Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men.
I am so pleased that so many are interested in my world. I realize that it is vastly different from the show but I find it more utopian. Thank you for the reviews and I hope to be able to spend the little time I have in the mornings, reading your works now that mine is written. (At least until another idea strikes) There are so many stories my daughter tells me I should read but I just haven't had the time. I humbly apologize for my lack of reciprocation.
Discoveries
Chapter 3
It was late when Jesse got back to the office after the computers he was given to fix. He met a few students and tried to do some discrete snooping as he worked. His efforts were fruitless. As he walked in, he saw Derek in front of his computer. Whatever he was doing had him engrossed. He didn't hear Jesse come in. As he walked closer he got a glimpse of a girl changing her clothes. Derek had finally heard him and quickly turned off the monitor. "Are you done already?" he asked as he tried to hide his nervousness.
"Uh, yeah. The problems were pretty minor. Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything."
"Huh? Oh that, well, it's amazing the things you can find on the internet if you try, ya know?"
"Yeah, I guess. I'm gonna call it a night if that's ok. I'll see you in the morning." Jesse turned to walk out.
"Right, um, good job tonight. I'm glad you're on the team," Derek called after him.
In his room, Jesse lay on the bed and closed his eyes. "Kitty," he whispered, "hold on, Baby, I'm coming."
The next morning he walked the grounds and made contact with Brennan. "There isn't much I can tell you. Everything here is pretty normal for a college campus. The only odd thing that I came up with so far is the computer tech files show that for a system that is supposed to be fairly new and well maintained there seem to be a lot of tech calls. Either they need a better computer course for their first semester students or they got a shipment of bad components when they set up."
"That's your department. Mine's self defense. I hope it's women's self- defense."
"Right, that'll go over big with Shalimar."
"After last night, she won't care."
"Oh that reminds me. One weird thing was that I caught the comp tech on what looked like a porn site, last night. One of the campus rules was absolutely no porn on the comps. Tech has a secured blocking program installed all over the campus."
"Great, just what I need to hear. The computer geek has more going than I do right now." Brennan snapped. "Listen, I'll be on campus in about an hour. Catch up with you later."
Jesse shook his head. 'Whoa, where'd that come from? And they're afraid I don't have my mind on the mission.'
That afternoon Brennan was introduced to the staff as the new martial arts instructor. After their conversation earlier, Jesse wasn't sure if it was an act or not when Brennan strutted around the offices eying all the girls he passed. 'This is great. Not only do I have to rescue but I have to tackle clean up as well. He better know what he's doing.' Jesse knew Brennan more than well enough to know that the mission came first and the job would be done. Sometimes, though, there's emotional cleanup at the end. After all, they're only human, right?
Someone else was watching Brennan's body language with more than casual interest as well. 'A new face. Looks like he's looking for action. I'll have to watch him.'
Jesse got a pass key from the dean and on his next break he went to check out the room Kitty and Jubilee shared. The room was very Spartan. It had not yet been reassigned. Jesse went to check the computer. He was just about to boot it up when he saw a wire that looked out of place. Upon further examination he found the extraneous wire was actually a video feed line. He also found the feed hardwired to the monitor. Taking a deep breath he began to realize how Derek was really complying with the no porn site rule. He decided easily that when this was all over, he had to expose this sleazy activity to the dean. It infuriated him to know that this guy was watching the girls, his girl. He knew that he had to push that aside and find them first. Then he'd deal with Derek. On his way back to the office he had an idea.
Brennan spent the early afternoon 'looking' around the campus. Instead of enjoying the view he subconsciously compared every girl to Shalimar. All afternoon he fought the guilt that kept creeping up on him. 'This is so stupid. She left me. I have nothing to feel guilty about.' Just as he was turning a corner, lost in his thoughts Derek called to him.
"Hey, Mr. Mulwray." When he had his attention he continued, "Brennan, right?"
"Yeah. You're Derek, the head comp tech?"
"Good memory. I wanted to introduce myself and let you know that if you ever have any comp problems day or night just call. Our office doesn't have a closed sign. With a campus this large and only two techs we can't afford time off."
"Wow, that's a bummer, but thanks. It's good to know there's someone I can call instead of kicking in the screen." Brennan began to take a step forward.
