Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men.
Thank you sooo much for the warm reception. Reading the reviews this morning really made me smile. It's great to know I have friends out there. This story was fun to write. As with my other stories, the end of the mission is only the beginning of the real story so please stay with me even if the mission is not as action packed as some of you can write. What can I say? I'm a lover not a fighter. smiles and hugs Redhead2
Discoveries
Chapter 2
"Can't we send someone else in? Enroll me. I'll go in or I'll call Shalimar." Anxiety was clear in Jesse's voice.
"I'm afraid enrolling more new students wouldn't work again. Whoever is doing this will only back off and we will be left with nothing." Charles opened a file in front of him. "While I agree we must go in, I think we must take a new approach. Instead of students, we will go in as staff and see if we can find them. Suspicion would be eliminated if we try to fill openings the college already has rather than to just send people in. It would seem they need a person on the computer maintenance team, 'entry level with moderate to good computer knowledge.' Apparently, they want someone they can train on their systems. The only other opening at this time is for a martial arts instructor, 'black belt required'."
"That makes sense," Jean spoke up. "In one of Kitty's calls last week, she mentioned that her computer started acting up and it took the computer guy forever to get to her to fix it. She waited so long she was about to go in and fix it herself."
"That's my girl," offered a proud Jesse. He turned to the professor and added, "Send me in on the maintenance team and Brennan holds a black belt. We can do this one." He looked confidently at Charles. The room fell quiet as Jesse stood looking at the professor, desperate pleas apparent in his eyes.
After a moments thought Charles assented, "Perhaps you are right. Maybe we need to let Mutant X handle this and have the X Men prepare to move in as back up. I'll contact Adam and David. Jesse will take the Helix and pick up Brennan. Return here for a mission briefing in 2 hours. There is still time to get you onto the campus tonight." Charles left to make his contacts and everyone was dismissed.
Adam and Evie were in the kitchen preparing yet another snack when his computer began signaling an urgent incoming message. Adam looked at his wife with concern then bolted for the computer center. Answering the call he saw Charles, his perpetually calm countenance strained. "Good evening, Charles."
"Good evening, Adam. I am sorry to interrupt your evening."
When Evie heard Adam greet Charles she walked up close behind him and smiled.
"Good Evening, my dear, I hope you are feeling well."
"Thank you, Charles, I am. I don't think, however, that you called to check on me." She watched his face sadden even more.
"I am afraid I have a situation here that requires the help of Mutant X." He explained everything and told them of Jesse's idea.
"Of course, Charles. I'll make sure Brennan's ready when Jesse gets back. If you need anything else, anything at all, we're here."
"Thank you, my friends. I know I can always count on you for help. I just wish the situation were not at the risk of my girls."
"Don't worry, Charles," Evie comforted, "Jesse and Brennan won't return without them."
"I know. Again, thank you. Xavier out."
"Those poor girls," Evie's voice was weak.
"Don't worry." Adam hugged her. "They'll find them. I just hope Jesse can keep his head. Brennan will have to watch him."
"And who's going to watch Brennan?" She felt Adam pull away and then watched the questions flash on his face.
Brennan got the call and was ready when Jesse arrived to pick him up. He was ready for an assignment. He needed something to get his mind off Shalimar. He had tried to go up to her room after he cooled down from their argument but she refused to let him in. All she would tell him was that she needed a change and she was going out, alone. They had never argued like this before. He was more hurt than he was willing to think about as he stood at his door and watched her come out of her room dressed to the hilt. "Wow, you look great," he tried.
She stopped and turned to face him. "Thank you," was her cheerless reply.
"Listen, Shal, I have to go on a mission for the professor. I'm sorry if I upset you but please, wait until I get back. We'll get this all straightened out. Then we can do whatever you want." He took a step toward her.
Stepping away quickly she turned her deep, brown, sad eyes up to meet his. "There isn't anything left to talk about. I've waited patiently for things to change between us, but they never will. I can't wait any longer."
"Shal,---"
His comlink interrupted him. "Brennan, I'm landing the Helix now, let's go," Jesse demanded.
Brennan watched as Shalimar turned and walked away from him. "On my way, Jess."
