Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men.
I love the reviews, not just the ones that are complimentary. I really like when you express your views and questions about what I've done. I'm always up for constructive criticism as long as it's not mean. So far no one is mean. Let's have a little chat before the next chapter, shall we?
Mxangel – Thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad my story inspires the curiosity in you but you'll just have to read on for all the answers. You know I usually don't leave loose ends. If I do, let me know and I'll be happy to tie them up for you.
Loveconquers – More great encouragement, thanks. I can always count on your approval.
Summer – Thanks to you, too. You'll have to wait for the baby until later on. We have to get the girls home first. Remember I wrote earlier that the mission is only the beginning.
Fanofbuffy – Very glad you like it but remember I'm a happily ever after kind of gal. I wouldn't put the characters through too much heartache.
Amber Cloud and Lornein – Glad you're here. Thank you and there's a lot more on the way.
Viviana – Wow, I hope I didn't give you a headache with all that reading. Since you read them back to back you'd be the one to ask about my continuity. Does it stand up? I hope you enjoyed them and will enjoy this one. Thanks.
Paris BYK – I'm glad you feel free enough to express your opinion so kindly. The new reality you that seems to turn you off is just my rose colored world. You don't have to live there but you're welcome to visit whenever you'd like. I'm not sure if you read any of my others. My world began with Adam's Eve and with the exception of Another Possibility it has continued from there. So if you are reading Discoveries without the benefit of the background I can understand how you might be a little put off. If you have time I suggest you start from Adam's Eve. I would love to hear your comments on the rest. Please don't let me discourage you. About Brennan and Shalimar, I really love them, too. I would never really hurt them, either in character or as a couple. I just enjoy searching the depths of their emotions. The show leaves me wanting so much more. Please write again.
Goldstranger – You've stayed with me from the beginning and I really appreciate it. Don't let this freak you. Just remember, Shal is a feral. Physical strength and strength of character are obvious. We have to allow for strength of emotion as well. Just keep going. As I told, Mxangel, above, I don't usually leave loose ends. Keep the comments and questions coming.
Redhead2
Discoveries
Chapter 4
Brennan couldn't help but think about Shalimar. He still couldn't understand why she would act that way. In all the time they've been together she never pushed him away like this. When he got back to his room he knew he had to start shopping. He started thinking about Shalimar hunting and all the jealousy came back. 'Why should I feel guilty?' he thought. 'I'm not the one who went hunting last night. Besides," he justified, "this is only a mission.' He sat down and followed the instruction he was given.
Soon he saw a girl in her room reading a book. He was shocked to see her move after a few seconds and realized that this was a video feed. 'This must be a student,' he thought. She was alone and in her nightgown. Suddenly he saw a pen and notebook float off the desk and into her hands. 'Telekinetic,' and for a moment he thought about Evie and the baby.
Soon the picture changed bringing his focus back to the screen. One at a time, he saw four other girls engaged in different stages of their evening routines; one changing, one drying her hair, one exercising and the last writing. None were displaying their gifts.
Suddenly his eyes widened when he was shown a close up of a girl sleeping. Instantly controlling his reaction he watched as Jubilee appeared to be peacefully at rest. After a few seconds, Jubilee's face faded away and Kitty's appeared. She seemed to be sleeping soundly. Their pictures were different than the others; not only because they were sleeping but because they were so close up. No part of the rooms they were in was visible. As Kitty's picture faded away the loop began again. He let it play over twice more to keep up appearances.
When he hit the F11 key a form appeared. In a box marked for questions, Brennan typed: How do I know this is all not going to come back and bite me later? How exactly do I get her to stay? What about those powers? Suppose she tries to use them against me. I only saw the powers of one. What about the others? You said this was an exclusive club. Do I get to meet the other members? I would like to talk to another satisfied customer. You're not getting my money until I have all the answers. If I like what I hear, I might consider a doing business. Brennan hit the submit key and waited for a response. After only a few minutes a message appeared. "Meet me in my office at 8 in the morning. We'll talk."
Jesse contacted Adam and filled him in on the situation so far. Shalimar was there when he reported in. "He's got to buy a girl?"
"Don't worry, Shal. It's just a mission." Jesse heard the insecurity in her voice. "Adam, will you contact the professor and ask him to link to me so I can report in?"
