My Uncanny XMen Mini's Chapter 28: My 28th Mini, a x-men fanfic

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI: SECRETS AND ALMOSTS

BY: LOGANALPHA30

( )-Art Instructions

[ ]-Caption Boxes

-Thoughts

""-Words

+ + -Time, Place Boxes

+ Dantera Research Facility +

[It had started out as a project with so much promise]. [Built to study marine life and the shifting plates nearby]. [However with all of the promise that it possessed nothing could have saved it from its fate]. [But unbeknownst to the world at large the facility was not lost; instead it became a kind of home away from home for a few of the most unsavory characters that the world has ever known]. [Currently everyone that knows of even the existence of the facility believe that it is uninhabited…]. […they are wrong]. (We open with panels of first the calm and peaceful waters of the Pacific). (Then we go down under the water and see many different kinds of fish and other undersea creatures swim by). (Then we go down even further and then see the research center). (We see that the research center is made up of one main large dome and then many other smaller domes and also a few structures that look kind of like grain silos with tunnels connecting all of the various parts of the facility).

(Then we move inside of the facility and see machine shops, medical bays, living quarters, training quarters, laboratories, recreational quarters, and an assortment of other quarters and areas along with a big medical and prison quarter and finally a nice sized communication and then contamination control quarters). (We also see that the facility has its own energy producing stations, water distilleries, and finally a place to grow food and house many different animals and all that it takes to take care of them and finally a place in the main dome that kind of looks like Central Park). (Then we see evidence of the facilities former occupants). (Then we get to the prison area and we see that there are big and heavily armed crimson dawn warriors standing outside of several different cells that look like the brig on Star Trek Voyager). (We see that Sam is in one, Siryn is in the one next to him, then Tabitha, and Warpath). (We see that the entire quartet is wearing old ratty prison uniforms that have a zipper that goes all the way down the front).

(We see that they all look pretty much unhurt but Tabitha is asleep and looks like she's sick). (We see that Siryn is singing softly with her knees pulled up to her chest and Warpath is just sitting on the bench with a bummed out frown on his face as it's obvious that he's listening to Siryn and Sam is leaning up against the front of his cell and he looks sad). [They had come to this place to ascertain whether or not it was being controlled by warriors of the crimson dawn]. [But there had been unforeseen difficulties that had halted their search before it ever had a chance to begin]. [They had ventured a little to close to an underwater mine…]. […and when they awoke they found themselves in their current predicament].

[Siryn-The Irish lass with the ear shattering scream]. [Warpath-Sole surviving member of his once proud tribe and possessor of a level of strength that is only beaten by the strength of his heart]. [Cannonball-The perfect Southern gentleman, led by a calm demeanor and also by the convictions that he holds dear in his heart]. [Meltdown-Epitome of the troubled youth that got help and straightened her life out, thanks in no small part to the man that she has pledged to marry]. (Then we see Siryn finish singing and sigh as Warpath then claps and says with a small sigh), "Thanks Terry." "You're welcome boyo, now not t' be a party pooper or anything…but I'm kinda running out of songs here," (Siryn then says with a sad sigh as she shrugs her shoulders and lets go of her legs so she's sitting normally). "Don't worry Terry…I don't plan on being in here much longer," (Sam then says with a serious and deep in thought look on his face as he's studying his cell and the force field that's keeping him in his cell).

"At least we don't have to listen to Tabitha rant and rave about how tacky these prison uniforms are," (Warpath then says with a sarcastic smirk on his face as he turns his head over towards Sam's cell). "They're not that bad Jimmy…just a little threadbare in a few places, if I had a needle and some thread ah could…," (Sam then says with a calm and almost content frown on his face as he begins to pick at his uniform). "Amazing…ye can take the boy out of the country but ye can' take the country out of the boy," (Siryn then says with a good-natured smile on her face as she keeps her head still but looks over towards Sam's cell with her eyes). "Unfortunately we're going to need a lot more than a needle and thread to get out of here," (Warpath then says with an unhappy frown on his face as he picks at a stray thread on his shoulder). "Well if I had a paper clip, some old chewing gum, and a bottle cap I could make a bomb," (Sam then says with a slightly confused but joking smirk on his face as he turns around slowly and walks back towards the bench in his cell).

"Hate to break it to ya bud…but you're not MacGyver," (Warpath then says with a joking smile on his face as he shakes his head and Siryn just shakes her head and rolls her eyes). "All joking aside boyo, we're still stuck like rats in here, and Tabitha should have woken up by now," (Siryn then says with a fake half smile on her face as she leans forward as far as is safely possible and looks towards Tabitha's cell with a worried look on her face). "You're right Terry," (Sam then says with a growing look of concern and frustration on his face as he begins to check out just how well his cell is put together). "Should I act sick and then jump the guard from behind when he comes in here to investigate," (Siryn then asks with a hopeful smile on her face as she looks over towards Sam before Warpath then says with a slightly crushed look on his face), "But the guard would actually have to get into the cell with you…drop the shield and everything, they only do that when there's more than one of them." "We could work around that Jimmy, as long as you don't go again and they use their tazers again," (Sam then says with a serious frown on his face as he puts his hands into his pockets and begins to pace back and forth in his cell).

"I don't care what ye say Sam, those bloody…they try that again and I'll show them a hostile mutant," (Siryn then says with a growing look of anger on her face, with her fists clenched, as she's about ready to punch the slightly visible force field). "Easy Terry…we can't try anything until I'm sure that Tabitha is alright and can travel, besides…if worse comes to worse I'll stay here with Tabitha while you two get away and warn the others," (Sam then says with a very serious frown on his face as he sits down on his bench and stares at the floor). "We're not going to leave here without you Sam…you or Tabitha, we all get out of here together," (Warpath then says with a very serious look on his face as he stands up and looks over at Sam). "Well not that it's painfully obvious that the warriors of the crimson dawn are here and up to no good, we can' leave until we've stopped them from completing whatever they're here to do," (Siryn then says with a cold and very serious look on her face as she bounces her hands off of the force field that's holding her in her cell). "That's the plan, but we can't do anything while we're stuck in here, regardless of how much we want to," (Warpath then says with a slightly sad and serious look on his face as he nods his head towards the force field).

"Then I'd have to say that it's check out time…Terry, I've got a plan," (Sam then says with a concerned frown on his face as he looks back and forth between Siryn and then door). "That was quick," (Warpath then says with a shocked look on his face as he has his hands clasped together in front of him). "What do ye want me t' do Sam," (Siryn then says with a confused look on her face as she presses herself up to the force field as close as she can without actually touching the field). "I want you to hit the locking mechanism with a concentrated sonic scream, hopefully you can break the lock," (Sam then says with a serious frown on his face as he points down towards the lock on Siryn's cell). "Ye sure I can hit it right from in here, we've only been in here awhile but it's easy to see that whoever built this prison sure didn' want anyone getting out," (Siryn then says with a slightly unsure and confused frown on her face as she kneels down and inspects the plat that serves as the backdrop for the lock). "It is a prison Terry…that's the idea," (Warpath then says with an unhappy shrug of his shoulders as he looks over the inside of his cell). "I'll try guys…but don' get your hopes up," (Siryn then says with a very unsure smile on her face before she takes a step back, steadies herself and pushes some hair behind both ears, and she then rears back and blasts the plat with a very powerful and concentrated sonic scream).