On board the Helix, Jesse remained in the pilot's seat and began lift off before Brennan was secured in his seat. After they were airborne Brennan's voice broke the silence. "I don't get it. What does she want from me?"
"I heard you slamming doors before I left. That was a new experience. Maybe she just needs some cool down time."
He began to get very jealous. "She's headed for the club. God only knows where she'll end up, tonight."
"Come on, man. You know Shal's not like that. I should slug you for even suggesting it."
"You didn't see the way she was dressed. She's definitely on the hunt. I just don't know what I did." Jealousy gave way to anger. "If that's the way she wants it, fine. I'm not playing the lovesick puppy dog. I can free agent again." He turned when he heard Jesse chuckle. "You don't think I can? Watch me. We're going to a campus aren't we? Students fall in love with their teachers all the time."
"Hey, you can play the fool anytime you want but first we have to get Kitty and Jubilee back. You may be willing to switch up but I'm not. I have plans for my girl."
"Yeah, your 'big weekend'," he said sarcastically. "Don't get so excited. I had plans, too. Plans backfire."
In the briefing they were given all the information that was available to try and get a handle on what was happening. "You should go in separately to avoid suspicion. Jesse, you'll go in tonight. I'm sure maintenance works the weekend. Brennan, Logan will give you one of the cars. You go tomorrow afternoon. David is expecting both of you. You should keep conversation to a minimum until we get an idea of what we're dealing with. Remember...our mission is not just rescue. We still need to find out the details of what's going on and put a stop to it. Jubilee and Kitty will know that. Call my X Men for any back up you may need. Brennan, Ororo has made sure your room is ready for you for tonight. Jesse, I believe Scott is waiting to take you. Good Luck."
"Thank you, Professor," they chorused and turned to leave.
"Gentlemen," Charles stopped them at the door. Engaging his chair and coming out from behind the desk he continued, "Thank you for helping us. Be careful, both of you and bring my girls home."
Jesse and Brennan moved back and each shook his hand. "Don't worry, Professor," Brennan replied. "We'll have them back here before you know it."
Dean's office of the small campus
"Jesse Kilmartin, I'm glad you're here." A very distinguished middle-aged man firmly shook his hand. "We desperately need another pair of hands to help with these computers. I'm Dean David Brown. Please come into my office." Jesse smiled and followed him. Once the door was closed, Dean Brown turned a weary look to Jesse. "Please, sit down. I can't believe those lovely young ladies are gone as the others, without a trace. I was almost afraid to tell Charles his girls disappeared." He sat behind his desk and fell back in resignation.
"Dean Brown, can you tell me anything else about what's been going on?"
"Before the first disappearances I heard rumors of some of the mutant students getting computer messages that identified them as mutants. They weren't threatening as much as disheartening. I encourage the students to concentrate on their studies rather than their abilities. I'm not anti mutant in anyway but I feel there will be time for everything and now is the time to study. Which students are and aren't mutants is not common knowledge here."
"Maybe I can trace the messages. Do you know if Kitty or Jubilee got any?"
"I don't know. I had all their personal affects boxed to be sent back to Charles. The computers they used while they were here are still in their room. We normally reformat them for the next student. With the tech's workload around here, I'm sure he hasn't gotten to them yet." Dean Brown sat forward and leaned his arms on his desk. "There is something I must tell you about our head comp tech. He is a very nice and respectful young man. It seems he was in an accident a few years ago. The resulting injuries left his face slightly disfigured. He has a brilliant mind but I'm afraid his confidence and self motivation were casualties as well. Here he is the best there is. He practically built the entire system we now have from the floor up. He can fix absolutely anything. The only problem is that he is only one man and I'm afraid the students run into more problems than there are hours in a day to fix. That's where you come in; at least that's your cover."
"I'll do what I can. Thank you, sir." Jesse stood and shook the man's hand.
"Miss Richards, will you please come in and show this young man to the comp tech office?" Dean Brown called as he opened the door.
When Jesse arrived he was introduced to Derek. "Hello, Diane." He smiled at Miss Richards then smirked when she whispered a quick hello and left the office with her head down.
"So you're the new tech, huh?" He stood peering at Jesse waiting for him to react to his appearance.