"Right away, Jesse. Be careful."
Shalimar turned and saw Evie standing behind her. With tears in her eyes she whispered, "He thinks I went hunting last night. What if he...?"
Evie put her arms around Shalimar. "Don't worry. He won't." She felt Shalimar return her hug and begin to cry.
Jesse tried to relax when in a few moments he felt the professor gently enter his mind. After a reading of the situation the professor understood all that Jesse had so far. His heart was breaking at the thought that his girls may have been sold. I will inform the others that there is progress but I think it prudent not to reveal all to Bobby at this time. We are having a difficult enough time trying to keep him here.
I can't blame him. I want to see this guy strung up. I'll contact you again when we get anything else.
Brennan gathered up the trash and left his room. "Hey, Jess. He just offered me 7 girls. Jubilee and Kitty were there." Brennan could here the sigh of relief on the other end. "They looked to be asleep. They weren't being watched on a video link, though. It seemed more like a camera that was pulled tight. I could only see their heads on the pillows. He set up an appointment for me at 8 to discuss some questions I shot at him. I'll check in after that."
"Right, and Brenn, --- thanks."
"No problem, bro."
Brennan walked back into his room after having disposed of his trash. He changed and went to bed. A million thoughts floated in his head as he tried to relax. 'I can't believe what this guy is doing. We can't just take him out. We have to find the other buyers. Is he working alone? Thank God he still has Jubes and Kitty. Bobby and Jesse would have skinned him alive if they were already sold. I have to get him to bring them to me. I have to buy them first. Then we can try and find the others. Buy the girls; that's great. Shalimar would have my head if I even entertained the thought. She looked really good. Almost too good. Where did she go last night? If I ever find out who she was with I'll fry him. I can't believe she really wanted to do this. What did I do to push her away? When did I lose her?' Brennan didn't get much sleep that night.
The next morning, Jesse showed up in the office at 7 am. "You were up late last night. I didn't expect you in until later."
"How'd you know?" Jesse put on his best 'caught in the cookie jar' face.
"I know what goes through every computer on campus. That's my job. Since you're here you can do me a favor. Go down to the chem lab and pick up a package for me."
"Sure, no problem. After opening up my computer for me, I'll do whatever you want."
"You don't have a life either, do you?" Derek smirked at him as he left.
On his way back Jesse stopped by his room and opened a site. He knew Derek would see it. While it ran he phased the contents of the package and found a number of vials, a bottle of small pills and syringes. There seemed to be two kinds of liquid in the vials. Jesse scanned a sample of everything and sent the scans to Adam to analyze. He closed the site and left for the office again.
"You made a stop off. Are you hooked now?" Derek mused.
"Well, now that you let me in, I sorta needed a boost," Jesse lied.
Derek stopped and looked at Jesse for a minute.
"What?"
"You're not in yet but---I could use some help. Now that I've got the goods on you I think we can come to an arrangement."
"Wait, you're not going to turn me in are you? I really need this job. It wasn't easy to land this." Jesse's acting was convincing.
Derek chuckled. "You really don't have a life if you think this is such a great position. Don't worry. I'm not going to turn you in. I'm going to let you be my partner in another venture I have on the side. I need the help and you can't turn on me." Derek waved a disk in the air. "I've got goods on you that Dean Brown would be very interested in."
"You don't have to threaten me. I'm cool."
"We'll see. I have a meeting at 8 with the new black belt. If you decide to turn, I can have him do a number on you, too."
"Hey, I said I was cool," Jesse's hands went up in defense.
Derek opened the package and separated the contents. He made four smaller packages and put a set of vials and the syringes in a desk drawer. He took the pills and counted out 5 sets of thirty and put them in baggies. One bag was put with the bottle in the drawer and the rest were put with the packages he made up. "Deliver these to the marked rooms. The recipients will be expecting you. Take the envelopes they give you and get back here by 8."
"No problem."
The first package was marked for the psychology professor. The second went to a literature professor. The third was for the head of the accounting department and the last surprised Jesse most of all. He delivered the last package to the executive secretary to the Chairman of the Board.