(Then we see the lock to Siryn's cell fly off at a very high rate of speed and the force field to her cell fades away and Siryn and the others cheer as she then steps out of her cell). (Then we see Siryn start to walk towards Sam's cell but Sam then holds a hand out and says), "No Terr, get Tabitha out first…then me." "Ye sure," (Siryn then says with a confused frown on her face as she looks up at Sam). "Just do it Terry," (Warpath then says with a slightly pleading look on his face and his arms crossed in front of him). "Fine…but have either of you figured out how to get past those guards out there," (Siryn then says with an impatient sigh as she turns around and then walks towards Tabitha's cell). (Then we see Siryn look around for a bit before she picks up a metal box off of one of the side tables and goes and then smashes the metal box into the lock part of Tabitha's cell as then the force field goes down). "Is she alright," (Sam then asks with a very worried frown on his face as he's as close to the force field of his cell as he can get). "Calm down Sam…I can' hear myself think with all of your questions…," (Siryn then says with a worried and slightly angry look on her face as she's kneeling down beside Tabitha and looking back at Sam with only her eyes).

(Then we see Siryn check Tabitha's pulse and then stand up and then turn around as Sam then asks with a very concerned look on his face as he kind of looks like an impatient child), "Well…?" (Then we see Siryn say with a joking smile on her face as she smashes the lock on Sam's cell), "Why don' ye se for yourself Sam." (Then we see Sam burst out of his cell and rush over to Tabitha's cell). [He rushed out of his cell as fast as his feet will carry him]. (Then we see a panel of Sam rushing towards Tabitha's cell in the background and in the foreground we see Siryn walking towards Warpath's cell with a smile on her face). (Then we see a panel of Sam, in the foreground, walking Tabitha up and in the background we see Siryn smashing the lock of Warpath's cell). (Then we see Warpath say with a happy look on his face as he steps out of his cell), "Free at last!" "Don' let it go to your head boyo," (Siryn then says with a joking smirk on her face before she pulls Warpath close and kisses him). (Then we pull away and see Sam walking out of Tabitha's cell with her in Sam's arms and Siryn and Warpath are still kissing).

[Inside Erica's Mind]

(We open with a panel of Cable and Betsy in the kitchen trying their best to avoid the many creatures that are attacking them, all made out of fire, as the little girl just laughs her head off in glee and kicks her feet). (We then see Betsy jump out of the way as a fire lion leaps at her and crashes into a small cart and plates and food go flying all over). (Then a fire phoenix starts to fly around and dive-bomb Cable). "Watch out…don't let them touch you," (Cable then yells with an angry scowl on his face as he's using a chair to try and fend off the phoenix). "Quite the bit of poetic irony don't you think Nathan," (Betsy then says with a small smirk on her face as she's in a crouched position that she got in to avoid another attack by the fire lion). "I don't see what you…mean," (Cable then says with a slightly confused look on his face as he's still trying to fend off the fire phoenix with his half burned chair). "The whole point of you…fighting against the avatar of your dear mum," (Betsy then says with a sly smile on her face before she dives behind the island in the kitchen as a fire blast strikes the cabinets where she had just been). "Quite the Freudian observation," (Cable then says with a slightly shocked look on his face before he then gets angry and then shouts as he throws the chair away and psi-blasts the phoenix), "I've had just about enough of this!"

(Then we see the little girl become angry and ask with a calm look on her face), "Why are you helping her…she doesn't deserve your help?" "Why don't you let us decide who deserves out help and keep the snide comments to your bloody…," (Betsy then starts to say with an angry frown on her face as she's coming around the side of the island in a crouched position but she stops talking because she has to jump and roll out of the way as a fire blast comes her way). "What are you…we know that you're not the little girl that we see before us…," (Cable then says with an angry scowl on his face as he kicks aside a few pieces of broken chairs that litter the floor in front of him). "Wouldn't you like to know Askani's Son," (The little girl then says with a mocking sneer or her face before she gleefully begins humming a happy little tune). (Then we see Cable with a shocked look on his face stop walking towards the little girl and say), "What did you call me…how did you…?"

"I told her," (Someone then says from out of thin air before we then see a very smug Apocalypse appear beside the little girl, and she seems to be happy to see him). "Apocalypse…what the hell," (Betsy then says with a shocked and angry look on her face as she stands up and looks ready to fight). "Ms Braddock, I must say that I'm surprised to see you here…," (Apocalypse then says with fake look of shock on his face as he crosses his arms and then laughs). "I bet you are you sick bastard…," (Betsy then says with an angry grimace on her face as she activates her psysword). "Such harsh words from an expectant mother…tsk, tsk…why don't you ask Ms Kalen why I'm here," (Apocalypse then says with a gleeful smirk on his face as he steps aside and a very meek and scared Erica steps up). "All this is my fault…I did it…I killed them all, I'm sure of it," (Erica then says with a very timid look on her face as she shuffles her feet and stares at the floor).

"So you keep telling everybody Erica, so tell us once and for all why you believe so completely that it's all your fault," (Betsy then says with an unsure frown on her face as she gets in a defensive stance). "Because I did…I know I did, I already told ou…why won't any of you believe me," (Erica then says with a pleading look on her face and a few tears slide down her cheeks). "Maybe because I don't think that you don't completely think that…you still have your doubts about who's to blame," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he begins to walk towards Erica and Apocalypse, who doesn't seem to like Cable coming closer to him). "Well…I, I uh…," (Erica then says with a very nervous and unsure look on her face as we then see a few panels of her looking back and forth between the little girl and Apocalypse, as if she's expecting them to explain it all to her). "Wait a bloody minute…you never told us that you had met Apocalypse…," (Betsy then says with a confused and angry scowl on her face as she looks over at Cable and then to Erica).

"Haven't you figured it out by now Cable…I thought that you were smarter…," (Apocalypse then says with an unimpressed look on his face before he starts to chuckle). (Then we see Cable in a close up panel first with a confused frown on his face). (Then we see Cable suddenly grow angry and then yell as his right eye flares up), "Damn you Apocalypse…a Trojan Horse parasitic plant!" "Care to enlighten us less fortunate peoples here," (Betsy then says with a slightly confused and unsure look on her face as she looks at Cable over her shoulder). "Like the Trojan Horse of legend the plan is danger that's wrapped in a false hope, the plant was most likely put in place by Apocalypse before or after Erica's powers first manifested…you probably implanted the telepathic program into her psyche after you forced her powers to spin wildly out of control…killing her entire family, including her infant son, then you modified the program enough so that she would believe that it was all her fault, continuously riddling herself with guilt for a crime that she didn't commit, and as for why she didn't recognize Apocalypse a nice little side effect is that a person can be named that can come and go into her mind and do whatever they want to all without the host ever knowing…quite ingenious," (Cable then says with a grim scowl on his face as he raises his psi-armor, and Betsy does the same).

"Quite ingenious indeed…hideously so…and I'm guessing that this program is embodied by this little witch," (Betsy then says with a sickened scowl on her face as she steps up and is now shoulder to shoulder with Cable). "Bravo to both of you…Ms Braddock and Cable…you are both correct…," (Apocalypse then says with a very mocking smirk on his face as he claps his hands). "Well what do you want for figuring it out so fast…a lollipop," (The little girl then asks with a sinister sneer of her face as her eyes start to glow a bright red). "No…we expect you to get your ass summarily handed to you," (Betsy then says with a very angry scowl on her face as she takes a step closer to Apocalypse and Erica). "You can't stop me with simple physical threats," (The little girl then says with a playful smile on her face as she looks up at Apocalypse). "I…I don't understand…did I…," (Erica then says with a thoroughly confused look on her face as she starts to back away from Apocalypse and the little girl).

