Attention: Generation X and their villians, as well as any other mutant mentioned in this story, is property of Marvel Comics. The character Richard Cale is named after family relations. Any other reference to anything copywrighted is a chance happening.
Iron X
Watching The Prey
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I. Kevin
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Kevin stuck another cigarette in his mouth and fumbled for his lighter. Finally he found it in his coat pocket, "damn suit," He muttered, "thing itches like mad'." He lit the cigarette up and looked back towards the entrance to the studio, waiting for Christina. The suit was second hand, but a surprisingly good fit. However Sequel still wore his sunglasses and a black bandanna covering his hair, to match the suit. Sequel took another drag and took another look towards the door. It'd been almost an hour, what was keeping her. Finally, the doors to the building opened and she walked out, wearing a red oriental dress with a gold flower pattern all over it. She walked over to him and sat down.
"No good, they've been sold out for weeks."
"I see." Kevin said, taking one last drag off of his cigarette, then he stomped it out on the pavement.
"So what now?" Balam asked.
"Well, I could sneak in through the air ducts, knock out one of the guards, steal his ID and let you in through the side entrance. Or I could pick the lock to wardrobe and sneak us in as part of the kitchen staff." Balam just looked at him, "Or I could just forge ID's that says we're part of the technical crew."
"That'll be fine." Balam said.
Kevin sat back, pretending to pout, "Man, you never let me have any fun."
"We better get going," Balam said, "we don't have much time."
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II. Equilibrium
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Equilibrium walked into the darkened room carrying a large leather briefcase and being followed by two men in suits. The white-haired giant walked up to a table set in the middle of the room and set the briefcase down. He looked over the assemblage of ninjas before he opened the case and turned it towards them, "500,000 dollars in untraceable gold bars," Equilibrium announced, "that's 50,000,000 in Japanese yen, as per the agreement." Equilibrium looked about the crowd, "The provisions are as follows, you are to capture one of Cale's entourage and bring them to the aforementioned rendezvous point. The kidnapping must be public, and if conceivably feasible, on camera. Third, I will be accompanying you."
"That was not part of the deal," the head ninja said, "the Hand works alone!"
"I am altering the plan," Equilibrium sneered, "if you want your emolument, an immoderate modification on my part should be your least concern."
"You are not the one we take orders from, gaijin dog," said another ninja, "your master was the one that hired us."
Equilibrium's brow furrowed, "You would be wise to avoid insulting me, I could snap your spine with less thought than it takes to scratch my nose." He reached into his coat and pulled out a file, "these are the entourage surrounding Mr. Richard Cale. It is of no concern whom it is that you take hostage as long as you leave Cale alive."
The head ninja took the file from the giant's hands. He opened the file and took a look at the photos inside. Suddenly his eyes grew wide and he said something in Japanese. The other ninjas crowded around him. "Very well, Equilibrium-san, we agree to your terms. But you would be best advised to stay out of our way."
Equilibrium smiled, "Most intelligent. You've made a wise decision this day. Not too many get the chance to benefit from one such as myself, who is beyond perfection." Equilibrium chuckled, turning to leave, "So, until later gentlemen, adieu."
As the giant left one of the ninjas turned to his leader, "Was that a wise choice? That gaijin dog will do nothing but get in the way!"
"Forget him, he can do as he likes." The ninja leader said as he reached into the file, "We have been given a most fortuitous opportunity," he continued, pulling out the photo of Jubilee, "Tonight, our clan can be avenged."
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III. Canon
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Canon raised the glass of Sake to his lips as he stared out the airport window. This was growing tiresome, even with Canon's elongated life spanm this war was taking it's toll on him. Everyday it seemed more and more oppositions to the cause arose. Be they human or mutant, there were deluded and power hungry on both sides of the war. Canon had to deal with many of them before and he would again, just like this Richard Cale.
Canon frowned; Bonega's information on Mr.Cale had been rather abrupt and somewhat sketchy. Still Bonega was Canon's most trusted associate. If he said Cale was this big of a threat Canon knew to treat it as such.
"Leveque-san?" came a voice from across the bar, "Leveque-san, are you listening to me?"
"I apologize," Canon said, setting down his glass, "my mind was wandering." He looked down at the man, "Please, continue."