Jesse made sure to discretely photograph each person as they examined the contents of the packages before they handed him the returning envelope. He took the four envelopes and headed back to the office. It was only 7:45. He knew Brennan would be out on the grounds. "Hey, Brennan."
"Yeah, Jess."
"Derek is letting me in on his extra curricular activities. He just had me deliver some sort of drugs to four people. I gave them all photo shoots."
"Do you think they might be involved with the disappearances? Or is Derek running more than one business from his home computer?"
"I don't know. I scanned the stuff and sent it to Adam to analyze. We'll have to wait to see what he says."
Back at the office Jesse found Derek putting a full set of the paraphernalia on the desk. "What is all this stuff anyhow?"
"Don't make me go thru it twice. It's almost 8. You'll find out when I explain the procedure to Mr. Black Belt." They heard footsteps coming closer to the door. "Here he is now." Sitting back in his chair and addressing Brennan he greeted, "Right on time. Glad to see you're interested."
Brennan walked in and warily looked at Jesse standing guard on one side. Then he turned back toward Derek. "Sure I'm interested. You have something I want. I'm willing to wheel and deal but I had questions. I'm not leaping blindly into a lion's den."
"I'll answer all your questions. But first I want to see some green."
"I don't carry that kind of cash around. I have two on me." Brennan threw a wad of hundreds on the desk. "You answer my questions and while you get ready to deliver, I'll make a cash run. If I don't pay, you can keep the two."
Derek picked up the pile of bills in front of him and fanned through them. "Deal. Now, here are the girls I showed you last night."
Brennan noticed as Jesse rubbed his knuckles and shifted his position so he could also see the pictures Derek placed on his desk.
"You saw this one use her powers. This one is telepathic. She pretty much stays to herself. This one is some sort of speed demon. I saw her clean her room after a party in about 10 seconds. The blonde levitates or something. I watched her float across her room. This redhead has some kind of super senses, like an animal. She can see and hear keener than anyone else. And she's strong, too. I watched her rearrange her room. She moved her stuff like it was doll furniture."
Adam turned quickly when he heard a low threatening growl behind him. He knew Shalimar was hurting as she listened to what was being said. Now her eyes were golden and her hands fisted as she pictured another feral getting near Brennan. Undaunted by her defensive stance, Evie walked up to her and placed a caring hand on her shoulder as she watched brown replace gold and a tear fall.
Jesse watched, too, as Brennan's jaw clenched for a moment before he regained his composure and asked, "Didn't I see seven last night? I watched two sleeping."
Derek smiled and brought out two more pictures. "These two?"
It was Jesse's turn to try to maintain his posture as he saw Kitty in one picture and Jubilee in the other. These stills were evidently taken while they were in their room. Both seemed to be studying. Brennan glanced up at Jesse then replied, "Yeah, that's them. What can they do?"
"I saw this one walk out of her bathroom without opening the door. She seems to be able to just appear. This Asian beauty is special. She's the first of her kind that I've seen." Derek picked up the picture and looked at it as he continued. "She can make some sort of sparks and light come from her hands. I'm not sure if it's electricity or what but it makes for a real pretty show."
Brennan fought back the anger as Derek ran his fingers over Jubilee's picture. Trying to get Derek's focus off Jubilee he asked, "Well, what if the telekinetic decides to throw something at me, or speedy tries to run away? I'm not interested in keeping someone locked in a closet."
"Well, I just supply a willing partner. You have to buy the means of keeping them around?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Brennan watched as Derek brought out a package from the drawer and displayed its contents.
"The first pack is free. It will last you a month but if you don't buy a refill your little toy will start to understand she didn't have too much choice in your relationship."
Jesse realized what he delivered and began to see the scope of this side business Derek was running.
"These girls aren't in this for the fun? Didn't they have a choice about this little program?" Brennan tried to keep his voice neutral.
With his eyes trained on Brennan's, his response was low and eerie. "They're all mutants. They don't need a choice."
Licking his lips in a display of anticipation, Brennan reached for the photos and began to examine them. "And just where do I get this stuff and how much is a refill?" Brennan asked nonchalantly.
In a flash, Derek's tone lightened as he continued to make his deal. "I stock the stuff so you buy it through me. My right hand man here," Derek nodded toward Jesse, "will make the deliveries for you when the time is right. You just give him the money."