"No Erica, the death's of your family and infant son were not your fault…and now if you'll excuse us we're about to dislodge Apocalypse," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face as he lightly pushes Erica off to one side). "Like you could…but I have other matters to attend to," (Apocalypse then says with a flippant smirk on his face before he steps back into the shadows and disappears). "Just like most of the men in my life…running off at the first sign of trouble," (Betsy then says with a mocking sneer on her face before she puts her arm back as she's ready to strike the little girl). "Stupid impudent bitch…you dare compare my lord to…," (The little girl then growls angrily as her eyes continue to glow and she begins to change in appearance). (We then see as Betsy and Cable start to come towards the little girl the girl changes and morphs into a large glob that pulses and then grows very large). "What the…," (Cable then says with a shocked look on his face as he and Betsy stagger back a few steps as what was the little girl continues to grow).

"She is mine forever, and you will trouble me no longer," (What was the little girl says as its form changes to resemble a big many armed and legged insect that has wings but still retains the face of the little girl). (Then we see both Betsy and Cable scowl in disgust as they look up at the creature). "What is that thing," (Erica then says with a scared look on her face as she backs away and tries to then get behind Cable). "I am your death mutant…you will never get rid of me, I will continue to haunt you until…," (The creature then says with a gleeful smile on its face before it then spews out a stream of green liquid that forces Cable and Betsy to dive out of the way). (When the liquid hits the island it completely dissolves the island). "Watch out…it's some kind of acid," (Cable then yells out in shock as he grabs Erica and then dives through the door that leads out of the kitchen). "You don't have to tell me twice," (Betsy then says with a slightly angry frown on her face as she dives forward and rolls under another attack before she then rises up to her knees and then drives her psysword up into the creature).

(Then we see the creature howl in pain as it rears back and then tries to bat Betsy away with a few of its legs). (Then we see Betsy duck and dodge out of the way of all of the legs and she keeps jabbing her psysword up into the underbelly of the creature). (We see that the creature is evidently feeling the pain). "Keep pouring it on Psylocke, keep if off balance," (Cable then says with an angry scowl on his face as he charges back into the kitchen with his eye flashing and then a psi-blast that's beginning to form). (Then we see a panel of the creature bending over in its attempts to get at Betsy as Cable blasts the creature with a powerful psi-blast). (We then see the creature stagger backwards and roar in pain as it grabs its head and tries to shake off the effects of Cable's psi-blasts). "Keep it up Cable…this bloody thing doesn't seem to like your psi-blasts very much," (Betsy then says with a cocky smile on her face, as she's kneeling down on one knee with her psysword still pointed at the creature). "You wretched insects…I will crush you…," (The creature then says with an angry scowl on its face as it shakes its head and then starts to walk towards Cable).

"Insects…that's funny coming from you," (Cable then says with a small smile on his face as he then has to dodge out of the way of another shower of liquid acid that pours onto the door and it dissolves to show a shocked and scared Erica as she tries to back away). (Then we see the creature turn and then charge towards Cable as it's howling in anger and Cable then jumps back and psi-blasts the creature again and Betsy then yells as she leaps up onto the creatures back and then drives the point of her psysword straight down through the creatures back). (We then see a panel of the creature roaring in pain and it flail around wildly, trying to throw Betsy off as Cable continues to blast the creature with his psi-blasts). "Don't let it hit you," (Cable then yells with a very serious look on his face as he then rushes forward and forms a psi-spear that juts out from his elbow and passes out past his fist a few feet). (Then we see the creature get a lucky break and grab Betsy around the waist and then throw her back towards a wall).

[It hurls her towards the wall, intent on smashing every bone in her body]. [But thinking quickly she flips around and contorts her body in such a way so as to use the force exerted against her to have the wall act as a springboard for her attack]. (We then see Betsy get thrown towards the wall but then she flips around and contorts her body and then crouches down and jumps back off of the wall and she turns her body slightly to one side). (Then in the next few panels we see her be able to duck out of the way of a few of the creatures arms that are trying to hit her and then with an angry and determined grimace on her face she twists her body back around and she slashes the creature in between two of its arms with her psysword). (Then we see Betsy fall to the ground and roll out of the way as the creature screams out in pain as green blood spews out of the cut). "Aw poor baby…here let me help you," (Cable then says with a devilish grin on his face before he plunges his psi-spear into the creature).

"Don't get carried away there Cable…this isn't over yet," (Betsy then says in a huff in between blowing some hair off of her face as she's in a crouched position with one hand down on the ground in front of her and her psysword is pointed off to one side). "Wrong mutant, this ends now," (The creature then says angrily as it throws Cable off and he slams through a couple of chairs). (Then we see the creature take a swing at Betsy, who again dives out of the way, before it then sends out sound and energy waves with its wings that causes Betsy and Cable to cry out in pain and grab their heads and ears to try and keep the sound out). (Then we see the creature take the opportunity given it and it slams an arm into each of them, Cable goes flying and crashing through the wall and Betsy is sent crashing up into the cabinets above the stove). (Then we see a panel of Betsy struggling to get up as she's now cut and bleeding on her side, leg, and her forehead, and mouth). We see that she's holding her side and gritting her teeth as she growls), "Bloody cabinets…n' there stupid…." (Then we see Betsy using the counter to pull herself up to her feet as the creature just laughs hysterically as it then says), "Ha…you see, there is nothing that you can…aargh!"

(We then see the creature stop talking abruptly and then scream in pain as a big blast of psi-energy slams into it and throws it back through the wall and out of the house). (Then we see a quick panel of Cable grimacing angrily as he's blasting the creature with the psi-blast as he yells), "This ends now!" (Then we see Betsy stagger around the island and then smile weakly and say), "Nice shot Cable, leave anything for me?" "Let's hope not," (Cable then says with a tired grin on his face as he climbs back through the hole in the wall). (Then we go back and see several panels of someone walking through the halls of the mansion and then down the elevator). (Then we see those earlier panels and some new ones as if we're looking out of the person's eyes). (Then we see through that person's eyes the door of the infirmary and it then opens). (Then we see a panel of Warren and Alysson being shocked as they turn around and Warren then says), "Charles!?" (Then we see a panel of Xavier standing beside Warren as he then says with a calm smile on his face), "Hello Warren."

"Professor…what are you doing here," (Warren then says with a confused and shocked look on his face as we see that Alysson is frozen in shock and Dani rolls over and just stares in shock at Xavier). "With everything that's going on at the mansion I didn't really think that anyone would noticed that I was gone," (Xavier then says with a joking smile on his face as he's slightly leaning forward with both hands on the top of the cane). "Whatever…anyway I'm glad that you're here, Cable and Betts have been trying to help Erica for the past few hours…but I'm starting to get worried," (Warren then says with a very worried look on his face as he half turns in his chair, but still keeps a hand on Betsy's shoulder). "If you want I could take a look and see how things are going," (Xavier then says with a slightly concerned look on his face as he pulls a chair up and sits down beside Warren).

