Chapter 19
"Stay RIGHT where you are, intruders! Or we will kill!" D'karra barked. Several roman candles consisting of purple and green and yellow sparks fizzled right in her face, knocking her flat on her backside. The other four members of the patrol automatically opened fire, arranging themselves before the elevator shaft. Colossus punched a guard that happened to rush forwards, while Kurt teleported out of the way of another. Wolverine cut through the other members with the aid of Rahne, and a blast from Jubilee took out the wailing claxon.
""Wolverine, which way do you smell D'marran?" asked Kurt.
"Search me, misfit, I never met the guy," Wolverine answered, nostrils flaring for any sign of resistance.
"Classic form people, but we must get to the bridge," Nightcrawler announced from the ceiling.
"No duh," Jubilee grumbled. "Like WHERE is it?"
"Just a few more corridors… and there…" Nightcrawler pointed. "Colossus, Wolverine if you would kindly open that door…"
"Got the key here, bub," Wolverine said mildly, claws popping with a rasp. He swiped, biting into the locking panel with his claws. Colossus wedged his hand between the two doors, and shoved them easily open.
"Danke…" Kurt nodded. Rahne snarled, pouncing through before they could stop her. A loud scream indicated she had found another target for her anger.
"Wolfsbane, don't!" Kurt shouted, vanishing in a puff of brimstone. An instant later he appeared next to Wolfsbane, who pinned D'marran down with her claws.
"To me men!" D'marran croaked. "Stop them!"
"You heard 'em, Wolvie. They said stop 'em," Jubilee laughed. Ssindra crumpled with a punch from Colossus. Wolverine landed before the navigation officer and helmsmen panel, his claws poised at both their throats.
"Stop this tub NOW if ya know what's good for ya!" he growled.
"He means it, dweebs," Jubilee snapped, holding her hands just inches from where Rahne pinned D'marran on the floor.
"Someone DO something!" he cried. "You can't mean to kill me…"
"Why, spalleen, because ye think we're human an' merciful?" Wolfsbane snarled. "After all the misery ye caused I should bite yer throat ye monster!"
"Sit DOWN, little man," colossus snapped as the science officer edged around with a blaster. It fizzled and ricocheted off the Russian's organic steel hide, only to graze Jubilee's shoulder. She grunted, and Wolverine snarled.
"Son of a BITCH!" he roared, leaping over the console and cutting the science officer down. He grasped his stomach, grunting.
"Jubes, speak to me," Wolverine urged, pushing his way to her side where Colossus leaned over her. "Do me a favor Petey, and punch the living daylights outta ANYONE who sneezes…"
"Wolverine, no!" Kurt cried. "D'marran, surrender NOW! Or else I'll have Wolfsbane rip you to shreds…"
"You wouldn't DARE…"
"Wouldn't I?" Kurt hissed. "Rahne, rip his throat out…"
"No… no please!" D'marran squealed.
"Rahne, hold," Kurt snapped. She stopped with her fangs seizing his throat but not biting it. Hot wolf breath misted but he lay there trembling in fear.
"Jubes…" Wolverine said, cradling her.
"Is she all right?" colossus asked.
"I don't know dammit," he mumbled, ripping a piece of his uniform off and trying to press it to the sizzling burn on her shoulder.
"Your medical facility NOW!" Kurt howled, his tail sliding around D'marran's neck. "No more of this!"
"Surrender…" D'marran gasped. Rahne let go of his throat. He passed out, from shock. Kurt teleported over to Jubilee, and grasped her in his arms.
"I'll port her down, Logan. You get this ship turned around…" he said. "Colossus, Rahne, keep an eye on these butchers…"
"Yes Kurt," Colossus said, picking up the guns that were dropped and grinding them to dust. Rahne growled and snarled, as Wolverine leapt into the helm chair and started familiarizing himself with the controls. The ship ground to a halt, just as Douglock's image flickered on the main viewer.
"Success, selffriend Wolverine?"
"Yeah, yeah, but Jubes got hurt!" Wolverine growled.
"Self has reached engineering and has linked with the main computer. Coordinates plotted for return to Sol system… also, Meggan and Amanda are currently in the medical bay receiving treatment…"
"They'll have company," mumbled Wolverine angrily. He punched a few more switches and set in the autopilot. His claws dug into the captain's chair, slashing it in two in his rage.