"And how much is that?"
"Refills aren't expensive considering your benefits, five hundred."
Brennan stopped to consider and looked again at all the pictures. "Does this little package come with directions?"
Smiling Derek answered, "It's really simple. They get a basic diet of one pill a day, in order to maintain the desire to stay with you. There's an inhibitor to use once a week." He picked up a small vial then laid it back. "That weakens the use of their mutant abilities." Displaying the last vial, he continued. "This one is special. You only get this one twice a year. It's like a special bonus." Derek had a suspicious smile on his face.
"What's it for?" Brennan played along.
"This one is for those special times when you want her to be very affectionate. Give her a shot of this and within an hour she can't keep her hands off you."
"Are all these things safe? I don't want to give her something that will only damage the merchandise."
"Relax, this was all specially formulated with mutants in mind. There's only one side effect with this special stuff. If you give it to her and you decide you're not in the mood, she has to suffer through some discomfort until it gets out of her system."
"What kind of discomfort and how long does it last?"
"I didn't create the stuff. I only market it. The inventor said it hurts and I really don't care how long it lasts. If you're so concerned about it, just make sure you don't mix up the vials." Derek pushed his chair back from the desk and stood up.
"How soon can you deliver?" Brennan could tell he was getting on this guy's nerves.
"Normally, I can make delivery in about 3 days. Each one has to be acquired and prepared. It just so happens I can deliver one of these," he pointed to Kitty and Jubilee, "by tonight. Now, enough with the questions. Pick one. I have work to do."
"Alright, relax my friend. I really have a thing for Asian. I'll take her."
"Fine then---"
"Hold on. I'm not done shopping. Is there a limit; one to a customer? Since you already have this Houdini, I'll take her, too."
"You want both?" Derek asked in disbelief.
"What's the matter? Don't you think I can handle both?" Brennan arrogantly stood up.
"Hey, relax Black Belt. You look like you could probably handle whatever you want. It's just that I was going to keep that one for me. I thought maybe I'd sample the merchandise, if you know what I mean." Derek smirked.
Jesse was standing behind Derek. Brennan watched as his face reddened and his fists massed and softened.
"Hey, I want fresh meat. I'm not buying if it's been spoiled." Brennan began to turn to go.
"Hold on. I said I was going to. I didn't say I did. They haven't been prepared yet."
'It's a good thing he's got his back to Jesse.' Brennan thought as he watched the relief play on Jesse's face. "Good, then we can do business after all. I'll have your money by three. Ten thousand, cash. When do I get my purchase?"
"I'll send Jesse to pick up the cash. At nine, we'll walk the girls over. There's only one catch." Derek's voice was daring.
"And what's that? Brennan stood in defiance.
"You're taking my fun so I need to be compensated some way."
"The cash isn't enough? You want more?"
"No. When you get them, you have to turn on the computer."
"What's the computer got to do with it?"
"I have it rigged with a special audio/video feed."
"You want to watch?" Brennan said incredulously.
"You seem like the wild and daring type. Where's the harm? Besides, I like to know my efforts are appreciated."
Brennan was silent for a moment. "Alright, I'll give you one time. I'm not a peep show. First thing tomorrow morning I want another computer." Brennan took a threatening step forward. "If I don't get it changed---"
"No problem. Nice doing business with you." Derek extended his hand.
Brennan smirked and ignored it. "You," he pointed at Jesse, "be in my office at 3." Turning dangerous eyes on Derek he demanded, "9 and don't be late." He turned and walked out. He decided to make contact with the mansion after his staff meeting.
Jesse watched quietly as Brennan left. When he turned toward Derek, he found him happily counting the money he was given.
"You know kid? I didn't think this was a good idea when the Chemistry professor came to me. Now, I think I can build it into an empire. You're in on the ground level. Stick with me and we'll make a fortune."
"Chemistry Professor Daniels?' Jesse asked.
"No, not Daniels. McGregor. He's the one who developed the formulas when he decided he was tired of being dateless. I got the first girl for him. Now, I get the girls and he gets paid for the stuff, minus a small distribution and collection fee. It's a workable relationship. And now I'm willing to give you a cut if you're willing to help with the work load. What do you say?"