Jesse stood straight and smiled as he extended his hand, "I'm Jesse. It's nice to meet you," he said looking Derek in the eyes.
"Ok, you'll due. I'm Derek. They told me I was getting a new tech. Do you know your stuff or do I have to start with the basics?"
"Well, I can usually figure out what's wrong if I have the time to do it."
"Well, pal, time is something that is in very short supply around here. Maybe you can help change that." Derek showed Jesse around the office and gave him his first comp to fix. A girl in dorm B had her system completely freeze. Armed with a map of the campus and his tech tools Jesse was off.
Brennan had dinner with his friends in the mansion. After helping with the younger children and bedtime he went out for a walk. He decided he had better check in. 'I'll just call home and make sure Evie is ok,' he thought as he walked. He came to a clearing beside a pond and sat down. "Adam?"
"Brennan. What's going on?" Adam had been waiting for news and knew one of his guys would call in before the evening was over. He also had a sneaking suspicion it would be Brennan.
"Jesse's undercover on the campus. The X Men haven't heard from Jubilee and Kitty since yesterday. They're all pretty worried."
"I'm worried, too. How's Jesse?"
"He's determined to keep cool to be able to find them. You know he won't rest now until he does."
"Yeah, I know. Keep me informed. Make sure Charles knows that we're here if he needs anything."
"Right.---Um, Adam, how's Evie?"
"Evie? She's just fine. I think we still have time. I don't think you'll miss anything." There was a silence but Adam knew the connection hadn't been broken. "Brennan, is there anything else?"
"Um, is Shal home yet?"
"Actually, she is home." Brennan's sigh of relief was audible.
"But I think she's on her way out again," Adam added.
"Oh," After the shock, Brennan began to feel his skin heat. Sparks began to form on the ends of his fingers. "FINE," he snapped.
"Brennan, are you alright?" Adam smiled as he spoke but kept his eyes on a sad feral by the door.
"Yeah, I'm just fine. I'm going out myself," he lied. "See you when this mission is over." He grabbed a handful of grass and pulled until it became a clump of dirt in his hand. With an angry grunt he threw it into the pond breaking the natural silent beauty around him. 'If that's the way she wants it, nobody said I had to play the one woman man forever.' With his thoughts in a whirl he stomped back to the mansion.
Adam walked into the kitchen where Evie was having a late evening snack. "Brennan just called in. He asked about you."
"That's sweet of him. Did he ask about anyone else?" Evie smiled knowingly at her husband.
"What's going on between them?" Adam sat down and picked up a chip off Evie's plate.
"Oh, come on, Darling. They've been together for longer than I've been living here and nothing has changed. Shalimar, beside being a woman, is feral. She needs more than a live-in boyfriend."
"Then they should talk about it."
"Ferals live by instinct. She doesn't want to have to tell him. She wants him to know and come to her. He's her alpha male. She can't be alpha in the relationship."
"That's why you weren't worried when we heard their fight. You knew didn't you?" Adam was a genius but the female mind remained a mystery even to him.
"I've seen it coming for a long while now. I'm surprised she had the patience to let it go this long. And for as sweet and caring as Brennan is I can't believe he still doesn't understand." Evie took her dish to the sink and saw the wheels turning as Adam tried to think of all the consequences of their dispute. "Don't worry, sweetheart, they'll be ok. He loves her more than his own life. He just needs to realize what that means."
Shalimar knew Adam was talking to Brennan. She needed to talk to him. She needed him to hold her. But more than that, she needed him to want her. He loved her and she knew it. He would do anything to protect her and she knew that. He loved making love to her and she knew that. All of those things were important before and are important now but they aren't most important. What she needed most from him, he was not yet willing to even consider.
She did leave Sanctuary. She did leave dressed for a hunt. But when she got to the hunting grounds she didn't feel much like hunting. The music was so loud the floor thumped with the beat of the drums. She made her way to the bar and ordered a drink. She was there for all of about a half an hour. In that half hour eight men approached her. She looked at each one. Each one was handsome. Each one would have been potential prey if she hadn't already found her alpha male. But she had found him and no matter whether he chose to embrace the privileges of that position or not, she couldn't ignore her core instincts. Feeling defeated, depressed and very alone she made her way back to her den.
tbc
Thank you sooo much for the warm reception. Reading the reviews this morning really made me smile. It's great to know I have friends out there. This story was fun to write. As with my other stories, the end of the mission is only the beginning of the real story so please stay with me even if the mission is not as action packed as some of you can write. What can I say? I'm a lover not a fighter. smiles and hugs Redhead2
Discoveries
Chapter 2
"Can't we send someone else in? Enroll me. I'll go in or I'll call Shalimar." Anxiety was clear in Jesse's voice.
