Chapter 18


Animal sounds echoed in her ears. Great thundering trumpeting of elephants mingled with hissing lizards, and chirping clicks. An entire chorus of languages surrounded her in a semicircle. To her back was a flat wall, which impeded her escape as her backside collided with it. Iguanas covered in iridescent scales shuffled toe to toe with massive mastodons, and enormous porcupines, not to mention a few dozen feral wildcats. Unlike animals in the savage land or the zoo, Jubilee saw a glint of fierce intelligence, that same spark that graced the eyes of chimpanzees and favorite dogs. The light of reason combining with instinct, equal to the spark she glimpsed in Wolverine's eyes when he slipped into the instinctual side of his persona.

Between her and the animals he landed with both wrists crossed in front of his chest. Light gleamed from the claws that popped out of his knuckles with that rasping SNICKT. His lip curled back in a snarl, a challenge to the advancing creatures. With a combination of words and phrases there seemed to be a silent understanding.

Suddenly Jubilee saw the images change, like watching a movie in an IMAX theatre or in the Danger Room. However there was a major difference, because she did not see herself as part of it from her eyes. Rather from the point of view of a distant observer seeing a scene on a stage from up above. Voices echoed indistinctly, and she struggled to clarify them. Images and sounds grew less garbled, going from an underwater burble to crisp clear dialogue.

"Why do we CARE about working with flatscans?" asked a voice Jubilee recognized. Its owner was a burly strong mutant with radial scars and a heavy beard. Standing on either side of him were the other two spike suited hounds. All three of them, except Caliban, had been present at the attempt to use her as the vessel for Apocalypse.

"Because, if we become indispensable to them, then we will be in a position to take over when they LEAST expect…" answered the half-drunken voice of Fabian Cortez.

"But … that will isolate us from the other mutants… on the island… I remember the last time you tried to make Magneto a martyr?" asked another voice, which belonged to the tall slender female, capable of generating psychic boomerangs with pure thought.

"You idiot… you DARE ask THAT?" snorted the third hound.

Strangely Cortez seemed quite calm. He grinned from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat about to pounce as he said, "A necessary sacrifice. When they ask, it will be revealed that we were in the pay of the flatscan traitors. And this time, those that might perish in the crossfire will be like GODS. We will rally the survivors behind us, and together we will CRUSH the flatscans and reclaim Genosha…" Cortez laughed, showing full white teeth.

"Then that is why you need us, isn't it?" asked the next voice. Slowly several figures walked into view. A tall redheaded female in green walked next to the other three that she had seen chase them on the island.

"X Force. Yes, my dear Terry… you are indeed playing your part… has the island been secured?" asked Fabian Cortez.

"Yes sir," she saluted. "X Force has effectively deterred any approaching aircraft, save that which were authorized ahead of time."

"Got it sealed tighter then a drum, we do," said Domino, striding out. Light gleamed off her golden armor. "Between the security traps, and surveillance, we're ready to keep everyone in, and everyone out…"

"Excellent. So your sonic screams are effectively disabling the radar systems as you claimed," Fabian said as he rubbed his hands together.

"Yes sir," Siryn nodded with a smile.

"Did I not promise laddie that she was the jewl of the team?" asked a deeper voice. Black Tom Cassidy strode out and stood next to the redheaded girl. He embraced her, kissing her cheek.

"You've done WELL," Fabian grinned. "My thanks for the loyalty of you and your daughter…"

"I have no great love for the flatscan sympathizers," Black Tom smiled.

"Nor do I," Terry smiled.

"What next?" asked Warpath, folding his arms across his chest.

"I don't care. When are we getting paid?" Domino mumbled, nudging her.

"You will when you find that ship that you shot down, and FAILED to recover…" Siryn hissed.

"It is of little consequence," Fabian laughed deeply. "You, my sweet songbird will continue to jam the radar of any approaching craft. While Warpath, Black Tom, and my hounds will patrol the beach and skies for any one who dares leave. Domino, you will take Catseye and Richter, and look for any survivors. Together with the unsuspecting flatscans on this island we will contain Magneto's sympathizers."

"And once we accomplish that, then what, Father?" Terri asked. "Beggin' yair pardon."

"Simple, Terry my love, we play our part…"

"It is a great cause you serve. Your actions will make you heroes for all time. Magneto's war must start. When he sees our plan come to fruition, he will suspect the flatscans on Genosha. Then he will either rally to our side, or perish as a hero and martyr for our cause," Fabian cackled.