The man was Kanagawa; rival to the Iron Chef program Richard Cale was about to appear on, beyond that Canon didn't know much else about the man. They sat at an airport bar, Canon and Kanagawa, surrounded by the bar's other patrons, almost each and every one of them in actuality Canon's bodyguards, undercover, as not to draw attention to the six-foot-ten mutant that commanded them. "As I was saying, Leveque-san," Kanagawa continued, "For years I've been trying to best Kaga's Iron Chef Japanese. I know an American did it once, and I want to find out the techniques that Morimoto uses, so my chef can defeat him.
"Trivial." Canon muttered under his breath, then, louder for Kanagawa to hear, "And what would my part in this plan be."
"My main position is to scout, I would need you to help financially, if you can, and send chefs my way." Kanagawa leaned in towards Canon, "Also, at the show, you might draw attention from me and my notebook."
Canon smiled knowingly, "That would be of no problem at all." His smile faded, "But at this taping of Iron chef, you must understand you have an added duty."
"And that would be?"
"You must relay all possible information you observe on this man Richard Cale."
Kanagawa's head turned slightly, "Maybe we can find out something right now."
Canon turned his head in the direction Kanagawa was looking. Outside he saw Kaga, the man from the Iron Chef program, and his entourage, waiting as a private jet taxied it's way towards them. The jet had the Paladin Technologies logo detailed on its side. Canon downed another glass of sake as the door opened and the passengers began to disembark. All of them familiar to Canon by now, he'd memorized each of their faces from the photos Bonega had sent him. Canon's FBI operative was not with them, but that was expected. In fact Canon had gotten his operative's call while Cale and his group were still in America. It didn't matter, the operative was a gratuitous courtesy anyway, a formality, instructed not to interfere with Canon's plan but to protect Cale's life until Canon made his attack. Canon's plan would be set into motion one way or the other.
The last two passengers stepped out of the plane and towards the set of limousines awaiting them, Cale and his wife. Even as far away as canon was he immediately noticed something with the two, something was off. It wasn't the young woman, Canon could tell that, though there was something familiar, a nagging feeling in the back of Canon's mind as he looked at her.
No it was not her, it was Richard Cale. He was hiding something, Canon was sure of it. Canon peered harder; the young man's glasses were fake, merely cosmetic. Canon's brow furrowed "He's hiding his face, why?" then it came to him, "He has a history, he's been at this longer than I expected." He watched as Cale approached Kaga's group, "I applaud you, Mr. Cale, You've hidden yourself from me for this long. Too bad it has to end here."
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IV. Rich
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As Rich watched everyone head down out of the plane, he looked over at his wife and said, "Well, here we are in the land of the Rising Sun." He had never been to Japan, but now he was excited about it. True, there was a possible threat to his life, but he was not too worried.
He watched as she looked at him and said, "I hope everything remains calm. I'm going to try and keep an eye out for anyone who might have ill will towards us. Emma has been teaching me how to monitor minds with my psi-abilities."
Rich knew what she was going to do. He didn't totally like it, but with a threat like this, he knew the nessessity. He nodded and they both headed out of the plane. Almost immediately, he noticed that Chairman Kaga was there, as well as Morimoto, and some others from the show. Also, Mr. Otonashi, the head of Paladin Technologies in Japan, was there. That was one thing Richard was greatful for. As he headed down the steps to the ground, he heard Chairman Kaga say something. He was a bit puzzled until Mr. Otonashi said, "Chairman Kaga says, 'I welcome you and your chef to our country.'"
Rich took Kaga's hand, bowwed and said, "It is an honor to be here, and I am also honored that you allowed us to be own your show." Rich waited until Mr. Otonashi finished translating and said, "My friends and I have been a fan of your show for some time now."
Rich was almost startled when Jubilee said, "You're Morimoto, I am a big fan of yours." Rich was afraid he wouldn't understand.
Rich then realized how dumb that thought was when Morimoto said, "I thank you for you praise. I hope you have a chance to taste some of my handy work." Rich could even detect a slight New York accent. Morimoto then said, "I do hope the next time you are in New York that you dine at my restaurant there." Rich then watched as both Kaga and Morimoto walked over to David and said, "Mr. Richmer, I'm glad you could make it. We figured that you would need time to rest up from your trip. We have scheduled the show for tomorrow, and picked assitants for you that understand English."
