My Uncanny XMen Mini's

by LoganAlpha30

Archangel, Psylocke, Warpath, Siryn, Cannonball, Meltdown, and Psyflare vs the evils of Apocalypse and the Crimson Dawn. All New 4 Horseman. Chapter 39 Now Up...

27. My 27th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI: A Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Waste

BY: LOGANALPHA30

( ) – Art Instructions

[ ] – Caption Boxes

""-Words

-Thoughts

++-Time, Place Boxes

+Seconds Later+

 +Erica's Room+

[After being spurned more than once she let her emotions and powers run rampant…].  […resulting in the pressure building inside her head…].  […until finally it simply became too much for her to bear and…].  (We start off with a few panels of what led up to Erica ending up lying there on the floor just inside her room on her stomach with a trickle of blood running out of her nose).  (Then we see Cable walking down the hallway in the mansion and he's checking data on what looks like a digital notebook).  (Then we see Cable think with an impatient scowl on his face as he's punching something up on the digital notebook), Two weeks and still nothing…maybe this wasn't the best idea that I've ever had…and now Dani's hung up for God knows how long, but something's not right….  (Then we see Cable think with a confused look on his face), …here…, (as we see him in a panel as he's standing in the doorway of Erica's room as in the foreground we see Erica lying on her stomach and Cable is in the background and he almost drops his digital notebook).  "Erica," (Cable then says with a very worried look on his face as he then rushes into the room and sets his digital notebook down on her desk that's just inside the door and then to Erica's side). 

"Erica…," (Cable then yells as he takes Erica's pulse and then angrily shakes his head before he then picks Erica up carefully and then rush back out of the room).  (Then we see Cable running through the halls of the mansion as he thinks telepathically with a grim look on his face), Psylocke are you there, I'm bringing Erica to the infirmary, I found her lying on the floor…she's hurt.  (Then we cut to a panel of Betsy rushing through the halls with Forge behind her as she thinks back telepathically), I know, Forge and I are on our way to the infirmary right now…we'll meet you there.  "What's going on, what's wrong with Erica, is she alright," (Forge then says with a worried look on his face as he's following Betsy through the halls).  "I'm not sure…Cable found her unconscious on the floor in her room, he's taking her to the infirmary," (Betsy then says with a very worried look on her face as she looks back over her shoulder at Forge).  "I thought you said that you had helped Erica get her powers under control," (Forge then says with a very confused look on his face as he then holds a door open for Betsy).  (Then we see Forge and Betsy go into the elevator and then the doors close as we then also see Alysson just get frustrated and sit down in a plush chair).  (Then we see a panel of inside the elevator as Betsy then says with a very concerned look on her face), "I thought that I had…I truly did, I'm at a loss as to what's going on…unless…no it can't be…." 

"What Psylocke, what can't it be," (Forge then says with a very grim and demanding look on his face as we see as if we're standing outside of the elevator and the doors are half open).  "I didn't think that it would happen this fast, but Erica is an Omega mutant, I was going to ask you to help us keep track of her powers, help her keep their progression under control…but they're flaring out of her control," (Betsy then says with a concerned look on her face as she hurries down the hallway and dodges around a table).  "Just how powerful is she…do you have a guess," (Forge then asks with a concerned look on his face as he and Betsy round a corner).  "Enough for us to hope and pray that she stays on our side," (Betsy then says with a slightly scared look on her face as she and Forge rush into the infirmary).  (Then we see a panel of Betsy and Forge coming into the infirmary in the background as Forge then says), "Cable, how is she," (as then in the foreground we see Cable say as he's hovering over Erica who's lying in the open bio-bed that Tabitha just vacated hours earlier and he's putting an iv in Erica's arm), "Not good Forge…Psylocke…what happened?" 

"Her powers flared out of control…it must have been a psy-seizure," (Betsy then says with a very concerned look on her face as she checks out the first few readouts of Erica's life signs).  "Sorry if this sounds stupid but what…," (Forge then says with a tired look on his face as he's checking on a few instruments).  "It's like your average seizure, except that it only affects mutant whose power is telepathic in nature, I've come close a few times myself," (Cable then says with a very concerned scowl on his face as Betsy is putting the breathing apparatus on Erica and makes sure that the two short air tubes are in her nose and then the sides are around her ears).  "So then what you're saying is that her injuries are psychic in nature…not physical," (Forge then says with a tired look on his face before he coughs and sits down to catch his breath).  "Pretty much, but for Omega level telepaths the connection between our physical and psychic selves intermingles, what negatively affects one affects the other as well," (Cable then says with an impatient look on his face as he takes out a tray of syringes filled with different colored drugs and picks one up and then taps it and squirts out a little bit). 

"Are you sure about that Nathan, I'm not sure that she can take it," (Betsy then says with an unsure look on her face as she puts a restraining hand on Cable's arm).  "We don't have time to argue about this Psylocke, this drug might be powerful, but she's in such a degraded state that we can't use any of the weaker ones," (Cable then says with a very concerned look on his face before we then see a wider bio-bed up panel of Cable reaching down to give Erica the shot).  (Then we see a close up panel of the needle going into Erica's shoulder).  "Are you sure that won't kill her," (Forge then asks with a worried and slightly annoyed look on his face as he uses the edge of Erica's bio-bed to keep himself standing).  "We'll know in a minute," (Cable then responds with a somewhat worried look on his face as he sets the now empty syringe down and then turns to check for any changes in her bio-signs).  [They wait and watch for any change in her condition, even in the slightest degree].  (Then we see Betsy scoff a small bit and then say as she shakes her head with a somber and serious look on her face), "No change…#$%*!"  "She can't die," (Forge then says with a desperate look on his face as he stumbles to the edge of the bio-bed and then punches in a few buttons). 

(Then we see a panel of small lamp like device come out of the ceiling and then lower down before it shoots out a red light that scans Erica's entire body and then Cable joins Forge at the end of the bio-bed).  (Then we see Cable grimace and use his thumb to scratch his cheek as he then says), "Hmm…that's what I was afraid of…her psychic aura is starting to split itself from her physical body, to have any chance of saving her we have to enter her mind and somehow calm her down and reconnect her two selves."  "We…," (Betsy then says as she looks up at Cable with a startled and unsure frown on her face and starts to stand fully back up as with one hand she's tucking some hair behind her ear).  "I mean we as in you and I Psylocke, as the only two trained telepaths in the are the duty falls to us to do this," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he crosses his arms and Forge looks on in concern).  "You're right Cable…Xavier's to busy, Jean has her own problems…that I'd rather not get into, Emma…well she's…not here, and as for Tessa…well I wouldn't trust her to take care of my cat let alone something of this magnitude," (Betsy then says in a couple of panels that show a close up view of her face and both looks on her face look like she's not happy with the situation but she accepts it begrudgingly). 

"How long is this supposed to take," (Forge then says with a concerned scowl on his face as he looks up towards Cable and Betsy).  "I don't know, I've never done this before," (Cable then says with a slightly nervous look on his face).  (Then we see Forge drop his head a bit and then shake it a bit as he says), "That just makes me feel so confident…you know that right?"  "Trust me Forge, I don't like this any more than you do but it's the only way to save Erica…without causing her any permanent brain damage," (Betsy then says with a very serious look on her face with her arms crossed and of her hands is curled up underneath her chin).  "Then you'd better get started, the sooner the better," (Forge then says with an unhappy sigh and shrug of his shoulders before he then turns and leaves the room as Betsy and Cable look at each other with concerned scowl on their faces). 

[Worthington Industries]

"Tell me again why I still do business with you," (an old man in a dark blue business suit that's in a wheelchair says with a very serious look on his face as Warren is standing in front of him with his arms crossed and an equally serious look on his face).  "Because I'm the only man in this business that knows what you're going through…being a mutant in this business isn't easy," (Warren then says with a sly smirk on his face before the two men then break into a laugh as then we see Warren sit down in a nearby chair as he stops laughing).  "I remember when your father and I used to do this…except back then I was making most of the merriment, your father never did do to well in that department," (the old man then says with a nostalgic look on his face as he's wheeling wheelchair around so that he's directly across from Warren).  "Tell me about it, I used to have to explain all of the jokes on the television to him, and I'm not exactly very much of a jokester myself, I've been accused on more than one occasion of not having a sense of humor," (Warren then says with a small almost sad smirk on his face as he sits up in the chair and places his hands on his knees). 

"Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have a sense of humor Warren, you were just deprived of it as a child…I was much the same, however I was able to change…and I think…no I know that you are able as well, you'll have to with children on the way," (the old man then says with a confident look on his face before he then coughs).  "Will do Mr. Santera, but you really should get that cough looked at, it sounds pretty bad…," (Warren then says at first with a smile on his face before he ends up with a very serious look on his face and his eyebrows are furrowed).  "Don't worry about me, I'm an old man…what would be the point of it all," (the old man then says with a wave of his hand and a calm look on his face before he looks away out of the nearby window).  "You're wrong Carlos, you have plenty to live for, after all didn't you say last week that you still didn't feel very comfortable turning your company over to any of your children, what do you think will happen should something happen to you," (Warren then says with a worried look on his face as he leans forward in his chair and shakes his head). 

"They would deal with it well enough…but I see what you've been trying to do Warren, if all else fails I'd just go and turn everything over to you and Elizabeth," (Carlos then says with a happy smile on his face as he moves his chair forward and then pats Warren on the shoulder).  "What, and have your children try and sue me for everything I'm worth," (Warren then says with a joking smile on his face before he then stands up and walks to the window as he's looking out of the window with his hands clasped together behind his back).  "What's bothering you Warren…really, you're laughing a lot but I can tell that…," (Carlos then says with a worried look on his face as he rolls his wheelchair up next to the window and looks over and up at Warren with a concerned look on his face).  "You know how there's that old saying where people feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders but few rarely do," (Warren then says with a very grim look on his face as we see a close up view of his face at the window as we also see his face being reflected by the window).  "Yes…but what does that have to do with…," (Carlos then says with a growing look of concern on his face as Warren then hangs his head a bit). 

"Well answer me this then, what happens when you wake up one morning only to discover that the weight of the world truly is on your shoulders, that the hopes and dreams of the entire world are placed squarely in the palm of your hand, because right now my friends and I are the only thing standing between peace and total anarchy," (Warren then says with an overwhelmed grimace on his face as he squints his eyes because of the glare of the sun).  "Are you sure that it's really that bad Warren," (Carlos then says with a slightly confused look on his face as Warren then says as he shifts uncomfortably and turns away from the window), "I was putting it lightly Carlos, if I or any of my team make a wrong move the world could very well end tomorrow."  "I would say that you've been watching far to many old science fiction movies…that's what I'd say," (Carlos then says with a skeptic look on his face as he leans back in his chair and shakes his head). 

"I wish it were that simple, but I'm afraid that it's very true, most days this world is about two steps away from destroying itself, but right now that count is down to one step…and even that step is now on treacherous footing," (Warren then says with a very somber look on his face as he walks back towards the desk).  "What's with all of the doom and gloom Warren, you haven't sounded like this since you lost your old wings," (Carlos then says with a worried look on his face as he wheels his wheelchair around and then follows Warren back towards the desk).  "I'm not that bad am I, back then I was barely here…to wrapped up in one of my numerous fits of brooding," (Warren then says with a worried scowl on his face as he pulls out the chair and sits back down with then his head in his hands).  "No you're not that bad…yet, and you did always tend to brood…even as a child, your father used to find you standing by the window looking out as if in a daze, he'd almost have to slap you across the face to get you to snap out of it," (Carlos then says with a concerned and serious look on his face as he clasps his hands together on his lap in a panel where he kind of looks like Professor Xavier). 

"I remember that, he was always so mad with me about that, to tell you the truth I don't even remember what I was thinking about back then," (Warren then says with a nostalgic smile on his face as he slouches in his chair and rubs his tired eyes).  "Well such is life eh…but tell me this, how's that fiancé of your doing, still keeping you on your toes," (Carlos then says with a big smile on his face as he then scratches the back of his ear).  "She's doing a lot more than that Carlos, she's got me…," (Warren then starts to say with a laugh before he suddenly stops and looks like he's in a trance as Betsy's psychic butterfly appears on his forehead and we also see a small psychic image of Betsy's head appear nearby).  (Then we see the head of Betsy say telepathically), Warren, we need you back at the mansion immediately, there's something wrong with Erica, Cable and I have to go inter her mind telepathically to save her…and no there's no other way to do it so don't ask, this is going to be a very delicate psychic action, I don't know how long it's going to take, and just so you know…I love you…and I'd like it if you were here beside me when we do it.  I love you to, (Warren then says back telepathically with a smile as the Betsy head smiles to). 

(Then we see, as Carlos has said while Warren and Betsy have been telepathically talking, Carlos say with a worried and shocked look on his face as he is also reaching out to Warren), "Warren…what is it…what's happening?"  I'll be home as soon as I can, (Warren then says back telepathically with a serious look on his face before we then see the psychic butterfly disappear).  "Warren what," (Carlos then says with a completely confused look on his face as he's leaning forward in his wheelchair).  "I can't tell you right now Carlos…there's trouble at home," (Warren then says with a slightly shell-shocked look on his face before he then shakes his head and rubs his eyes).  "Warren let me help you, what's going on at home, I'm not a mind reader like your fiancé…I only have x-ray vision…let me help you," (Carlos then says with a tired look on his face as he then inches closer to Warren).  "I know you want to help me Carlos, but this is way beyond your understanding…come to think of it probably mine to…but just trust me on this and I'll hopefully see you tomorrow for our next meeting," (Warren then says with a calm smile on his face as he stands up and quickly shakes hands with Carlos). 

"Agreed…but what do you…Warren," (Carlos then says with an unsure look on his face as we see Warren loosening his tie and walking towards the door).  "I'm taking the quicker way home," (Warren then says with a sly smile on his face as he takes one last look back at Carlos before then leaving the room).  "Good luck my friend…I have a strong feeling that you're going to need it," (Carlos then says with a small laugh as he then shakes his head and continues to laugh as then in the next few panels we pull away and still see him laughing as then in the last panel we see Warren flying away through the air).

[The Danger Room]

[Special Simulation #7]

[He has come here often, mostly by himself, and stayed sometimes for hours at a time].  [It is not out of nostalgia that he comes to this place, it is instead out of sadness and hope].  [Sadness at the loss that he suffered here in this place and hope at the possibilities that his future now holds].  [On this trip down memory lane though he is not alone].  (First we open with many views of the old Guthrie homestead back when it was still all good as then the wind is blowing).  (Then we see a panel of a man standing with his arms crossed on the hills as then we move in closer and do a three hundred and sixty degree spin around the guy).  (Then we see his hair blowing before we see that it's Sam and he's standing with a calm but sad look on his face).  [She is here for him not matter how much he hurts or wants to be alone].  [For the better part of her adult life he has been her world].  [In truth she views the short amounts of time that she has been apart from him since the day that she first met him as cold, lonely, and anchorless…].  […as if her life had lost its direction and purpose…].  […and it was in those times that she had made some of the worst mistakes of her young life]. 

[But now that they've entered into a new stage of their relationship, signified by the diamond tipped band that currently encircles the third finger on her left hand…].  […she has made it her mission to try and fill in the hole in his heart that was created by the destruction and death that occurred in this place that they both now consider as holy ground].  (We see from a little distance away a blonde woman whose hair is blowing because of the wind approach Sam).  (Then we move in closer and see that it's Tabitha and she has a very solemn look on her face).  (Then we see Tabitha step up beside Sam and then say with a sad look on her face), "It's scary you know…ya stand here long enough you start to forget that they're all gone…."  "I don't…I can't…forget Tabitha, I lost my entire family on that day and even with all of my powers I couldn't do a…I couldn't stop it from happening," (Sam then says with a look on his face as if he wants to cry but he's wanting to be strong for Tabitha so he doesn't).  "Sam…we've been over this," (Tabitha then says with a very worried look on her face as she turns to Sam and lays a hand on his shoulder). 