"I'm afraid enrolling more new students wouldn't work again. Whoever is doing this will only back off and we will be left with nothing." Charles opened a file in front of him. "While I agree we must go in, I think we must take a new approach. Instead of students, we will go in as staff and see if we can find them. Suspicion would be eliminated if we try to fill openings the college already has rather than to just send people in. It would seem they need a person on the computer maintenance team, 'entry level with moderate to good computer knowledge.' Apparently, they want someone they can train on their systems. The only other opening at this time is for a martial arts instructor, 'black belt required'."
"That makes sense," Jean spoke up. "In one of Kitty's calls last week, she mentioned that her computer started acting up and it took the computer guy forever to get to her to fix it. She waited so long she was about to go in and fix it herself."
"That's my girl," offered a proud Jesse. He turned to the professor and added, "Send me in on the maintenance team and Brennan holds a black belt. We can do this one." He looked confidently at Charles. The room fell quiet as Jesse stood looking at the professor, desperate pleas apparent in his eyes.
After a moments thought Charles assented, "Perhaps you are right. Maybe we need to let Mutant X handle this and have the X Men prepare to move in as back up. I'll contact Adam and David. Jesse will take the Helix and pick up Brennan. Return here for a mission briefing in 2 hours. There is still time to get you onto the campus tonight." Charles left to make his contacts and everyone was dismissed.
Adam and Evie were in the kitchen preparing yet another snack when his computer began signaling an urgent incoming message. Adam looked at his wife with concern then bolted for the computer center. Answering the call he saw Charles, his perpetually calm countenance strained. "Good evening, Charles."
"Good evening, Adam. I am sorry to interrupt your evening."
When Evie heard Adam greet Charles she walked up close behind him and smiled.
"Good Evening, my dear, I hope you are feeling well."
"Thank you, Charles, I am. I don't think, however, that you called to check on me." She watched his face sadden even more.
"I am afraid I have a situation here that requires the help of Mutant X." He explained everything and told them of Jesse's idea.
"Of course, Charles. I'll make sure Brennan's ready when Jesse gets back. If you need anything else, anything at all, we're here."
"Thank you, my friends. I know I can always count on you for help. I just wish the situation were not at the risk of my girls."
"Don't worry, Charles," Evie comforted, "Jesse and Brennan won't return without them."
"I know. Again, thank you. Xavier out."
"Those poor girls," Evie's voice was weak.
"Don't worry." Adam hugged her. "They'll find them. I just hope Jesse can keep his head. Brennan will have to watch him."
"And who's going to watch Brennan?" She felt Adam pull away and then watched the questions flash on his face.
Brennan got the call and was ready when Jesse arrived to pick him up. He was ready for an assignment. He needed something to get his mind off Shalimar. He had tried to go up to her room after he cooled down from their argument but she refused to let him in. All she would tell him was that she needed a change and she was going out, alone. They had never argued like this before. He was more hurt than he was willing to think about as he stood at his door and watched her come out of her room dressed to the hilt. "Wow, you look great," he tried.
She stopped and turned to face him. "Thank you," was her cheerless reply.
"Listen, Shal, I have to go on a mission for the professor. I'm sorry if I upset you but please, wait until I get back. We'll get this all straightened out. Then we can do whatever you want." He took a step toward her.
Stepping away quickly she turned her deep, brown, sad eyes up to meet his. "There isn't anything left to talk about. I've waited patiently for things to change between us, but they never will. I can't wait any longer."
"Shal,---"
His comlink interrupted him. "Brennan, I'm landing the Helix now, let's go," Jesse demanded.
Brennan watched as Shalimar turned and walked away from him. "On my way, Jess."