Derek spoke again, "Well, just so you know, I'm also the 'unofficial' gofer. If you need something particular, I can get it."
"Thanks, I'll remember that." Again Brennan began to pass when he felt a hand on his arm, casually take his attention.
Derek was not yet finished. "Um, Brennan, listen, I'm a pretty good reader of body language. With my looks, I don't get too many people who want to talk to me unless they need me for something. I learned to read body language and all day yours has been telling me you're looking for a girl. Am I right?"
Brennan was just about to dispute the comment when he remembered Jesse telling him something about a porn site. He stepped a little closer to lower his voice. "Well, actually, I am looking for a girl. My last babe, didn't like the way I played and she got too possessive. Didn't want to share, if you know what I mean."
"Well, I may be able to help you. I know where you can get a girl who will be very obliging. Some are even very talented."
Brennan's insides were screaming in disgust at the way this guy was talking but he knew he had better play along. "Is there a club I would like, somewhere close by? I could use a night out."
"This is a very exclusive club. Let me get a few things in order and I'll contact you. Watch for a message on the computer." Derek smiled evilly and walked away.
He walked in to find Jesse checking the next batch of work orders. "Did you finish the ones I gave you already?"
"Yeah, there wasn't anything too complicated. There was only one girl who ended up in programming she didn't understand and instead of calling first she decided to keep pushing buttons to get out. She had her settings so messed up I had to wipe everything just to get out of what she did."
"Well, there really isn't anything else you can do this evening. You worked until late yesterday. Just take the night off and I'll see you in the morning."
"Are you sure? I can still get some stuff in."
"Not tonight. I have my own work to do."
"Um, okay." Jesse started to leave then turned back. "Hey man, I know you were into a porn site last night." He watched as Derek's face turned hard. "I'm not gonna turn you in or anything. I just wanted to know if you'd tell me how you got passed the campus-wide blocks. You're giving me time off and I'm gonna need something to do."
Derek was silent for a minute as he considered what to tell this guy. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get something on him. "I set up those blocks. I'm the only one with authorization to override."
"Could you hook me up? I don't want to spend the night looking up at the stars." Jesse portrayed as much eagerness as he could muster.
"I'm not giving you the codes," Derek said as he watched the disappointment appear on Jesse's face. "But--- go to your computer and sign on. I can override for you from here. I have the whole campus set up to work remote. I'll let you in but if you even whisper this to anyone else, I'll know and I'll put so much stuff on your hard drive that they'll kick you out so fast your head will spin."
"Thanks, man. I'll be on in 10 minutes." Jesse smiled as he left. As soon as he was out the door his face revealed the contempt he now held for this guy. 'Better check my comp first and see how it's wired. This has to look convincing.' When he got to his room Jesse found that his computer didn't have the same video link he found in the girls' room. When he opened his CPU he noticed a blinking light where there should have been nothing but wire. A small, remote transmitter was hiding behind a cluster of wires tied in the corner. 'How many of these have I missed on the other computers? This is only wired to pick up info off the drive. It's not wired for video or audio.' He decided he had better warn Brennan.
"Hey, Brennan, don't answer if you're in your room."
"On my way there now, I'm still outside. What's up?"
"Derek's got this whole campus wired for remote access. It's almost as good as the system at home. Each computer is different though. Some are wired for drive access and some for audio/video feed. I'll have to check yours as soon as I get a chance. Better only talk out in the open until I do."
"He approached me in the hall. Said he could tell I was looking to hook up. He's gonna take me to an exclusive club."
"Watch your back."
"Thanks."
When Jesse booted his computer there was a message waiting for him. "You're all clear. Surf away." He took a deep breath and went online. "Better make this look good. Forgive me, Kitty."
There was a message waiting for Brennan, too. "COMPUTER CRASH IMMANENT. Call for tech support." Brennan did what he was instructed and within 10 minutes Derek was at his door with a new computer on a cart. "Hey man, this was the first time I signed on. I couldn't have fried the computer."
"Relax. This one is wired so you can join the club." He laughed when he saw the questioning look he received. "Don't worry. This is only so you can shop and pick out what you want. Once your choice is made, your purchase is delivered."
"Purchase?" Brennan decided to share his information and activated his ring so Jesse could hear.
