. That night the couple eventually used up all the condoms Hank had brought with him.

I woke up to the sound of someone banging on my door. I had no idea what hour it was but knew it was well before my usual wake-up time. For a second, I thought I was back on Ceti III---if the prisoners didn't get up early enough, the guards would pound on the door and then beat us if we weren't on our feet quickly. Startled, I jumped out of bed like a hot potato until I remembered where I was.

It was Hank. Upon opening the door, I was fearful. Hank wouldn't come get me out of bed and come after me like this without using the communicator first unless we were in grave danger. Standing in the doorway clad in my boxers, I quickly located my uniform and was all ready to put it on. Then I took a good look at Hank, who was standing there grinning like an idiot.

"You did it!" I exclaimed.

We then sat on the bed and he told me all about it, like we were two teenage girls instead of two thirtysomethings. He spoke rapidly, I hung on his every word----and then, after not long, he scampered off to go be with her some more. Once he left, I sat back, smiling to myself and sincerely glad for him at last.

At lunchtime, Hank and Panda sauntered into the dining room where most of the other X-men and many citizens of An'zhina were already eating. Upon seeing the two, Bobby, Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Colossus, Marrow, and assorted others stood up and applauded. Hank's cheeks blushed violet with embarrassment while Panda could only shake her head and laugh. Various catcalls and comments were heard such as, "Woo-whooo!", "Look who got lucky!", and "We heard someone had a busy night." The happy couple was so joyful that they didn't care.

"Hank and Panda, mon ami, how could you do dis to Gambit?" Gambit asked.

"Yeah!" Rogue added. "Or should we ask, Bobby and Northstar, how could you **not** do this?"

"We bet on you!" Jubilee exclaimed, looking in the direction of Bobby and Northstar.

Colossus shook his head and chuckled. He went up to Beast and patted him on the back. "I knew you'd come through for me, Tovarish! I win the bet."

"Me too!" Marrow said. "You and Panda got some and we all get lucky!"

Hank continued to blush furiously. He turned towards Bobby and sighed. "Your speed of transmitting information to others---or, to use the vernacular, **gossiping**---is truly amazing."

The Professor, Moira, Banshee, Jean, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Storm were sitting at another table, a less boisterous one. "What are they talking about?" Scott asked. "What bet?"

Jean smiled, "I don't think we want to know the details on this one, Slim."

The Professor, Cyclops and Storm sat in the central meeting room one morning. The X-men had been on An'zhina for about nine days now. The leaders of the X-men knew they needed to get down to business and discuss the team's future plans. The large meeting room seemed vast with only the three in it. Scott's daughter was with them, and she was cavorting around the room in a walker with wheels on it.

"The Friends of Humanity now have nine Containment Centers," the Professor was saying, "with three more set to open within the next two months. I scanned General Thompson's mind pretty thoroughly and I learned that the camps range from imprisoning about 200 mutants to 400."

"So we're looking at anywhere from 1,800 to 3,600 imprisoned mutants," Cyclops said, doing some quick calculations. "And who knows how many other mutants are out there, living on the run and trying to evade the FOH? And who knows how long they'll continue to be successful?"

"I wish we had answers to those questions. But one thing is for certain. Queen Marina once told us that the maximum number of people she could see An'zhina accommodating comfortably is 2,000. I even think that 2,000 is pushing it. Therefore we need to be cautious. Many see An'zhina as our permanent home. And it may very well be, but we cannot accommodate all mutants on earth, let alone their offspring for generations to come."

Storm nodded. "I see what you are saying, Professor. However, at this point, is that not the least of our worries? In two rescue missions, we only have about 200 rescuees to show for it. It will be a very long time before An'zhina is full."

"We do need to consider our long-term strategy before we make our short-term plans, Storm. If our long-term goal is or was to bring all FOH prisoners here, we need to realize that we cannot board everyone here indefinitely."

"Is there any chance that Queen Marina will give us more space?" Cyclops asked.

"We can certainly ask her at some point," the Professor said. He had not spoken with the regent for quite some time. She was still involved in all-day meetings with her executive council and had not yet had the time to even greet the X-men as she usually did when they returned to Endarian space. "She has given us quite a bit already and I recall that she said all of Endarian's 16 other moons are inhabited."