"Chert, I know how you feel, Logan," colossus said quietly.
"Yeah, go figure," said Wolverine angrily. "I'm gonna go down there…"
"No, stay here. You will nae help Jubilee by getting' in the way," Rahne suggested.
"Fine, flamin' whatever," Logan mumbled, sitting in the helm's chair and glaring at the forward screen. Colossus sat in the navigation chair, while Rahne searched for something to tie up their captors. Colossus ripped off a piece of railing and bent it around their wrists. He then resumed his seat next to Logan.
Brimstone exploded in the medical bay, as Nightcrawler materialized. In his arms he cradled a moaning Jubilee. The white smocked Shi'ar doctor turned in shock, dropping his medical scanner that he was using on Meggan.
Kurt Wagner barked to the medical officer, "Give me a bed NOW!"
"You had best listen to him," Cerise said as she sat up in the bed. "Nightcrawler… is she hurt…"
"Yes sir…" D'syndri muttered, moving away. He indicated a free bed, and Kurt lay Jubilee on it.
"You'd better help them all or else…" Kurt threatened, his face contorted into that of a true demon.
"I'm a doctor, I don't subscribe to their butchery…" D'syndri shot back. He grabbed a medical scanner and several supplies, and began to tend to Jubilee. He ripped her long yellow coat off, and began to sterilize her wound with a special UV beam. She groaned in pain, but an infusion of something soon put her asleep.
"Kurt!" Amanda cried, and he turned to his ladylove sitting on a bed.
"Excuse me, I shall be needed on the bridge," Cerise nodded and got up to leave the medical bay.
"Amanda, danke Gott…" he howled, rushing over to her and hugging her tightly to himself. "I was soo worried…"
"Same here," she sniffled. "Oh Kurt… if anything happened…"
"Shh," he urged, sitting next to her and nudging her lips with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss. For a long time they sat there, kissing and touching one another while D'syndri tended to Jubilee, then Meggan.
Finally Nightcrawler released Amanda and turned to the medical doctor. "Well…"
"Jubilee will recover. As will Meggan. Neither sustained any permanent injury… my apologies for the conduct of my captain…"
"You weren't responsible. Just be ready for more patients, should the need arise," Kurt said quietly. He sighed and turned away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go send a message to your empress…"
"Kurt…" Amanda said, reaching her hand to him.
"Liebchen, I'll be back… I promise…"
"But Cerise should be the one…" she interrupted him.
"Ja, ja," he nodded.
"Ahem, excuse me sir, but you can use my private link in my office," D'syndri interrupted. He pointed to a small glass paneled area enclosing a low desk and chair.
"Danke," he nodded, and kissed Amanda's cheek, then her lips. She nodded, and he strode over to sit down and bury his head in his hands.
The last few days caught up to him with a vengeance, and Nightcrawler swallowed his anger and fear. He slowly gulped big breaths of air, and prayed he could get hold of Lilandra. Once centered, he punched the keys, and accessed Cerise's channel.
"Kurt, are you well? Is your companion…"
"She's fine. You know what we smut do…"
"Yes, I was just about to contact the Empress," said Cerise.
"If you don't mind, I would prefer to, as proof of Excalibur's involvement…"
"If that is your wish. But I must be present as well," Cerise nodded. She closed her eyes and Kurt did the same.
"Put your hands on the telepathic circuits and both of us will communicate to her at once," Cerise nodded. Nightcrawler nodded, putting one hand on top the metallic disc and closing his eyes. Slowly he rearranged his thoughts into a coherent package and beamed it to oracle.
"This is Commander Cerise of the scout bug Ssidra, reporting," Cerise said. An astral image of her in armor flickered next to that of Kurt in the system's communication grid.
"Commander Cerise, this is General T'lakari… we are relieved you are well…"
"D'marran is a traitor," said Cerise. "I demand to speak to the Empress…"
"I would listen to her," said Nightcrawler.
"Who is THIS alien?" asked the General, his face wrinkling into a frown.
"Excuse me, but this is a student of Professor Xavier… requesting a communication to be delivered to Majestrix Shi'ar, subject Scoutbug Ssidra and a mutiny…" he spoke into the automated message.