(Then we see Alysson nervously take a step forward and say with her hands clasped behind her back), "You…you're him, aren't you…that guy." Could you be a little bit more specific…, (Xavier then says telepathically to Alysson with a half smile on his face as he partially turns towards Alysson, who is very shocked that he's speaking to her telepathically). "Charles Xavier…you're him right," (Alysson then says with a fearful look on her face as she scratches the back of her head). "You are correct my dear…I am indeed Charles Xavier…but you may call me Charles," (Xavier then says with a kind smile on his face as he shakes Alysson's hand). "Are you here to help Erica Professor…," (Dani then asks with a tired frown on her face as she props herself up on her elbow). "I'll try," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face before he turns towards Erica and he then places his hand overtop of Betsy's and he closes his eyes).

(Then we move back inside of Erica's mind as Warren looks on in concern). (We see Cable and Betsy being slammed back up against the walls and cabinets of the room as they're both pretty beaten up). (Then we see that the creature is laughing at their predicament and Xavier then appears in the middle of the room and he just stands there looking all around as the creature, Cable, and Betsy don't notice him). This is not good, I've never seen anything like this before, (Xavier then thinks with a very concerned scowl on his face as he turns and looks at the creature, who is blasting Cable back through the glass doors). (Then we see the creature turn and spot Xavier and it starts to say something but Xavier then exits Erica's mind). "Well…what did you find out," (Warren then says with a very worried look on his face as he lays a hand on Xavier's, who's a little shaken, shoulder). "Nathan and Elizabeth are in trouble…take my hand Warren…we're going to help them," (Xavier then says with an impatient frown on his face before he and Warren close their eyes as Dani and Alysson look on in concern and shock as they enter Erica's mind).

(Then we see a panel of the creature holding Betsy up in one hand as it's squeezing her with its claws and she's growling in pain as it then says), "And now my little butterfly…it's time that I clip your wings forever!" "Over my dead body," (Warren then says with a very angry grimace on his face as his eyes are glowing a bright yellow and red in a close up panel of his face). "Wha…," (The creature then says with a shocked look on its face as Cable then crawls back through the shattered window). "Charles," (Cable then says with a shocked and confused look on his face as he's pulling himself back up to his feet). "I hope that you don't mind…but I brought along a couple of reinforcements," (Xavier then says with an unsure smile on his face as he turns towards Cable). (Then we see Cable scowl a bit and say as he's wiping some blood off of his mouth), "A couple…you and Warren?" "Exactly…along with our stowaway," (Xavier then says with a very unimpressed frown on his face in the foreground as in the background we see the creature throw Betsy at Warren, but he catches her and then avoids a few clumsy swings that the creature makes).

"Stowaway…I don't," (Cable then says with a very confused look on his face as he looks around). "You can stop hiding now Danielle," (Xavier then says with a very serious frown on his face as he looks down at the top of his cane). "Sorry Professor," (Dani then says with a sad look on her face as she walks into the kitchen). (Then we see Xavier start to say something but Warren and Betsy interrupt by getting thrown in between them and go crashing through the wall as then we see a panel of Xavier looking through the hole in the wall that Warren and Betsy just made). (Then we see Xavier say with a very worried look on his face as he's in the middle ground), "Warren…," (as in the immediate foreground we see Betsy lying on top of Warren in a heap as they're both bloody and unconscious, and in the far background we see the creature laughing hysterically). "There's no time Charles…we have to stop that thing…it's been lying to her, making Erica think that she killed her entire family and newborn son," (Cable then says with a very serious and determined frown on his face as he's holding his side).

"Then it's about time that we did something about it wouldn't you say," (Xavier then says with a very angry and also determined scowl on his face as he turns back towards the creature). "So why don't we stop talking and start squashing that big bug," (Dani then says with an excited smile on her face as she shoves her way between Cable and Xavier). (Then we see Dani smile as she jumps up onto the island and draws her bow before she loads a psychic arrow and then fires it straight into the creatures head, causing it to cry out in pain and claw at its face). "Come on Charles, we can't let Dani have all of the fun," (Cable then says with a small smile on his face as he raises his psi-armor back up, and Xavier does the same). "Filthy mutant dogs…," (The creature then says with a very angry look on its face as Dani then loads another arrow). "The likes of you is why I still get up in the morning," (Xavier then says with a very determined scowl on his face as he forms a yellow psi-sword). "Pitiful mutant, why do you persist in this fight…you cannot win," (The creature then says with an annoyed scowl on its face as it takes a few steps forward).

"You never know unless you try you parasite," (Cable then says with a very determined scowl on his face as he activates his psi-spear). "Then come and try and see the futility…," (The creature then says with a very confident look on its face before it then starts to laugh hysterically). "Thank you for the invitation…we intend to do just that," (Xavier then says with an eerily calm and serene look on his face as he looks at Cable and he then turns back towards the creature).

+ Dantera Research Facility +

+ Medical Bay-Second Level +

(We open with a few panels of Warpath, Siryn, Sam, and Tabitha, who is very groggy and Sam is helping her walk, as they duck around corners and into the various rooms). "I love this spy stuff," (Warpath then says with an overly happy smile on his face as he pushes a door open and looks around inside the room). "Ye might like t' do it Jimmy…but ye're definitely not built for it," (Siryn then says with a meager smile on her face as she pats Warpath loving on the shoulder as she squeezes by him into the room and starts to look through the cabinets and turns on the machines as Sam lays Tabitha down on one of the beds). "You guys sure that his will work," (Sam then says with a very worried look on his face as he lays Tabitha's left arm on her stomach and brushes some hair off of her face). "Not a clue Sam…but this is Tabitha we're talking about, we're not going to let anything happen to here, we know how much you…," (Warpath then says as he's flipping on a few more machines).

"Shouldn't one of us like stand guard at the door, make sure that we don' get any uninvited guests," (Siryn then says with an impatient and frustrated look on her face as she casts a quick nervous glance over towards the door). "I can do that," (Warpath then says with a helpful smile on his face and a wave of his hand before he then walks off towards the door). (Then we see a panel of Sam hovering over Tabitha as Siryn nervously and carefully inserts an i.v. into Tabitha's right arm). "Here we go," (Siryn then says with a very nervous and unsure look on her face as she steps back and then punches in a few buttons and then beside her we see Tabitha's health stats appear on the screen behind her on the wall). "Well…what the word Terry, is she going to be alright," (Sam then says with a worried look on his face and a hand on Tabitha's shoulder). "Well if I'm remembering all of those medical videos that Warren has us watch then it looks like she'll be fine," (Siryn then says with an unsure look on her face as she continues to watch the readouts).

(Then we see Sam cross his arms and then lean back up against some of the nearby machines). "Don't worry Sam…she's tough, you know that…she'll be back on her feet in no time," (Warpath then says with a serious look on his face as he looks back over his shoulder). "Ah hope you're right Jimmy," (Sam then says with a worried look on his face as he pushes off of the equipment and then leans on the exam table that Tabitha is lying on). "Ye know Jimmy Sam…always trying to cheer you up," (Siryn then says with a tired look on her face as she's rummaging around in one of the drawers). "Well save it for when we get out of here will ya," (Sam then says with a frustrated look on his face as he leans on the exam bed with his forearms). "Whatever you say Sam…you're the boss," (Warpath then says with a shrug of his shoulders as he turns back away from Sam and stars at the door). "What do we do now Sam, we can' just sit in here and keep trading humorous one liners until they find us, sooner of later they'll figure out that we're not in our cells anymore and come looking for us," (Siryn then says with a very serious and uncertain frown on her face as she pulls up a chair and then sits down).