"Yeah. Do you think the type of girl you're looking for is just waiting on a corner for you? These are special girls. I hand pick them. I get them ready for you and then deliver them."
"Sounds interesting? What's it going to cost me and how long do I get?" Brennan fought to look as hungry as he was acting. In his head all he could see was Shalimar's face with her feral eyes glaring at him.
Jesse began to seethe. He set his computer to a site and left. While Brennan had him talking, he was going to the office to do some checking around.
"This isn't a dating service." He spoke as he made the computer switch. "This is for keeps so take your time choosing. I hope you like 'special abilities'. Each one has an individual talent."
"What are they? Sex freaks?"
"In a way. They're all mutant," Derek sneered.
Brennan's best poker face was on tight. "And these girls like to play for keeps? I don't want to have my money walk out the door."
"Oh they won't. Once you get them, I fill you in on how to keep them. At that point it's up to you."
"How much are we talking?"
"Oh, I'm not unreasonable. Five G's"
"For that they had better be permanent and happy about it."
"They are. You won't have any problems, guaranteed." He loaded the old computer on the cart. "You're all hooked up. Hit your F12 key when you're ready to shop. F11 is an order form. I get the money and you get the girl."
"That sounds easy enough. I'll just go grab something to eat and I'll start." Suddenly Brennan hardened his features and took a step closer to Derek. "You had better not play me. I could hit you once and you'd be dead before you felt the pain."
"Hey, chill man. This is my business. I'll take care of you." He smiled as he left the room.
Brennan followed him out and headed in the other direction toward the vending machines. Once outside he spoke. "Jesse?"
"I heard. I'm in his office checking around. He's got them but we have to find out where; if he hasn't already sold them. Brennan, how sick is this?" His voice began to carry his anger.
"I know but, I'm gonna have to play this out. Call the professor and Adam. I'm gonna need some cash to throw at this guy. He ought to be there any minute."
"God only knows who he could have sold them to or what they're forced to do." Anger began to give way to fear.
"Don't worry, we'll find them." Brennan voiced confidence for Jesse that he had yet to believe himself.
tbc
I am so pleased that so many are interested in my world. I realize that it is vastly different from the show but I find it more utopian. Thank you for the reviews and I hope to be able to spend the little time I have in the mornings, reading your works now that mine is written. (At least until another idea strikes) There are so many stories my daughter tells me I should read but I just haven't had the time. I humbly apologize for my lack of reciprocation.
Discoveries
Chapter 3
It was late when Jesse got back to the office after the computers he was given to fix. He met a few students and tried to do some discrete snooping as he worked. His efforts were fruitless. As he walked in, he saw Derek in front of his computer. Whatever he was doing had him engrossed. He didn't hear Jesse come in. As he walked closer he got a glimpse of a girl changing her clothes. Derek had finally heard him and quickly turned off the monitor. "Are you done already?" he asked as he tried to hide his nervousness.
"Uh, yeah. The problems were pretty minor. Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything."
"Huh? Oh that, well, it's amazing the things you can find on the internet if you try, ya know?"
"Yeah, I guess. I'm gonna call it a night if that's ok. I'll see you in the morning." Jesse turned to walk out.
"Right, um, good job tonight. I'm glad you're on the team," Derek called after him.
In his room, Jesse lay on the bed and closed his eyes. "Kitty," he whispered, "hold on, Baby, I'm coming."
The next morning he walked the grounds and made contact with Brennan. "There isn't much I can tell you. Everything here is pretty normal for a college campus. The only odd thing that I came up with so far is the computer tech files show that for a system that is supposed to be fairly new and well maintained there seem to be a lot of tech calls. Either they need a better computer course for their first semester students or they got a shipment of bad components when they set up."
"That's your department. Mine's self defense. I hope it's women's self- defense."
"Right, that'll go over big with Shalimar."
"After last night, she won't care."
"Oh that reminds me. One weird thing was that I caught the comp tech on what looked like a porn site, last night. One of the campus rules was absolutely no porn on the comps. Tech has a secured blocking program installed all over the campus."
"Great, just what I need to hear. The computer geek has more going than I do right now." Brennan snapped. "Listen, I'll be on campus in about an hour. Catch up with you later."
