by PsiGen
Summary
A pivotal day in the lives of the Mutant X characters before they ever heard of Mutant X.
Lexa
It's funny how life turns out. How one seemingly correct choice could have such far reaching consequences.
One choice...
"I'm sick of your secrets, of being the last to know! Dammit Adam you owe me some degree of honesty at the very least!" She stormed getting in his face big time.
"Lexa there are some things I can't share – people who rely on my discretion. I have secrets yes, but they're necessary. So do you, so does everyone!" He shot back, obviously at the end of his patience on this particular discussion.
"My secrets don't get people hurt, Adam, my secrets don't get people killed! I'm sick of your bullshit! The GSA – "
"Would have you in stasis in about five minutes flat, Lexa." Countered Adam tiredly.
"They help people like me Adam, its just a more controlled version of what we do. If you'd just listen – they could help my brother!"
"If you want to go ahead and join the GSA, that's your decision Lexa. But you won't be handing me or my research over to Eckhart." Steely brown eyes met defiant blue eyes and held them for a split instant, before she broke the contact.
"You're not right about this Adam. The GSA can help. You're blinded by your ego and overrated sense of self importance!" She walked out of the safehouse without a backward glance.
When she returned fifteen hours later with a squad of GS Agents, the place was deserted, all files deleted all equipment taken. Of Adam Kane there was no sign.
She blinked awake from the memory, still as fresh as if it had happened yesterday and instantly her mind went to the next event, like a well worn video player that knows where the user will fast forward to.
After joining the GSA, it took Lexa little time to discover the truth behind Adam's words, the reality of her situation crashing down around her. Eckhart had no intention of helping her, or any other New Mutant, certainly not her brother – he only wanted to control that which he secretly feared.
There was really only one option left open to her – and Lexa took it.
Exactly two months after her defection to the GSA, Lexa Pierce took her brother and made a run for it, hoping to lose herself and her brother in the underground – maybe even hook up with Adam again... no she would never do that – not after the lies and secrets. But she and her brother could start again someplace new where nobody knew them – new lives where the GSA didn't feature, nor Adam and his so called just causes.
It was a good plan. They almost got away with it. Leo, Lexa's brother, did actually get away, but Lexa got pinned down by agents and security measures. Lexa got caught.
Eckhart's punishment was swift and terrible. An implant which attached to her nervous system and brain, completely overriding Lexa's personality and moral codes – making her a blind automaton. A killing machine that could be turned on and off at the press of a control.
So she was stuck in Genomex, no choice but to do as she was told. Funny huh. Lexa didn't think so. Her only consolation was that Leo, her brother, was free and out of harm's way. Away from Genomex, and more importantly away from Mason Eckhart.
Returning her mind to the present, she tried to concentrate on the briefing she was being given – her next assignment.
"The Dominion. A covert agency, much like Genomex, only they dabble in every area." Surmised Mason Eckhart, handing the dossier over.
"Who's the target?" Asked Lexa in clipped tones, totally professional.
"We don't know his name. He's that hidden. There are surveillance photos included." Replied Eckhart, straightening his suit jacket and sitting down in his customary seat.
"If he's so well hidden, how'd we get surveillance photos?" Demanded Lexa, looking through the files and making mental notes.
"An insider – who incidentally has provided us with both an opportunity and a cover." Eckhart was obviously feeling very pleased with himself.
"You mean me with an opportunity." Retorted Lexa, sourly.
"If you'd rather not do this –"started Eckhart – meaning clear.
"When do I leave?" Was her only response.
She ignored Eckhart's knowing smile.
Lexa entered the facility as if she owned the place, and had every right to be walking around, and not on a covert mission to assassinate someone.
Riding up in the elevator, she stepped out at the appropriate floor – even exchanging pleasantries with complete strangers, all smiles – totally relaxed to anybody else. Inside she tensed, readying herself for what she was – had to do.
Finally she got to the door she wanted – a conference room – and knocked twice.
"Excuse me?" She enquired politely, opening the door. The target was supposed to be in here, sitting in the chair facing away from the door – according to Eckhart's source.
"Hello Lexa." The man in the chair turned around, and Lexa gasped. It was Adam Kane!
"You!" She was surprised but recovered swiftly – as out of the corner of her eye she saw the target who was walking towards her.
On instinct she sent a bolt of energy his way, striking him in the lower legs. He went down, clutching them – crying out in pain.
Letting off another, she swung back around to face Adam, who looked totally stunned.
"Lexa stop!" He cried, but Lexa wasn't listening – because Lexa wasn't Lexa anymore.
Her eyes clouded over as the implant took control, firing at other agents, at Adam – stopped only when something sharp stung her neck and the darkness came pouring over her. The last thing she heard was the target screaming in pain, and then that darkness stole her away.
Numb. Lexa opened her eyes, blinking sleepily and bringing her world into focus. Adam was talking quietly to another man she didn't recognize.
"Bone is completely destroyed, nerve tissue shredded beyond repair. There's nothing to be done – he'll never walk again." He reported, looking over the Xrays of the man who'd been Lexa's target.
"And Ms Pierce?"
"The implant can't be removed, but I've disabled the interface so it won't pick up signals. It's completely dormant." He answered.
"Good. The Dominion want her." Said Mr Unknown.
"I don't think – "
"We will come to terms with her. If she declines our invitation, she will of course be free to leave. We don't hold people hostage here."
"I'll be keeping an eye on her." Promised Adam – both men knew it was both a promise and a threat.
"You'll be leaving in the morning?"
"Tonight. Things have been set in motion and time is against me." The two men shook hands and Mr Unknown left.
Lexa was tiring rapidly, her brain wanting more rest. But she had to tell Adam something – something important. The thought was formed – it traveled down to her lips – but Lexa was already sleeping again. It went unspoken like so many important thoughts do.
When she would next awake, Adam would be gone, and Lexa's next chapter in life would begin.
Life is full of choices.
Authors Note: hope you guys like this one - Jesse is next. Big thanks to Rain who beta read and corrected Lexa's eye color for me and thanks to all those who have emailed me about the Jesse fic - will try to do it justice!