On board the Helix, Jesse remained in the pilot's seat and began lift off before Brennan was secured in his seat. After they were airborne Brennan's voice broke the silence. "I don't get it. What does she want from me?"
"I heard you slamming doors before I left. That was a new experience. Maybe she just needs some cool down time."
He began to get very jealous. "She's headed for the club. God only knows where she'll end up, tonight."
"Come on, man. You know Shal's not like that. I should slug you for even suggesting it."
"You didn't see the way she was dressed. She's definitely on the hunt. I just don't know what I did." Jealousy gave way to anger. "If that's the way she wants it, fine. I'm not playing the lovesick puppy dog. I can free agent again." He turned when he heard Jesse chuckle. "You don't think I can? Watch me. We're going to a campus aren't we? Students fall in love with their teachers all the time."
"Hey, you can play the fool anytime you want but first we have to get Kitty and Jubilee back. You may be willing to switch up but I'm not. I have plans for my girl."
"Yeah, your 'big weekend'," he said sarcastically. "Don't get so excited. I had plans, too. Plans backfire."
In the briefing they were given all the information that was available to try and get a handle on what was happening. "You should go in separately to avoid suspicion. Jesse, you'll go in tonight. I'm sure maintenance works the weekend. Brennan, Logan will give you one of the cars. You go tomorrow afternoon. David is expecting both of you. You should keep conversation to a minimum until we get an idea of what we're dealing with. Remember...our mission is not just rescue. We still need to find out the details of what's going on and put a stop to it. Jubilee and Kitty will know that. Call my X Men for any back up you may need. Brennan, Ororo has made sure your room is ready for you for tonight. Jesse, I believe Scott is waiting to take you. Good Luck."
"Thank you, Professor," they chorused and turned to leave.
"Gentlemen," Charles stopped them at the door. Engaging his chair and coming out from behind the desk he continued, "Thank you for helping us. Be careful, both of you and bring my girls home."
Jesse and Brennan moved back and each shook his hand. "Don't worry, Professor," Brennan replied. "We'll have them back here before you know it."
Dean's office of the small campus
"Jesse Kilmartin, I'm glad you're here." A very distinguished middle-aged man firmly shook his hand. "We desperately need another pair of hands to help with these computers. I'm Dean David Brown. Please come into my office." Jesse smiled and followed him. Once the door was closed, Dean Brown turned a weary look to Jesse. "Please, sit down. I can't believe those lovely young ladies are gone as the others, without a trace. I was almost afraid to tell Charles his girls disappeared." He sat behind his desk and fell back in resignation.
"Dean Brown, can you tell me anything else about what's been going on?"
"Before the first disappearances I heard rumors of some of the mutant students getting computer messages that identified them as mutants. They weren't threatening as much as disheartening. I encourage the students to concentrate on their studies rather than their abilities. I'm not anti mutant in anyway but I feel there will be time for everything and now is the time to study. Which students are and aren't mutants is not common knowledge here."
"Maybe I can trace the messages. Do you know if Kitty or Jubilee got any?"
"I don't know. I had all their personal affects boxed to be sent back to Charles. The computers they used while they were here are still in their room. We normally reformat them for the next student. With the tech's workload around here, I'm sure he hasn't gotten to them yet." Dean Brown sat forward and leaned his arms on his desk. "There is something I must tell you about our head comp tech. He is a very nice and respectful young man. It seems he was in an accident a few years ago. The resulting injuries left his face slightly disfigured. He has a brilliant mind but I'm afraid his confidence and self motivation were casualties as well. Here he is the best there is. He practically built the entire system we now have from the floor up. He can fix absolutely anything. The only problem is that he is only one man and I'm afraid the students run into more problems than there are hours in a day to fix. That's where you come in; at least that's your cover."
"I'll do what I can. Thank you, sir." Jesse stood and shook the man's hand.
"Miss Richards, will you please come in and show this young man to the comp tech office?" Dean Brown called as he opened the door.
When Jesse arrived he was introduced to Derek. "Hello, Diane." He smiled at Miss Richards then smirked when she whispered a quick hello and left the office with her head down.
"So you're the new tech, huh?" He stood peering at Jesse waiting for him to react to his appearance.
