UNCANNY X-MEN MINI: YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME WRITTEN BY LOGANALPHA30 []-Caption Boxes ()-Art Instructions ""-Words -Thoughts ++-Time, Place Boxes



+2 Days Later+ +10 A.M.+



(Scene opens with Warpath in the locker room). (Warpath is sitting on the bench and leaning back against the lockers with a towel over his head, wearing sweated through sweatpants, shoes, and no shirt). (Then we see the door open and Sam walk in as he throws a towel over his shoulder and says), "Hey Jimmy, talk to Theresa yet?" "Nope, she's been avoiding me like the plague for two days now, just wish I knew why," (Warpath says with a slight smirk as Sam opens his locker and then sits down facing Warpath and straddling the bench).



"You think it had anything tah do with Erica kissing you," (Sam says with the towel around his neck as he's sweating heavily). "I don't know, has Tabitha said anything to you," (Warpath says taking the towel off of his head). "Sorry buddy, she's hasn't said anything about it, maybe you should just talk to Terry, you know try tah straighten things out," (Sam says standing up and walking towards the shower). "I already tried that and she just ignored me like I wasn't even there, guess I'll have to try again, hey Sam, do you know where Terry is," (Warpath says standing up).



(We cut to in the shower as we see Sam from the waist up as at the bottom of the panel is soap bubbles and Sam is standing in the spray of the shower, his hair is wet and matted down and he's reaching for the soap as he says), "If ah remember the schedule correctly she should be with Tabitha and Erica in the danger room." "Thanks man, you in a rush or something because," (Warpath says grabbing a shirt). "Yah, Tabitha's got the whole day planned out, with shopping first on her agenda", (Sam says with a smirk). "Ouch, well have fun carrying all those bags, just don't shop for to long, we have to work tonight," (Warpath says before exiting the locker room as Sam says with a smile), "Don't worry about it".



[Meanwhile, the danger room]



(We see Tabitha, Siryn, and Erica in the danger room in a training session that resembles an obstacle course, with spiked balls swinging around, lasers blasting away, spikes being thrown at them as well as nets being flung at them). (We see Siryn flying around and blasting the lasers with her sonic scream). [She has been at this for almost an hour, trying to lose herself in the fight, keeping the knowing memory of that night in the garden, and the kiss]. [The kiss that she thinks, no that she knows that she, rather than Erica, should have had with Warpath].



"Hey red come on, quit yer showboatin and get down here, I want to get out of here today, if it's all the same to you," (Tabitha says looking up at Siryn with a sarcastic smirk on her face). "I hear ye," (Siryn says as we see her face in a close up as she's glaring at Tabitha and Erica out of the corner of her eye). "Then why don't you your scrawny Irish but down here, while I'm still young and beautiful," (Erica says looking up with her hands on her hips). "Alright, quit yer yappin, I'm coming," (Siryn says as we see her land beside Erica and Tabitha). "Good, now are you going to show her the ropes or am I," (Tabitha says with a less than enthused look on her face).



(Then we see Tabitha and Siryn look at each other before we see Siryn look with a small sneer at Erica, who then looks back and forth with her eyes before she throws her hands up and angrily says), "Enough, I'm not a child, and I don't need to be led around as if I were." (We see the three of them look at each other nervously and then around in space before Tabitha says while looking at her wrist and with a big smile on her face), "Well uh, my oh my would ya look at the time, I should get going."



(Then we see her shrug her shoulders as she slowly starts to back out of the danger room with a smile on her face as Erica says), "What-what are you talking about, you're not even wearing a watch." "I'm not, well lookee there, you're right, gee uh.bye," (Tabitha says again shrugging her shoulders with a big smile on her face as we see her first from the front and then the back as she steps a foot outside of the danger room and then steps fully outside as the doors then close after her as we see her from the side as she's waving with one hand and her other hand is behind her back).



"Don't tell me you're not ready yet, not after you told me tah be ready early so you wouldn't miss any of the sales," (we see come from off panel as Tabitha jumps in alarm and shock, as we first see her face in a close up with her eyes closed, then one of her eyes wide open in shock and her mouth open in shock as well).



"Sam," (Tabitha says with her head slightly bowed and an embarrassed smile on her face and she's scratching the back of her head with one hand and the other is on her side). "Let me guess, you lost track of time, again," (Sam says with a hand on the side of his face and sighing before Tabitha says as she races off down the hall), "Just give me a minute, I'll be right back."



(We see Sam first close up from behind as we see him waving after Tabitha as we're looking over his shoulder and then we see a shot of a long hallway with Tabitha almost running out of the frame at us and at the other end is Sam who's waving and he's a small figure as he says), "One minute, ah'll believe it when I see it." (We then switch back inside the danger room as we see Siryn and Erica running as though in a race as they leap over obstructions and dodge the spiked balls as we see Siryn is doing a better job of it).



(Then they finish the course and they're near the door as we see Erica with her hands on her knees as she's trying to catch her breath). (Siryn is standing beside her, with visible sweat marks on her clothes, as she wipes away a stray strand of hair as she says with a slight smirk), "Ye can' be tired already, ye just started yer training, you'll never make the team if ye keep this up."



"Give me a break will ya, I'm new at this, so excuse me for being a little winded," (Erica says a little angrily as she looks up at Siryn in one panel and then in the next panel Erica walks back towards the start of the course as she says flipitantly as she's walking towards us in the panel), "You coming?" "What," (Siryn says with a confused look on her face). "You didn't think I was ready to quit did you, no wonder you're still single," (Erica says snickering at Siryn with her arms crossed). "Huh, now wait just a .," (Siryn says angrily as she walks over and gets in Erica's face). (Then we see Erica and Siryn stare each other down in a panel). "What gives you the right to talk to me about Jimmy and me," (Siryn says sticking her finger in Erica's face).



"Okay, calm down will ya, you know for two people who are -just friends- you and the big guy sure don't act like it, with him blowin me off after one hell of a kiss, to you getting all hot and bothered over nothing, you two need help," (Erica says with a smile as we see Siryn react with a thoroughly confused look on her face).



"But I saw you and Jimmy, .the garden, it didn' mean," (Siryn says looking like she's trying to work things through in her mind, but not making the connection). "So you did see us, no wonder you've given ole Jimmy boy the cold shoulder lately, heh, and all this time you thought he and I.," (Erica says jokingly with her arms crossed in one panel as she then turns away and leaves Siryn standing there with a stupefied look on her face).



"Then he really does," (Siryn says with a happy grin in one panel before we see in the next panel she notices that Erica is staring at her with a questioning look on her face). "What are ye lookin at, never-mind, let's go again," (Siryn says shaking her head and walking out of the panel).



[The driveway]



(We see Sam sitting in his convertible, with shades on, and the top down on the car). (He looks impatient and like he's waiting for someone who's late as he's looking at his watch as he says), "Come on girl, what's taking you so long?" [As he waits Samuel Guthrie's patience begins to wane]. (Then we see Sam bang his fist against the side of the car with an angry grimace on his face as he then pushes his sunglasses up and then pushes himself up in the car, as we see that he's wearing a pair of blue jeans and a tucked in blue short sleeved shirt, and yells), "Hey Tabitha, get the lead out will ya."



(Then we see the front door open and Tabitha walk out, get to the top step and then pose as if on the runway, all this is seen in a series of panels, and say with a big smile), "Okay, now we can go." (She's dressed in blue jeans and a white long sleeved dress shirt that is tied up at the bottom as we can see that she has a belly button ring and that she's wearing earrings, shades, a nice looking gold necklace, and as the top few buttons are undone we see that she's wearing a small blue top underneath the white shirt, and leather boots).



"It's about time you got out here, ah was beginning tah think maybe you forgot," (Sam says starting the car and sitting back down in his seat and using his finger to push his shades back into place). (With a frown in one panel and then with a laughing smile in the next Tabitha says in a close up on her face with her shades on first and then in close up on he face from her hairline to the tip of her nose), "What, me forget shopping, nope ain't possible". "Whatever, just get in," (Sam says in a shot of him in the car in the foreground and in the background we see Tabitha coming down the steps). (Then we se Tabitha skip down the rest of the steps and vault over the car door and plop down in the passenger seat). [And with that they exit stage right].



[The weight room.two levels down.and third door on the left]. [Where the teams current co-leaders are busy in their morning workout]. (We see a fully stocked weight room, fully decked out as we see Warren and Betsy working out). (Warren is wearing black jogging pants and a white tank top as he's doing dumbbell curls while sitting on the end of a bench). (Betsy is wearing a black sports bra and shorts, tennis shoes and her hands are taped up as she's practicing her kicks and punches on a punching bag that's hung from the ceiling as we see all this in a series of panels).



(Dropping the dumbbells to the floor Warren says), "There's something about this that's just not right." "What do you mean," (Betsy says as we see her land a kick to the side of the bag). "What I mean is that we still have no idea what Apocalypse is truly up to," (Warren says holding one wrist and then the other as we see him making sure that his lifting gloves are still securely fastened as we see the sweat dripping off of him).



"Well you know him better than anyone Warren, but I highly doubt that he'll deviate from his usual mantra of killing anybody that doesn't measure up to his twisted ideals," (Betsy says landing a punch and a kick before she turns and picks up a towel and dabs her forehead before she says), "and if what happened in Kentucky and Scotland is any indication then I'd say that."