"You and Jimmy will get Tabitha out of here while I stop them from using the bomb and then join ya," (Sam then says with a reluctant and somber frown on his face as she's looking straight at Tabitha). (Then we see Warpath and Siryn look back at Sam with shocked and worried looks on their faces). "Sam…what are you saying, we're not going to leave you here," (Warpath then says with a very serious look on his face as he turns around and stares at Sam). "Listen guys…I'm the only one that can even hope to withstand the pressure down here," (Sam then says with a very grim and serious look on his face as he looks away). "Are you crazy," (Siryn then says with a flabbergasted and angry look on her face as she pushes away from the table). "No…I'm dead serious about this Terry, Tabitha needs to get help and last time I checked neither of you two can withstand a nuclear blast," (Sam then says with a grim look on his face as he runs a hand through his hair). "I might be able to…but it could have some very negative effects on me…knowing my luck it'd probably make me sterile," (Warpath then says with a deep in thought look on his face as he looks at Tabitha).

"And we certainly wouldn't want that now would we," (Siryn then says with an amused smirk on her face as she blushes deeply and the looks down). "Right…look, we don't really know where the bomb is, if it's even here for that matter…and I believe that I'd be the best one to look for it and if I find it to destroy it and still make it out in one piece," (Sam then says with a very serious frown on his face as he stands back up and then heads for the door). "What if Tabitha wakes up and asks for you…what are we supposed to do then Sam," (Warpath then says with a somber frown on his face as he lays a hand on Sam's shoulder as Sam looks down and frowns sadly). "Are ye sure about this Sam…last chance to back out," (Siryn then says with a downcast frown on her face as she turns towards the door and looks like she's trying not to cry). "Ah've made up my mind guys…and that's the end of it," (Sam then says with a very grim and serious look on his face before he exits the room and the door closes).

(Then we see Warpath turn back to Siryn and then say with a very bummed out look on his face), "Tell me this is all going to work out for the best Terry…please." "Sorry Jimmy…but this is a story whose ending has yet to be written, all that we can do is sit back and wait, whether we like it or not," (Siryn then says with a very sad but calm look on her face as she runs her fingers through her hair). "Thanks for the pep talk Terry…it's just what I needed," (Warpath then says with a dejected look on his face as he shrugs his shoulders and takes a few steps back towards the exam bed). "Sorry…but you know me…always the realist," (Siryn then says with an apologetic frown on her face before she crosses her arms on the table and then lays her head down onto them). "No…you're just saying what you feel that's all," (Warpath then says with a sad and unhappy frown on his face as he runs his hand over Siryn's head, smoothing out her hair). (Then we see a panel of Siryn and Warpath sharing a sad look as then we see Tabitha groan a bit). "She'd better not wake up before we get her out of here because I don't know about you but I don't want to be the one to tell her where Sam is," (Warpath then says with a worried and scared look on his face as he scratches his head).

"We have to believe that Sam knows what he's doing and we won't even have to tell Tabitha anything," (Siryn then says with a pessimistic look of hope on her face as she wipes away a tear). "Come on Terry you know us…she'll wake up before I even finish this sentence and then you'll have to tell her where Sam is," (Warpath then says with a hopeful look on his face as he starts to turn away from Siryn). "Wait a bloody minute boyo…when she wakes up you can tell her…I'm already making sure that she's doing alright," (Siryn then says with a very serious look on her face as she stands up and glares defiantly at Warpath, who just stands there). "Fine…but we should probably take our own advice and get to the ship and get out of here," (Warpath then says with a very serious frown on his face as he unhooks Tabitha from the machines and picks her up in his arms). "But how are we even supposed to find that thing, it could be anywhere," (Siryn then says with a concerned look on her face as she starts to stuff a bunch of medical supplies into a couple of bags).

"When they brought us in here I played dead, letting them think that I was unconscious like the rest of you, I've got a pretty good idea about where to go," (Warpath then says with a hopeful smile on his face as he then carries Tabitha towards the door and Siryn follows close behind and then says as they exit the room), "Well then…lead the way."

[Meanwhile, A Short Distance Away]

(We see Sam racing through the corridors, carefully avoiding all of the crimson dawn warriors). (We see that Sam looks a little scared and none to confidant about what it is that he's doing but he's to far into it to stop now). Ah hope I know what I'm doing, (Sam then thinks with a worried look on his face as he crams himself into a dark corner and then freezes as a patrol of crimson dawn warriors walk past him). (Then we see Sam get out of the corner and then stealth fully follow the patrol back through a lot of dark hallways). (Then we see them all enter a really big room that's full of crimson dawn warriors and in the middle at one side is a small water entryway where what looks like a kind of modified drilling machine sits that has the nuclear weapon being loaded onto the back part of it). Guess that answers the question about whether or not they have a bomb and what they're planning on doing with it, (Sam then thinks with a grim frown on his face as he ducks behind some oil drums and keeps watch).

(We then see a few panels of one of the main crimson dawn warriors directing the final stages of the loading of the bomb). (We also see a few panels of more crimson dawn warrior's teleporting in and wounded ones leaving along with a lot of the supplies). This is not good, (Sam then thinks with a very concerned scowl on his face as he moves in amongst the various oil barrels and other stored items). (Then we see Death emerge out of one of the portals and then say angrily), "Why is the bomb still here, it should have been deployed hours ago…so that I wouldn't have to come out to this filthy hole in the wall excuse for a headquarters." "I'm sorry sir…but if we only had a little more…," (A scared crimson dawn warrior says nervously as it slowly walks towards Death). (Then we see Death get angry and then grab the crimson dawn warrior's head and then begin to drain it as the warrior screams in pain and Death says), "I will not tolerate failure…." (Then we see the drained crimson dawn warrior flop to the ground and all of the other warriors cringe and back away a bit in fear).

(Then we see Sam get angry and just barely be able to keep himself from attacking Death). (We then see Sam shake his head and wipe a hand across his face in frustration). "Is there anyone else that wants to give me more excuses," (Death then asks with an angry frown on his face as he looks around as all of the crimson dawn warriors start to back away and shake their heads). "N…no sir…we won't fail you again," (One of the crimson dawn warriors then says with a very nervous look on its face as it takes a few wary steps forward and those other crimson dawn warriors around it take a few steps back). "Just get the bomb loaded properly and then send it on its way…this mission cannot be held back any longer," (Death then says with a very determined scowl on his face as he begins to walk towards the bomb). "Yes sir," (We then see a quartet of crimson dawn warriors say with scared looks on their faces as they rush to finish securing the bomb). (Then we see the bomb get securely fastened to the machine and all those assembled crimson dawn warriors begin to applaud and Death then says with a slightly angry scowl on his face), "Stop clapping you fools…you can celebrate only after the mission is successfully completed."