Jubilee blinked through the darkness of the cave. Outlined in faint turquoise, his head and shoulders eclipsed the LCD screen of the laptop ten feet away. Cloth rustled as Jubilee sat up to rub her eyes. She mumbled, "Logan... what are you doing?"

"Just checkin' up on our neighbors… seems like they couldn't take no for an answer…" Logan chuckled.

"Really?" Jubilee asked, straightening up in her sleeping bag. Just how she had come to be tucked into it she could only guess. The last thing she remembered was eating dinner with Wolverine, then kissing him. Then the world faded to black and she was caught in the grip of strange frightening visions.

Shrugging them off she rolled to her feet and crossed over to stand behind him. Wolverine shifted a bit on the battered crate that served as a makeshift chair so she could perch next to him. Across the camera screen she saw three figures hacking their way through the forest on the opposite side of the island. Bandaged and battered, Catseye lead the party, nose to the ground. After her trudged Domino, toting her ANT gun on her shoulder. Bringing up the rear was Richter, firing behind them with pulses of vibratory energy. "Don't they give up?" Jubilee asked.

"I led 'em on a merry chase… an saw them bail to the boat… but it looks like they circled around to the other side to try their luck again… an they have some new toys…" Wolverine fingered his sideburns.

Trees crackled to Richter's left. "Get down!" Catseye cried, leaping towards him to knock him out of the way. A hail of spikes shot out, one lodging in his shoulder while the others narrowly missed her and domino. If he had been any closer he could have been far worse off. Groaning he brought up the muzzle of the weapon he held in his other hand. Flames shot through, bursting into the leafy canopy. Rolling over Catseye shook herself off.

"Ric!" she cried.

"Get BACK! Tend to Ric," Domino barked. She dropped to her knee, then fired a charge towards the crackling movement in the trees. The world flashed bright white, then revealed Catseye struggling to pull the spike from Richter's shoulder.

"Leave it in," he grunted. "I'm okay… but BEHIND YOU…"

Domino turned, firing at where he pointed. Something shot out of the trees, sizzling as it hit the grenade. It detonated with a premature blast that knocked her back. However she easily rolled over and shook herself off, relatively unharmed thanks to her armor. Out of the trees rushed the large armored iguana, raising its head and opening its mouth to shoot a surge of acidic brine. Trees dissolved inches away, as Richter rolled Catseye out of the range.

To their left, more spikes shot out. Domino's next shot exploded, throwing a spiked ball out. It rolled over, sprouting arms and legs. Wolverine and Jubilee realized it was an overgrown porcupine, covered in two-foot long spikes that could shoot out on their own. Stunned, the creature lay there. Catseye leapt up, snarling.

"Flame-throwers and plasma grenade launchers… UGLY," Jubilee shivered.

"Stay here, I'll take a smell see…"

"No you won't! Whatever's out there can take care of them, you SAW the welcome they got LAST time…" Jubilee cautioned, pushing him down.

"I don't want 'em hurting or killin' any of the wildlife here… the poor bugger don't deserve being flash fried…"

"HELLO… that ONE creature had pretty hard scales, an' I don't think they're even gonna let 'em close… look!" Jubilee turned his head to the monitor. Larger iguana creatures crashed through the trees, spraying acid brine. Logan narrowed his eyes at Domino dropping to her knee. A plasma grenade shot into the midst of the trees, again igniting a huge burst. Sprays of liquid from the mouths of the giant iguanas doused the fire, suppressing the flames to their shock.

A large mastodon thundered out, raising its trunk. It lashed like a whip and slammed into Domino, knocking her over. Another swat hit Richter, giving the iguanas time to move over and surround the porcupine creature. "It looks like they're rescuing it," Jubilee whispered.

"Of course," said Logan quietly. "It's in a world o' hurt… wait… it's okay… just shocked… good for you girl…"

"She's or it's standing up… and look, there's ANOTHER that just jumped out of the trees…" Jubilee pointed. Catseye rolled over, swatting at the mastodon with sharp claws. A second large porcupine reared its claws and shot a hail of deadly spikes towards Richter, who was just aiming his flame-thrower at them.

"That's her mate. He's pretty ticked," Wolverine nodded. "Poor suckers, they're no match for 'em…"

"Retreat!" Domino cried as the mastodon threw back its head and trumpeted. They clamped their hands over their ears, groaning. Catseye dropped the sound murder on her enhanced senses. One of the iguanas turned, dousing her in a thick spray that solidified into a sort of resin. Richter's fists balled, and the ground moved. However the mastodon stamped its feet, knocking him off balance before whipping him back and throwing him on top of Catseye. Domino fired, but her plasma grenades caromed harmlessly off the iguanas that landed between her and their other comrades.