Rich watched as David nodded and said, "I thank you for the consideration."
Rich was almost startled when Kaga spoke. Mr. Otonashi translated the words by saying, "Chairman Kaga said, 'I have a special treat in store for you. I cannot tell you much more than that.'" Rich then noticed that Mr. Otonashi turn. He felt a small pain in his head as Otonashi said, "Sir, it looks like something is wrong with your wife."
Rich turned as saw Yvette holding her head. He could also tell she looked weak in the knees. He ran over to her and put his arm around her. "Yvette, are you alright?"
Instantly, his mind was flooded by images. None of them made sense. One was of the number seven. Another showed the images of faces. A person appear in his mind, but he couldn't place who it was. Then came the most disturbing images, the red eyes. He heard Yvette say in their mind link "Someone's watching us." Rich held her up as she the said aloud, "I think it's a bit of jetlag."
Rich noticed the others gathering around. Clairce was the closest and she said, "I never knew jetlag could cause that." Rich was thankful that he and Yvette were close to Everett and Jubilee for most of the trip. If he started looking like Clarice, it would reveal to everyone there that they were all mutants.
Rich was thankful when Jubilee said, "I felt like that after long flights. Good thing I got a short nap in on the flight."
Rich then said, "Maybe we should depart." He turned to Morimoto and Kaga and said, "We all look forward to tomorrow. May your show bring honor to all of us." As he finished, Mr. Otonashi translated for him.
Kaga smiled and replied, and Mr. Otonashi said, "He says, 'May our chefs make the finest quisine for all to sample.'" They all bowwed and Mr. Otonashi said, "Sir, I have a limo here for all of us."
Rich nodded and said, "Thank you. Let's get in there and head to the company. I'll help my wife." As everyone headed to the limo, Rich looked around and noticed something. They were being watched. One person he couldn't place, but another stood out in his eyes. Kanagawa was watching this. Was he up to something, but what could it be?
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V. Jubilee
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Jubilee watched as Rich got into the limo and closed the door. She figured something was up, due to what happened to Penny. As the limo started out, she said, "What really happened?" She wondered if they should even talk about it, especially in front of Mr. Otonashi.
She was almost startled when Mr. Otonashi said, "It looks like telepathic backlash. Some of the telepaths at the office sometimes get this way." She then saw him look at her and said, "Yes, I'm aware that you might be mutants. Paladin Technologies is mutant friendly."
She then saw Rich glance out the tinted rear window, as he said, "We were being watched. Someone with ill will towards us, and I'm beginning to wonder about one individual." The words struck her to the core. Jubilee had an idea who would be watching them. She didn't want to say, in hopes that Rich was wrong.
She then head Clarice say, as she shut off her image inducer, "Who was it? Apocolypse? Emplate? Soundwave?"
Jubilee then heard Penny say, "None of them, it was someone else. They definately don't mean us well. I can't get it all out of my mind, but I'm trying to sort it out."
Jubilee felt her legs start to shake as she said, "But who was watching us?" She felt Everett put a hand on her. She knew that he knew she was scared. It didn't help comfort her, especially if it was them who was watching them.
She watched as Rich turned around and said, "My attention was drawn to one person, but I don't think it was him. However, next to him was Kanagawa, and if I remember right, he is not a fan of Chairman Kaga's Iron Chefs."
As the limo continued to the building, she heard Darrett say, "So you think he might have something planned, and it might not be good for us?"
Mr. Otonashi said, "I would not put much past Kanagawa. Some of the associates he has had in the past makes me think he'll try anything to ruin Kaga."
Jubilee felt herself start to shake. It was at that time, she heard Everett say, "Is something wrong, Jubilee?" Jubilee looked over at Everett, and at that moment, she knew her eyes told him that she was scared. "Jubilee, what is it?"
She was in a spot, especially when Rich said, "Jubilee, what are you scared of, and do we all have to worry?"
Jubilee couldn't hold it in anymore and blirted it right out. "The Hand. They are a group of ninjas. When I was with the X-Men, our paths crossed a few times. Everytime, I was a key in defeating them. They might be out for revenge."