"And her people are so xenophobic," Storm said. "This moon is the farthest from the planet Endaria and from the other moons. It is very unlikely she would ever let us settle on Endaria."

"Especially given that she won't allow us to even visit or have any contact with the other moons or the main planet," Cyclops finished, glumly. "Professor, are you then suggesting we consider a different long term goal?"

The Professor nodded. "We need to think of a way to stop FOH and make earth a safe place for mutants. I know that many of the X-men consider this unreasonable and many---if not, most---consider An'zhina to be our new home. However, given that An'zhina someday will reach its capacity and given that mutants will continue to be born on earth, generation after generation, we must find some way to turn the tide on earth." He paused and rubbed his temples. "I know what you both are thinking. That is a monumental task."

"It is," Storm said, nodding. "Everything we know of the current state of earth----from speaking with Moira or the other rescuees or from monitoring the earth's news programs----paints a very depressing picture. However, I see the wisdom in your words."

"I do too," Cyclops began. "But how----how can we begin to change things? FOH controls everything from the media to most governments and militaries---even the schools."

"I wish I had an answer, Scott," the Professor said. "But I don't. That is what we need to brainstorm on."

There was a pause. Then Storm spoke. "Psylocke suggested something to me the other day," she began. Upon hearing Psylocke mentioned, the Professor felt a jolt of pain. Back when the three X-men were being held prisoner by the Cetians, Betsy and Warren had taken a shuttle to An'zhina to request help from the Queen. Ever since Betsy had returned from that trip, she had refused to resume working with the Professor on her mental healing, despite the fact that he had nearly begged her to. In fact she refused to work with anyone, saying she was fully recovered from her ordeal as a prisoner of FOH. Ever since Psylocke's return, the Professor had sensed nothing but anger from her. Anger was, he understood, a logical and justified reaction to what had been done to her. The fact that she refused to deal with it, however, worried the Professor. Betsy had also ceased speaking with Warren now. The two had their own rooms now and one did not need to be a telepath to know that Warren was heartbroken.

"Her suggestion might seem….out of line, but I will propose it," Storm continued, looking at Charles. "We have three X-men who are extremely adept at the powers of the mind. You, Jean and Psylocke herself. Betsy suggests we---or **you**---use those powers to change the minds of FOH leadership. To make them realize that imprisoning mutants is wrong and to make them understand we are human beings. Entering their minds sounds like a violation, I know, but should we at least consider it? If you and the others could even plant a seed of doubt in some minds about the treatment of mutants….it could impact earth and make life better for mutants."

The Professor closed his eyes and nodded. His words surprised both Storm and Cyclops to a degree. "I have considered this, Storm. In fact, I struggle with the morality of this plan. It is, indeed, a violation to enter someone's mind without his consent. However….when I think of what the FOH do to mutants at those camps, and in dealing with the survivors myself, I seriously consider the notion that interfering with their minds might be the lesser of two evils. But I grapple with this. Two wrongs do not make a right."

"This is hard," Cyclops said, mulling over it himself. "But the violation that you would be committing----entering someone's mind without their consent----is far less harmful than the violations committed by FOH. I assume you can enter their minds without causing them any of the long-term physical and mental injury that they're causing mutants."

"Yes," the Professor answered.

"And that is quite different than the suffering they continue to cause mutants," Storm said. "Not to mention all of those who have been killed at the camps. Jubilee is still traumatized and still experiencing nightmares over what FOH put her through more than two years ago."

The Professor sat up in his chair. "Is she? I did not know this." For years now, Charles had been taking periodic mental "scans" of the X-men. He did not scan deeply or probe unnecessarily but he did it so he could sense whether someone was seriously depressed. Many years ago, one such scan had saved Bobby Drake's life. Iceman had been so despondent at the time that he had been ready to commit suicide. The Professor had saved his life just in time. The Professor would not have known the severity of Bobby's depression had he not been probing, because Bobby had been hiding his emotional state under a barrage of humor and practical jokes. Losing one of his X-men to suicide would have been such a crushing blow that since that time, Charles took a periodic reading of their emotional states just to ensure that no one was at that level of despair. Several years ago, he had helped Wolverine climb out of a severe depression. He had not sensed that Jubilee was upset to that degree or the degree that Bobby had been at, but it had been a while since he had performed the mental scan. "I will ask her if she would like to work with me."