A spike shot out, landing in the muzzle of the grenade launcher. "Oh drat," Domino mumbled as she dropped it and ducked for cover. It backfired, hurling her towards the trees. Richter groaned, slowly shaking himself off. Domino too stirred, but faced with the hissing trio of iguanas, backed off.

"Get out of here!" Domino urged. "This isn't worth any money… Ric… help me with Catseye…"

They staggered away, as the iguanas advanced, their mouths open. A warning volley of acidic spray dissolved the ground into pockmarked holes inches from their feet. "Good grief it's like they aren't trying to HURT them, just SCARE them," Jubilee mumbled.

"You betcha, Jube," said Wolverine. "That's EXACTLY what they're doing…"

What surprised her the most was what happened next. All six creatures regarded one another. A chorus of whoops, clicks and hisses were exchanged among them. Both porcupine creatures leapt up onto the back of the mastodon, and Jubilee saw they were long limbed, almost like spider monkeys, except covered in spikes. The iguanas could almost rear up on two larger back legs and drop down to the small forelimbs with hands that appeared almost humanoid. Not to mention the supple trunk of the mastodon which was stroking over the faces of each iguana. Swinging its head, it turned back into the trees. All three iguanas whistled, then turned to follow.

"Wait a minute, they're not stupid," said Jubilee. "They're smart… way smarter than…"

"Yep. Got more sense than most humans I know."

"You said they were creations of Sinister? They're thinking… and those sounds were like some kinda language… weren't they…"

"Yep. An' just cause they can't talk English like you an' me don't mean they ain't smart."

"I thought you said there weren't any sentience…"

"Not any like HUMANS," said Wolverine. "But that don't make 'em dumb beasts. In fact…"

"Okay already I get your point, sheesh…"

"Don't be mad, Jubes… I didn't mean to snap…" Wolverine apologized, kissing her ear lightly. She sighed, realizing they were both edgy because they had heard nothing from Scott or Jean.

"It's okay I guess," she mumbled.

"You have another one of those spells?" he asked, stroking her hair lightly.

"Yeah," she sighed. "It was really clear this time though…"

"Better tell me, darlin'… an' before ya do, why don't we sit down an' get comfortable, cause I've got a feelin' it's gonna be a pretty long yarn…"

"Not enough to make a sweater dude, but it's pretty intense," she murmured, getting up from the crate. Taking her hand he squeezed it, then led her back to the sleeping area.


On his haunches Wolverine squatted, slowly unzipping one of the sleeping bags. He tossed it down across a spread of floor where she had dropped two mattresses that were in the best shape. Jubilee busied herself throwing the other bag aside and unzipping it as well. That silent understanding was shared, so she slid between both sleeping bags, laying on her side. .

"Be right back," he muttered, walking towards the front of the cave. A flannel shirt hit her in the face, tossed from the figure that approached once more with a flashlight. She punched a rolled up bundle of clothes to make a pillow, to lean her cheek against. Only the light of the computer screen illuminated the cavern besides what he carried.

"Some of us can't see in the dark, dude," she grumbled, but saw him turn around. Chuckling, she changed into the shirt.

"Sorry, darlin'," he apologized, right next to where she lay. Cloth rustled once more, then his warmth and muscular body slid in next to her, laying on his side facing her.

"I just wish Jean or Scott would give us some kinda telepathic hum… unless they're worried some other mutants will hear us or something," said Jubilee.

"If I know Jeannie, she's probably keepin' silent cause of that. Now, how about ya tell me what images were dancin' through yer head this time. Got a feeling it wasn't public access…"

"Yeah, no kidding…"

"Next time the Mets game's blocked out, I'd have ya over with my other poker buddies, but you'd clean 'em out… like ya did last month's game…"

"I know Nick's still ticked off that I pulled out a royal flush," Jubilee giggled. Momentarily her morose mood lifted, and she was grateful to Wolverine for helping her whistle in the dark.

"So, go ahead an' spill. What did ya see?"

Jubilee sorted out the jumble of images. In the silence she related what she had heard and seen. Occasionally he would nod or grunt to indicate he was paying attention. After the first few minutes she felt his large hand encase hers to give it a firm squeeze. Both propped their heads on their other folded arms, laying side to side under the warm sleeping bags. Slowly his considerable heat radiated through to warm the shivering in her small body.