She watched as Yvette leaned forward and said, "That would explain what the agent told us. They could have found out what was happening with the show."
Jubilee watched as Rich closed his eyes for a moment and said, "Jubilee, would the hand have anything to do with any Russian countries?"
Jubilee just shruged and said, "I don't think so. Why do you ask?" She noticed Penny was about to say something, but then stopped. She wondered if it had anything to do with the agent that spoke to Rich and Penny. She then said, "Is there something you two aren't telling us?"
Rich just said, "I'm not sure how it factors in yet, but it's an unknown piece of the puzzle." She watched as he looked out the window and said, "As for right now, we should get ready to head to the apartments. We will be at the company shortly." Jubilee looked out the window and realized Rich was right. Maybe Rich would figure out how everything was going to piece together before all hell broke loose.
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VI. Everett
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Everett held Jubilee close to him when the limo entered the garage area of Paladin Technologies. He had never been to any of the company offices, but he remembered seeing one in his hometown. He wondered what it would be like to work in a mutant friendly atmosphere. At that time, he leaned and whispered into Jubilee's ear, "Don't worry, Jubilee. I'll always be with you." It appeared to calm her down, especially as the limo slowed to a halt.
As they all got out, Everett heard Mr. Otanoshi say to the chef. "If you'd like to practice a bit before you head to your apartment in the building, we have set up a chef area in our one kitchen. We made it identical to how it appears on the show, and have provided you with two of our chefs, who understand English."
He watched as the chef nodded and said, "I thank you. It would do well to have some practice. If you could, please fill me in on everything later." Everett then watched as the chef headed off to the kitchen.
As they started up to where the apartments were, Rich just said, "Did you set up the apartment as I specified for us." Everett was a bit puzzled by this. Why did they need a special set up.
He then heard Mr. Otanoshi say, "Yes, sir. It has a main living area, three bath and three bedrooms. We removed the beds in two of the rooms and replaced them with two beds."
He then heard Yvette say, "We basically asked for them to set up a room for Clarice and Jubilee, and another for you and Darrett, Everett. I hope you all don't mind. I was also Emma's idea." Then he knew why they asked for the set up. To prevent anyone from doing something wrong.
He then heard Clarice said, "Sorry to change the topic, but what are we to do on Iron Chef?" It was a good question. Were they going to sit in a special area, or enter with the chef?
As they entered the apartment, Mr. Otanoshi said, "Here is what I have been told. When we get there, Clarice, Darrett, Everett, and Jubilation will be seated in the royal box. You and Yvette, Mr. Cale, as well as myself will wait with the chef. Once the regular audience has entered, and the show has begun, Chairman Kaga will enter and make a brief introduction. When your chef enters, you two shall enter with him. I shall follow, acting as interpreter. Kaga may ask you to sit on the panel, due to your rank in British Government. We will watch the hour cooking battle, and as the others wait, we will head to the tasting room, if we are invited. Does that cover the basics?"
He watch as Rich nodded and said, "That, and then some. I have one more question."
Everett was almost astonished when Mr. Otanoshi said, "The file and contact info is on your desk, in your bedroom. I hope you can do better than I could."
He watched as Mr. Otanoshi left. Once the man was gone, Everett said, "Rich, what was all that about?" Something in his mind thought it was linked to whoever was watching them.
Rich looked at him and said, "Just some business I need to handle since I'm down here. I don't think it has anything to do with what happened at the airport."
Everett watched as Darrett said, "Doesn't sound like you are sure of that." If Darrett hadn't said it, he would have. That was one of the odd things about Darrett. Sometimes they thought the same way.
He half expected Rich's next words. "I think that right now, we should all head to bed. Tomorrow is a very big day, and we don't want to look like we just dragged ourselves out of bed." Rich wasn't going to tell them more than they had to know. Everett knew that if it was dangerous, or had any risk to it, that Rich would tell them.
Everett then put his hand on Darrett's shoulder and said, "C'mon Darrett. Maybe a good night's rest will help all of us sort things out, and be prepared for anything."
As the enterd the room, he heard Darrett say, "Everett, do you think Rich might be hiding stuff from us?"