"Doesn't matter how many times we go over it Tab, they'll all still be gone…," (Sam then says in a close up panel in which it's from about Sam's stomach up as we see Tabitha standing in front of Sam looking up at him with a very sad look on her face and a hand on Sam's one cheek as he turns away and looks down as he then says with a very sullen frown on his face), "Just like…."  "No Sam…no one else will ever leave you…I won't let them," (Tabitha then says with a very strong and assured look on her face as she makes Sam look at her).  "Nice idea Tabitha…but you're not that strong," (Sam then says with a touched smile on his face before we then see a full body side panel as Sam leans down and kisses Tabitha).  (Then we see Sam put his arms around Tabitha and she him and she lays her head on Sam's chest).  (Then we pull back and see a wide panel of the two of them holding each other on the hilltop and we also see some leaves blowing in the wind).  "Aw…Terry…aren't they so cute," (Warpath then says with a sly grin on his face as he's brushing some hair out of his eyes and then we see Siryn say with a big smirk on her face as she's putting her hair up into a ponytail), "Aye…the two lovebirds." 

"Nice timing guys…you couldn't have…oh I don't know…maybe…waited a little while longer," (Tabitha then says with a slightly angry scowl on her face as she and Sam turn so that she can look at Warpath and Siryn).  "We'll remember that next time Tabitha…we will, but with everything that's going on we just thought that you guys should know the four one one," (Warpath then says with a fake look of embarrassment on his face as he shrugs his shoulders as Siryn just rolls her eyes and shakes her head).  "We already know what's going on Jimmy…Sam and I were here trying to drown ourselves in our combined sorrows for a bit…that was until you two showed up and ruined it," (Tabitha then says with a slightly angry look on her face as she and Sam separate and Sam looks back at his old house while Tabitha also crosses her arms).  "That's not what we meant Tabitha," (Siryn then says with a slightly sarcastic look on her face as she steps up next to Tabitha and then has a somber frown on her face as she looks over at Sam's old house).  "I'd almost forgotten how nice and peaceful it looked…before…," (Warpath then says with an equally somber frown on his face as he looks back and forth between the house and Sam). 

"Does seeing this…how it was before…help any Sam," (Siryn then says with a sympathetic look on her face as she sighs and looks over at Sam).  "Sometimes it does yeah…at least for a little while, but then I remember that it's all just an illusion and they're really all gone," (Sam then says with a sigh and shrug of his shoulders with a solemn look on his face before he then hangs his head).  "Just like many things in our lives…only an illusion," (Siryn then says with a sad frown on her face as she looks up at Warpath who nods his head sadly in agreement).  "Alright guys…Sam and I can get depressed on our own, what was it that you two came to tell us," (Tabitha then says with a bored and sad frown on her face as she's now arm in arm with Sam).  "We came to tell you that we probably should have been a little nicer to Erica earlier," (Siryn then says with a slightly disgusted with herself frown on her face before she nervously runs a hand through her hair).  "Why…she was a total bitch this morning, whatever happened to her I say that she got what she…," (Tabitha then says with her hands on her hips and a rather defiant look on her face). 

(Then we see Warpath take a step toward Tabitha and then say with an unhappy and slightly angry scowl on his face as he also holds up a hand), "Stop it Tabitha…right now, I don't care what Erica did this morning, she didn't…doesn't…deserve to be where she is right now…in the condition that she's in."  "Which is…," (Tabitha then says with a look of disbelief on her face as she crosses her arms).  "Tabitha…," (Sam then says with an embarrassed look on his face as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head as he drops it).  "No Sam…not this time, I want to know exactly what little miss I want sex no and in as many ways as I can get it gotten herself into now," (Tabitha then says with a very fed up and defiant look on her face as she has her fists clenched down at her sides).  "Okay fine…unless Psylocke and Cable can perform a very delicate kind of psychic surgery she'll…she'll…," (Siryn then says angrily at first before after she finishes talking we see a panel of Siryn looking very sad and worried).  "She'll what…lose her Revlon contract," (Tabitha then say with a very haughty smile and laugh).  "She'll die," (Warpath then says with a deadly serious scowl on his face as he's glaring down at Tabitha). 

(Then we see a short series of panels of the looks on Tabitha's face as it changes from the haughty look to a very serious and then one where she looks like the rug has been pulled out from under her and then she looks like a small child with big, sad, and shocked eyes and she juts out her bottom lip as it looks like she is about ready to start crying as she then mumbles), "What…no…I didn't…I just."  "Is there anything that we can do…," (Sam then says with a look of great concern on his face as he lays a hand on Tabitha's shoulder).  "Nae, from what little Cable told us there's not a bloody ting that we can do," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she crosses her arms and leans up against and equally somber Warpath).  "So then what are we going to do while they're doing their little pow-wow," (Tabitha then says with a bummed out look on her face as she looks back towards Sam's old house).  "Ya got me," (Warpath then says with a very unhappy look on his face as he shrugs his shoulders and shuffles his feet). 

"Maybe we can find something to do in the ops room, hopefully we'll find some trace of Apocalypse and go from there," (Sam then says with a tired look on his face as he kicks a rock that tumbles down the side of the hill).  (Then we see a panel of Forge walking into the danger rooms control room).  (Then we see him set it down in the command chair and turns around and then pushes on the intercom button and then says), "I hope that you guys weren't planning on going out today, because one of my deep sea monitors has registered signs of crimson dawn activity in the area."  "So what does that have to do with us exactly Forge," (Tabitha then says with a bored and slightly angry look on her face).  (Then we see Forge sigh with a slightly annoyed look on his face before he then says), "It matters Tabitha…because nearby there is a top secret deep sea research facility, one that's not even supposed to exist."  "Let me guess…this facility is run by a secret shadowy government agency that answers to no one," (Warpath then says with a frustrated and somewhat excited look on his face as he looks up towards the control room with his hands in his pockets). 

"No…it's no supposed to exist because it was widely reported to have been destroyed shortly after it was built when they tied to lower it into place," (Forge then says with a serious and tired look on his face as he leans forward in his chair).  "So then how'd it make it through, why didn't it get smashed like a tin can from all of the pressure," (Tabitha then says with a confused look on her face as she squats down and picks a flower).  "Big hoax…planned explosions…who knows, now that isn't the problem though, the problem is that the readings that were recorded were nuclear in nature on top of the crimson dawn…now couple that with the fact that a very volatile undersea fault line runs very close to that facility," (Forge then says with a sigh and shrug of his shoulders with a tired and worn out look on his face).  "And what better way to cause massive amounts of damage and bring about his new world than to set off a giant nuclear explosion right in the middle of that fault line," (Sam then says with a grim frown on his face as he crosses his arms and hangs his head a bit as Tabitha stands back up and looks at him with a very worried look on her face). 

"You're right Sam, and that's why the four of you are leaving immediately for a small fishing village on the northern coast of Australia, you'll set up base camp there before using my latest creation to get down to the facility, and don't worry my latest creation is already there waiting for you," (Forge then says with a tired look on his face as he wipes the sleep out of his eyes).  "Australia huh…any chance that we'll get to see some kangaroo's…or maybe some koala bears," (Tabitha then says with a slightly cheesy smile on her face as she seems to be excited at the thought of it).  "I doubt it Tabitha, we probably won't have much free time," (Warpath then says with a small sigh as Siryn looks up at him while patting him on the arm).  "You're right James, you all leave in exactly two hours, so pack your swimsuits and snorkels folks, because you're going on vacation…but a working vacation," (Forge then says with a slightly cheesy smile on his face as he checks his watch).  "So what are you guys going t' do while we're gone, that surgery on Erica can' take to long…right," (Siryn then says with a concerned look on her face as she starts to exit the danger room). 