"Sounds like we can make it work. Do you need help with the girls you already have?" This guy was disgusting him more by the minute but he had to play along for Kitty's sake.
"No. We have to get to work on the tech requisitions for today. I'll take care of the girls in between jobs. It'll have to be later though. I can't give them the drugs too soon. They're safely unconscious. You just make sure you make the pick up. There's no way I'm going to give away two girls unless I get every dollar."
Jesse nodded and went to work. As soon as he got out onto the ground he called in. "Adam, please tell me that Sanctuary got all of that."
"Yeah, Jesse, every word. I just wish Shalimar wasn't here." He turned to see Evie's comforting arm around Shalimar.
"I know it must be hard but tell her I was watching Brennan. When Derek was talking about the girls, he was thinking about Shal. I could tell. This will all be over soon, I hope. Then he'll be home."
Suddenly he heard a softer, sadder voice. "Thank's Jess. You guys be careful, OK?" Jesse just smiled.
"Adam, get in touch with the professor. When he sends the cash to Brennan tell him to put a bottle of 30 white sugar pills in with it. They need to be about 2 mm diameters. I have to try and make a switch before he gives them to the girls."
"Alright, Jess, but be careful. If this guy finds out about you he may try to control your abilities and use you against Brennan."
"Don't worry. I'll be ok."
After his meeting, Brennan made contact with the professor and spoke to Hank about the drugs. He was glad to hear that Adam had already contacted him with the scan results and a possible antidote to formulate. During a lunch break off campus he met with Scott and Logan.
"Do you need any back up?" Logan asked.
"Not yet. He's supposed to bring Kitty and Jubilee to me tonight. I'm figuring that after we get them you can come in and make a clean sweep of the place."
"The professor wants to keep it as quiet as possible for Dean Brown's sake. If you get us all the locations of the missing people, we'll send in a team to each one and get them off campus quietly. After the missing mutants are safe, we'll deliver everyone involved with the evidence to the authorities." Scott easily walked his role as leader of the X Men.
At 3 pm Jesse knocked on the door to Brennan's office. Fearing the computer in there was bugged the only thing Brennan said was, "Come out to my car with me. My duffle bag is in the trunk."
Once outside and on the way to the parking lot they could both breathe easier. "Recording at Sanctuary was a good move. Did you find out anything else?"
"Did I? I found out that the one who started all this was McGregor, head of the Chem department. He invented and is supplying the drugs. He has our fifth missing girl. I got Derek to implicate him on tape but we don't have any hard evidence. We have to be able to get something on him if we want this to be complete."
"Did he let you see the girls yet?"
"No. The only thing he said was that they're 'safely unconscious' and he'd prepare them later. I called for a placebo to switch with the control pills. At least we'll know that when they wake up they'll be themselves."
"What about him watching? We have to give the X Men time to get here and in position. As much as I might want to find out if Jubes and I could ever have anything real. I can't just take advantage of her."
"You're taking this role playing a little too seriously, don't you think? What would Shalimar say?"
"Shal wouldn't care." Brennan's voice dropped as he continued. "She let me know loud and clear that we're over."
"She's at home right now worried sick that you'll do just this. Take advantage of the situation you're in to leave her. Can't you see that she only wants you to be completely hers? The thought that she might someday lose you terrifies her."
"What are you talking about? Doesn't she know that I'm not going anywhere? What else does she want from me?"
"You really haven't got a clue do you? Let's just get the girls home safely then I'll see what I can do about explaining it to you. As far as this guy not seeing what he expects to see, you're safe until he gets back into his office. I'll have to signal you when he's watching. Then I'll have to make sure there is a computer malfunction at a very inconvenient time. But to make it not look suspicious when the comp is fixed you had better be in bed with the girls. Again I'll signal you. He will probably be able to fix it in less than half an hour." Jesse could see that Brennan wasn't paying him full attention. "Hey, did you hear any of that?"
"In bed, right. She thinks I'm not committed to her doesn't she?"
"Give that man a prize." Jesse smiled as he patted Brennan on the back.
"Is it a feral thing?" Brennan was still half lost in thought.
"No, it's a woman thing. Her feral side just makes her need stronger. Now can we finish this so we can all go home?" Jesse left Brennan after getting the duffle and pocketing the pills.
TBC