If he hadn't know better, he would have thought that Darrett was reading his mind. As he closed the door, he said, "I think so, but if I know Rich, it probably because he doesn't think it has anything to do with us. Might just have to do with the company."
He watched as Darrett nodded and said, "You are probably right." Just then, Everett noticed something. Darrett acted as if he was younger that he really was. He noticed the actions a few times before. Maybe something about him reminded Darrett of his real father.
Everett looked at Darrett and said, "Hey Darrett, you never told any of us what your father was like. What kind of guy was he?"
Everett was almost startled when Darrett said, "He died just as I was born, so I never knew him. Everett, I hate to cut this short, but I think we should head to bed." Everett wasn't surprised by the need to go to bed. In fact, he was feeling tired too. Maybe he'd have to try tomorrow to synch up with Darrett, but not now. Right now, Darrett was right, and they had to head to bed.
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VII. Yvette
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Yvette kept a mental track on everyone. Emma had told her just to keep an empathic link on them, and not a psyonic link. However, right now, her big concern wasn't the rest of the group. It was Rich. He was trying to do something for the company, and something told her it wasn't going to be easy. She walked over to where he sat, by the phone, and started to massage his shoulders. She could tell it was helping him a bit to relax. She listened as he said into the phone, "Yes. I'd like to speak to Ambasador Jean Leveque. It is urgent that I speak with him." As she listened, he just said to her mentally, "Are you feeling better, hun?"
She kissed him and said "A bit. I'm still a little shook up from the images, but some rest will help me."
She watched as he held up his hand. Apparently, there was a voice on the other end of the phone. She then noticed an upset look cross Rich's face as he slamed the phone down. She could even tell it when he said, "Damn it. I hate getting a run around like that."
Yvette continued to massage his shoulders as she said, "Why, what happend?" He never got this upset about something like this.
She watched as he started to dial again. "Apparently, they forwarded me to some guy in America. Someone named Bob Bonega. I could tell it was America since the voice mail that picked up stated it was in America."
Yvette could only think one thing about that. Something didn't seem right about that. She said in their mind link, "I think something is not right there. I can't put my finger on it, but something seems wrong." She watched as he put his hand up again. He got another person. She figured now would be the best time to get Grimore out.
As she walked over to the carrier, she hear Rich say into the phone. "Listen, last person I spoke to forwarded me to someone in the United States. Why, I have no clue. I need to speak with Ambassador Jean Leveque. If he's not available, he can call me about seven tommorrow morning." She could tell Rich was upset. He emphasized every other word, until the last sentance, where all the words were equal.
When she had the carrier open, she heard Rich slam the phone down. She watched as Grimore cautiously made his way out of the carrier and asked, "Is there problems?"
She waited until Rich came over and said, "Apparently, there are problems with the company."
She turned to Rich and said, "I take it that you could not reach the Ambassador."
"I'm starting to wonder if he has something against me."
Yvette just looked at her husband and said, "You don't think he hates mutants?" It was possible, but she hoped that wasn't the case. Then she thought about it more, and wondered if the Ambassador even knew that Rich was a mutant.
She then heard Grimore ask, "Sir, what was the name of the Ambassador?"
She watched as Rich walked over to the papers he had and said, "His name is Jean Leveque. Does the name sound familiar?"
She saw Grimore tilt his head. Apparently he was thinking hard about it and finally said, "Yes, but I doubt this is the same man, maybe a descendent. But that would not give an explaination of his actions."
She heard Rich yawn when he said, "True, it may just be he doesn't have time in his schedule. I just hope he isn't upset. I did sound harsh when speaking to his aide."
Yvette stood up and put her arm around Rich and said, "Maybe we should head to bed." She then said, "Besides, everyone else has gone to sleep." She saw a smile cross his face. It was the response she wanted. She just looked at Grimore
and saw the cat nod and head out of the room. At least they wouldn't have to worry about Grimore. She then started to wonder what it would be like to have a child. Grimore would help take care of any children they have.
She felt Rich kiss her as he said, "You'll be a wonderful mother. I hope that day comes soon." She liked the sound of that, and if Rich did decided to move back to England, the child would get to see a lovely country as he grew up. She thought of all the happy times having a child could bring as they went to bed. She hoped that day would come soon.