Immediately the head and shoulders of a pink skinned woman flashed into view, and he recognized Oracle at once. "Nightcrawler, you probably know me from before. I'll patch you through telepathically at once to the Empress… she is most concerned at the lack of communication with her guard Cerise…"
"I am here," said Cerise.
"We are relieved. You were wise to have Nightcrawler here to vouch for your story. General Tlkari, you are to report to Gladiator at once… your treachery is known…"
"What… but I…"
"You are Cerise's commanding officer. And as such, we have been watching your little plot," said Oracle with a smirk of triumph. "Don't' think you escaped the best telepath of the Imperial guard…"
"My lady… I must…"
"Enough," said a commanding voice. "I am Majestrix Shi'ar. You are a FOOL to try and thwart the will of the Empress. Gladiator, remove him…"
"But my Empress," gasped Tlkarai. His holograph fizzled away at the source, and Cerise knelt before her."
"My Empress, I bring you tidings. The mission was a success."
"Well done, Commander Cerise. And I see you are also here, Nightcrawler…"
"Ja… there is quite a story here…"
"Excellent," she said. "I have forged a link with the Empress. She is ready to receive your briefing…"
Within Nightcrawler's mind he saw the astral image of the Majestrix Shi'ar appear. She floated with her hand on a tall staff of empire, her body sheathed in the armor of her station. "I bid you greetings, Kurt Wagner of Excalibur. I know your involvement in this mission…"
"Begging your Majestrix's pardon, for the interruption," Kurt's astral image said as he knelt. "I apologize for my curtness before when we spoke…"
"IT was understandable. I am to understand you have apprehended D'marran and are returning his crew to rescue your comrades?"
"Yes your highness," Kurt answered. "We only need to use the ship to return home and take our wounded back…"
"I shall resume command when Excalibur is safely home, and return to the Throneworld, myself in command…"
"Excellent. The Empire owes you a debt of gratitude," said Lilandra.
"My life is at your command," said Cerise.
"Well done. You may await my further orders. I wish to speak to Nightcrawler alone if I may…"
"Yes my empress," said Cerise as her image faded. Nightcrawler glanced back at Lilandra with a question in his eyes.
"I sense you wish to speak privately with me," Lilandra said gently. "I know our last meeting consisted of harsh words. I apologize in their brashness, but you know that an empress must make decisions that are for the good of all…"
"I understand now why you made the decision you did regarding Cerise. And I apologize for my rashness…"
"You have learned since we last spoke of the burdens and sacrifice of leadership," said Lilandra as her astral hand lay on his shoulder. "No offense is taken. You have proven yourself a wise leader. I myself take pride in claiming you as a friend. Did Cerise comport herself with honor?"
"She had the interest of the Empire foremost in her actions," Kurt nodded.
"Excellent. I will hail her return with great honor," Lilandra said. "And as for Excalibur's service to the Empire, ask anything and it shall be given…"
"I shall have to get back to you on that, begging your royal pardon,' Kurt nodded.
"Indeed I shall await your request. Well done Nightcrawler…" said Lilandra. "You do yourself great honor. May you have good fortune ahead in your mission."
Slowly he opened his eyes, rubbing his temples. Amanda Sefton saw him rise and stumble over to sit next to her. She wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him softly when he buried his head in her shoulder. All the pent-up emotions that he controlled spilled out at once, and she held him and shushed him as she had so many years ago in der Jahrmarkt.
"Jubes, kiddo… speak t' me… c'mon…" Wolverine's gruff voice urged.
"Wolvie…" she mumbled, blinking up at his blurred features. He tugged off his mask, and glanced down at her with his brown eyes sparkling in concern and anger.
"You're gonna be okay…" he murmured, stroking her hair out of her face.
"Don't call me kiddo," she griped.
"Sorry kiddo," he grinned.
"You're so dead, Wolvie," she groaned. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her tightly as he leaned over the bed. He sat on the edge of it, partly weighing down the mattress with his greater mass.
"That's my girl," he murmured. "Damn Jubes, we gotta stop meetin' like this…"
"I guess we saved the day, huh, and I like totally missed it," Jubilee mumbled into his neck.