Jesse shook his head. 'Whoa, where'd that come from? And they're afraid I don't have my mind on the mission.'
That afternoon Brennan was introduced to the staff as the new martial arts instructor. After their conversation earlier, Jesse wasn't sure if it was an act or not when Brennan strutted around the offices eying all the girls he passed. 'This is great. Not only do I have to rescue but I have to tackle clean up as well. He better know what he's doing.' Jesse knew Brennan more than well enough to know that the mission came first and the job would be done. Sometimes, though, there's emotional cleanup at the end. After all, they're only human, right?
Someone else was watching Brennan's body language with more than casual interest as well. 'A new face. Looks like he's looking for action. I'll have to watch him.'
Jesse got a pass key from the dean and on his next break he went to check out the room Kitty and Jubilee shared. The room was very Spartan. It had not yet been reassigned. Jesse went to check the computer. He was just about to boot it up when he saw a wire that looked out of place. Upon further examination he found the extraneous wire was actually a video feed line. He also found the feed hardwired to the monitor. Taking a deep breath he began to realize how Derek was really complying with the no porn site rule. He decided easily that when this was all over, he had to expose this sleazy activity to the dean. It infuriated him to know that this guy was watching the girls, his girl. He knew that he had to push that aside and find them first. Then he'd deal with Derek. On his way back to the office he had an idea.
Brennan spent the early afternoon 'looking' around the campus. Instead of enjoying the view he subconsciously compared every girl to Shalimar. All afternoon he fought the guilt that kept creeping up on him. 'This is so stupid. She left me. I have nothing to feel guilty about.' Just as he was turning a corner, lost in his thoughts Derek called to him.
"Hey, Mr. Mulwray." When he had his attention he continued, "Brennan, right?"
"Yeah. You're Derek, the head comp tech?"
"Good memory. I wanted to introduce myself and let you know that if you ever have any comp problems day or night just call. Our office doesn't have a closed sign. With a campus this large and only two techs we can't afford time off."
"Wow, that's a bummer, but thanks. It's good to know there's someone I can call instead of kicking in the screen." Brennan began to take a step forward.
Derek spoke again, "Well, just so you know, I'm also the 'unofficial' gofer. If you need something particular, I can get it."
"Thanks, I'll remember that." Again Brennan began to pass when he felt a hand on his arm, casually take his attention.
Derek was not yet finished. "Um, Brennan, listen, I'm a pretty good reader of body language. With my looks, I don't get too many people who want to talk to me unless they need me for something. I learned to read body language and all day yours has been telling me you're looking for a girl. Am I right?"
Brennan was just about to dispute the comment when he remembered Jesse telling him something about a porn site. He stepped a little closer to lower his voice. "Well, actually, I am looking for a girl. My last babe, didn't like the way I played and she got too possessive. Didn't want to share, if you know what I mean."
"Well, I may be able to help you. I know where you can get a girl who will be very obliging. Some are even very talented."
Brennan's insides were screaming in disgust at the way this guy was talking but he knew he had better play along. "Is there a club I would like, somewhere close by? I could use a night out."
"This is a very exclusive club. Let me get a few things in order and I'll contact you. Watch for a message on the computer." Derek smiled evilly and walked away.
He walked in to find Jesse checking the next batch of work orders. "Did you finish the ones I gave you already?"
"Yeah, there wasn't anything too complicated. There was only one girl who ended up in programming she didn't understand and instead of calling first she decided to keep pushing buttons to get out. She had her settings so messed up I had to wipe everything just to get out of what she did."
"Well, there really isn't anything else you can do this evening. You worked until late yesterday. Just take the night off and I'll see you in the morning."
"Are you sure? I can still get some stuff in."
"Not tonight. I have my own work to do."
"Um, okay." Jesse started to leave then turned back. "Hey man, I know you were into a porn site last night." He watched as Derek's face turned hard. "I'm not gonna turn you in or anything. I just wanted to know if you'd tell me how you got passed the campus-wide blocks. You're giving me time off and I'm gonna need something to do."
Derek was silent for a minute as he considered what to tell this guy. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get something on him. "I set up those blocks. I'm the only one with authorization to override."
