(Thirteen)

The trip back to Clan Station Nine went smoothly. Logan and Gambit showered on the way in, they were all ready and refreshed for the landing, feeling like new men and excited by the prospects of going home. The Lucky Dragon landed in Nine's great stone hanger, emptied out quickly, and the party made its way to Cerebus' grand Hall.

The celebration was well underway when they got there, the noise extravagant and loud. The hall was filled with laughing, dancing people. The main festivities were to be the next day, but you wouldn't know it by the revelry they saw at this moment. Most of the Clansmen they saw were already drunk and shouting, but who could begrudge them this celebration? At least there was no violence, all seemed to be happy and cheerful as they partied. There were musicians playing all sorts of instruments and singing, the music deep and primal. There were many extra torches along the walls and bonfires, brightening the room. The tables were heavy with fine food and drink, the best the X-men had seen since they arrived here.

At the end of the great hall Cerebus sat on his fur covered throne, surrounded by his attendants. Antius, the former white slave was among them. He nodded respectfully at Logan when he caught his eye and Logan returned the nod with a smile, thinking back fondly on their contest. Antius was no sore loser and it cheered Wolverine's heart to see it. He almost wished Antius was going back with them, he would have served Charles Xavier well. The regret was fleeting, Logan wished only to return home.

"Hey, guys! Wait up!"

Logan turned to see Jacob coming up behind them, carefully towing a tiny white pilot behind him by one hand. Jacob was obviously thrilled at the day's events, he rushed up to them and gave them all a round a bear hugs, he even had one for Remy he was so excited. Wolverine was grinning, his friend's cheer raising his already soaring spirits that much higher. "We made it out in one piece," he grumbled as a reply to Jacob's enthusiasm.

"Rumor has it you guys are bailing out on us."

"That's the plan," Wolverine answered. He leaned in close to say, "Why don't you try and sneak on, eh? Hitch a ride with us?"

"I've got too much celebrating to do. Besides, I just asked Leena to marry me," Jacob said, bringing his pilot companion that much closer.

Logan nodded. He had grown to know Leena a little these past weeks. She was a pilot like Fallen and in many ways more pretty and attractive, yet not one as finely made. She could produce the Ristle energy and fly, but she was a bit dim, not as smart or as aware. It was her child like state that attracted Jacob, she brought out the protector in him and they were both completely smitten with one another. Jacob had struggled with dating back home, Leena was the primary source of his improvement here Logan had come to learn. He considered it a good match and was happy for his friend.

"Take her with you," Wolverine suggested. He was hoping to persuade Jacob to come back with them, he had been the reason all this had started in the first place.

Jacob's smile dimmed some. "They wouldn't accept her there."

The X-men, in their various ways, had worked hard to improve human/mutant relations, but it was a never ending battle. It was true that someone as drastically altered as Leena would struggle in public life. Fallen had enough spirit to carry her pretty far, but this was not so with Leena. Logan knew Jacob's answer to be true.

"Besides," Jacob went on to say, "...there's still work here to do, rebuilding this place. There will always be a place for an alpha like me."

"Then we wish you the best of luck," Henry said, extending his hand. "Congratulations."

Jacob shook with Henry and then stepped politely aside as Zekian came forward to greet the X-men. "Cerebus is ready for you. This way, please."

The X-men followed as commanded and they were given spots of honor. They sat on comfortable furs to one side of Cerebus' throne while Valentin and his men arrived to sit on the other. Fallen and Maylee were close by with another group, speaking softly to one another.

They weren't given long to chat, only moments later Cerebus raised his hands to get everyone's attention. He held up his gold cup filled with wine. "A toast! A toast to the great and powerful X-men!" There was a great cheer, loud in the stone room. "Let it not be said that Cerebus is not generous to those who serve him well! You! X-men! Rise and stand before me!"

They complied clumsily, a little embarrassed to be shown off like this. In all their trials back home, they were for the most part unsung heroes that very few people even knew about. It was awkward but kind of nice in a self flattering kind of way.

The Clansman leader laughed, amused at their nervousness, and clapped his hands. "Whatever you desire! Name it!"