(Warren stands up and cuts in with a grim smile), "That needless to say we've got our work cut out for us, by the way, any word on Forge, it's not like him to be silent this long." (Betsy walks over and stands beside Warren and lays a hand on his shoulder as she says), "I know, but Forge does have a habit of keeping to himself, he's probably just holed up in one of his bloody workshops, tinkering away on some new invention of his that he just can't put down, but on a hopefully lighter note please tell me you didn't give Tabitha a credit card, she and Sam are probably already tearing through every mall in California as we speak," (as she finishes her speech she sits down facing Warren on a nearby bench).



"I hope you're right about Forge, and as for Tabitha well I had a reasonable limit put on her card, I figured it was that or she'd shop me out of house and home," (Warren says with a smirk as we see him and Betsy lean towards each other as we see that Betsy also is now smirking).



"You know, we really should get back to work," (Betsy says with a smile before we see a panel or two of just their faces as they're staring at each other deeply and then Warren says with a sly wink), "I know, but I think I like this much better," (before we see them share a couple of kisses before Betsy says,) "me to." (Then they go to kiss again...) [But before things can progress any further.]



(We see a wide shot of a kind of blurry image of Warren/Betsy in the immediate foreground and in the background we see the weight room's two swinging doors explode open with as we see in the next panel Erica come storming in ready to yell at someone). (Then we see her stop in shock and then we see a panel of W/B reacting with embarrassed anger and Erica manages a weak smile and asks), "Did I come at a bad time?"



+Genosha+

(Scene opens with a wide shot of the island and then we pan around to a small cove in which we see a couple of heavily armed Crimson Dawn Warriors standing guard over someone that's chained head and foot to a large boulder). [The clouds tumble in, casting dreary shadows over the turbulent waters which shock the bruised and battered figure from his stupor]. (We see that the bound body is lying on the shoreline on the waterline on his stomach as the person gets hit by the tide coming in).



(The person at first doesn't move or say a thing until the person moans and sluggishly rolls over and we see that it's Forge, although he has a black eye and other cuts and bruises on his face with some of his hair in his face and the rest of it in a mess, his clothes are ripped and torn and bloody, and his mechanical arm is trashed with his hand missing and the stump is all frayed out with wires and pieces of metal that spark whenever he moves the arm, the same with his leg except his leg is cut off just below the knee). [The frigid water does not cause the convulsions and pain alone, but it is the meeting of frayed lived wires and the tide that send bolts of pain through his body].



(We then see a close up of a downward look as in the immediate foreground we see the faces and shoulders of the two guards as they first snicker a bit and then they arc an eyebrow as they look back and down over their shoulders at Forge as one says), "he doesn't look very special, I still don't see why we can't just kill him,"(The other one laughs and says), "our lord has his reasons, but I wonder if he'd care in his prized possession was brought to him missing his other arm or leg?"



(Then they look at each other before they turn towards Forge as one draws out a blood stained knife). (We see Forge notice the knife with his one open eye in a close up as the other eye is swelled shut as he mumbles), "No." [Summoning up what little strength is left him, the man known to many as simply-the maker-struggles in vain to defend himself, silently praying for deliverance]. [But the deliverance that is wrought is not of Forges choosing].



[For it is deliverance that has taken the form of a super heated blast of red-hot plasma.]. [.that takes him out of the frying pan and places him directly into the fire.]. [.Deliverance by the name of War.] (We see a plasma blast hit the two C.D. warriors full force and incinerate them and send Forge flying upward and straining the metal chains before he lands, hard, as through the smoke emerges at first just a large black figure and then and enraged War emerges who glares down at the charred corpses of the c.d. warriors and then he straightens up and with an almost amused look on his face he says), "idiots." (We then see Forge groan in pain and wince as he rolls over and we see blood running into one of his eyes).



(With a grin War reaches down and grabs the ends of the chain and whips it over his shoulder and starts off as he says over his shoulder), "Well maker, it seems that your presence has been requested by my lord, but please try not to die before we get there." (We see War dragging Forge behind him in a series of panels as Forge is dragged a long ways). [The journey across the island tests Forges grit as a mocking War takes pride in dragging his semiconscious prisoner through every mud-hole, pile of broken glass, scrap pile, and any other pain inducing instruments that he could find].





(We see War finish dragging Forge as he stops right in front of Apocalypse, who is sitting with a grimace on his face, on a throne that is made up of bodies and skeletons piled up on top of each other). (We see Pestilence and Plague standing at his side with Death hovering slightly behind the throne, and Imol is standing behind Pestilence). [Amidst the death and decay this hells new master surveys the lifeless mutant lying in a bloody heap at his feet]. [His assembled cadre of disciples encircles the clearing].



(With a bemused look on his face, first we see a close up on Apocalypse's hands as they're resting on two human skulls as we see his fingers close into the eye holes before he leans down and sneers as he says with fire in his eyes), "Ah Forge, so nice of you to join us, I sincerely hope you've had a nice stay here." (We do a close up on Forge as he painfully rolls over onto his back and then on his face as we see blood coming from his nose and busted lip as he mumbles out a curse that we see in those characters that replace swear words).



"Hmm, that's exactly what I thought you'd say maker", (Apocalypse says with a sigh as he sits back in his chair, then a close up on him from his shoulders up we see him turn to War and nod his head). "Yes my lord," (War says bowing before he turns and beckons to a crimson dawn warrior with a flip of his wrist who salutes and then walks off). "You see my horseman, events are occurring just as I foretold, and now that we have the key I am invincible, now there is no force on earth that can defy me now, the conquest can begin and I will take my rightful place as overlord of this world, my world," (Apocalypse says clenching his fist with an evil grimace on his face). (We see Forge coughing and spitting up blood as we see him on his side, curled up in a ball).



(Resting his chin in his hand Apocalypse looks down and says with disdain), "Now don't die on my, you're what I need to power my ace in the hole as it were, ah it's here, take our special guest and see that he's properly put in his place." [And with that Forge obtains a rare distinction]



[That as a cold rain begins to descend along with an ear shattering cacophony of lightning the newest quirk in this devil's plan shows itself] [And Forge has become the first person to meet.] (We see Forge look up and blink in amazement). (Next panel we see a huge backlit form that's standing over Forge, who's at the bottom of the panel). "My Golem understands and will obey," (Death says with a hideous smile on his face as he walks over and stands beside his golem).



"Pick him up and follow me," (Death growls to the golem, that looks kind of like Frankenstein's monster, before it grumbles something and picks Forge up with one hand, a hand that is as big as Forge's entire torso, think of the golem as being bigger than X-Factor's Strong Guy). (We see the golem growl and squeeze Forge, whom we see with gritted teeth in a series of panels as each time the golem squeezes we see snapping sounds along with Forge writhing in pain).





[Up to now Forge has been able to keep the pain from overwhelming him, but just barely.]. [But with each squeeze of the golem's massive hand Forge can feel himself coming apart, ribs breaking, tendons being cut loose from their moorings by razor sharp shards of bone.] [It is a small miracle then that this round of pain and torture ends before one of his lungs collapses or is ripped open by a shard of bone, and Forge's last conscious memory is of an absolutely euphoric Death bowing to an equally euphoric Apocalypse]. (Then next few panels are seen through Forge's eyes as he views the scene and then blacks out from the pain).



[The Danger Room]



(We see Siryn and Erica sitting on the floor against the wall as they danger room reverts back to its default setting). "So what do ye think, you still glad that you decided to join us," (Siryn says with a smile as she looks over at Erica, who's rubbing her left shoulder). "I don't know, maybe I'll tell you when my shoulder stops hurting," (Erica says with a pained look on her face before we see her stand up and sling a towel over her shoulder). "Well decide carefully, because if ye fully sign up then you can pretty much kiss ye're personal life goodbye for the most part, so choose carefully," (Siryn says wiping off her neck with her towel as she's looking up at Erica).



"Don't worry I will, you know that's exactly what Mr. Worthington said when I bumped into him in the weight room earlier, well that along with him thinking that you and I should take another turn in here before I made my decision," (Erica says helping Siryn up).



"Yah that sounds like Warren alright, but uh ye didn' see Jimmy out there by any chance," (Siryn says with a sheepish look on her face as she looks at Erica out of the corner of her eye). "I think I saw him out in the garden, you ask me he was looking for you, but what do I know," (Erica says shrugging her shoulders and sighing as she turns towards the door of the danger room). "Thanks, aye think that I'm gonna go and see if I can find him, ye got any ideas as to where I should start looking," (Siryn says following Erica in a panel a they're about to the door as Erica reaches up to push the button to open the door as we see this in a side panel).





(In the next panel we see a close up on the button as we see Erica's finger is almost to the button but in that same panel we see the sound of the door beginning to open and then in the next panel we see Erica turn her head and look at the button with a confused look on her face as she says), "huh?"

[Without thinking Erica starts out the door.] [.and runs headlong into a brick wall.] [.a brick wall by the name of.] "Jimmy," (Siryn says as we see a panel in a full page in that we see Warpath facing us as he's standing in the doorway and we see, with their backs to us and in an obvious stance of surprise, Erica and Siryn). (All that after a panel in which we see Erica run headlong into Warpath's chest). "Uh hi Terry, Erica," (we see Warpath say in a close up of him from his shoulders up with an unsure look on his face). (We then switch to a panel of a close up of Erica and Siryn from their shoulders up as Siryn says), "hey y'self boyo".



(They both have nervous smiles on their faces). (Looking down and slightly to the right with his right hand on his chin Warpath says), "Uh Terry, can I talk to you.alone?" "Of course.Erica.could.could you uh," (Siryn says blushing and sort of sideways looking at Erica). (Erica, in a panel or two, looks slowly back and forth between Siryn and Warpath before she puts a hand up and says), "hey I can take a hint, you two need some time alone, you know two's a company and three's a crowd or whatever, so I'll go now."