"We don't know how long the psy-surgery will take, Cable and Psylocke are making their final preparations now and they'll begin as soon as they're ready…and once Warren gets back, so all the four of you need to worry about is that you pack enough sun block," (Forge then starts to say with a very serious look on his face before then as he finishes his speech he smirks a bit).  "Very funny old man, just make sure that your little toy is really where it's supposed to be," (Warpath then says with a bored look on his face as he turns and follow Siryn out of the danger room).  (Then we see a quick cut panel of Forge as he laughs as he sits back in his chair).  (Then we see a panel of Sam and Tabitha as they start to walk out of the danger room but Sam stops and looks back and Tabitha keeps taking a few more steps before she realizes that Sam isn't following her and she gets worried and stops and then turns around and says), "Sam…?"  (Then we see Sam say as Tabitha steps up beside him and lays a comforting hand on his back), "Yeah Tab?"  "What is it Sam, what's wrong," (Tabitha then says with a sad and concerned look on her face as Sam hangs his head a bit).  "Oh nothing…just trying to let go," (Sam then says with a very sad look on his face as the wind blows his hair around a bit). 

"It's not easy is it," (Tabitha then says with an equally sad look on her face as she pats Sam on the back and Sam slightly looks her way).  "No…it isn't," (Sam then says with a very bummed out frown on his face before he puts an arm around Tabitha as says as they walk out of the danger room together towards us arm in arm, and with his other hand he lifts up the danger room remote and he pushes the button), "Let's go Tabitha, the world needs saving…again…and we're the only ones that can do it…again."

[Later]

[The Infirmary]

"Are you sure about this Betts, there's no other way," (Warren then says with a worried and also concerned look on his face as we see Betsy walking through the halls towards the infirmary with Warren following her).  "I told you already Warren, there's no other way, I wish that there were but…," (Betsy then says with an equally concerned look on her face as they get to the infirmary).  "Okay then, but answer me this then, when you contacted me earlier why was the connection so strong, you nearly gave poor Carlos a heart attack," (Warren then says with an unhappy look on his face as he then open the infirmary door).  "I'm not sure Warren, but if I had to hazard a guess I'd say that it probably had something to do with the twins and my pregnancy," (Betsy then says with an unsure look on her face as she and Warren enter the infirmary).  "Are you ready," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he's setting up a few candles all around the infirmary).  "What are the candles for," (Warren then says with a confused look on his face as he's looking around the room and Betsy says), "As ready as I'll ever be."  "They help me concentrate," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he lights another candle and then blows out the match that he used to light it). 

"Well you'd better hope that those candles don't aggravate my allergies," (Betsy then says with a serious look on her face as she pulls a chair over next to the bio-bed with Erica in it).  "Wha…Cable, what are you," (Dani then says with a pained look on her face as she starts to sit up).  "Easy Dani don't push it, just go back to sleep and I'll explain everything later," (Cable then says with a serious look on his face and with a restraining hand on Dani's shoulder).  "I'm going to hold you to that," (Dani then says with an uncomfortable look on her face as she lays her head back down on the pillow).  "Well all will Dani, now Cable are you absolutely sure that this will save Erica," (Warren then says with a very concerned look on his face and his arms crossed as he leans up against Erica's bio-bed).  "We've been over this already Warren, this will most likely take awhile and there's no guarantee that this will work, but it's better than doing nothing," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he shakes his head and pulls a chair up and sits down). 

"Please Warren, this is already stressful enough for everyone involved, now I wanted you to be here in case anything happened…until then I want you right here beside me," (Betsy then says with at first an overstressed frown on her face and a hand on her forehead and then she smiles kin of sickly and lays a hand on Warren's arm as he seems to be frustrated).  "Alright Betts…but I'm not leaving your side until this is over," (Warren then says with an unsure look on his face as he sits down beside Betsy and lays a hand on her shoulder).  "We should get started, we don't know how long this is going to take and it would be better if we get this done sooner rather than later," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he brushes some hair off of Erica's face as she's still hooked up to all of the machines).  "Well right now with Forge and I being the only two left here that can fight and James, Terry, Sam, and Tabitha are headed towards Australia to check out the readings that Forge found…," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face as Cable then looks over at Warren and says with a slightly confused look on his face), "Are you sure that Tabitha has recovered enough from her concussion to be on any help in that endeavor?" 

(Then we see Warren look up and over at Cable and then say), "As sure as I highly doubt that Tabitha would add much even if she were completely healthy."  (Then we see Betsy glare at Warren as she then says with a slightly shocked and angry look on her face as Warren looks shocked at her response), "Hold you tongue Warren, I know that I'm far from her biggest fan…half the time I absolutely can't stand that little Madonna wannabe…but I've always had the feeling that she will surprise us all one of these days."  "I hope you're right Betts, because if anything happens to them we won't be able to give them any backup," (Warren then says with a very serous look on his face as he leans forward and clasps his hands together with his elbows resting on his thighs).  "They're strong…strong enough to handle themselves in almost any situation, they've learned all of the lessons that we can teach them, now they need to learn the lessons that only come from experience," (Cable then says with an almost proud look on his face as he idly scratches his chin).  "Yes they are…we should begin," (Betsy then says with a slight nod of her head before she turns to Warren and they kiss before we see Cable and Betsy situate themselves and then close their eyes). 

(Then we see them hold hands and put their other hands onto Erica as they both then activate their powers and Warren looks on in concern).  [The world they enter is not their own].  [While they have been through many a mind this one is new and different].  [They are immediately bombarded by intense images, feelings, and sensations].  (We then open with a big two page panel that shows on the top of the left page we see from Cable's mid-nose up and his eyes are open and rimmed with telepathic power and on the top of the right hand page we see the same with Betsy).  (Then we see at the bottom of those two panels that cover the two pages is a big close up of Erica's forehead with her eyebrows at the bottom of the panel and overtop of her forehead is a psy-image of what is going on inside of Erica's mind).  (We see that area look like one of those zany worlds where the base looks like a brain with big red and blue veins that bulge and littered throughout the area are doors that show many different scenes of death and dying and some of the doors are open and some are closed while others are half open).  (Then we see a panel of Cable and Betsy slowly walking through that landscape and they're looking all around). 

"Bloody hell," (Betsy then says with a shocked look on her face as she looks down at her stomach, which we then see is back to normal and no longer pregnant).  "That's new," (Cable then says with a slightly shocked look on his face and with a cocked eyebrow as he's looking at Betsy's stomach).  "Didn't notice this before…it's nice to have my figure back again…even if it is only for a short time," (Betsy then says with an excited smile on her face as she runs her hand down her stomach before Cable then says with a serious look on his face), "Come on let's go, we won't be able to do anything in this upper level of her psyche."  "Do you think that the problem is merely a matter of slowly allowing her power levels to grow until she's able to handle it…or should we combine our powers and set up mental blocks that we…and later I…could help her do away with as he level of control grows," (Betsy then says with a serious look on her face as she and Cable continue to walk through Erica's psy-mind). 

"I don't know, we still don't know enough about what caused this attack to even begin to formulate a treatment that could do any good," (Cable then says with a slightly frustrated scowl on his face as then we see Cable and Betsy start to walk into a sickly looking forest where it's windy and the trees are black and the leaves white and being blown around).  "Well I don't know about you but this…forest, or whatever it is…seems very out of place for someone like Erica," (Betsy then says with a slightly unsure and uncomfortable scowl on her face as she crouches down, picks up a few leaves, and then looks at them very closely).  "We all have our dark and secret areas of our mind that we don't want anyone else to ever see or know about…Erica in particular with all that her past holds," (Cable then says with a very serious frown on his face as he walks up to a tree and inspects the bark).  "But then our actions here come into question…is it right for us to uncover all of her deep and dark secrets and then lay them out for all of the world to see," (Betsy then says with a concerned look on her face ass he then throws some leaves up into the air and watches them fly away). 

"We may be forced to do just that unfortunately, but I am surprised by the fact that we apparently haven't come across any of Erica's psychic defenses or anything other than…Psylocke look out," (Cable then says with at first an impatient scowl on his face before he turns back and then finishes in a panel of him shouting in alarm).  (Then we see Betsy shout in alarm as she dives out of the way and rolls over next to Cable as then we see a big panel of what look like red and yellow flying insects that look kind of like preying mantis' with razor sharp knives on their legs and arms).  "I don't think that you have to wonder where Erica's psychic defenses are anymore Cable, because it looks like they've just found us," (Betsy then says with a very determined look on her face as we then see Betsy and Cable raise up their psi-armor).  "And it doesn't look like they're too happy to see us," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face as he gets in a defensive stance). 