"Basically it's all she wrote. We're on our way back to that dump. In fact we're due to get back there in an hour from now…"
"This might seem lame, and obvious, but I guess nobody died… I mean I hope…"
"Everyone's okay as far as we know… we haven't heard word one from Wisdom, even though Kurt's sent several messages, and Douglock's trying to patch into their computer. Kinda hard over subspace even WITH Shi'ar technology. But if something IS wrong, we got the tech to patch 'em up at least…"
"Shouldn't you be flying this thing?"
"Douglock's on it. Let the microchip have his fun. It was more important to make sure you were okay," Logan shrugged.
"Um, don't' let go of me just yet," she pleaded softly, and Wolverine continued to hold her in a close hug for a while. He felt her body trembling, and knew that she as well as Nightcrawler was at last letting herself feel all the things she had suppressed. Tears wet his neck, and soaked into the unstable molecules of his costume as he shushed her and rubbed her back soothingly. Making soft growling noises and mumbling her name, he rocked her.
"We're goin' home, an' we'll make sure that if ya need to, ol' Chuck will let ya spill…" he mumbled. "Probably give him enough to keep him busy an off our butts for a while…"
"Yeah,' she snickered. "That's so wrong, but so true… he's gonna want me to talk an' talk… I guess my butt's gonna be glued to the chair…"
"Ahem, excuse me for interrupting," Colossus said. She glanced up at him, and smiled.
"Hey, you okay, tinman?" she asked.
"As well as can be expected," Colossus said as he handed her a bouquet of flowers.
"What's eatin' you, Petey?" asked Wolverine. "You got something ya need to get off yer chest…"
"Perhaps in private," he said.
"Anything that's said here, Jubes knows better than to repeat…" Wolverine said sternly. "Right kid?"
"My lips are sealed," she promised.
"It's… it's about how I behaved…"
"Kid, don't go there. It's water under the bridge. You just lost yer way. And ya at least went to friends for help… don't blame ya for not wantin' to come back to the X men though…" trailed off Wolverine.
"But I…"
"Say no more. You'll tell me when you're ready. But you ain't right now. I can smell a whole lotta rage an' hurt. You're pissed cause Kitty moved on… I know it bites…"
"Chert, I hate the man, but it hurt far worse to see that look on Kitty's face when I… when she didn't want me anymore…" Colossus whispered. "And… I almost KILLED a man…"
"Damn Petey," Wolverine trailed off. "I didn't know…"
"Wow," Jubilee whispered as Wolverine tightened his embrace. "Major bummer…"
"I must tell you Logan. Even if it ruins our friendship… I almost killed a man… and Kitty hated me for it… that's why I can't come back to the X men…"
"Shit, Petey," Logan sighed. "Damn… I knew things were bad… but…"
"Say no more Logan. I will not trouble you…"
"Hey wait!" Jubilee cried.
"Stay RIGHT there, bub," said Logan. "Don't run away when you're talking to me. I got a few things to say, an' they don't' involve punishin' you. Cause you got your ass handed to you already… it ain't my place to judge yuh, cause life's handed you enough crap."
"Kurt would not agree," said Colossus bitterly.
"But he took ya in, right? I take it THAT's why you were there, for help?"
"Da, and for Kitty," he said. "For all the good it does me…"
"Petey, man…" Logan sighed. "That's harsh, but I can't think of anything to say that's gonna make it go away… you're gonna have to deal with this for a LONG time I'm afraid…"
"Yes, so is life," Peter Rasputin said, hands balling into fists. "I swear if he hurts Katya I'll…"
"He won't, bub. Got my word on it. Wisdom might not be Mr. perfect, but if he's got ANY sense he'll treat Kitty right."
"For his sake he'd better," Pyoter said coldly, his eyes gleaming with suppressed rage. "My Katya deserves the best… no… she is not my Katya anymore… only Katerina to me now…"
"Bummer," Jubilee murmured.
"So, what's the plan now?" asked Logan.
"I'm staying with Excalibur…"
"But the Professor can…"
"Jubes, shh, not now," Logan shushed her. "I think he's gonna have to work it out here… right?"
"Right," Pyoter nodded. "I have little love for Godspodin Xavier now… no offense to you two…"
"Storm's gonna ask about you," said Jubilee.