(Next couple of panels are of Erica leaving the danger room after Warpath turns sideways so that she can leave, and as she leaves Siryn looks up and meekly says), "uh yah, thanks", (as the door closes as Warpath steps into the room). (Then Siryn turns and looks up at Warpath with a forced smile as she says), "So uh, ye wanted to see me." "Yeah, listen we need to talk about something that I don't know if you're going to like talking about, but we're going to because you've been avoiding me like the plague for two days now and I want to know why," (Warpath says with a serious look on his face as we see him looking down at Siryn, who's standing beside him).



"I know, and I'm truly sorry about these past couple o' days, I guess I was just confused, and I didn' want to talk to ye until I had figured a few things out," (Siryn says walking over and leaning up against the nearest wall). "Figure out a few things, like what," (Warpath says with a confused look on his face as in the next panel we see Siryn blush a bright red as she looks away and says), "Oh ye know, nothin that.you, me, that night in the garden, that kiss, us.." "You-You saw that then, I swear it didn't mean anything and that was as far as it went," (Warpath says with a serious look on his face as he crosses his arms).

"I know it didn't boyo, I guess I just had to hear it from the both of you, but promise me something.please," (Siryn says turning to Warpath and laying a hand on his arm with a nervous look on her face). "Sure, what," (Warpath says leaning down closer to Siryn and looking her in her eyes as we see in a panel of them staring at each other in a side view of their heads). "Just promise me that.no matter.what happens.you'll never.do that.," (Siryn mumbles out as we see in a series of panels Warpath and Siryn's heads moving closer together as if to kiss each other).



"Anything you say Terry," (Warpath says with a smile on his face). [As their faces grow ever closer each keeps expecting the other to back down, to give in to their fears.] [.but this time neither backs down, neither lets their fears control them, this time they both take a chance together.]





[.A chance.] [.on love.] (We see a few panels of their lips getting closer together before a panel of them in a close up before in the next large panel we see the big kiss). (We see a few panels of the kiss). [But like many of the best things in life this moment is fleeting.] (We see a panel of them kissing in the foreground but then in the background we see the sounds of alarms going off along with read and blue lights flashing). (They break the kiss slowly and look around with confused looks on their faces before over the intercom, that we see coming out of a speaker that's placed just above the door of the danger room).



"James, Theresa this is a code red, let's move people, the clock is ticking". "I wonder what it is this time," (Warpath says as he and Siryn look towards the speaker). "With Warren ye never know, but I have a bad feeling about this, c'mon let's go," (Siryn says as she turns to leave but Warpath stops her, turns her to face him and says), "We will, but first," (before they kiss again). (They end the kiss in one panel before in the next one they're smiling at each other, and in the next panel we see them racing out of the danger room).







[Meanwhile.]



(Scene changes to that of Warren and Betsy pulling on their uniforms as Warren is putting his left arm into the sleeve). (While we see Betsy put her chin up while she finishes zipping her suit up and then buttoning the top part before she pulls her hair up and out of the suit before she uses a black tie to put her hair in a ponytail). "Hey Betts, could you help me with my suit, I can't seem to find that last zipper, who designed these things anyway," (Warren says with a kind of embarrassed look on his face after we see him trying to reach in between his wings to find a zipper).



"I think you did love, but may I ask why I am the one that gets to zip you up," (Betsy says with a laughing smile on her face as she walks over to Warren and starts to zip him up). (With a smile Warren says), "Hey, I think that I've zipped up enough of your dresses that I'd say you owe me." "Alright I'll do it, but just this once, and only because you asked real nicely," (Betsy says as she finishes zipping Warren up). " Thanks," (Warren says with a smile to Betsy before he turns as we see the sound of the door opening as then Warren says), "and just where do you think you're going?"



(We see a panel of Warren and Betsy both turned and looking right out at us). (Then a panel of Erica standing just inside the doorway with an unsure look on her face as she says as we see the door shut behind her), "What?" "Don't even think about coming with us, you're nowhere even close to being ready for a mission," (Betsy says slightly angry). "I am to, you can't expect me to just sit her and twiddle my thumbs while you guys get to go out and have all the fun," (Erica says crossing her arms with an unhappy look on her face as behind her in the next panel we see Warpath and Siryn enter the room). "We miss anything," (Warpath says as he and Siryn go to their uniform lockers).



"We'll talk about that later, for now just suit up and get on board you have five minutes," (Warren says as he picks up his gloves off of the bench and starts off towards the door out to the hanger bay before Erica stops him by saying), "but what about me, what am I supposed to do, hell I've already missed two days of work already, I can't."



"You're staying here and that's final, and as far as for something to do how about you catching up on X-men history while we're gone, and don't worry about your job, Altera Chemicals right, I think you'll find that your boss will give you as many days off as you could ever hope to need", (Warren says as he leaves the room). "Huh, what did he mean by that, anyone," (Erica says looking around with a completely lost look on her face).



"It's simple, he owns the company," (Betsy says as she also leaves the room with her gloves in hand as we see Siryn as she finishes zipping up her suit as Warpath is buckling up his belt while he glances over at Erica before he says), "Don't worry, you'll be duking it out with the super-villains in no time". "Save it for someone who cares pal," (Erica says glaring at Warpath before she storms out of the room as we see Siryn and Warpath watching her go in one panel and in the next panel we see from behind Erica as she angrily hits the door with her hand before it opens and she leaves the room completely).





(Then we see a panel of Siryn and Warpath look at each other with slightly shocked expressions on their faces). [As they watch Erica leave Warpath and Siryn finish preparing for a mission to they know not where]. (We then see Warpath and Siryn run out of the room and then up the ramp and into the x- jet). (Then we see the x-jet fly out of the hanger).





[Later...]



(We see the x-jet flying low over the desert, and we see dust and sand being kicked up in clouds that roll along behind the jet). (Then we go inside the x-jet and see Warren at the controls while Betsy is being the navigator). "Now aye know that this might sound a bit childish but here goes anyway, we there yet," (Siryn says meekly as she smirks and casts a sidelong glance at Psylocke, who we see in a panel of her head as she's looking down at the dashboard of the x-jet but she slightly tilts her head up as she's then looking through her eyebrows as she says in a close up of her eyes first and then of her whole face), "Very funny, it won't be to much longer now, we're almost there."

"And might I ask where exactly we're going, I don't like to be surprised," (Warpath says clasping his hands together in front of him with a concerned look on his face). "Sorry love, but I don't think you're going to like it," (Betsy says putting on a com-link). [As Psylocke explains the situation in the air on the ground below life is peaceful.for the most part].





(We see a panel of the x-jet flying off and then we pan down to the ground as we see a small lizard scurry onto the top of a rock and look in the direction in which the x-jet went before we see a large bird swoop down, grab the lizard and then fly away). (Then we see more panels of the x-jet flying over streams, lakes, hills, and then mountains as more and more of the ground bellows the x-jet becomes more and more made of ice and snow). (Next panel we see Siryn and Warpath standing beside Warren and Betsy as they're all looking out of the front view windows).



"Ye've got to be joking, we have to go out there," (Siryn says shaking her head with an unhappy look on her face). "Yes we do, and for those inquiring minds of yours we're in a very remote corner of Siberia," (Warren says sitting back in his chair as he puts the x-jet into autopilot). "Siberia, okay it's official, this is now the worst mission that I've ever been on.ah well it could be worse," (Warpath says sitting down on the bench and laying his head back).





"At least ye can stand up straight in here boyo, but why didn' we pick up Sam and Tabitha," (Siryn says turning and looking at first Warpath and then Warren). "We tried but they'd already left, and I didn't get a response from Tabitha's p.c.d., it's like she turned it off," (Betsy says angrily as she looks over at Warren, who looks back and just shrugs his shoulders with a -don't look at me- look on his face). "Ye tried Sam's yet," (Siryn says with her arm resting on the back of Betsy's chair).



"I was just about to," (Betsy says punching a few buttons on the panel in front of her before she puts a hand to the com-link on her ear as she says), "Sam, do you read me, come in Sam." [P.C.D. =Personal Communication Device]

[San Francisco] [Earlier]



[Lowry's Music] [The remaining two X-men have spent the morning trekking their way all over town] (We see first the inside of a mall and then of it's second floor as the center is out so that you could stand on the top or bottom level and look both up and down with only a few crosswalks in the open space). (Then we move up vertically and see a row of shops with one having a blue and white sign above it that says Lowry's Music).



(Then we move in through the crowd and go to the back of the store where we see Sam sitting on a bench with a tired look on his face in the first panel as then in the next panel we see that Tabitha is standing beside him with many different shopping bags between them, she has headphones on and is dancing to the music as then Sam is eyeing her with a wary eye). [True to her word Tabitha Smith was in the process of trying to buy every little bauble and trinket that she could get her hands on, and Samuel Guthrie is the one that has the unenviable task of trying to carry it all]



[They had stopped at Lowry's Music to rest Sam's weary back and to allow Tabitha to repay a certain debt]. "Hey Sam, listen to this," (Tabitha says with a big smile as she takes the headphones off and lays them down before she unplugs them and then cranks up the volume, much to her delight and many others chagrin).





"What are ya tryin tah do, blow out my eardrums," (Sam says covering his ears with a grimace on his face as we then go into a close up picture of a small device on his belt, it looks like a pager that has a small headset that is detachable built into it). (As a small light on it starts blinking we see Tabitha say from off panel), "C'mon Sam lighten up and feel the music." [With the music at this level Cannonball is unable to hear the call of his teammates] (We see Betsy's call that she made earlier coming from the small box on Sam's belt).