"So, you actually SAW an' heard this X force… an' this Fabian Cortez… still alive?"

"Yeah," she shivered. "It's all so messed up, majorly… it's scary what I see. I have no CLUE when I'll get a flash… an' I'm kinda scared to go to sleep…"

"You ain't the only one, darlin'. How do ya think I feel? I still have dreams from my Swiss cheese past. No clue what's real an' not. Only difference is yours are things that MIGHT happen, an mine were things that might have happened in my past. But neither of us is sure what's real an' what's not."

"Weird. Never though of it like that," Jubilee murmured. Letting go of her hand he brushed her stray hairs out of her face, tucking them behind her ear.

"But it's here an' now what's real, Jube. What we make of each moment. Lookin' back or forwards don't always work, cause ya never CAN be sure. But that don't stop me from doin' what I wanna do. An' it shouldn't stop you either."

"I know what I'd wanna do now," she said, leaning over to stroke her fingers through his sideburns and hair. "Unless you think something ELSE is gonna happen… what if…"

"Jean will figure some way t' contact us when she's ready. An' I bet it will be a psy cast. She's done it before… Ol Chuck taught her how to tune her thoughts to the brains of specific X men. Of course I ain't keen on lettin' anyone into my noggin. But Jeannie I trust. She an' Chuck both helped me as we both know…" said Wolverine. Reaching over he cupped her chin, then leaned forwards to kiss her softly. Through the flannel of his own shirt he caressed her small back and shoulders. Although she'd grown almost as tall as he had, she still kept a slight build. Jubilee possessed the curves of an adult, yet still maintained the lean body of a gymnast.


"Wait a minute," Wolverine said. "I think I hear…"

"Yeah… hold on…" Jubilee murmured. Something whispered in her ears, and she realized it was the distant telepathic chiming of their names.

Wolverine, Jubilee… it's Jean… I'm using a mini cerebro to scramble my thoughts from others… and tune directly into your brain waves… can you sense me?

You're coming in pretty faint, Jeannie… Wolverine confessed.

Jubilee, concentrate. Both of you… focus on me… Scott and I heard that you'd been shot down… Magneto wanted to send a search party for you…

If those three clowns were his… they were sure as hell not friendly…

Wait… he didn't send anyone… who… wait…what did they look like? Asked Jean.

Wolverine and Jubilee formed images of their pursuers in their minds. Jean's psylink received their images after a time. No, those weren't mutants from Magneto's group… they sound like a group called X Force… under the pay of the Genoshan government…

What happened to the Genoshans again? Jubilee queried.

Jean answered, All of the genoshans that were driven off by Magneto are on that third island fortress. But X Force was used to sniff out any mutants coming or going, so the human Genoshans could find a way to stop magneto.

Is Magneto with us or against us? Wolverine questioned.

He's trying to work with us to calm down the mutants gathered here. He DOES want to engage in talks. But Jubilee, you were right that it was a trap. Magneto was warned in time so he could use his powers to guide your plane to land on the Preserve. We sensed there were Genoshan forces coming to stop us from leaving the island… and now no plane can take off or land. Some ultrasonic phenomenon's jamming radar signals for miles. Also, if anyone attempts to leave by boat or swim, gunfire, or 'special forces' attack them.

This is majorly messed up, Jubilee commented.

Tell me about it. The ones holding us back match the descriptions of this X force.

What's to stop Magneto from fighting back? Asked wolverine.

We're trapped here. Magneto doesn't want to risk any more mutants getting hurt. Part of his agreement to let us talk was that we stay and see how the humans here are treating us, and get to the bottom of who fired on your plane, and who formed X force to fight fellow mutants…

Easy, the Genoshan government… said Wolverine. He drew Jubilee into the protective enclosure of his embrace. Sighing, she rested her head on his muscular chest. Dark hair tickled her cheek, which rose and fell with his deep inhalations.

It's more complicated. Somehow they got wind of all of his defenses…Magneto's followers are holding back till we all talk… but it's still a powder keg. Apparently there has been a sort of defensive perimeter of other mutant parties and Genoshans around the island. They aren't letting anyone leave or go… but the humans are making no moves from the fortress. It's a waiting game… So far, Amelia, Scott, and myself have convinced him to hear us out, and check into how X force knew when and where we were coming… and how they escaped detection by the mutants on the mainland.

Hold on, Jeannie… Domino's a mercenary… an' you remember there are others under the thumbs of the Genoshans.

Yes Wolverine… that's why you and Jubilee should stay there and keep watch like you suggested.