"You know what we want," Logan spoke, raising his voice so he could be heard by whole room. "We wanna go home as soon as possible. Immediately would be preferable."

Cerebus looked disappointed. "Don't you want to rest? Surely you must be tired?"

"Plenty of time ta rest on the ride home."

"And so it shall be done. Who will take these brave men home?"

Fallen stood. "I will." She strode tall and proud to their side and looked back at the gathering. "I am Fallen, First Pilot and recipient of the Clan Honor Sword. It is my right and my privilege. I will take them home. My ship is ready and I can depart in less than two hours. If we leave then, I can be back in time for the festivities tomorrow. Perhaps I could even bring back another load of alphas if they desire."

Logan looked at her and she smiled. He returned it with heartfelt warmth, he was happy they were going. Fallen had kept her word, they would be leaving today! Not too soon if you asked him.

"And so it shall be done!" Cerebus said loudly. "My good and wonderful Fallen, so eager to please!" She turned to go, but he stopped her with a raised hand. "Wait, Fallen. Don't go just yet. You, too, have served me well and shall have a reward as well. As a sign of my appreciation, I give you Valentin, First General and my finest warrior, as your husband."

Logan heard the words coming, but was too shocked to stop the growl that came. Of all the things that might have hampered their escape, this was one he had not foreseen. He figured that with Fallen still having some time left to serve with the Clan, this decision would have been put off and left behind them, best forgotten. He vowed not to let this stop them, his mind was already shifting gears to the next plan before Fallen even had a chance to reply.

Fallen almost choked at Cerebus' words, her shock of his announcement obvious to all. Her face paled with terror and she stammered feebly, almost unable to get the words out in her haste to think if some excuse to refuse. This couldn't possibly be happening! "Oh, no, good Sir. You do me too much honor. I couldn't possibly accept!"

Cerebus wouldn't have it. He was drunk on his wine and thought his offer was so magnanimous, the poor pilot was afraid to be so in his debt. He couldn't see her horror for what it was. "Nonsense, child. It is my wish and his as well. He has asked for you himself more than once. I see no reason now not to grant his wish. The two of you together shall be the Clan's finest asset."

"Please!" Fallen pleaded in a strangled wheeze. She could hardly breathe. "It's too much!"

"Look at you, Fallen. Anyone can see you are tired and are in need of rest. Take these good people home. Stay with them a while. Enjoy your husband. Get pregnant! Think of what powerful children the two of you shall bear for the good of the Clan!"

Fallen trembled and sobbed in spite of herself, her hands rising and grasping at her mouth as she felt her gorge rise. She couldn't stop the shudder of revulsion that rocked her.

Cerebus noticed and his eyes narrowed in an irritated squint. For the first time, he questioned the wisdom of his choice. It was too late to take it back, he would not embarrass Valentin in front of this crowd. Besides she was a pilot and female, how dare she act this way? "Do you dishonor me by questioning my good judgment?"

"No, Sir," Fallen whispered as she tried to compose herself. "I am weary..." her voice trailed off into nothing, the light already going out of her pale blue eyes.

Logan took a half step forward, trying to think fast. There must be something he could say that would get her out of this, but the only words that came to mind would surely result in turning the whole room against them, not a wise decision. It was just fate then, beyond his ability to stop. They would just have to deal with it and hope for the best.

Cerebus beamed, happy now with her capitulation. "Ahh! It is done, then." He snapped his big fingers at this First General, ordering him to come forward.

Valentin approached Fallen with Joseph who carried a small bag. Joseph smiled his wicked smile at his Master's wife to be and took out a red sash, using it to tie Fallen's wrist to Valentin's. He was happy for the General and cared not one bit what Fallen had to say about it.

Fallen began to shake, but did not cry. She would not dare, not here, not now.

"Hear me, my Clan!" Cerebus' voice boomed in the big hall. "These two are now together as one. She is his as are all her possessions. Nothing can break them asunder save Death itself. So says the Great and Mighty Cerebus!"