"Ah can't even hear myself think," (Sam says standing up and shaking his head). (Then he waves to Tabitha and says as he walks towards the front of the store), "ah'm going tah get some air." (We see Tabitha dancing with her eyes closed so she doesn't see him leave). (We then go outside and see Sam walk out and stand at the rail). (We see Sam lean on the railing and put his head in his hands and say), "What am I gonna do with her?" [He would probably have stayed there for hours if not for .]





(We see a scream come from off panel as we see Sam jerk to attention and look towards where the scream came from with a), "huh". (The first panel of that is head on of him looking up and then a panel of only his head and the tops of his shoulders). [When he joined Archangel and Psylocke on their quest to finally rid the world of the Apocalypse Samuel Guthrie had sworn to himself that not only would he help destroy En Sabah Nur but that he would also exact his revenge on the horseman Death, and any of his underlings that got in the way]. [But along with all that being an X-man also meant protecting and defending a world that hated and feared him].



[And just as Cannonball is about to discover what certain calamity had befallen the malls denizens.] (We see Sam start to run before the floor all around and beneath him begin to shake as Sam tries to keep his balance before the entire floor collapses and Sam and the people nearby him fall). [When suddenly the calamity comes to him] (Then we see an image in a panel of the smoke and dust clearing as we see Sam's arm sticking out of the rubble).





(Then we see Sam stand up out of the rubble and shake the dust off of his clothes and out of his hair, as his clothes are torn and dirty). [Picking himself slowly out of the rubble Cannonball switches gears and goes into full action mode, with but one minor stop.] "Ah gotta find myself another line of work," (Sam says with a sarcastic smile as he shakes some more dust from his hair before he blasts up and back into the store as people who are still in the store stare at him in shock and surprise as one person says), "Look", (as another says), "He's a mutant," (and then we Sam land and then walking back through the store before he grabs Tabitha by the arm, which causes her to look at him and say with a smirk), "what happened to you?"



"C'mon, we've got work tah do," (Sam says as Tabitha looks at him with a confused look on her face as she says), "what, I can't hear you." "Ah said," (Sam starts before he gets fed up and blasts the nearby speakers before continuing), "Somethin ain't right here, people are in trouble, we've got work to do so come on". "Hey you, what are you doing, do you know how much those speakers cost," (the store manager, an aging and balding man says as he storms out towards Sam and Tabitha).





"Ah'm truly sorry sir, but we have to go and," (Sam says before the manager cuts him off curtly and says), "Oh no you don't, you're not leaving here until you pay up, for all I know you and your bimbo of a girlfriend here caused all this mess", (as we see Tabitha get very angry at being called a bimbo and as she's about to say something the manager glares at her and says), "what're you going to do, kill me, heh typical mutant." [But before a response can be uttered.] (We see Sam start to say something but as he opens his mouth a load roar and more screams are seen coming from off panel).



(Then we see a panel of Sam and the manager looking at each other with apprehensive looks on their faces before Sam says), "Ah'm sorry, but duty calls," (as he then grabs Tabitha and picks her up, despite her objections, as he then blasts out of the store as we see cd's flying around and people quickly getting out of the way as we then see a panel of Sam and Tabitha blasting out of the front of the store as we then see a quick panel of Tabitha look over Sam's shoulder as she slides her shades down as she says), "Whoa, when did that happen."



"What, you mean you didn't, ah never mind," (Sam says, as we see his head and neck in a close up with a bewildered look on his face as he's glancing at her out of the corner of his eye as he then thinks as we see an overhead shot of Sam flying and carrying Tabitha through the center of the mall), what am I gonna do with you girl, you're the only person ah know of that wouldn't notice a whole floor collapsin but. [But before he can finish that thought the calamity's cause rears its ugly head, literally]



(We see a two page panel of Sam and Tabitha coming around the corner and entering a large central hub before we see a large creature, it's one of the golems, causing havoc). (It's throwing things around like large trees, potted plants, and slabs of stone that it broke out of the surrounding columns, walls, and the floor). (Then we do a close up on Sam and Tabitha's faces in one panel and they're of pure shock). (We then go back and see that a group of crimson dawn warriors are also there and they're terrorizing the frightened customers). [It is a sight straight out of a horror movie, a sight that they will not soon forget].





"What the heck is that," (Tabitha says as Sam sets down and puts her down). "I don't know, but we have tah get those people out of its path before they're crushed," (Sam says pushing over a block of stone). "Good idea, you got a plan or do we just wing it," (Tabitha says as she fires a plasma bomb that destroys a large cement block before it hits a guard that's trying to protect a small child). "Guess we'll just have to wing it," (Sam says as he rockets off towards the golem). (Then we see Tabitha roll her eyes and say), "So it's business as usual then," (before she leaps over some of the debris and runs towards the nearest group of c.d. warriors).





[He knows that rushing headlong into a battle without being prepared and having a well thought out plan of attack.] [.is the last thing you want to do. That thought, that very idea had been driven into his mind many times over the years by his many teachers, from his first mentor Charles Xavier to enigmatic Pete Wisdom] [You'd think that after all that he would have learned his lesson, but you can't plan everything.] (We see Sam blasting right towards the golem, driving it backwards a few feet, as we see the golems feet skid back in a few small panels).





[Then it dawns on him.] (We see a close up on Sams face and shoulders as he has a suddenly serious look on his face as he thinks), Uh oh, ah think I'm in. (Then we see Sam get graded by the golem and thrown in a panel of the golem in the background and seemingly throwing Sam towards us). (Then we see Sam heading towards a large glass wall in a series of panels that start with him tumbling through the air and then of the glass fast approaching). [With amazing force Cannonball is thrown blindly towards a very painful landing].



(Then we see a group of panels in which Tabitha first blasts a trio of c.d. warriors who are about to attack a couple of children and their parents who are huddled together, as we see the warriors get rocked off of their feet and are sent flying before she runs over and says), "It's okay you're safe now," (before she turns to a semi-large group of people and yells at them as she says), "Hey, everybody listen up, follow those kids and get out of here, and please nobody try and be a hero," (before she turns her head away and thinks in a close up on her face), That's our job.





(Then we switch back to Sam as he goes crashing through the walls of glass as we see the glass shattering and shards of glass flying everywhere before he crashes into racks of clothes along with the mannequins in a series of large panels).





[Hearing the glass shatter.] (We see Tabitha whirl around and look back and forth with a concerned look on her face as she mutters with wide eyes), "Sam." (Then we see Sam climb out of the pile of clothes and legs and arms and broken glass before he staggers out of the shop with big rips in his clothes and some blood). "Ah'm through playing games", (Sam says before he amps his power up as we see a field of yellow energy grow around his fists that casts a yellow aura onto him before he, with an angry yell that we see in a panel of him releasing the energy with him in the background and the energy is coming out towards us).





(Then we see the energy hit the golem, the attack almost knocks it over). (Then we see Tabitha watching Sam attack the golem and she's smiles before we see Sam yell while blasting), "Tab now." "Way ahead of you Sam", (Tabitha says with a nod of her head and a smile before she blasts the golem as well).





[Weaving her hands in the air and clearing her mind Tabitha Smith begins to gather the needed plasma before unleashing it upon her enemy] [With unheralded force the two attacks converge on the hapless brute] (We see a panel of both Sam and Tabitha blasting the golem and then of a large panel of the golem getting hit by the blasts as it howls in pain and drops the big section of stone that it's holding as the c.d. warriors run away in fear). (Then we see Tabitha clench her fists in a celebratory stance as with a big smile on her face she says), "Yes, take that you overgrown jigsaw puzzle." (We switch to a panel of Sam cooling off before we see a panel of where the golem was but all we see is smoke and a c.d. warrior or two staggering around). "Yah Sam we did it", (Tabitha says running over to Sam, before we see a rumbling sound, and then them looking around questioningly).





[Out of the smoke it rises.]



(We see a panel of the golem rising up through the smoke and towering menacingly over Sam and Tabitha before Sam lets off a quick blast aimed at the golems head, but the golem just shrugs it off with an angry growl). [.and things quickly go from bad.to worse.] "O that can't be good," (We see Tabitha say in a close up on her face that has a -we are so dead- look on it). (Then we see the golem rear up and then start to bring a fist down towards Sam and Tabitha). "I hate it when this happens, Sam," (Tabitha yells angrily as she ducks behind Sam and crouches down as Sam cautiously takes a step backwards before, with gritted teeth, we see him look up as we see in a panel of him looking up at us as we're looking down on him and we see Tabitha on her knees behind him).





(We then see Sam bring up his shield just as the golems fists start hitting it). Ah hope I can hold it, man livin this thing is strong, (We see Sam think through still gritted teeth). (Then we see a panel of a close up on Tabitha on her knees and looking around Sam and up at the golem as her right hand is clenched as if she were holding a baseball as she's readying a plasma bomb as she thinks), Oh please hold, please hold. (Then we see Sam glance back down at Tabitha with a concerned look on his face as he says while faltering a bit under the golems attacks), "Ah don't know how much longer I can keep this up.What are you.?" (As she rises to a crouched position Tabitha says with a hand on Sam's shoulder), "Don't worry, I've got an idea, I just need an opening".



"Okay, ah've got an idea," (Sam says with an unsure look on his face as in the next panel we see him think), ah hope you know what yer doin girl. [As the blows continue to rain down Cannonball begins to weaken] [Heeding her suggestion he allows a small opening to form in the shield, one just large enough to work].