"Please, don't tell Storm… I mean… please tell her that I have things that I must work out. And that I will speak with her when I am ready… she will not be pleased with how her little brother has behaved…"
"I'll tell her if ya want. But you're gonna have to face us all sooner or later. But do it when you've done whatever it is ya gotta do. An' trust Kurt. He'll do well by ya. Cause when it comes down to it, an' you may not like it, yer still an X man. An' ol' Chuck ain't a saint, but he's gonna remember. That carries a lot of weight, bub."
"Even if I want it no more?" Colossus asked.
"Gonna have to live with it, Petey. It's pretty heavy at times, but it's a good legacy. An' we might not like what Chuck thinks an' says. First of all he's human too, like the rest of us. Even if HE won't admit it. An' he makes mistakes. He'll realize he blew it…"
"I thank you, friend Logan, but I do not wish to discuss the Professor's opinion of me," said Colossus bitterly. "But Storm…"
"She'll understand… even if ya don't wanna think it's possible. She's gonna have enough to worry about with Kitty's new interest. Doubt she'll give YOU much shit…"
"One would hope," Pyoter said slowly as he rose and Logan glanced at him. He shook Peter's hand, and watched him leave, shoulders slumped.
"Wolvie…" she whispered.
"Yeah Kid?"
"He's not telling everything… he's holding back."
"Yeah, but it ain't our say so. It's Excalibur's."
Slowly the ship Ssidra glided into the range of the asteroid. Douglock's repeated attempts to communicate had met with radio silence. The remaining crewmembers that were loyal to Cerise had taken control, and provided the best quarters for their guests, the X men. At the command chair Cerise sat, glancing at the helmsman and navigator. Amanda sat in a passenger chair, next to Kurt', and both glanced anxiously at the quiet station.
"Nothing on the sensors," Douglock said, wired into the helmsman's chair. Gold tendrils joined him directly into the main computer.
"Kitty, where are you?" Kurt murmured.
"Recalibrate," Cerise instructed.
"Wait, registering faint life signs… humanoid…" Douglock corrected himself. "Power in the station is low, but two lifesigns are somewhat stable, and two are varying…"
"Can you computer the location so I can transport?" asked Cerise.
"Coordinates ahead…" said Douglock.
"Cerise, if I might… I wish to lead the party to retrieve them," Kurt said.
"But of course," Cerise nodded. "I shall await your signal to return. What do you wish us to do?"
"Sehr gut. Stay here, in a parking orbit and I'll go there with Colossus and Wolverine… tell D'syndri to get the infirmary ready…'
"Very well, Kurt. My ship is at your disposal… and Kurt… please bring Khaos back. I must speak with him before we depart…"
"I promise," Kurt nodded.
"That's sick bay, Kurt," said Jubilee as she got up and rushed out despite his protests.
"Jubes, not now!" Kurt groaned as she shot into the elevator next to him. "Later Amanda…"
"Shouldn't I…"
"Yes, come along," he waved to her. Amanda slid through the doors of the elevator just before they clanged shut. The three shot through the shunt tubes and emerged on the matter transporter deck. It took a matter of minutes to change into their suits while they waited for Wolverine to join them. He and Jubilee wore the suits they had taken from the X mansion, while the rest donned Shi'ar space armor.
"You sure anyone's alive over there?" Colossus asked. "IS Kitty..."
"We're about to find out, pal," said Wolverine as they faded away, their molecules shredded and beamed across the gap of space.
Seconds later the swirling patterns were recombined, and jubilee exhaled the breath she'd held. Still she felt scrambled and tingly inside, unaccustomed to the transport affect. They glanced back and forth, as Wolverine cursed the fact his helmet impeded his sense of smell. "Well, is the air okay?"
"Yes," said Kurt, glancing at his wrist computer built into his suit. "It's normal enough…"
"Good," Wolverine said as he popped the seals. "That way… I smell Kitty and Wisdom…"
"Follow him," said Kurt. "But keep an eye out for trouble…"
"Trouble's his middle name," Jubilee answered.
"But he has only ONE name, malishka," Colossus interrupted. The X men shot along the corridor after Wolverine, their full combat readiness kicking in despite the absence of some. Rahne had said nothing till now, but she nodded and followed them without question.
"I'm smelling two directions…" she announced.
"Same here," Logan nodded.
"Fine, you and colossus go that way…after Khaos and Britain, while Jubilee, Wolverine and I shall track Kitty and Wisdom down."