"Could you hook me up? I don't want to spend the night looking up at the stars." Jesse portrayed as much eagerness as he could muster.
"I'm not giving you the codes," Derek said as he watched the disappointment appear on Jesse's face. "But--- go to your computer and sign on. I can override for you from here. I have the whole campus set up to work remote. I'll let you in but if you even whisper this to anyone else, I'll know and I'll put so much stuff on your hard drive that they'll kick you out so fast your head will spin."
"Thanks, man. I'll be on in 10 minutes." Jesse smiled as he left. As soon as he was out the door his face revealed the contempt he now held for this guy. 'Better check my comp first and see how it's wired. This has to look convincing.' When he got to his room Jesse found that his computer didn't have the same video link he found in the girls' room. When he opened his CPU he noticed a blinking light where there should have been nothing but wire. A small, remote transmitter was hiding behind a cluster of wires tied in the corner. 'How many of these have I missed on the other computers? This is only wired to pick up info off the drive. It's not wired for video or audio.' He decided he had better warn Brennan.
"Hey, Brennan, don't answer if you're in your room."
"On my way there now, I'm still outside. What's up?"
"Derek's got this whole campus wired for remote access. It's almost as good as the system at home. Each computer is different though. Some are wired for drive access and some for audio/video feed. I'll have to check yours as soon as I get a chance. Better only talk out in the open until I do."
"He approached me in the hall. Said he could tell I was looking to hook up. He's gonna take me to an exclusive club."
"Watch your back."
"Thanks."
When Jesse booted his computer there was a message waiting for him. "You're all clear. Surf away." He took a deep breath and went online. "Better make this look good. Forgive me, Kitty."
There was a message waiting for Brennan, too. "COMPUTER CRASH IMMANENT. Call for tech support." Brennan did what he was instructed and within 10 minutes Derek was at his door with a new computer on a cart. "Hey man, this was the first time I signed on. I couldn't have fried the computer."
"Relax. This one is wired so you can join the club." He laughed when he saw the questioning look he received. "Don't worry. This is only so you can shop and pick out what you want. Once your choice is made, your purchase is delivered."
"Purchase?" Brennan decided to share his information and activated his ring so Jesse could hear.
"Yeah. Do you think the type of girl you're looking for is just waiting on a corner for you? These are special girls. I hand pick them. I get them ready for you and then deliver them."
"Sounds interesting? What's it going to cost me and how long do I get?" Brennan fought to look as hungry as he was acting. In his head all he could see was Shalimar's face with her feral eyes glaring at him.
Jesse began to seethe. He set his computer to a site and left. While Brennan had him talking, he was going to the office to do some checking around.
"This isn't a dating service." He spoke as he made the computer switch. "This is for keeps so take your time choosing. I hope you like 'special abilities'. Each one has an individual talent."
"What are they? Sex freaks?"
"In a way. They're all mutant," Derek sneered.
Brennan's best poker face was on tight. "And these girls like to play for keeps? I don't want to have my money walk out the door."
"Oh they won't. Once you get them, I fill you in on how to keep them. At that point it's up to you."
"How much are we talking?"
"Oh, I'm not unreasonable. Five G's"
"For that they had better be permanent and happy about it."
"They are. You won't have any problems, guaranteed." He loaded the old computer on the cart. "You're all hooked up. Hit your F12 key when you're ready to shop. F11 is an order form. I get the money and you get the girl."
"That sounds easy enough. I'll just go grab something to eat and I'll start." Suddenly Brennan hardened his features and took a step closer to Derek. "You had better not play me. I could hit you once and you'd be dead before you felt the pain."
"Hey, chill man. This is my business. I'll take care of you." He smiled as he left the room.
Brennan followed him out and headed in the other direction toward the vending machines. Once outside he spoke. "Jesse?"
"I heard. I'm in his office checking around. He's got them but we have to find out where; if he hasn't already sold them. Brennan, how sick is this?" His voice began to carry his anger.
"I know but, I'm gonna have to play this out. Call the professor and Adam. I'm gonna need some cash to throw at this guy. He ought to be there any minute."
"God only knows who he could have sold them to or what they're forced to do." Anger began to give way to fear.
"Don't worry, we'll find them." Brennan voiced confidence for Jesse that he had yet to believe himself.
tbc