"Yah, it's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go," (Tabitha says as she stands up and then throws her arm up and where the hole in Sam's shield is she sticks her hand into it). (Then in the next panel we see her release the plasma bomb into the face of the very angry golem, and with a big smile she says), "Hey ugly, eat super heated plasma." (We see the golem stumble backwards and flail its arms as it tries to bat the stars out of its vision). [Its face ablaze the golem desperately tries to end its anguish] [Which leaves it open..] [For an attack.] [In the blink of an eye the shield falls and they spring into action]



"C'mon Tab it's now or never," (Sam yells as we see him drop the shield and tear off towards the golem, with Tabitha running right behind him as she's throwing plasma bombs left and right as she says), "Right behind you." (We see Sam plow into the golem and drive it backwards into one of the large support columns that hold up the central area that at its top is a metal and glass bubble).





(Then we see a c.d. warrior surprise Tabitha and kick her in the stomach and then hit her with an uppercut that sends her staggering backwards in pain). [The surprise attack works well, possibly a little to well]. (We see large cracks run up the column and then some metal and glass shards begin to fall down before the entire column begins to collapse). [The solid reinforced concrete support column shudders and shakes violently as the golem is driven through its base] (We then see Tabitha stop staggering when she backs into another one of the columns). (She's then seen bent over trying to catch her breath in a couple of panels before we do a wide shot of the c.d. warriors starting to crowd in around Tabitha and look like they're ready to attack).





"Alright who's the wise guy," (Tabitha says in a panel in which we see just from her mouth up as she's holding her nose with a pained and angry look on her face). (Then we see a panel of the c.d. warriors coming towards her with mean grins on their faces as one is chuckling menacingly as he says), "Pitiful mutant, prepare to die." "Ooh, was that a threat, look I'm shaking in my boots, but really tell me.did your mommy teach you that one," (Tabitha says with a haughty smirk on her face as she's leaning back up against the column).





"Mutant witch," (another of the crimson dawn warrior's growls while raising a clawed hand menacingly). "Again with the flattery, you guys need a new game plan," (Tabitha says with a chuckle in one panel and then in the next panel she first checks her shades and then in the next panel she drops to a knee and then we see a panel of her pointing a finger at the warriors like it's a gun as she then says with a sly smile), "Bang", (she releases such a powerful blast of plasma from that finger, as her index finger is pointed at the warriors and her thumb is pointing upwards, that we see her hair get blown around wildly).





(Next panel we see a shot of a couple of crimson dawn warriors get knocked off their feet by the blast as the rest of the warriors react). (Next panel is of Tabitha as she stands back up and dusts her hands off as she says with a big smile and we see a big cloud of dust roll in behind her), "We- ell boys, what did you think of that?" (From off panel we see a yell come in). "Wha," (Tabitha says with a confused look on her face in a close up as she turns her head).





(Then we see a close up on her face as her jaw drops in a gasp and her eyes grow wide in one panel before in the next one we see someone flying toward her as if thrown or backhanded towards her). (In the next panel we see Sam crash into her and they both go tumbling into a large group of tables and chairs as we see little word bubbles that have), "ow", (in them). (Next panel we see Sam throwing a table off of them as he then sits up and holds his head with one hand as Tabitha makes a grossed out face as we see that a chocolate malt got dumped onto her hair and is it's dripping into her left eye as she says while throwing a hissy fit in the next panel), "Oh my- ahhhhh!"





"Calm down will ya," (Sam says standing up and then helping Tabitha up as we see the golem start coming towards them and throwing things out of the way as if they were made of cardboard). "I think we're in trouble, that thing doesn't even have a scratch on it, you got a plan yet Sammy," (Tabitha says almost tripping as she tries to get her footing). "Ah'm thinking ah'm thinking, just give me a minute," (Sam says while looking prepared for a fight). (We then see an odd and sinister laugh coming from off panel as the golem stops and stands motionless). [On the verge of defeat a last stand is readied, until .]





"Ha ha ha, very good my golem, you have passed your first test admirably," (we see a figure say as it comes through the rubble, clapping its hands). (Next panel is of Sam glaring at the golem and then the figure before he says), "Wait a minute, ah know that voice". (Next panel we see Sam get very angry as he clenches his fists and teeth as his power flares up first in a close up of his face with his eyes ablaze and then of a full body shot with Tabitha leaning off to the side with an angry look on her face as she's readying an attack as we see sparks forming around her fist). (We switch back to see Death come to stand beside the golem with a wicked grin and a glint in his eyes as he says), "Well hello whelp, it pleases me that you are not yet dead, you are one hearty fool".





"It pleases you huh, well that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside," (Tabitha says with her arms crossed as she laughs and shuffles her feet). "Ah the whelps pet, I don't remember giving you permission to speak, you know I don't know what it is with you Guthrie women, you're all the same, you don't know when to keep your mouth shut," (Death says angrily with a mocking laugh).





"Ah think I've had my fill of you for one lifetime," (Sam says looking like he's ready to throttle Death). "Me to, and I ain't no pet you withered old prune, so get it through your crusty head, or else," (Tabitha says angrily as she shakes her first in front of her). "Ah still she speaks, okay I'll play your little game, or else what," (Death says unfazed as we see the crimson dawn warriors begin to gather behind him). "Huh.oh uh, I don't know I haven't thought of it yet, but believe you me that when I do you won't like it," (Tabitha says with a thoughtful and pensive look on her face).



(Next panel is of Death laughing at her words). "Well then I'll wait for that day, goodbye whelp it's been fun but our services are required elsewhere, I bid you adieu," (Death says smirking with a mock bow before we see him and the others begin to dissipate as they teleport). "No, not again," (Sam yells very angrily as he fires off a blast that strikes the exact area where Death and the others were just as they phase out). "No," (Sam yells as he, followed closely by Tabitha, runs over to the spot where Death just was). "I hate it when they do that", (Tabitha says as she stomps her foot in anger). [Once again Cannonball sees Death, the monster that be rived him of his family, slip through his fingers.]





[But before he can vent his anger.]



"Halt, stay where you are you're under arrest," (we see come from off panel as Sam and Tabitha have their backs to us as we see Sam standing with his shoulders slumped and his fists clenched, and Tabitha is trying to comfort him before Sam lifts his head and they both spin around as Tabitha says), "huh, oh come on what is this, we're the good guys." "We'll decide that," (a security guard says as we see a group of them, guns drawn, slowly encircling Sam and Tabitha and eyeing them wearily). "We haven't done anything wrong officer I assure you," (Sam says putting himself in between Tabitha and the nearest security guard with a determined look on his face).



"We'll see about that when we take you two downtown to answer some questions," (the nearest guard says taking a step towards them before he says), "now are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way," (as he takes a pair of handcuffs out).





"I don't like how this is going Sam, I hate those things, you know that right.right," (Tabitha says meekly as she, with a sly and scared smile, tries to hide behind Sam). "Sorry officer but we have important duties elsewhere to attend to," (Sam says turning and pulling Tabitha close). "Wait, what are you doing", (a guard says as he takes a step towards Sam and Tabitha). "Taking our leave," (Sam says as Tabitha wraps her arms around him before he puts an arm around her and then rockets up and through the glass and metal bubble in the ceiling). (We see glass and metal rain down on the guards as they scramble to get out of the way).

[Siberia]



(We see the X-jet flying low over a forest before it stops and then descends vertically into the trees). (Then we see the X-jet land and then the loading ramp drop down before we see Warpath and Siryn coming out as she's pulling a fur lined coat that looks like a parka closely around her as Warpath puts a hand up on the top of the ramp to make sure he doesn't hit his head as he has to duck to get out, and his coat is hanging open as Siryn says), "Ye know what I think Jimmy, I think we're bein punished for something". "Lucky us," (Warpath says grimly as he peers through the blowing snow).



"If that were true then Warren and I would still be back home," (Betsy says coming out of the X-jet and zipping up her jacket as we see the wind blowing her hair all around as we see Warren exiting behind her as he says with a smile), "And in a nice warm bed." "Ever the opportunist eh Warren," (Warpath says with a chuckle). "I didn't become a multi-billionaire by resting on my laurels," (Warren says shivering and zipping his coat up with one hand as he's pulling a pair of gloves out of a pocket with the other). "Ye're doin it again ye know," (Siryn says with a big smile as she's leaning up against Warpath and using him as a windbreak a he puts an arm around her).





"Doing what," (Warren says putting his gloves on as we see Betsy standing beside him and she's blowing on her hands). "Turning everything into a business discussion love," (Betsy says winking and smiling at Warren, who jokingly glances back at Betsy before he says while pulling out a pair of digital binoculars). "Whatever, I'm going to take a look up top,"(Warren says as in the next panel we see him spread his wings and then rise into the air and him doing that kicks up snow as the others shy away from the blowing snow in their faces).



[Shortly]



(Then we see Warren hovering in mid air and he's looking through the high tech looking binoculars). (Next few panels are of pictures of at first a high chain link fence with barbed wire on its top as we're seeing all these through the binoculars).



(Then we see armed guards on patrol with flashlights and guard dogs, one is smoking, and then we see a sign that is in Russian before we see a panel of a group of workers pushing a number of bombs into a large concrete building as we see throughout theses panels that readouts from the different gadgets in the binoculars, so all the panels have a kind of pea green tint to them as they're night vision binoculars as well).



(Then we see a panel that is a side shot of Warrens head as he's holding the binoculars to his eyes as we see his breath in the air as he's thinking), These things are great, gotta remember to thank Forge and his tech guys for letting me borrow them, but I don't see anything out of the ordinary, (with a slight grimace on his face). (We then see a panel that we're looking up at Warrens face as down below his head is a purple outline of Betsy's head and a small purple butterfly on Warren's forehead as she says telepathically), "See anything yet Warren?"