[The festivities are short lived before being interrupted]. (We then see a panel of an energy blast slamming into the midst of the crimson dawn warriors and the blast sends Death to the ground, many of the crimson dawn warriors go flying and the machine that the bomb is attached to gets knocked over). (Then we see an extremely angry Death, surrounded by many crimson dawn warriors who are picking themselves up painfully off of the floor, yell), "Who dares…!" "Ah wish I could say that I'm sorry for interrupting but…I'm not," (Sam then says with a very confident look on his face as he kicks away an empty oil drum and then charges forwards very confidently). "You," (Death then yells angrily as he turns around and glares up at Sam). (Then we see a great many of the crimson dawn warriors fire their weapons at Sam and they're all yelling angrily as they do it). (Then we see Sam bring up his blast shield and then calmly stand there as the blasts hit his shield). (Then we see Sam step forward and put one hand out before he fires off a blast that slams into the group of crimson dawn warriors that are nearest to the machine that is attached to the bomb).

(We see that group all go flying up into the air as Sam then continues to fire off blasts left and right as the crimson dawn warriors continue to fire off blasts of their own in defense, but their blasts only continue to harmlessly hit Sam's blast shield). (Then we see Death get very angry and then yell), "Give me that you fool," (as he drains another crimson dawn warrior with one hand while taking its weapon with the other). (Then we see Death angrily start to fire at Sam as he walks towards Sam and says), "It took you long enough to find me simpleton, but now I will make this facility your grave!" "Gonna have to get a bigger stick than that to get me you coward," (Sam then says angrily as he breaks out into a run towards Death with his blast shield still up). (Then we see Death start to say something with an angry sneer on his face before an equally angry Sam plows shoulder first into him and the two go flying back into one of the big chunks of cement that get dislodged when Sam first began blasting). (Then we see Death try to drain Sam through his shield, but all that Death's touch does is to create a violent feedback loop that shoots Sam back away from Death as he crashes through the oil drums and they burst into flames after the oil spills all over).

(We then see that Death is also blasted back but he goes flying and then slams up against the wall and then slides down behind some more barrels of oil). (Then we see a few panels of a chain reaction of explosions take place as more and more of the oil barrels detonate and block both the entrances and the exits as the crimson dawn warriors shout in fear and alarm as they run around trying to put the fires out and try to reopen the portals). (Then we see Sam struggle to get out from under burning and smoking debris). "This wasn't part of the plan," (Sam then says with a concerned and slightly scared look on his face as he dodges some falling debris). "You fool…you've started a chain reaction…it can't be stopped," (Death then yells angrily as he stands up and pushes some debris away). "I can live with that…," (Sam then says with a forced look of confidence on his face as he blasts through a big box that's on fire and in his way). "Only until your imminent demise because of your foolish actions…," (Death then says with an angry look on his face as he glares at Sam). "Says the scum that's far to overconfident…as usual," (Sam then says with a very fed up scowl on his face as he rushes at Death before he slams his powered up fist into Death's jaw, causing Death to do a back-flip and then crash through a table). "You will pay for that mutant…," (Death then growls angrily with a very bloody face, and a very mean sneer on his face as he begins to pick himself up off of the floor).

"Not this time Death, ah've already paid more than any man ever should…now it's your turn," (Sam then says back with a very determined look on his face as he fires off a blast that throws Death back up into the air and then into a large pile of burning oil drums). (Then we see one of the crimson dawn warriors get close to the bomb and it then says with a very shocked and scared look on its face), "Oh no…the timer's stuck…we can't shut it off!" "What," (Sam then says with a confused frown on his face as he turns towards the bomb). "The bomb can't be shut off…it's going to detonate right here…and kill us all," (The crimson dawn warrior then yells in shock and horror as it tries to scramble back away from the bomb). (Then we see Sam rush to the side of the bomb and then kneel down and start to reach for the bomb as he then says with a very worried look on his face), "I think ah'm in trouble…." (Then we do a wide panel of Sam kneeling down beside the bomb as the crimson dawn warriors around him all run around in a wild panic and explosions continue to happen).

[The Mansion's Infirmary]

[Where A Rescue Mission Of Sorts Is Taking Place]

(We open with a panel of everyone that's in the infirmary as Warren is rubbing his eyes, Dani is lying on the bio-bed and she looks like she's asleep and Alysson is sitting in a chair nearby and holding a can of pop in her hand). "How much longer is this going to take," (Alysson then asks with a bored look on her face before she then takes a sip of pop). (Then we see Warren say with a restrained look of anger in his eyes in a close up of his eyes), "It'll take as long as they need it to Alysson." "Well I wish that they'd hurry it up…this is getting old," (Alysson then says with a tired sigh as she leans her head back and stares up at the ceiling). "Not as old as you and your insipid questions every five seconds," (Warren then says angrily as he clenches his fist and glares back at Alysson, who shrinks away from his glare with a scared look on her face). "Fine…I won't ask again," (Alysson then says with a scared look on her face as she looks down at her shoes). "Thank you," (Warren then says with a frustrated look on his face as we move back inside of Erica's psyche and we see Xavier, Cable, and Dani fighting the creature as Warren and Betsy are still out).

(We see that Cable is down on one knee as he's obviously tired and pretty beaten up while Xavier is fighting in close and Dani is staying away and firing psychic arrows that all strike their target). (Then we see Xavier stab the creature again and again as it tries in vain to hit him). "Keep it up Dani…it's beginning to tire…Cable…," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face, as we also see that he's sweating heavily, as he turns his head towards Cable). "I'm here Charles…," (Cable then says as he picks himself up and wipes some blood off of his mouth). "Are you strong enough to finish this Nathan," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face as he looks back at Cable out of the corner of his eye as Cable is walking towards him). "You know me better than that Charles…let's just do this and help Erica," (Cable then says with a very determined scowl on his face as he then uses his psi-armor to deflect a chair thrown at him by the creature).

"My thoughts exactly…Dani," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face as Dani then leaps down off of the island and lands beside Cable). "Yes Professor," (Dani then says with a pensive look on her face as she loads another arrow and then fires it at the creature). "We're only going to get one shot at this so we'd better make it count," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face as he looks over at both Cable and Dani). "So what's the plan guys…big ugly over there isn't going to wait for us to hammer out a plan," (Dani then says with a slightly worried look on her face as she nods her head towards the creature). "The plan that you spoke of…," (Cable then says with a calm look on his face before the creature interrupts him), "Your foolish planning will reap you no reward mutants…other than your death!" (Then we see Xavier roll his eyes and then say with a very calm look on his face), "Is already in the works…." "It doesn't matter what you've dreamt up…you will fail," (The creature then says with a very arrogant smirk on its face as it smashes away the rest of the table).

"That's what they all say…ready Charles," (Cable then says with a confident look on his face as he amps up his psi-armor and weapon as Xavier says as he does the same with his psi-armor and weapons), "Ready." "Uh guy…did I miss something," (Dani then says with a confused look on her face as she's looking back and forth between Cable and Xavier). "Nothing at all," (Xavier then says with a slightly smug look on his face as he looks back at Dani before we then see a panel of Xavier turning and looking towards the creature, which by now is very angry and not liking that it was being ignored). "Vile mutants…I will teach you not to ignore me," (The creature then yells angrily as it rears back and prepares to strike them down). (Then we see the creature take a swing at Xavier, Cable, and Dani but they all jump out of the way and Dani then fires off a few psychic arrows that help her get away). "I will kill you all…," (The creature then says with a very angry scowl on its face as it turns and storms off after Cable). "We were thinking…not if we kill you first," (Cable then says with a very confident look on his face as he dodges an attack and then jumps at the creature and then drives the point of his psi-spear into the creature, which howls in pain and rears back).