"Here they come," (Betsy then shouts in alarm as the creatures swarm in at them).  (Then we see Cable attack the first creature to come near him and we see that the creature is about the size of one of those mail drop off boxes that are on the sidewalk).  (Then we see several panels of Betsy and Cable fighting against the creatures as Cable is hammering into them and Betsy is using all of her ninja skills and anything else that she can get her hands on).  (We then see Cable growl in pain and anger as one of the creatures gets a lucky shot in and slashes his arm before Cable grabs the creature and then hurls it back into another oncoming creature).  (Then we see Betsy knock out a few of the creatures and then look and act ready to attack another couple of creatures as she lifts her fist up to punch the nearest one but then she stops as another big hoard of creatures appears from out of the woods).  (Then we see a panel of Betsy from behind as there's a huge swarm of the creatures all around her and she's in a shocked and slightly unsteady stance as she says), "Bugger it."  (Then we see both Cable and Betsy turn and look and see that the swarm keeps getting larger as Cable then says with a grim look on his face), "This isn't going very well, they're multiplying exponentially." 

"I suggest that we make a hasty retreat," (Betsy then says with a slightly worn out look on her face).  "Agreed," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face as he and Betsy turn and start to run through the forest as they're being chased relentlessly by the huge swarm of creatures).  (Then we see Betsy say with a slightly tired look on her face as she's leaping over a downed log), "This isn't going so well, we have to find a place to …."  (Then we see both Cable and Betsy take a step and then they both drop out of sight and a whirl of leaves flies up).  [Suddenly the proverbial rug is pulled out form under them and they are sent into darkness].

[Somewhere Over The Pacific]

(We then open with a few panels of the X-jet as it flies low over the ocean and it kicks up some water).  (Then we move inside of the X-jet and we see Sam at the controls with Tabitha in the chair next to him with her shades on along with still a gauze patch on the back of her head as she's also blowing a huge bubble with her arms crossed and she has her legs up on the console and she's playing music over the X-jets intercom system).  (Sam is looking tired and behind him we see Warpath with his chair turned to the side and he's resting his chin on his fist and his elbow is resting on the console and he looks bored out of his mind).  (Then we see that Siryn is standing near him and she has one hand on Warpath's shoulder and the other is on the console beside Warpath's).  (We see that Sam is wearing jeans and a white shirt under a flannel shirt and Tabitha is wearing pretty much the same except she has a cut off shirt and her flannel shirt is tied off right where her other shirt ends, which is just above her stomach, and she's wearing very short jean shorts and hiking boots with the extra big socks pushed down). 

(We see that Warpath is wearing jeans and a beater with a coat thrown over the back of the chair and Siryn is wearing about what Tabitha is wearing but her shorts are a little longer and they're khakis and she has a light blue sleeveless top on and her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail).  (Then we see Siryn say with a nice smile on her face), "What are ye watching Jimmy?"  "One of those stupid travel shows…just trying to check out the local programming," (Warpath then says with a joking smile on his face as he turns back slightly to look at Siryn, who returns the smile).  "Find anything that could help us," (Siryn then asks with a calm look on her face as she then sits down on Warpath's thigh and he puts his arm around her).  "Not unless you want to know the best place in Sydney to get laid is or…," (Warpath then says with a hesitant look on his face as he blushes a bit and looks away from Siryn's shocked look).  "What exactly are you watching Jimmy," (Sam then says in a panel in which we see Sam, still piloting the X-jet, looking back over his shoulder with a confused and slightly shocked look on his face). 

"It's MTV, you know the cable channel that now you're beyond lucky to see a music video on," (Warpath then says with a smirk on his face as he looks back up towards the front of the X-jet).  "And pray-tell, why would you be watching MTV," (Tabitha then says with a confused look on her face as she sighs and looks over at Sam).  "I was just flipping around and wound up watching it," (Warpath then says with a somber frown on his face as he changes the channel).  "Where are we going again," (Tabitha then says with a bored out of her mind look on her face as she takes her feet off of the console).  "Well we've had a change of plans since we left, we're not going to the town any longer, Forge told me via the secured line while you guys were all doing other things that the townspeople have unwittingly aligned themselves with Apocalypse and his…," (Sam then says with a very serious scowl on his face as he looks straight ahead).  "What…are they completely insane…or just plain stupid," (Tabitha then yells angrily as she very nearly jumps out of her chair and everyone in the X-jet turns to Sam). 

"I don't know, but you guys know that War and Death can both change their appearance at will, all they'd have to do is give the local citizens a little money and sweet talk them and they'd have them eating out of their hands," (Sam then says with a very grim look on his face as he keeps piloting the X-jet with one hand and he's punching a few buttons with the other hand).  "So then going into town for anything wouldn't be very smart huh," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as beside her we see Warpath looking grim).  "But we'll have to go into town sometime Sam…I doubt that we'll have enough supplies to last," (Warpath then says with a grim look on his face as he turns off the tv in front of him).  "Well if we're lucky maybe this is all just a false alarm…or maybe we'll catch them early enough that it won't take very long and we'll be back home before Erica even knows that we left," (Sam then says with a small sigh as he flips a few switches on a console above his head). 

"If only Sam…but in case you've forgotten we pretty much have the worst luck in the history of all humanity when it comes to jobs like this," (Tabitha then says with a very sarcastic look on her face as she shakes her head and Sam smiles).  "But yet we persevere nonetheless, no matter how many times we get beaten down and no matter what…or who we lose…guess you could say that we must be gluttons for punishment," (Warpath then says with an almost bemused look on his face as Siryn then stands up and walks back to her seat as she then says with a joking smile on her face), "Speak for yourself boyo, I'm just here for the sun and fun."  "Aren't we all…now everybody strap yourselves in, we're going to land soon," (Sam then says with a joking smile on his face before he shakes his head and then we see more panels of the X-jet flying over more water).

[Shortly]

(We see the X-jet flying low over the water and it's early evening out as it's getting hard to see out with just a few rays of light left as the X-jet has its lights on and in the far distance we see the lights of the city and even a few boats that are out).  [They come in low, keeping clear of the city and avoiding any possible radar hits that could alert anyone to their presence].  "Ooh…the lights are pretty," (Tabitha then says with a big smile on her face as she leans forward onto the console in front of her).  "Terry…anyone know we're out here," (Sam then says with a serious and somewhat worried look on his face as he checks a few dials).  "Nae, as far as anyone out there knows we're just a flock of seagulls or some other migratory waterfowl," (Siryn then says with a happy smile on her face as she leans back in her chair and crosses her arms).  "And nothing of any consequence on any of the radio stations or television channels," (Warpath then says with a headset on and the television screen on and with an amused smile on his face as he leans back in his chair and waves slightly up at Sam). 

"Good…now I'll activate the X-jet's stealth feature so that we'll be able to get in completely undetected," (Sam then says with a happy yet very serious frown on his face as he sighs deeply and pushes a lever forward).  [Electric fire sparkles over the entire length of the X-jets outer shell].  [Bending and refracting the few remaining and stray beams of light, rendering the X-jet virtually invisible].  (We then see several close up and farther away panels of the outside of the X-jet as it looks like lightning rippling along the X-jets body and wings before we barely see an outline of the X-jet as it's mostly invisible).  "So where should we land, I don't know about you but I highly doubt that the locals…even if they are stupid enough to be fooled by Apocalypse and his goons…that they'll miss the X-jet parked on the beach," (Tabitha then says with a wondering and worried frown on her face as she turns her chair towards Sam and leans forward).  "Forge said that he had contacted a friend down here…one that wanted to remain anonymous…that had an old hangar that we could use, and lucky for us it's all waiting for us, we don't even have to deal with Forge's friend," (Sam then says with a small smile on his face as he waves reassurance to Tabitha). 