Jesse stood straight and smiled as he extended his hand, "I'm Jesse. It's nice to meet you," he said looking Derek in the eyes.
"Ok, you'll due. I'm Derek. They told me I was getting a new tech. Do you know your stuff or do I have to start with the basics?"
"Well, I can usually figure out what's wrong if I have the time to do it."
"Well, pal, time is something that is in very short supply around here. Maybe you can help change that." Derek showed Jesse around the office and gave him his first comp to fix. A girl in dorm B had her system completely freeze. Armed with a map of the campus and his tech tools Jesse was off.
Brennan had dinner with his friends in the mansion. After helping with the younger children and bedtime he went out for a walk. He decided he had better check in. 'I'll just call home and make sure Evie is ok,' he thought as he walked. He came to a clearing beside a pond and sat down. "Adam?"
"Brennan. What's going on?" Adam had been waiting for news and knew one of his guys would call in before the evening was over. He also had a sneaking suspicion it would be Brennan.
"Jesse's undercover on the campus. The X Men haven't heard from Jubilee and Kitty since yesterday. They're all pretty worried."
"I'm worried, too. How's Jesse?"
"He's determined to keep cool to be able to find them. You know he won't rest now until he does."
"Yeah, I know. Keep me informed. Make sure Charles knows that we're here if he needs anything."
"Right.---Um, Adam, how's Evie?"
"Evie? She's just fine. I think we still have time. I don't think you'll miss anything." There was a silence but Adam knew the connection hadn't been broken. "Brennan, is there anything else?"
"Um, is Shal home yet?"
"Actually, she is home." Brennan's sigh of relief was audible.
"But I think she's on her way out again," Adam added.
"Oh," After the shock, Brennan began to feel his skin heat. Sparks began to form on the ends of his fingers. "FINE," he snapped.
"Brennan, are you alright?" Adam smiled as he spoke but kept his eyes on a sad feral by the door.
"Yeah, I'm just fine. I'm going out myself," he lied. "See you when this mission is over." He grabbed a handful of grass and pulled until it became a clump of dirt in his hand. With an angry grunt he threw it into the pond breaking the natural silent beauty around him. 'If that's the way she wants it, nobody said I had to play the one woman man forever.' With his thoughts in a whirl he stomped back to the mansion.
Adam walked into the kitchen where Evie was having a late evening snack. "Brennan just called in. He asked about you."
"That's sweet of him. Did he ask about anyone else?" Evie smiled knowingly at her husband.
"What's going on between them?" Adam sat down and picked up a chip off Evie's plate.
"Oh, come on, Darling. They've been together for longer than I've been living here and nothing has changed. Shalimar, beside being a woman, is feral. She needs more than a live-in boyfriend."
"Then they should talk about it."
"Ferals live by instinct. She doesn't want to have to tell him. She wants him to know and come to her. He's her alpha male. She can't be alpha in the relationship."
"That's why you weren't worried when we heard their fight. You knew didn't you?" Adam was a genius but the female mind remained a mystery even to him.
"I've seen it coming for a long while now. I'm surprised she had the patience to let it go this long. And for as sweet and caring as Brennan is I can't believe he still doesn't understand." Evie took her dish to the sink and saw the wheels turning as Adam tried to think of all the consequences of their dispute. "Don't worry, sweetheart, they'll be ok. He loves her more than his own life. He just needs to realize what that means."
Shalimar knew Adam was talking to Brennan. She needed to talk to him. She needed him to hold her. But more than that, she needed him to want her. He loved her and she knew it. He would do anything to protect her and she knew that. He loved making love to her and she knew that. All of those things were important before and are important now but they aren't most important. What she needed most from him, he was not yet willing to even consider.
She did leave Sanctuary. She did leave dressed for a hunt. But when she got to the hunting grounds she didn't feel much like hunting. The music was so loud the floor thumped with the beat of the drums. She made her way to the bar and ordered a drink. She was there for all of about a half an hour. In that half hour eight men approached her. She looked at each one. Each one was handsome. Each one would have been potential prey if she hadn't already found her alpha male. But she had found him and no matter whether he chose to embrace the privileges of that position or not, she couldn't ignore her core instincts. Feeling defeated, depressed and very alone she made her way back to her den.
tbc