"Not yet Betts, so far everything looks normal, or at least as normal as it probably gets around here," (Warren things telepathically to Betsy with a smile). (Next panel is of Betsy standing in the snow with a hand to her temple and her powers flaring up as then in the next panel we close in for a shot of her from about her shoulders up as we see her with a smile before she turns and looks up as her hair is still whipping around despite the ponytail as she telepathically says), "maybe this was a false alarm, lord knows this isn't an exact science."





(Panel switches back to Warren as he lowers the binoculars and thinks back to Betsy with a sigh), "Maybe you're right, I'm not seeing anything up here, I think I'll do one more fly over and if I don't see anything then we can pack it in." "Agreed," (we see Betsy telepathically say before she turns to Warpath and Siryn, who look cold). "Well," (Siryn says blowing on her hands). "Nothing so far, Warren's going to do another sweep of the area, and if he still doesn't find anything then we'll head home," (Betsy says crossing her arms after pulling her hood up). "Good, because I cannae feel me hands anymore," (Siryn says shivering and trying to retreat into her coat). "Don't worry, something tells me that things are about to get interesting," (Betsy says looking back towards where Warren is).





[In the air above]



(First we see Warren, with the moon behind him as he's a dark shape). (We next see a panel of Warren flying with his wings outstretched as we see him first from below and then from the side). (In the next panel we see him stop before hovering and taking another look through the binoculars which in the previous panels he was holding in his right hand). Come on where are you Apocalypse, I know you're here somewhere, I can smell your foul stench all over this place (We see Warren think in a close up on him as he is holding the binoculars at about chest level and with an unhappy and impatient grimace on his face as he's also slightly squinting).



[Having spent the last hour and a half scanning and monitoring the area he is about to call it a night, and a false alarm, but Warren Worthington decides to play a hunch and take one more pass.].





[It is a decision that he quickly learns to regret making]. (We see a panel of Warren, hovering in the air, looking around). (Next small panel we see several figures moving in the shadows and they're carrying something heavy and large, then we see the shadows set the object down). (Then we see a small outside light-bulb with a glass cone on it that is partially broken). (Then we see more shadows milling about and the light being reflected off of something made of metal). (Then we see a shadow outline of a figure with we see a wicked smile of white teeth against the black body as it says), "Nighty night birdy."



(Then we see a shadow of an arm being dropped and then we see a small ball of energy begin to form, illuminating a large weapon that resembles a field artillery cannon). [When from out of the darkness.]. (We see a close up on Warren as he turns his head with an unsure look on his face as he says), "huh?" (We see the ball of energy shoot upwards towards Warren at an amazing speed and then hit him fully in the chest and then explode as he cries out in pain).



[And in a split second everything changes, of which one person, thanks to their psychic link, is ever so keenly aware of.]. (We see Warren fall from the sky, his wings and uniform on fire). (Then we quickly switch to a panel of Betsy standing near Warpath and Siryn). (Betsy is standing with her hands in her pockets, and she's looking down at the ground).





(Then she suddenly lift her head up in one panel, in the next one she spins around and looks up as she yells with a horrified look on her face), "Warren, No!". (Next panel we see her take off running through the forest). "Psylocke, hey wait, what's going on," (Warpath asks with an alarmed look on his face before we see Warpath and Siryn share a look of confusion before Siryn says), "Wait for us." (Then we see both Warpath and Siryn take off after Psylocke).





[Meanwhile]



(We switch back to Warren, whom we first see in an overhead shot of him lying in the snow, motionless in the semi-deep snow). (The next panel is from the side as we see Warren painfully lift his head with a groan). [Fighting through the pain Warren Worthington focuses all his energy on the task at hand]. (We see Warren now on his hands and knees, but struggling to stay there, as he's badly burned in places and his clothes are in burnt tatters and he has gritted teeth). "So nice of you to drop in Archangel," (a voice from off panel says as we see crimson dawn warriors snicker and laugh menacingly as they surround Warren, with their weapons drawn).



[Nearby]



(We see a full page panel of Betsy running towards us through the trees with Warpath and Siryn following behind). (Then we move in on a close up on Betsy from just below her shoulders up as she has a very worried but determined look on her face). [Her heart races, her breathing quickens]. [Her blood begins to pound in her ears, blocking out the voices of her trailing teammates]. [Her mind set on reaching her lovers side, taking nod heed of the brambles and briars that tear at her face and clothes]. "H-Hey wait up," (Warpath says as we see him crashing through the underbrush). "She ain't listening," (Siryn says dodging a branch or two as she's following Warpath).





"Whatever gave you that idea," (Warpath says with a slight smirk). [Thanks to her training as a ninja Psylocke quickly leaves Warpath and Siryn far behind] (We see an overhead shot in which we see the space between Betsy and Warpath/Siryn growing in a series of panels). (We switch to see Warpath and Siryn starting to slow up before Siryn stops and says), "Okay that's it, aye'm takin the high road." (Then we see her flying up into the air with Warpath close behind as he says), "right behind you."





[Inside the fences]



(We see Warren struggling to lift his head again out of the snow as c.d. warriors glare down at him). (Then we see a head on shot of Warren's face as he lifts his head up and we see some of the snow clinging to his face, there's a big gash over his right eye that's bleeding into his eye, burn marks on his cheek, forehead, and chin, and some blood is trickling out of the corner of his mouth as he's struggling to try and speak as he says), "Wha-what happened".



"We've been expecting you Mr. Worthington, I assume that your intrepid group of friends will be arriving shortly, to bad, but I guess it can't be helped," (Imol says walking up and then kneeling down in front of Warren and grabbing him by the throat with a sneer). (Then we see Imol give a haughty chuckle before he angrily sighs and lets go of Warrens neck, then Warren coughs, before he backhands Warren across the face and then stands up). (We see Warren cough out some blood before he looks up with a death stare at Imol who just laughs it off).





[Nearby.]





(We see a shadow standing near a tree with one arm on the trunk of the tree). (Then we see the figure leap up into the tree with a little burst of purple tk energy and land on a large and long branch). (Then we see the figure crouched on the branch before it runs down the length of the branch, jumps off and does a front somersault over the barbed wire and then lands and crouches down). (Next panel we see the person stand up and is facing us, we see that it's Psylocke, who thinks with a smile on her face), yep, I still got it. (Then we see her run off into the shadows). (We switch back to Warren, who is now on his knees).



"What happened Imol, did daddy kick you to the curb or something," (Warren says with a smile before we see Imol get very angry and charge Warren as he says), "You will rue the day you crossed me, failure." "You know what my father used to tell me," (Warren says with a grin before Imol takes a swing that we see Warren block while saying), "No, then I'll tell you". (We then see Warren stand up and say while blocking a kick aimed at his head), "He said to me son, if you don't have anything nice to say", (then he punches Imol in the stomach making Imol double over before Warren says angrily), "then you should just keep your mouth shut, or else I'll close it for you," (as he drops Imol with an elbow).





(Then Warren looks up with a determined look on his face as he says), "Anyone else". (We then see Warren take a step back as Imol shakily stands back up, holding the back of his neck, as he growls with an arm out restraining the crimson dawn warriors who look ready to attack Warren), "No, the failure wants to play hero.fine, we'll just see how well he does now". (We see Warren take a step forward, looking like he's ready to fight as he says, after spitting out some more blood), "What's wrong Imol, come on I don't bite." (We see Imol angrily start towards Warren).



(From off panel we then see), "But I might." (In that same panel we see Imol turn his head with a shocked look on his face). [From the darkness she explodes into their midst]. [Her fists find their marks, as many a crimson dawn warrior finds itself with a broken jaw]. (We see Psylocke leap into the fray as she lands and then crouches down before she leaps up and starts attacking the c.d. warriors). (We also see Warren start to fight as well when she jumps in as she says), "Warren," (and he says), "Betsy".



(Then we see Imol growl in anger as he steps back and lets a few c.d. warriors move in front oh him).(Then we see Warren and Betsy fighting as they're now fighting back to back as Betsy says while glancing nervously back over her shoulder), "You okay?" (We then see Betsy punch an oncoming c.d. warrior before Warren says after ducking a blow and then also punching a crimson dawn warrior), "I've been better". "Hear me X-men, your interference in my masters holy crusade for genetic purity ends now," (Imol says with a smile as he looks like he's preaching as a golem materializes from teleport right behind him).





(Then we see Warren and Betsy look up with alarmed looks on their faces as Betsy says), "My you're a big one aren't you". (Then Imol yells), "Get them!" (We see the golem storm at Warren and Betsy and then take a swing at Warren). (Warren tries to get out of the way but can't as the punch sends him flying into a nearby wall, hard). (Betsy dodges out of the way of the golems second punch before she can say much as all she can get out is), "War." (Before she dodges out of the way she first reaches a hand out to warn Warren). (We then see the golem go after Betsy before we see Warren slowly slide down the wall as we see that the wall was slightly cracked and there's some blood on it).





"This will be the day that you die mutant", (a c.d. warrior that is closely behind the golem says happily as it raises its weapon). (We then see Betsy deliver a spin kick to the golems face). (She goes for another one but the golem catches her ankle, surprising her).

(We see Betsy with a shocked look on her face before we see the golem violently and quickly turn Betsy's leg, causing her to scream out in pain). (Then we see the golem pick Betsy up off of the ground by her ankle like a doll and shake her hand, and laughs as it does it). (Then we see a close up of Betsy's face in pain as she's yelling partially at Warren and partially at Imol as we see him laughing his head off in the background). (Then we see a close up on Warren, who is still motionless on the ground).