"Then all we have to do is find that new toy of Forge's and get down to that facility and stop whoever's down there from doing some really bad stuff," (Warpath then says with an unsure frown on his face as he turns back towards the small television screen beside him).  "That's the plan," (Sam then says with a small smile on his face as he leans forward to try and get a better view).  "Anyone know where we're supposed to find Forge's new toy, it could be almost anywhere," (Tabitha then says with a confused look on her face as she leans back in her chair).  "That's why Forge also gave me…this…before we left," (Sam then says with a calm look on his face as he pulls out a small disc shaped device from his breast pocket and holds it up over his shoulder).  (Then we see Tabitha say with a serious and curious look on her face as she leans over and takes the device out of Sam's hand), "What's this Sam…one of those new video games?"  "If it were Tabitha…why would he let you have it," (Warpath then says with a very sarcastic smirk on his face as he leans back in his chair and turns his head to look over at Siryn). 

"Oh can it ya big blowhard," (Siryn then says with a joking snicker on her face as she half turns her chair and looks over at Warpath, who just laughs and shake his head).  "Okay fine…so I'm not a genius like the rest of you, I'm just a stupid little…," (Tabitha then says with a very sad look on her face as she turns away from the others as we see in a panel of her covered mostly in darkness with a small tear running down her cheek that we can see as her head is bowed and her shoulders slumped and the device that she took from Sam is on her lap).  (Then we see a quick panel of the back of the X-jet and both Warpath and Siryn have shocked frowns on their faces and Warpath then says), "Now wait Tab…I didn't mean it like that…."  (Then we see a panel of Sam as he reaches up and pushes on the autopilot before he turns to Tabitha and then says with a very serious but kind look on his face as he unbuckles his seatbelt), "Tabitha…may I see you in the back…now?"  (Then we see Tabitha unbuckle her seatbelt sadly and set the device that she took from Sam down onto the console in front of her before we then see Sam follow her to the back room and they then shut the door). 

(Then we see Warpath lean over and then say with a very worried and uncertain frown on his face), "Uh Terry, she did know that I was just messing around…right?"  "I hope so Jimmy…because we're going t' need those two at their best if we're going to get through this," (Siryn then says with an equally concerned frown on her face as she leans back in her chair and turns to look at Warpath).  (Then we see the next few panels of Sam and Tabitha sitting on the benches in the back that are beside some lockers and battle suits that are hanging nearby).  "Okay Tabitha, do ya mind telling me exactly what that was out there," (Sam then says with a very worried look on his face as he's sitting on one bench and Tabitha is sitting on the other bench looking very unsure of herself and scared).  "I don't know…I've just been screwing up so much lately and I guess that it all just kinda hit me all at once," (Tabitha then says with a sad look on her face as she leans back and looks over at the door).  "Screwing up…what, I don't understand," (Sam then says with a thoroughly confused and worried look on his face as he leans forward and looks directly over at Tabitha). 

"Well then I'll give you just some of the highlights, there was Valentine's Day when I was really rude to Erica after Rictor left…then of course there was my total screw up with the golem where I let him use my like a punching bag…and then earlier this morning…," (Tabitha then says with a distant and sad look on her face as she stares at her knees).  "Tabitha stop, you're not any worse than the rest of us…you just take everything to personally," (Sam then says with a very serious look on his face as he stands up and walks over to Tabitha and then sits down beside Tabitha as she's looking over at him).  "Oh look…you got it right on the first try…am I really that simple," (Tabitha then says with a very unconfident frown on her face as she then crosses her legs, sticks her bottom lip our, and leans forward and puts her elbow on her top knee and then puts her chin in her upturned palm as she's looking away from Sam).  "What…is that what you think…that you're just a simple, stupid girl," (Sam then says with a very shocked and worried frown on his face as he reaches over and lays one hand on her knee and the other on her back). 

"I thought that's what most people thought of me…they don't know it but I've heard Psylocke and Warren talking about me…Psylocke hates me and Warren only keeps me around because they know that if I leave then so do you," (Tabitha then says with a crushed frown on her face as she looks down at Sam's hand on her knee).  "She doesn't hate you honey, she probably just has a few lingering emotions left over from what happened with Sabretooth…but that's all, and as for Warren well…he's to caught up in his own brooding," (Sam then says with a very serious and heartfelt look on his face as he takes his hand that's on Tabitha's knee and starts to turn her back towards him).  "Yeah but…," (Tabitha then says with a pout on her face as she turns back to look at Sam).  "But what…you know that Jimmy and Terry don't hate you…Jimmy was just joking around and Terry was just humoring him like she always does, so you've done a lot of stupid things in your day…who hasn't…like Warren ever trusting Cameron Hodge, Psylocke with Neal, Terry with not blasting Feral sooner, me with ever leaving you and not getting back to the house quickly enough to save anyone, Erica and that pill problem of hers that you told me about, Jimmy and…well I'll think of one for him later, Forge with not marrying Storm when he had the chance and then that tryst with Mystique, and then you and…and…," (Sam then says with a sadly serious look on his face as we see a close up full page panel of Sam's face in a side view on the right side and Tabitha's face in a side view on the left side). 

(Then we see Tabitha say with an angry at herself look on her face as she turns her head away), "And me with that time with Bobby…."  "Yeah…that was a mistake, but not the one that I was going to say…what I was going to say is that your only mistake was ever doubting yourself," (Sam then says with a frustrated frown on his face before he pulls Tabitha close and kisses her).  "Flatterer," (Tabitha then says with a happy smile on her face before we then pull away as they continue kissing).

[Later]

"I think that's the last of them," (Warpath then says with a tired look on his face as he sets down a junked car in front of the hanger door).  (We see that there are several other junked cars in front of the hanger bay door).  (We see that Siryn is standing beside Warpath watching him work and out by a driveway we see Sam and Tabitha looking closely at the device that Sam took out earlier).  "So where to now Sam," (Siryn then says with a bored look on her face as she turns towards Sam and behind her we see Warpath dusting his hands off).  "That way," (Sam then says with a tired look on his face as he points off to the side of the panel with one hand while he's holding the device with the other hand).  "So then what are we still doing here," (Tabitha then says with a bored and impatient frown on her face as she takes the device from Sam and then jams it into one of her pockets).  (Then we see Siryn and Warpath take off and Warpath then says with a wave of his hand and a big smile on his face), "Last one there's a rotten egg!"  (Then we see after Warpath and Siryn leave and Sam's watching them go Tabitha leaps up into Sam's arms and then says with an excited smile on her face), "Come on Sam, get that gorgeous backside of yours in gear…we can't lose to them!" 

"Yes ma'am," (Sam then says with a slightly cheesy smile on his face before he then blasts away).  (Then we see a few panels of the race as they all do barrel rolls and are weaving all around through the sky).  (Then we see a panel of the seashore and it's a very windy day there).  (Then we see a panel of Sam fly down and land on the seashore and he scatters a big group of birds).  (Then we see Tabitha jump out of Sam's arms and then shout as she hops around with her hands and arms in the air with an excited and triumphant smile on her face and beside her Sam is just watching her with an embarrassed smile on his face), "We won…yeah we won!"  (Then we see panels of both Warpath and Siryn as they land and Siryn then says with a reluctant smile on her face), "Okay Tabitha, ye got us…."  "You win Tabitha…enjoy it while you can," (Warpath then says with a generous smile on his face as he's looking all around).  "Okay Sam we're here…other than the beautiful coastline I'm not seeing anything that can be of any help to us," (Siryn then says with a bored look on her face as she walks down onto the beach and picks up a seashell). 