Colossus opened his mouth to say something, but then nodded. He knew why, and thought it best not to rock the precarious boat. He set off after Wolfsbane, his feet clanging on the techno organic ship. The other group set off after Wolverine.
His pace increased, and both Kurt and Jubilee had to run to keep up with him. Finally Kurt resorted to leaping up and climbing along the walls while Jubilee panted after her partner and mentor. Minutes later they approached the massive doors that indicated some impressive chamber. "Nobody's here…" Logan shook his head. "But Pete and Kitty are inside… an I smell blood…"
"The door…"
"Open it Jubes, while I cut," said Wolverine. She paffed the mechanism, which exploded in sparks.
"I can teleport in," Kurt said, vanishing. Jubilee rolled her eyes while Logan grunted, shoving his claws in to wedge the door open.
Inside, Kurt saw two figures huddled to the wall. Kitty was sobbing in Pete's arms, and he lay so still there by the wall. "Katschen!" Kurt yelled. "Are you…"
"Hurry Kurt… Pete's barely breathing… and I think he's dying!" said Kitty. "We have to get him out of here…"
"Kurt to Cerise… we have two people for transport NOW!" Kurt yelled as he depressed the X logo link on his spacesuit.
"We cannot transport, something is interfering. You must move them out into the hallway…" Cerise's voice answered. Just then, Logan's claws cut through, and the metal panel dropped with a hollow clang.
"Kitty!" he cried, rushing over with Jubilee in tow. "Pun'kin… I know…"
"Please save Pete…" Kitty sniffled, as Kurt tried to pull her away. "God…"
"Hey, relax," Jubilee said softly as she moved over and put her hand on Kitty's shoulder. Kitty sniffled, burying her face in her hands as Logan and Kurt checked Pete over for injuries.
"I'll haul him outta here. You two stay an' help Kitty…" Wolverine promise. "Don't worry Pun'kin, I'll get him in the clear…"
"Pete," Kitty sniffled.
"Jubilee, stay with her… I need to check something…" Kurt said. Out of the corner of his eye he could swear he saw movement.
"Whatever," Jubilee murmured, and turned to Kitty who had huddled on the floor hugging her knees.
"Please don't' die, dammit," Kitty cursed, beating her fist into the wall. "Damn bitch Sat-yr-9…"
"Easy there, whoa," Jubilee urged. "C'mon… hey… you okay?"
"Do I LOOK okay?" Kitty yelled at her.
"Sheesh, nope… I guess you don't," Jubilee mumbled.
"I'm sorry I just…" Kitty apologized.
"Don't be sorry. I know it sucks," Jubilee said, not knowing what else to do. "But we gotta get outta here… c'mon…"
Kitty turned to her, and rested her hand on the arm Jubilee extended. Slowly with the other girl's help, they limped out of the room. Jubilee felt Kitty's weight not much more than her own, and felt the other girl clutch her waist tightly as she wobbled on her feet. "Can't phase dammit… an…"
"I won't tell Wolvie I helped ya, I promise," Jubilee joked. Kitty managed a small laugh as they exited the throne room.
Meanwhile, Nightcrawler followed the shadow around to the back. He saw nothing in the mists, but picked up something from the floor. It was a ceremonial dagger with blood caking its blade. Angrily he dropped it, and turned to leave the chamber. Something told him that Sat-yr-9 would return sooner than any of them would like. Judging from the bloodstains on the floor, Kitty and Wisdom had fought for their lives, and almost lost.
As Kurt emerged, he saw colossus carrying Captain Britain over his broad shoulders. Khaos leaned around Rahne's shoulders, limping slightly. At sight of Kurt he let go and rushed over, arms outstretched. "Friend Kurt… you are alive!"
"I see you're also alive," Kurt laughed. They gave each other a comradely hug and pat on the back, as warriors and survivors.
"I trust Cerise is well?"
"She awaits you now, Khaos… most anxiously… and you were able to hold off…"
"I saw Wisdom had fallen… Lady Kitty and Lady jubilee… I apologize that…"
"Just don't… please don't," Kitty mumbled. "I want to get the hell out of here… I'm cold and I want to see Pete…"
"Jubilee take her back. I think it's high time we all got the hell out of here," Kurt sighed. He pressed his comlink and hailed Ssidra.