(We then have a close up on Warren's head and shoulders as he's lying face down in the snow). (Then we see Warren start to move slowly). (We then see him move more as from off panel Betsy yells), "Ahh, Warren!" [Spurred on by his loves cries of pain Warren Worthington slowly and painfully comes to]. (We see Warren slowly raise his head, blink and mumble), "B-Betsy". "No, make her scream for me", (Imol says, drunk on his own power, as he has his fist clenched in front of his face and a zealot worthy smile on his face). (Then we see a panel of Betsy's face, she's angry as she says), "Go to hell!"



"Ooh such language Ms Braddock, I would expect better from someone such as you, I would have thought that your parents would have taught you some manners," (Imol growls with a sinister gleam in his eye). "They tried, it didn't take", (Betsy says with a mock smile on her face before we see her grit her teeth and squeeze her eyes shut and yell as the golem starts to swing her around).



[Suddenly]



(We see sound waves rip into the ground and slam into the golem, making it let go of Betsy, and the crimson dawn warriors as well as Imol which knocks them all violently off of their feet). [They are rocked off their feet and sent reeling as the unbridled fury of a first class sonic scream erupts around them]. [Courtesy of one fiery redhead]. (We see a big panel of Siryn in the air and screaming very loudly and angrily, she's facing us).



(Then we go to a panel of Warpath running towards us very quickly with his left shoulder angled forward as he then goes through the group of bad guys in one pass, knocking them back down and up into the air as they struggle to get up from Siryn's attack). (We then see Warpath knock the golem down and say with a smile on his face), "Oh no, don't get up on my account." "Contemptuous fools, do not delude yourselves, you can't win," (Imol says pounding his fist on the ground angrily).



"Aye bet ye say that to all the girls," (Siryn says landing next to Warren with a smile on her face). (We then see the golem get back to its feet and we see it try to stomp on Betsy as she rolls out of the way and then tries to stand up before she crumples back down with a cry of pain as she holds her left knee with a pained expression on her face).



(We then see Siryn kneel down beside Warren and put a hand on Warrens shoulder as she then helps Warren stand up while saying), "Whoa easy there, ye okay Warren?" (Warren is standing up with a hand on his temple before he shakes his head and says after taking a step towards Betsy), "I'm fine, Betsy?"



(The golem tries to continue its assault but Warpath steps in saying), "Whoa big fella," (as Betsy is right behind him as she then uses the corner of the building to pull herself up in a panel as she says), "Oh I'm just peachy." (We see Warpath and the golem exchange a few punches as then after getting punched Warpath says while punching the golem), "Is that all you got?" (Then we see Warpath get punched twice before we see Siryn look up and over at Warpath and say), "Quit playing games boyo".



(We switch back to Warpath as he's on the receiving end of a punch he thinks), Easy for you to say Terry, you don't have the Pillsbury Dough-Boy here trying to pound your face in. (Then we see Imol duck down and go behind some of the crimson dawn warriors who charge towards Warren and Siryn).



[Noticing that the focus of everyone's attention is not on him Imol uses the opportunity to slip away.] (We then see him enter one of the large nearby buildings). (We then see Siryn notice that the c.d. warriors are running towards her as she says looking at Warren out of the corner of her eye), "Ye ready for this?" (Warren then turns to face the oncoming c.d. warriors and says), "I'd better be, watch out," (as he pushes Siryn away as a c.d. warrior swings its weapon in that newly open space).



(We then see Betsy fighting some of the c.d. warriors as she's leaning up against the wall with her one good leg as we see a c.d. warrior hit her leg and then she yells in pain and anger before we see her psy-sword and slash on of the warriors as she says), "filthy buggers." [Even with one injured leg she fights on .]. [.For she has never been one to back down from a fight.]. [.and she surely isn't about to start now].



(We cut back to Warren as one of the crimson dawn warrior's is slashing at him with its weapon as he barely jumps back and out of the way, meanwhile Siryn is in a very similar predicament). (Warren then has to almost bend over backwards to avoid a slash from a c.d. warrior as he says), "whoa". (Then he stands up, grabs the arm of the attacking c.d. warrior and throws him at the one attacking Siryn as he yells), "Siryn look out!"



(Then the c.d. warrior that Warren threw crashes into the other one and they go down in a heap as then Siryn punches a c.d. warrior that jumps over the two that just fell down). (Then we see Warpath get hit and then go crashing through a concrete wall). (We see Siryn turn and look at the hole with a shocked look on her face as she yells), "Jimmy!"



[Inside]



(We see Imol standing inside of one of the buildings with a sinister smile on his face). While those fools keep those X-rejects busy I'll complete my lord's mission, (We see Imol think as he looks around the building). (We then see Imol walk up to a door and then he gives a haughty smirk as he phases through the door and into a small office). "Now where are.ah.," (Imol says as he looks around before spotting a couple of filing cabinets in the corner). (Then he walks over and tries to open the top drawer but gets angry when he finds that it's locked).

(Then he smiles as we see him reach his hand into the cabinet and then pulls his hand back out and it's in a fist). (Then he tosses something up in the air and catches it, then he sets the item on the desk, we see that it's the drawers lock). (Then we see him open the drawer and start rifling through the folders until he gets to the right one and pulls it out and then turns it over as we see something small fall out and into his hand). (Then we see a close up on Imol's hand as we see that he's holding a pair of keys with metal chains attached to them).





(Then we see him clench his fist with the chains hanging out before he slips them in a pocket and then turns and walks back out of the office through the door before we see someone yell from off panel), "You there, halt." [Translated from Russian] (We see a large panel of two guards running towards Imol with their guns drawn). "Don't move," (a guard says as they get near Imol with their guns pointed at his face).



"Pitiful humans," (Imol says with a sneer before he calmly attacks the guards, snapping the first guards neck with a look of glee on his face and then easily wrestles the other guards gun away and then proceeds to blow the guard away while laughing maniacally). (Then we see him chuck the gun, with its barrel smoking, shrug his shoulders and then he walks back towards the door).



[Back Outside]



(We see the golem and Warpath locked in combat near where Warpath went through the wall, Siryn is flying around and blasting some crimson dawn warriors, Betsy is barely fending off some c.d. warriors, Warren has found a metal bar that's about as long as he is tall and he's using it to fight back). [The battle wages on, with one side beginning to weaken]. (We then see a small group of c.d. warriors enter the same building that Imol did). (Then we see a c.d. warrior fire the big weapon again and it hits Siryn squarely in the back, knocking her onto the roof of the nearest building).





(Then she slides off of the roof and falls into a large snow-bank). (Warpath sees her fall and yells), "Terry!" (With a very worried look on his face as he gives the golem a couple of good hits before he turns to run over to Siryn). (Then we see Warpath start to run over, but stop and turn slightly as he gets hit fully in the chest by the weapon and is sent reeling).



(Then we see a panel of him bent over, clutching his chest, with a pained look on his face and gritted teeth). (Then we see Siryn stagger to her feet, however she's wobbly, and has one hand on her head and the other is on her stomach as it looks like she's going to be sick as we first see a close up panel of her face with a sick look on her face and then a panel of her taking a step forward before we see her get blasted back up into the wall by another blast from the field cannon like weapon). (Seeing this Warpath cries out in anger and bull rushes the weapon as we see the c.d. warriors frantically trying to aim it at him).



(We then see him get to the weapon and he smashes it just as the c.d. warrior pulls the trigger, so Warpath is sent flying by the weapon exploding and the blast from the weapon itself). [He makes a bold move, desperately trying to dispatch the weapon before it strikes again]. [It is a race against the unseen proverbial clock.]. [And this is one race that James Proudstar, fast may he be, loses.]. (We then see the golem smile and then go after Betsy but Warren yells), "Betsy, No," (as he runs over and brings the metal rod down on the back of the golems skull with a loud crack).



(Without flinching the golem spins around and backhands Warren into the air and back into the road, which is full of dirty slush and snow). (Betsy spears a c.d. warrior through the stomach with her psy-sword with a very angry, tired, and worried look on her face as she yells), "Warren!" (Then we see Warren starting to get up and as he spreads his wings the golem grabs one wing and begins to crush it with a dopey smile on his ugly face). [Bones break, tendons snap, and blood flows]. (Warren yells out in pain).





(We then see Warpath slam into the golem with his shoulder that sends the golem off its feet and into a nearby snow drift). (We then see Warren pull his injured wing around and gingerly touch it as he's on his knees in the snow and he says, glancing up at Warpath), "thanks." (Warpath then helps him up as he says), "don't mention it." (Then we see the golem come roaring back out of the snow drift as Warpath and Warren both leap out of the way and then Warpath rolls over to be at Siryn's side as Betsy is kneeling beside Siryn, trying to help her get up as Siryn is very groggy). (Warpath props Siryn up with one arm and with his other hand he props her head up as his hand is under her chin, with his thumb on her cheek as Siryn is fading in and out of consciousness and mumbling incoherently).



(The golem then roars and charges at Warren, who is now fighting a crimson dawn warrior). (Warren ducks a punch from the golem that ends up hitting the warrior, which Warren was fighting, squarely in the chest which sends it flying back into a group of other c.d. warriors, knocking them all down). (Then we see a panel of Warpath holding Siryn up but looking over at Warren fighting the golem). (Then he looks back at Siryn with an impatient look on his face).