"Watch and learn Terry," (Sam then says with a joking smile on his face as he looks over at Tabitha, who frowns sadly and takes the device that she took from him earlier out of her pocket and hands it back to him).  (Then we see Sam flip open the top of the case and punch in a code).  "And now…," (Warpath then says with an unsure look on his face as he's standing in the shallows).  [He starts to ask again, but the answer soon presents itself].  (We then see a wide panel in which at the bottom of the panel we see Warpath, Siryn, Sam, and Tabitha standing on the beach and in the shallows and then off in the distance we see signs of something that's surfacing).  (Then we see a craft surface and begin to come towards the shore).  (Then we move in closer and see Tabitha say as she's shielding her eyes with her hand as the sun is just starting to come up), "Whoa…please tell me that's Forge's new toy."  "That's it all right…and it's our ride," (Sam then says with an excited smile on his face as the craft comes ashore just a bit).  (We see that the craft kind of looks like a manta ray but with a shorter tail and it's a medium shade of blue).  "All aboard guys," (Warpath then says with a smile as she flies towards the hatch that opens as he's talking). 

(Then next panel that we see is of the quartet walking through the hallways of the craft and they enter what looks like a locker room with a divider in the middle).  "How long will it take to get down there," (Warpath then says with a serious look on his face as he and Sam step to one side and Siryn and Tabitha then step to the other).  "Who knows…but ah bet that we'll have plenty of time to get ready," (Sam then says with a calm look on his face as he's opening one of the lockers).  "Oh yeah…after that long plane trip that we just sat through some more down time is just what we need," (Warpath then says with a fake upset look on his face as he takes a big wetsuit out of the locker in front of him).  "Quit yer bellyaching Jimmy, at least it's just the four of us," (Siryn then says with a joking smirk on her face as she takes off her coat).  "And we don't have to listen to another one of Warren's lectures," (Tabitha then says with a happy smile on her face as she's tying her hair back into a ponytail as beside her we see Siryn from behind as she's taking off her shirt). 

"That's true," (Siryn then says in a panel with a happy smile on her face as at the bottom of the panel is Siryn's collarbone and she's taking off the cross necklace that she's wearing).  (Then we see a panel of Warpath as he's pulling on his wetsuit, as most of his clothes are piled up on the bench beside him,, up just past his waist and he says as he looks back over his shoulder with a joking smile on his face), "And maybe we'll even get to check this ship out…see what…extras…Forge packed into this thing."  "Maybe we should just get ourselves to the control room instead…for all we know we're not completely alone down here," (Siryn then says with a serious frown on her face as she's putting an arm through her sleeve and she's wearing a white two piece swimsuit underneath).  "Well then, let's not waste any more time in here," (Tabitha then says with a bored frown on her face as she's tying up the strings of her black bikini behind her back).  "That's the idea Tabitha, but the only problem with that is that I'm not really sure where the control room is for this thing, probably somewhere towards the front, but with Forge you never can tell," (Sam then says with a happy look on his face as he's zipping up his wetsuit). 

"Less talk, more walking," (Tabitha then says with a very commanding look on her face as she walks out of the room while pulling on the rest of her wetsuit).  "You heard her guys…let's go," (Sam then says with a joking smile on his face before he, Warpath, and Siryn laugh as they exit the room).

[The Psyworld]

[Sub-level 2]

(We see Cable and Betsy wading through a purple sea of what looks like soapy water).  (Then we see a panel of them getting into a big patch of thorny thickets).  "Is it just me, or is this level of Erica's subconscious worse than the last one," (Betsy then says with a less than thrilled frown on her face as she weaves her way through the thickets).  "Ms Kalen has some very serious psychological problems if what we've seen so far is any indication of the rest of her psyche," (Cable then says with a very concerned frown on his face as he smashes away some of the thickets in front of him as we see that both of them are tired and dirty).  "Then that just means that she needs our help right away," (Betsy then says with a determined scowl on her face as they then get to a dark cave that seems to have a low lying mist in it).  "That's correct, but you also must realize that we're still far from whatever it is that's causing this predicament of Erica's," (Cable then says with a serious frown on his face as he brushes away some cobwebs).  "Do you have any idea how long we've been in here…," (Betsy then says with a concerned frown on her face as she climbs over a large rock). 

"No clue…," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face before they then go and continue on their way through the cave as we pull away).  (Then we pull out and see Warren sitting nearby Betsy and he has a very worried look on his face).  (Then we see Dani and Warren sharing a worried look).  (Then we go out into the hall and see Alysson walk out of the elevator and she stares around all wide eyed at everything and says), "Oh my…."  (Then we see Alysson suddenly stagger into the infirmary and Dan then says with an alarmed frown on her face), "Who the hell are you?"  (Then we see Warren turn around really quickly and say), "What…oh Alysson you're here…Dani this is Alysson, she's going to help us find the location of one of Arthur Royce's dig sites."  "But what is she doing down here, shouldn't she be upstairs somewhere with someone watching her," (Dani then says with a serious and almost angry frown on her face before she winces in pain).  "And just who may I ask do you expect to watch her, Cable and Betsy are busy, Forge is to busy in his workshop, James, Terry, Sam, and Tabitha are out on a mission, and I'm not leaving Betsy's side until she's done, so unless you're going to do it she can stay here," (We then see Warren say in a close up full page panel of Warren's face as he has a very serious frown on his face). 

"Fine, but just remember that I was against this from the beginning," (Dani then says with a serious but very tired and weak look on her face before she turns away from Warren and Alysson).  "What's going on," (Alysson then says with a confused look on her face as she walks up next to Warren).  (Then we see Warren half turn his head and look up and then say with a concerned frown on his face), "Erica's in trouble and Cable and Betsy are trying to help her."  "Is she going to be okay," (Alysson then says with a concerned frown on her face as she leans on the bio-bed and looks at Erica).  "I hope so Alysson, but this is completely out of my hands," (Warren then says with a very worried and concerned look on his face as he scratches his chin).  "Is there anything that we can do to help them, anything at all," (Alysson then says with a frustrated frown on her face as she turns around and leans up against the bio-bed).  "All we can do is be here for them and hope that they can help Erica and make sure that this never happens again," (Warren then says with a grim frown on his face as we move back into Erica's psyche and we see Betsy and Cable walking through a big cavern and they're looking all around). 

"What is this a metaphor for exactly I wonder, in most other cases it would probably be an example of someone that either has claustrophobia or a fear of getting lost," (Betsy then says with a calm look of thought on her face as she then crouches down and begins to sift through the loose gravel that litters the floor of the cave).  "But we can't forget about the possibility that this cavern means something completely different," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face as he looks down and digs around with his shoe and with his hands on his hips).  "We may have to realize that there's a distinct possibility that whatever is wrong with Erica will take more than one treatment to cure," (Betsy then says with a concerned scowl on her face as she stands back up and dusts her hands off).  "Well we're here this time to help Erica, if we have to do any further treatments we can worry about all of that later…we need to get moving," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face as he lightly runs his hand along the wall of the cavern).  (Then we see Betsy and Cable walk out of the cavern). 

(Then we see Betsy and Cable walk out of the cavern via an angled ramp and then have to duck low because of the low ceiling).  (Then we see Cable and Betsy walk out of the cavern and into a bright light).  [They exit the near darkness of the caves and step out into a bright and blinding light].  "Bloody hell," (Betsy then shouts as she and Cable shield their eyes from the bright light).  "What the hell," (Cable then says with a confused look on his face as he tries to look around, still in the blinding light).  [And just as quickly and suddenly as the light appeared it is gone, leaving Cable and Psylocke to ponder and guess as to what their new surroundings mean].  (We then see a few panels of Cable and Betsy standing in what looks like a study of a very rich person as all of the furniture is really nice and there are nice paintings on the wall).  "Where are we," (Betsy then says with a deep in thought look on her face as she walks over and begins to sift through the papers on the desk while Cable lifts up the edge and corner of one of the paintings and he looks behind it). 

"Probably a piece of Erica's past, you did say that she grew up in a rich family, perhaps we're now stuck in one of her memories," (Cable then says with a calm look on his face as he makes his way around the room, looking at a few of the items in the room as he does).  "But how are we supposed to figure out which one we're in, she lived with her family well into her late teens…this could be any of them, maybe one of these papers will help us," (Betsy then says with a shrug of her shoulders as she walks around behind the desk and then sits down and then in the next panel we see her sifting through the papers).  "From how powerful and real the previous stages of Erica's psyche have been I think that it would be best if we didn't stay here any longer than we have to," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he lightly knocks his metal knuckles on the top of the desk as he's looking down at Betsy).  "I agree, but look at this…most of these papers have something to do with either people dying in fires or family turmoil resulting from an unplanned pregnancy," (Betsy then says with a concerned frown on her face as she looks up at Cable and hands him a few of the papers). 