There was another great cheer in the hall, echoing off of the walls like thunder. The musicians beat their drums and glasses were struck in heady toasts. Fallen never heard it. Her eyes were glassy and dead as she stared numbly off to space, her heart and soul lost.

Valentin moved her face to his and kissed her on the mouth, his greed for her plain to all. She did not return his kiss but stood still, lifeless. Valentin cared not a bit, he smiled a grin full of malicious intent as that other face of his, the face of the evil man who had brutalized her the first time the X-men had seen him, revealed itself. His eyes were bright as Logan heard him hiss, "You've no need of your pathetic little Siskan now!" in her ear.

She shuddered again and this time a tear rolled down her cheek. They were still tied together and Valentin led her away from all the noise and revelry. She followed meekly, her head down, a criminal off to the gallows.

The X-men watched her go, unable to help. They were escorted to a private table where they were given the best food they'd ever seen in this place. Sumptuous chunks of broiled meat simmering in real gravy, not pools of grease, lay in platters before them and fresh bread beckoned to be tasted. Bottles of fresh wine, whiskey and beer were placed out for them as well. Too bad, none of them were in any mood to enjoy it. They had two hours to kill and heavy hearts to bear.

Logan growled impatiently and heaped food on a plate, just for something to do. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey, pouring a generous amount of it into a cup. He drank it down, saying nothing.

"So what now, mes amis?" Remy asked, just for something to say.

"We get ourselves home," Logan replied evenly. "Valentin ain't our problem any more."

Remy's red and black eyes narrowed at that. "What if de bastard comes wit us?"

Logan didn't hesitate, but offered the best solution he could come up with. "Then he's got himself a nice comfy stay in Holding Cell Three. I wouldn't let that monster loose fer a minute."

Beast nodded, accepting it as their best option. As a member of the senior staff, he was quite familiar with the small security area set aside at the Institute for the unruly. Sometimes it was just better to rehabilitate a crazed mutant than to toss him into a prison that couldn't possibly deal with his condition. The holding cells would work just as well on a dangerous Clansman as any mutant. "I agree," he said. "I only hope Valentin doesn't get a chance to destroy Seth or Kimble before we leave."

Remy grunted softly in agreement and Henry went on to say, "You should have seen Seth's face right before we left. He'll be devastated if Valentin comes back with us. Fallen will most likely honor the marriage if he does."

"Seth ain't real. Kimble ain't real. The sooner you guys get over it, the better," Logan growled. He wasn't blind to the situation, he had just adjusted his perceptions to better ease his heart. It was simply better to think this way and worry about the rest later.

Henry wasn't so eager to let it go. "Why is it so difficult for you to accept the possibility that they could be real in their own unique way, Logan? Computer programs don't behave the way those two do."

"C'mon, Blue!"

Beast shifted forward, insistent in his point of view. "You didn't see the way Seth was looking at Fallen, I did. You could feel the intensity. It was there, Logan, you could almost touch it. I haven't seen many real people look that way, never mind them. He loves her without a doubt, no matter what you may think."

Gambit had his two cents worth to add and was quick to spend them. His voice was a little sharp as he said, " 'Sides, you spend some time wit Lanlin, neh? If she was so fake, what you doin' wit 'er so much?"

Logan squirmed a little, but wasn't going to back down. He had made up his mind about this whole stupid business and was going to stick to his guns, stubborn as always. "That's not the same thing. I ain't in love with her - it - whatever! I know the difference between real and fake. Lanlin was just somethin' ta pass the time an' spend my money on, nuthin' more."

Gambit shook his head. "Does any'ting ever make you 'appy, eh? Didn't you ever get no toys at Christmas?"

Logan looked at him sharply and Remy groaned inside, remembering that Logan probably didn't remember any of his childhood. His memories had been wiped out and so screwed around with he really didn't know what was real and what was fake anymore.

"Toys're toys. Not real people. That's what reality is," Logan said firmly, rising. He walked off, his shoulders tense.

Remy put his head down on the table. "Merde. Dis suck like nuthin' else. Gambit jus' wanna go 'ome now," he complained.

Henry put his hand on his shoulder. "Fear not, my friend. Two hours and we'll be on our way."