"I do not know if that's necessary, Professor," Storm said. "She, Jean, Rogue and I are planning another healing ceremony of sorts. The three of us check in with her every day and she is generally good about communicating her needs. I am certain that if she reaches a stage where she wants more formal counseling, she will let us know."

"Very well."

"So where does this leave us, in terms of Psylocke's idea?" Scott asked, turning the discussion back to FOH.

"What do you think Jean would think of the plan?" Storm asked. "As far as I know, Betsy hasn't brought it up with her."

"I think she would approve," Scott replied. His mindlink with Jean would make his reply accurate, or very close to. "Not without some serious hesitation or without mulling over the moral implications of it. But I think she would go along with the idea if it could possibly prevent the future suffering of mutants and help the ones who are prisoners. She's worked with so many of the survivors herself." Scott paused and looked around. The next thoughts were his own. "Of course Jean isn't going near earth anytime soon. She's going to give birth in two months. If we decide to do this, it will either need to wait or….or is it something that you and Psylocke could handle alone?"

The Professor took a breath. "I think that Betsy and I could do it. I could probably do it alone. I know that Betsy has not been in the best mental state lately. It's all a question of how many minds we want to enter. If I were to work alone, it would simply take longer." Charles paused. "I still need time to consider whether this is a plan that I can support."

Storm nodded. "I understand your hesitation. This is a profound moral question. However, I do see many positives to it. We would not be placing any FOH members in harm's way or causing any violence. And the amount of violence that we could prevent is immeasurable."

Charles looked at her intently. "I will think about this some more. Interfering with their minds is not the moral thing to do. But it might be the **right** thing to do."

The X-men leaders continued to discuss other possible strategies for changing the condition of mutants on earth. They knew that if the treatment of mutants at the Containment Centers could somehow be exposed internationally, support for FOH would likely diminish. But none could think of a way to do this. One possible method could have been to have one person infiltrate the FOH and film the camp conditions. But the FOH now genetically tested all members and they allowed virtually no non-members anywhere near the camps. The only non-mutants living on An'zhina were Moira MacTaggert and Jeanne-Marie's seven year old son. Obviously neither of them made a good candidate for a spy mission.

They then considered strategies for liberating the next camp, a plan they could use regardless of whether the X-men ever used any mind control on FOH members. One thing gave them some hope. Beast was working on a chemical. This gas would be harmless, and it would cause people to feel happy and exhilarated, and not want to fight. The challenge was creating a chemical that would penetrate conventional gas masks. Beast said his work was progressing well, though he said it could be several more months before such a chemical would be ready.

"There is one more thing that I would like to discuss," Storm said as the meeting was winding to a close and lunchtime drawing near. "I know it is something we have touched on in the past but have never had the time to work on: The X-men need to begin training new leaders. We have many good fighters and good team members. I think we have a very strong team. But we need to prepare some new leaders. The three of us aren't getting any younger and I think it is time we coach and nurture others to lead. It does take some special skill and would be easier on people if they were trained and not simply thrown into a leadership role."

"You're absolutely right," the Professor said. "I do regret that we have not devoted more time to this. It is important."

"I agree," Cyclops said. "We need to train leaders both in the sense of new field commanders and those who can govern An'zhina."

"Let us begin considering candidates for both roles," Charles said, mentally switching gears. "Starting with field commanders. Who do you both see as good potential field commanders?"

Storm spoke first. "Wolverine. I think we have passed over him for too long as a potential leader. Over the past few years, he has gotten much better at working as a member of a team---and at controlling his….rages."

Cyclops placed a hand on his chin. "I don't know, Storm. If you look at Logan's past, he has clearly not liked working as a member of a team. I think a field commander needs to excel at teamwork, and this is not an area that he excels in."

"But Scott, try to put the more distant past aside. Think of the last 3-4 years. He has improved in this area."