(Then we see a panel of Cable looking through the papers that Betsy just handed him with an unhappy frown on his face).  "Could it possibly be that when the traumatic event that triggered the initial manifestation of Erica's powers occurred that it was so raw and powerful that it only managed to make her powers rage wildly out of control…enough so that to this day she has yet to even begin to gain a small semblance of control of…," (Cable then says with a wondering look on his face as he turns away from the desk and begins to head towards the door).  "You could be right Nathan, after we got back from Parlau Pau Theresa did tell me that while we were there Erica told her and James that when her powers first manifested that she burner her entire house down, apparently killing her entirely family…along with her infant son," (Betsy then starts to say with a serious frown on her face before we see a panel of her as she puts her elbow on the top of the desk and then she puts her forehead in the palm of that hand and her fingers go into her hair as she has a very sad and sick to her stomach look on her face as her other arm is just lying on the top of the desk). 

(Then we see a panel of back in the infirmary as Warren is shocked and worried as even though Betsy's eyes are closed she has a very sad look on her face and a tear slides down her cheek).  "Then this is where we should begin with her treatment, if only we knew more about the specifics of this memory," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face before he crumples the papers up in his metal hand).  "Then let's get out of this room and search the rest of the house, we're bound to find something in one of the other rooms that will help us," (Betsy then says with a sadly determined frown on her face as she sets some papers back down on the desk and then stands up and walks towards Cable and the door).  (Then we see a panel of Cable after he opens the door and the two look around the corner and then down the halls as they walk through the house and they avoid the servants).  (Then we see them look around a corner into the kitchen and they see a young Erica sitting at the kitchen table with her mother helping her do her homework as she's a young child). 

[They watch in shock and awe as the young girl in front of them morphs into the woman that they know].  [All in a matter of seconds].  (Then we see panels that show Cable and Betsy's shocked and confused reactions as the young Erica in front of them slowly ages and turns into the Erica that is currently on the team, her clothes, hair styles, and body, along with the decorations of the room and the other people that come and go through the room change as well).  "Well there's something you don't see every day," (Cable then says with a concerned frown on his face as he looks over at Betsy, who returns the same look before she dares to take a step into the room).  (Then we see a panel of the room as it stops changing and settles on a rundown version with a little girl sitting on the table wearing a pretty blue dress and with her long dark brown to black hair in pigtails, and she's dangling her legs over the edge with a big smile on her face).  (Then we see Betsy take a tentative step towards the little girl with a hand outstretched but she then stops as Cable yells out with an unsure frown on his face and a hand slightly outstretched as he starts to come around the corner), "Elizabeth no." 

(Then we see Betsy stop and say as she slightly looks back over her shoulder with a slightly angry look on her face), "What…why?"  "We don't know who or what this little girl is…if she even is a little girl," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he takes a few steps into the room and lays a hand on Betsy's arm).  "Well she's certainly not Mother Theresa but…," (Betsy then starts to say with a confused look of anger on her face as she wrests her arm out of Cable's grasp).  (Then we see the little girl ask with a big smile on her face as if she were playing a game), "Who's Mother Theresa…is she a nice lady…like my mommy?"  "She…was a nice and caring woman, before her death," (Cable then says with a slightly confused look on his face as he looks back and forth between Betsy and the little girl).  "To bad…she would have been fun to play with," (The little girl then says with a pout on her face as she hangs her head and looks sad).  "You can play with us if you like, we might not be your father or mother but…we're here," (Betsy then says with a very straightforward and sincere look on her face as she walks up to the little girl and kneels down in front of her). 

"I wouldn't get any closer if I were you, we still don't know who or what we're dealing with, until then I think that it would be best if we…," (Cable then says with a very hesitant look on his face as he takes a few steps forward and lays a hand on Betsy's shoulder).  "You don't like me do you…no…you don't…well I don't like you either, you're a bad man, my mommy told me what to do when a bad man tries to hurt me," (The little girl then says in a series of panels that jump back and forth between the growing looks of concern on Betsy and Cable's faces and the increasing close ups of the little girl's face as her look goes from sweet and kind to serious, then to angry and then devilishly furious, and all the while we see a fire growing in her eyes).  "What the…," (Cable then shouts in alarm and anger as Betsy jumps back to her feet as then we see Betsy and Cable to the fact that the entire house starts to burst into flames).  "And now…you die…," (The little girl then squeals in delight and claps her hands and kicks her feet).

[Australia]

(We open with a few panels of Sam at the helm of Forge's ship with an empty chair beside him and then the others are seated in chairs that are perpendicularly placed when compared to the one that Sam is sitting in along with the empty chair).  (We also see that in the open space in between the chairs is a table that has a computerized grid on it that's an ever changing map of the sea floor and ocean around them as the whole bridge of Forge's new machine kind of looks like the bridge of a battleship).  "Do you know where you're going Sam," (Warpath then asks with a bored frown on his face as he turns in his seat and looks up at him).  "Ah think so, but I'm not sure, there's a blinking light on this thing…and I'm trying to get us there, whether or not the blinking light is the facility…well I guess that we'll just have to find that out when we get there," (Sam then says with a frustrated and unsure frown on his face as he motions to some of the controls that are directly in front of him).  "If we get there," (Tabitha then says with a joking smirk on her face as she and Siryn share a laugh). 

"Did Forge tell you what we're supposed to do when we get to the facility…other than check the place out…or even how we're supposed to get in there, because I highly doubt that if any of those crimson dawn warriors are there that they'll just let us in," (Warpath then says with a slightly confused and concerned frown on his face as he leans back in his chair and stares at the ceiling).  "We'll think of something Jimmy, after all we're the resourceful members of this team right," (Siryn then says with a proud smile on her face as she pounds her chest in a joking way).  "Aren't we also the group that can't go the supermarket without getting into a full blown argument about whether or not we should use paper or plastic," (Tabitha then says with a sarcastic smirk on her face as she leans back in her chair and puts her feet up on the console).  "But there are a lot of people like that Tabitha," (Sam then says with a bored look on his face as he makes a turn at the helm). 

"You're right there are, but how many of those other people are the thin red line between peace and harmony and utter destruction and desolation," (Warpath then says with a very sure of himself look on his face as he turns and looks over at Tabitha).  "Lucky us eh," (Siryn then says with a quickly laugh as she shakes her head while pushing a few buttons).  "Well I think our luck might have just run out…look," (Tabitha then starts to say with a bored look on her face before she shouts the last word with a scared and worried look on her face).  "Wha…," (Sam then says with a confused frown on his face as he turns back around and looks out of the front screen).  (Then we see a panel in which every one that's in the ship is looking out at us with shocked and grim looks on their faces).  (Then we do a wide panel and see that they're entering a rather large underwater field of mines).  (Then we see Sam yell as he starts to try to steer around the various mines), "Everybody hold on!" 

"Sam…watch out…," (Tabitha then yells out in fear as she points to the screen before then in the next panel we see a very annoyed Sam gritting his teeth and tightly gripping the controls as he then says), "Ah can see em Tabitha…ah'm not blind."  (Then we see a panel of Siryn and Warpath as they start to buckle themselves in and Siryn then says with a slightly scared look on her face), "And this started out as such a nice trip to…."  "We're not dead yet Terry…," (Warpath then says with a very grim scowl on his face as he looks back at Siryn and the two have to grab hold of the console's that are in front of them for support).  "Not if I have anything to say about it," (Sam then shouts with a very determined scowl on his face as he tries to steer around one of the oncoming mines but he gets to close to one and Tabitha then covers up and shouts in alarm), "Look out…we're to close!"  (Then in a final big full page panel we see the ship disappear in a huge explosion).-END