"Now Dani…hit it with everything you've got," (Xavier then yells, with a hand and sword outstretched towards the creature). "Okay," (Dani then says with a small nod of her head before she then loads another arrow and then slams it straight into the same place that Cable hit with his psi-spear). (Then we see the creature howl in pain again and then try to shake the pain away before Xavier then dives in and stabs his sword into the same spot that Dani's arrows hit and Cable's psi-spear hit). (Then we see the creature sway wildly before it regains its balance and then gets very angry). "We're still not enough," (Xavier then says with a worried look on his face before we then see someone say from off panel), "Guess this is where we come in." (Then we move over and see a panel of Betsy standing just inside of the hole in the wall as she's all beaten up and she has her psy-knife out and she looks very determined but also angry and behind her we see Warren leaning on the wall as he's still trying to clear his head).

"Your renewed presence means nothing I…I…urk…wha…who…," (The creature then starts to say angrily before it has a very pained grimace on its face). (Then we see a red halo appear around the creature that soon looks like it's on fire as we then see Jean in a halo of Phoenix energy, come floating around to the side of the creature with a serious look on her face). "Jean…what," (Dani then says with a confused and startled look, a look that Cable and Xavier share, on her face as then Betsy turns back and catches Warren as he starts to fall). "There was a lull in the business here at the mansion and I thought that perhaps you could use a little help…looks like I was right," (Jean then says with a calm look on her face as she continues to hover away from the creature). (Then we see Betsy say with a slightly annoyed scowl on her face as she's helping to keep Warren up), "We bloody well could have handled it ourselves…." "Maybe, but this creature was created by Apocalypse himself…we have no idea how powerful this thing could be," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face as he keeps his sword in front of him).

"Foolish mutants…hrrk…I will now show you my true power," (The creature then says angrily before it starts to morph again and grow). "I think not…," (Jean then says with an emotionless look on her face as we see the others over her shoulder react with grim determination). "Jean," (Betsy then says with a serious frown on her face as she has Warren's arm around her shoulders). "Listen everyone, channel your psy-energy through me and this battle will be over right now," (Jean then says with a look of serious concentration on her face). (Then we see several quick panels of all of the telepaths lending their powers to Jean as Cable has a grim look on his face, Xavier has a serious look on his face, Dani has a calm look on her face, and Betsy has a slightly annoyed look on her face). (Then we see Jean scowl and then her eyes flame over and with a finger pointed towards the creature she then says), "Your machinations end here creature!"

(Then we see a wide panel of Jean as she amps up the Phoenix around her as the flames fully engulf the panel). (Then we see Jean blast the creature with the full force of the Phoenix as it is just coming into its final shape). (We then see the creature say), "Stupid wench…you cannot…defeat…me!" (Then we see the creature howl in pain as the Phoenix Force disintegrates the creature in a really big blast of fire). (Then we see Jean smile and sigh as she's powering down and she then says), "It is finished." (Then we see a panel of Erica as she's coming back into the kitchen but she then clutches her head in pain, screams, and then drops to the floor). "What's wrong…it's gone…Jean said," (Dani then says with a concerned and also confused look on her face as she rushes to Erica's side). "It must be the psionic backlash caused by the sudden void of Apocalypse's program," (Xavier then says with a concerned frown on his face as behind him we see Jean turn around and look like she's tired). "Okay…that's a good thing right…it's gone right…she'll come out of this won't she," (Dani then asks with a worried look on her face as Cable kneels down beside Erica and lifts her top half up into his arms).

"Yes Dani…it's gone, for good…and Erica should come through this for the better, although she'll probably have quite a few issues to deal with for the rest of her life," (Cable then says with a very serious frown on his face as he's checking Erica over for injuries). "Which we will help her with when the time comes…it's what we do," (Jean then says with a calm but saddened frown on her face as she pushes a strand of hair back behind her ear). (Then we see Betsy and Warren sadly look around as Betsy then says with a tired look on her face), "If everyone has said their farewells I'd like to leave now…." "Good…is there anything that you want me to tell Scott Charles," (Jean then says with a tired look on her face as she lays a hand on Xavier's shoulder). "No Jean…I'll stay here for a couple of days or so before returning to the mansion, I want to spend some time with Warren and Elizabeth…you can handle things till then right…," (Xavier then says with a kind smile on his face as he turns to Jean and nods his head). "Of course Charles…oh and congratulations Warren…Elizabeth…I'm happy for you," (Jean then says with a small laugh as she hugs Xavier and then disappears).

"Time to go," (Cable then says with a tired look on his face as he picks Erica up and then the two leave Erica's mind as all of the others do the same). (Then we see a panel of Warren, Betsy, Cable and Xavier all wake up out of their telepathic trances so fast that Alysson gets shocked out of the lull that she's in). "That was…interesting," (Cable then says with a tired frown on his face as he wipes his hand across his face). (Then we see Betsy put a hand up to her temple and she then turns to Warren and says with a tired and slightly sickly look on her face), "Warren…luv…can you take me back to our room, I'm not feeling very well." "Of course Betts…," (Warren then says with a very concerned look on his face as he helps a shaky Betsy to her feet and then the two exit the room with Warren having his arms around Betsy). "I she alright…she doesn't look so good," (Alysson then says with a scared look on her face as she turns towards Xavier). "I believe so…the trip into Erica's psyche probably didn't sit very well with her pregnancy," (Xavier then says with a very serious look on his face as he runs a hand over his head from front to back).

"We didn't have a choice Charles, if we hadn't gone in when we did she would have died," (Cable then says with an almost angry look on his face before he then blows out a few of the candles around him). "You could have started out by yourself Nathan, Elizabeth could have called me and she never would have had to go in," (Xavier then says with a very serious frown on his face as he stands up and turns towards the door). "I told you Charles…there simply wasn't time, right now you should be worrying about Erica and what she's going to be going through," (Cable then says with a very serious look on his face before he finishes blowing out the candles and then leaves the room).

[Dantera Research Facility]

[Hallway to Hanger Bay]

(We see Warpath, who's carrying Tabitha, and Siryn as they're all racing through the various hallways of the facility as they're also avoiding any and all crimson dawn warrior patrols before they then get to the hanger bay). (Then we see Siryn see the machine that brought them there and it's across the hanger bay, of which half is water, and is guarded by a dozen heavily armed crimson dawn warriors that look nervous and ready for a fight). "What do we do now…there are too many of them to just waltz in there and hop on board," (Siryn then says with a concerned look on his face as she turns back to Warpath, who lays Tabitha down on top of a pile of tarps). "So we won't waltz…we'll tear through them like paper…or at least I can…while you get Tabitha over there and get the engines running," (Warpath then says with a very serious look on his face as he lays ah and on Siryn's shoulder and he's looking out over the hanger bay). "Nae Jimmy, I don't like this plan, ye can' take them on all by yourself…I won't let you," (Siryn then says with a slightly angry frown on her face as she turns to Warpath and lays a hand on his forearm).