Cyclops looked at the Professor. "But has he improved enough? I mean, he walked out of our last group meeting when we decided to stay here for a month."

"He doesn't particularly like meetings," Storm said simply. "In fact, he hates them. I think despite that incident, he has tolerated being in meetings fairly well. And remember, years ago when he was in Alpha Flight, they were considering him as a potential field commander. Their standards might not have been as stringent as ours, but still." Storm looked at Charles. "What do you think?"

"I think he would make a fine field commander," the Professor said. "The two of you have set the bar very high, and I think it is important to remember that we are considering candidates who we can mentor into leadership roles. They do not need to be perfect. No one is." That case was closed. "Who else?"

"Beast," Cyclops said. "He would make a fantastic leader. He doesn't like fighting---but none of us do."

"I agree he would make a superb field commander," Storm said, "but I had been thinking he might prefer to be considered one of the leaders of An'zhina."

"I think he would do fine at either role," the Professor said. "I'll ask him which—if any---he would prefer."

"What about Rogue?" Storm asked. "She should be considered a possible future field commander."

"Rogue?" Scott questioned. "She's too impulsive. She doesn't follow orders all the time."

"Scott, I think you are again judging people too severely for the past. She was very young when she joined us, and she's matured a lot since then. And as the Professor said, our candidates do not have to be perfect now. But Rogue is brilliant in combat, and not just because she is one of the most powerful mutants we have seen. It is time that she be trained to lead others in battle."

"Alright," Scott said, still not sounding thrilled with Storm's suggestion.

The Professor said, "I think Rogue could and should be coached into a leadership role. But I question whether she wants that, as she expressed some ambivalence to me about whether or not to join us on our next mission. But I think she is a capable candidate. Anyone else?"

Both Cyclops and Storm mentally ran down the other X-men's names. 'Storm briefly considered proposing Gambit as well, but something held her back. Though she loved him as one of her closest friends, and considered him to be more than capable in the role, she felt that his tendency to ignore orders in favor of his own ideas, no matter how justified they where, could upset the balance on the delicate mission

After a while, Scott said, "I think those three are probably the best possible choices."

"Very well," the Professor said. "What about possible leadership of An'zhina? Who would help govern it?"

Scott said, "Well, Jean should already be considered a co-leader with me."

"Certainly," Storm said. "What about Moira MacTaggert? If she wants to permanently reside here."

Charles knew what Moira had been telling many—include himself--- for the past few days. Siryn was so overjoyed at being reunited with her father that she adamantly wanted Banshee to remain on An'zhina with her. Banshee adored his daughter. If Siryn wanted him to stay on An'zhina, he was staying. And Moira would not leave Banshee's side either, not after thinking him dead for so long. "Yes," Charles said. "Definitely. And Banshee too."

No one had any objections to either name. "Anyone else?" the Professor asked.

"I was thinking perhaps Nightcrawler," Cyclops said. "I think he would be great at this. But my gut tells me he will be wanting to come with us on missions to earth rather than reside here for any extended length of time. We can certainly ask him though."

"I think we have a good list here," the Professor said. "Is there anyone else we might have overlooked? For either role?"

"There is one I think we should keep our eye on….for the future perhaps," Storm began. "Northstar. We do not know him well, but I have been impressed with what I have seen so far in terms of his abilities on a mission. I think someday he could be a strong field commander."

"I don't know," Cyclops said. He then paused and said, "I'm sorry if it seems like I'm questioning all of your suggestions today, Storm. But Northstar? We don't know him well enough, and Wolverine said he was arrogant and brash."

"Wolverine and Northstar served together in Alpha Flight more than a decade ago. Wolverine has had nothing but praise for Northstar recently, and I haven't seen Northstar act brash at all. Perhaps a little arrogant, but did we not agree that no one was perfect?" She paused, "All I am suggesting is that we keep an eye on him."

The Professor said, "That seems fair enough. I agree that we need to observe more of his working style. So I will not say anything to him now but we can consider him later." He then thanked Storm and Cyclops for the meeting and their ideas. He said he would speak with the other candidates, and continue to consider Psylocke's plan.

Chapter 2

Chapter 4