[Decisions] (Then we see a small panel that is of Warpaths arm and we see a woman's hand on it). (The next panel is of Betsy, with her one hand on Warpaths arm as she says), "I'll protect her, you go and help Warren." (Then we see Warpath run back to help Warren as we see Warren get barely clipped by the one of the golems fists and get thrown back into the dirty mush of the road and slides a little way in the muck). "Hey twinkle-toes, let's you and me dance," (Warpath growls as the golem starts towards Warren but then turns when Warpath gets near).



(We see Warpaths fist coming at the golem in the reflection in its eyes in a close up on its eyes). (We then see Warpaths fist connect as the golem staggers backwards). [Angered now he presses the attack, unrelenting in its furor]. (Next few panels are of the Warpath relentlessly punching the golem and making it stagger backwards blindly). (Then the golem takes a big swing at Warpath, but he ducks out of the way). (Then we see Warren use the metal staff that he picks up from the snow beside him and vaults up and kicks the golem in the face).



[As they say, one good turn deserves another]. (We then see in one panel Betsy standing guard in front of Siryn as she slashes a c.d. warrior that tries to attack her as in the next panel we see Warpath, with his hands clasped together, starting to spin, and then in the next panel we see him strike the golem directly in the chest). (Then we see the golem go flying through the air and crashing through the wall of one of the buildings). "Nice work," (Warren says as we see him kneeling in the snow and then he uses the staff to help himself stand up). "Thanks, shall we," (Warpath says with a mock bow and a smile before he and Warren run over to the building with the hole in it and peer inside).



(Then the next panel is of the inside of the building as we see Imol angrily waving at a group of c.d. warriors that are pushing a bomb towards two or three other bombs that are sitting side by side, surrounded by crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see the golem stagger back to its feet as Imol turns and yells), "Ahh you stupid creature, what are you doing?" (Then we see from off panel someone say), "Oh Lucy, I'm home."



(Then we see a panel of Imol, with fists clenched and gritted teeth, and the other crimson dawn warriors looking startled as then we go in for a close up of Imol's face as he very angrily yells), "You!" (Then we see a panel of Warren and Warpath crawling through the hole in the wall as Warren says), "Well well Imol, I really hope you're not doing what I think you're doing."



"Sorry to disappoint you worm, but I do what I want when I want, and I don't need your permission," (Imol yells angrily pounding his fist into the wall). "Methinks he doth hate us, we must figure out why," (Warpath says with a big joking smile as Warren, in the next panel, sighs while looking at Warpath out of the corner of his eye).



(Then we see Imol get even angrier and pull over a large shelving unit and its contents come crashing down). (We then see the crimson dawn warriors stop and stare, a little shocked and unsure of what to do next). "What the hell are you doing, quit staring and get back to work," (Imol yells at the warriors before he turns to the golem and says), "Stupid creature, I command you to destroy them!" (The golem growls and starts to walk towards Warren and Warpath). "Uh oh Warren, it's big dumb and ugly, we'd better run," (Warpath says chuckling as he pops his knuckles on each hand with the palm of the other hand).



"Not now James," (Warren says in a panel as we see him in a defensive stance with Warpath behind him who's also looking ready for a fight as then the golem picks up a large crate and hurls it at Warren and Warpath, who just barely dive out of the way as the crate crashes into the wall and bursts open). (Then Warpath charges the golem and as he punches the golem in the face he says), "Nice arm." (Then we see Warren running towards the collected bombs as he has to fight through crimson dawn warriors before Imol yells), "Stop Him!"



(Then the group of crimson dawn warriors attack Warren before one of them gets a lucky kick in that trips Warren and he falls down). (Next panel we see Warren angrily look up at the bombs and he sees the markings on them, and then we do a close up on Warrens face that is one of pure shock and horror). [With a sense of overwhelming fear and dread the true purpose of this attack dawns on him]. (In a panel of Warren pushing himself up we see him think), Oh no. (Then we see the golem come staggering back into the picture as it almost hits Imol).



(Then Imol angrily yells), "Watch where you're lumbering you freak, you almost hit me." "Hey Warren what's", (Warpath says turning to Warren). "Enough of this foolishness, we got what we came for, adios filth", (Imol says shaking his head in disgust and activating the teleportation device that's on his wrist). "No, we can't let them.," (Warren yells as he lunges at the bombs but they dematerialize and he passes into them). (In the next panel we see a close up of Warren's hands as the bombs teleport away).



(In the next panel we see Warren on his knees and he's looking down at his upturned hands with a dejected look on his face as he mutters), "No." [He tries desperately to halt the teleportation, but he is too late].



"This isn't going to have a happy ending is it?" (Warpath says looking around at al the destruction with a solemn look on his face). (We then see Warren stand up and as he walks by Warpath he pauses and says, with a very emotionless face), "No, it won't." "That's what I was afraid of," (Warpath says hanging his head and following Warren as they head back towards the hole in the wall).



(But just as Warren is about to climb out he stops and looks down). (We see a panel that in which we're looking down and we see one dead guard lying amongst the debris, and then next to that body is the one that Imol shot). (We then see a shot of Warren and Warpath with very sad looks on their faces). (Then Warren kneels down and closes his eyes and says), "Peace be with you." (Then we see him stand up and then they both go through the hole).



[Shortly.]



(We see Betsy kneeling in the snow beside Siryn, who is lying up against a wall). (We see Betsy look up, smile and say), "What happened, where's Imol?" "The coward ported out before we could get to him," (Warpath says kneeling down beside Siryn with a concerned look on his face). "But not before he made off with enough firepower to make the fourth of July look like a kiddy show", (Warren says angrily clenching his fist with an almost emotionless look on his face as then in the next panel he helps Betsy up before they hug and kiss).



"Terry, hey Terry," (Warpath says with a hand on Siryn's chin and on her shoulder). (We see a panel of Warren and Betsy, Warren has his arm around Betsy's midsection, holding her up as her one arm is slung over Warren's shoulders that helps her stay up and her other hand is as Warrens side, helping her stay stable as she says), "Don't worry James, I gave her the suggestion telepathically that she needed to sleep, I thought it'd be better than if she woke up in the middle of the fight." "C'mon let's go home, I feel like I've been through the wringer a time or two," (Warren says starting to turn away from Siryn and Warpath).



(Next panel is of Warren and Betsy walking slowly away, with a limp). "Yah, I just hope I'm not late for work," (Warpath says as he cautiously picks Siryn up and starts to walk after Warren and Betsy, carrying Siryn like a small child). (Catching up to Warren and Betsy he says), "Uh Warren, not to be a killjoy but it's a long way back to the X-jet, and your wing doesn't look to good, maybe I should just fly us all back."



(We then see Warren with a thoughtful look on his face before he looks down at Betsy as with a slight grimace on her face she nods her head). "Looks like I've been outvoted," (Warren says with a shrug and a smile).



[Later]



(Scene opens with the sun starting to set on the teams HQ). [As another day draws to a close the stillness is broken by the angry shouts of an angry young woman]. (The next panel we see is almost exactly like the last one except that now we see the words), "Aargh, where are they," (coming out from the middle of the cliff). (Then we move in and see that the hanger door is open and Sam and Tabitha are near the edge, looking out, they got cleaned up after their fight with the golem, but Tabitha's elbow is wrapped up and Sam has a bruise on his temple).



(Sam is sitting on a crate, tying his shoes and looking over at Tabitha as he says), "Don't worry Tab they'll be back, they're too stubborn to die." "I hope you're right, I'd hate for all of them to kick the bucket right before I fully joined the team," (we see said from off panel as we're looking at Sam and Tabitha from behind them).



(Then we see a full body panel of Erica walking towards us as she's wearing tennis shoes, jeans, a blue with yellow lettering shirt that says-Xavier's XXL- on it and she's pulling her hair back into a ponytail as we then see a panel of Sam and Tabitha looking silently at her before Tabitha turns around and says), "Oh it's you." (In the next panel we see Sam look first at Tabitha and then at Erica as he says), "You know where they are?"



"Nope, they blew out of her to fast, I don't even think Warren told them until they were airborne," (Erica says jumping up and sitting on the crate beside Sam). (Then we see a close up on Tabitha's eye-line as we see her look out of the corner of her eyes, and we see in her eyes that she's not happy that Erica is sitting beside Sam as we see them in the background).

"So then, you don't know when they'll get back, right," (Tabitha says with an angry grimace on her face and her arms crossed). "Right, but shouldn't you be leaving for work soon Samuel," (Erica says lightly elbowing Sam with a smile on her face). "Well ah can't wait any longer, ah've got to go to work," (Sam says hopping off the crate and walking over to Tabitha).



"Love you," (Sam says as he and Tabitha share a quick kiss before Sam turns and walks out of the room as Tabitha says), "I-I love you to." (After Sam has left Erica turns to Tabitha and says with a smile), "You're one lucky woman." "Yes I am," (Tabitha says turning back and looking out into the evening sky). (Then we see Erica get off of the crate and walk over and stand next to Tabitha before she then points and says), "Is that them?" (Tabitha looks as well at first squinting and then smiling as she says), "I think so.yep it's them."



(Then we see the X-jet come in and land in the hanger, as Tabitha and Erica get out of the way, and then come to a halt). (Then we see the ramp come down and first Betsy comes out limping and then Warren is right behind her as he helps her down the ramp). "Wha-what happened," (Tabitha says with a frightened look on her face). "One word, fubar", (Warren says with an angry look on his face). (Then Warpath comes out carrying Siryn with a very worried look on his face as he turns his head towards Erica who lays a hand on his arm, and says), "Still glad you joined up?"-END