But remember I saw Cortez…

Jubilee… how could you… Cortez…. Alive? Jean gasped.

He's sold us out to the government… become a mercenary like the others. Simple math, Jubes…

What if he isn't Cortez, but a shape shifter… Jubilee suggested.

Interesting idea… I'd better relate all this to Scott and Magneto. I'm assuming you had another precognitive episode, Jubilee? Jean asked gently.

Yeah… it's getting more and more clear…

Jubilee, Hank had been doing some research into the Professor's notes since Psylocke convinced everyone except Scott and me to return. He saw that Emma Frost had kept notes on you having considerable latent precog abilities."

Temporal empathy? Jubilee chuckled.

Wolverine kissed her cheek, sensing Jean's telepathic surprise spilling through their mental conference. For a few moments there was shocked silence. Then, Jean's next psycast held a hint of embarrassment, We're only ashamed we didn't think of it sooner…

But empathy is feelings, not images… and I'm getting major digital access… complained Jubilee. Gently Wolverine kissed her cheek, hugging her close.

Hank theorized that your latent abilities were triggered by the magnetic energies that Magneto used to boost Xavier's powers. Since you mentioned you started having images around that time or a few days after… but instead of just having a temporary effect, it opened the door…

But why now? I had gut feelings and stuff, but this is WAY above that… Jubilee despaired.

It's instinct, an' somethin' far more, isn't it, Jeannie? Wolverine suggested.

Far more than just gut intuition, Logan. Jean said softly. Hank's doing more research as we speak. But right now, whatever you see you have to tell Logan. Both of you should stay there, till I contact you again mentally. Keep watch, and psychically holler if something bad develops… I'm going to have to close the link… I can't keep scrambling the psycast for long…

You tell One Eye to take care, you hear? Wolverine coughed. They heard her telepathic chuckle, followed by a wave of regret and sadness. Not because of unrequited love, but because of the danger they were all thrust into yet again.


Sighing, she turned away to sniffle and cry a bit at the reality of a power she had not even imagined possible. Sadly she chuckled, "And I used to complain about having lame powers. Now look at me…".

Wolverine wrapped around Jubilee's back with his arms across her body binding her close. She sniffled harder as his arms gripped her tightly to his muscular solid form. As if he were trying to shelter her from some unknown danger he huddled there. Sharing his warmth, he buried his nose in the nape of her neck to deposit a soft kiss there.

After a time he said, "Jubilee, listen t' me, you don't EVER call yourself or your power 'lame', you got it? It ain't just about the badass mutant abilities. Ain't no good if you can't use 'em…"

"Yeah, duh," she mumbled. "I guess I should have been careful what I wished for… cause I got it now…"

"In spades, darlin'…" Wolverine mumbled into her neck.

"Leave cards outta this, will ya?" she wisecracked weakly.

"I'll stop mentionin' cards if ya turn over an' lemmie look at ya face to face…" he urged. "I love talkin' to yer back, but it ain't nearly as pretty as talkin' to yer front…"

"Rogue would say you're 'soft soaping' me," Jubilee chuckled, turning over in his arms. "And it's so not fair cause you can see me FINE in the dark… but I gotta give with the lamo paffs…"

He gritted with annoyance as she raised her hand and 'paffed' on a glowing gold and pink ball of plasma radiance. Dazzler had the same ability, but Jubilee could keep the effect continuing for a considerable period of time without needing sound. Just the energies from her own emotions or those around her could affect her moods. "Ain't nothing 'lame' about that…" he scolded gruffly. "Now what am I gonna haveta do to get ya to stop puttin' yerself down?"

"Um… well…I GUESS I can think of a few things…" she giggled. It was a sound that was welcome to them both. Especially when he caressed her cheek and pulled her roughly to him for a quick kiss that blossomed into something far richer.

In the next kiss the glowing lights generated seemed to intensify. Purple and blue flickered amongst neon yellow and pink. Small packets of light glimmered and hung, causing him to glimpse past her fall of dark hair. Drawing back for a second he glanced at her with a strange appreciation. "Cripes, I had no idea ya did THAT except without a whole lotta effort…"

"You've only seen me paff or blind. This is sorta a hobby," she said, tracing a trail of long thin plasma into a neon form before letting it die away. "Frosty taught me how NOT to just blow stuff up… but make something pretty… an' it only usually is possible when I'm happy, or calmed down…"

"It's damn beautiful, like you," he murmured, giving her another soft kiss. She returned it, before falling asleep, safe in his arms.