"It's the only way Terry, yeah I can carry Tabitha easily enough, but I need someone that I can trust to keep Tabitha safe in the meantime…and that's you, so let's just get this over with okay," (Warpath then says with a tired look on his face before he then hugs Siryn). "Okay…but I'm not going to let ye go and get yourself hurt or killed, I'm your bloody backup don' forget," (Siryn then says with an unsure frown on his face as she starts to pick Tabitha up). "I'll try to draw them all to one side…if I can, now if any of them don't follow me, or try to come back towards you just blast them with a good sonic scream," (Warpath then says with a very serious look on his face as Siryn nods her head as she's holding Tabitha up as Tabitha's arm is around Siryn's shoulders and vice versa). "Here we go," (Siryn then says with a determined look on her face as she and Tabitha go around the corner and Warpath charges out full force as he yells), "…and here I go." (Then we see the crimson dawn warriors shout in anger and alarm as they start to blast at Warpath, who laughs as he avoids their blasts and takes them out). "I don't care if I hurt your feelings…but when we get back you're laying off the junk food," (Siryn then says with a very frustrated and exerted look on her face as we see that she's having some trouble carrying Tabitha).

(Then we see a panel or two of Warpath throwing around the last few crimson dawn warriors before a portal opens up behind him and one of the golems steps out and it heads straight towards Warpath, who isn't happy to see him). "Terry go…I'll handle tiny here," (Warpath then says with a grim look of determination on his face , that's in the foreground, as in the background we see Siryn helping Tabitha slowly up the ramp to the hatch). "Jimmy watch out…behind you," (Siryn then yells with a slightly scared look on her face as she and Tabitha get to the hatch and Siryn is setting Tabitha down). (We then see Warpath just barely be able to jump out of the way as the golem smashes its fist down into the floor where Warpath just was, smashing the floor into pieces). (Then we see the golem take another swing at Warpath, who dodges the swing and then slams his fist into the golems jaw). (Then we see a panel of Siryn, with her head sticking out of the hatch from behind, in the immediate foreground and in the far background we see Warpath facing off against the golem, as Siryn yells), "C'mon Jimmy…let's go!" "Get the engines started Terry…get moving…I'll get rid of tiny here and then join you," (Warpath then says with a very grim look on his face as he's dodging the golem's punches before on then connects and he's thrown back into a group of stacked oil barrels). (Then we see Siryn start to yell something out in fear before she stops and disappears into the machine).

(Then in the next few panels we see Siryn carrying and dragging Tabitha through the passageways of the ship before the two then get to the main control room and Siryn then says as she straps Tabitha into one of the seats, as Tabitha is still unconscious), "Here ye go Tabitha…all buckled in and ready to get out of here." (Then we see Siryn hop into the drivers seat and then she looks at the control panel and then thinks with a very worried look on her face), I hope I remember how this all works. [She wracks her brain trying to remember the correct sequence of buttons and levers to use to bring the ship to life]. (We then see a few panels of Siryn pushing buttons, turning some switches, and trying to get the machine to start). (Then we see Siryn become very happy and then shout), "Yes," (as she happily clenches her fist in front of her as the ship roars to life). (Then we see a panel of the hanger bay as the ship starts to move away from the dock in the background and Warpath and the golem fighting in the foreground). (We then see some more crimson dawn warriors rush into the hanger bay and start to attack both Warpath and the golem). (We see Warpath have to quickly duck out of the way as he says, as the weapons blasts then hit the golem), "Whoa!" (Then we see Warpath turn and charge over towards the incoming crimson dawn warriors with an angry look on his face as behind him we see the golem come chasing after him). (We then see panels of Warpath fighting the crimson dawn warriors, all while avoiding the golems fists).

(Then we see Warpath using the golem's momentum against it and he throws it into a large group of the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Warpath standing back up and he sees that the ship is moving away and he smiles greedily). (Then we see Warpath think), Time to go. (Then we see Warpath smile sheepishly at the crimson dawn warriors before he turns and then runs away back towards where the ship is leaving as he yells back over his shoulder), "I'd love to stick around and chat but I've got places to go and a girlfriend to…well…," (he finishes with a very smug grin on his face). (Then we see Imol appear out of a portal and then yell angrily), "Stop him you fools…don't let him get away!" Too little to late pal," (Warpath then yells back with a mocking smile on his face before he leaps off of the pier and flies over to the ship and lands on the ship right next to the open hatch). "This isn't over, filthy mutant," (Imol then yells angrily with his fists clenched and the crimson dawn warriors behind him look nervously at each other). "It is now," (Warpath then says with a laughing smirk on his face as he disappears down the hatch and then reaches back up and closes and locks the hatch). (Then we see Imol turn around and then crush the skull of a nearby crimson dawn warrior before stalking angrily out of the room in a wide shot of him walking out on one side of the panel and on the other side is the ship leaving the hanger bay).

[Back With The Bomb]

(We open with Sam kneeling down beside the bomb and he's frantically trying to disarm the bomb as around him all of the crimson dawn warriors are still trying to get out of the entryway). (We then see Sam looking around as he has taken out a few of the circuit boards and is moving them all around). What the…ah don't know what I'm doing…trying to disarm a bomb…a nuclear one no less, (Sam then thinks with a very unsure frown on his face as he picks up one circuit board and is looking at it with a raised eyebrow). (We then see Death angrily trying to reopen a portal that would get him out of the entryway). "This is all your fault mutant," (Death then growls angrily as he picks up a box and then hurls it against the wall, smashing it all to pieces). "You can yell at me all ya want…after…I get out of here," (Sam then says with an annoyed scowl on his face as he only looks over at Death out of the corner of his eye). "If I do not make it out of here then I'll be damned if I let you…," (Death then shouts with murderous intent in his eyes as he sneers at Sam, who simply shrugs it off as he mutters), "Whatever." "You don't even know what you're doing…you stupid peasant," (Death then says with a very biting sneer on his face as he turns his angry gaze towards Sam).

"You're right…I don't," (Sam then says with an angry look on his face before he then gives one of the circuit boards a good jerk and it goes flying far away from the bomb). "You fool," (Death then yells angrily as he charges forward and reaches out to drain Sam). (Then we see Sam see Death coming he rolls out of the way before he blasts Death, with a very angry look on his face, back far away and through the far wall). (Then we see Sam hear a sound that makes his eyes grow wide in fear before he then looks down and we see a close up panel of the bomb's timer as it turns on and then starts to count down really fast). "Not good," (Sam then says with a scared look on his face before he then jumps to his feet). (Then we see Sam start to put up a force field around the bomb and we see that he's really pushing himself to build it up as around him we see the crimson dawn warriors getting out through the hole in the wall that Death made when Sam blasted him through it). Ah hope I know what I'm doing, (Sam then thinks with an unsure look on his face as we see his face in a close up as he's sweating heavily).

(Then we cut back and forth between Sam powering up the force field, along with one around himself, and of the bomb's timer as it quickly counts down towards zero). (We then see a panel of Sam upping the force field in the foreground and in the background we see Death finally be able to open a portal and he escapes with a sneer on his face as he yells), "I'm sorry that I won't be here to witness your gruesome death…but I have more important matters to attend to…." "Ah don't plan on dying here," (Sam then says with a very determined scowl on his face as he keeps upping the shield around him as the crimson dawn warriors keep escaping). (Then we cut back to Forge's new ship as it's limping slowly away from the research facility). (Then we move inside of the ship and see that Siryn is driving and Warpath is sitting beside Tabitha, who's still out). "Are ye sure that we did the right thing Jimmy…leaving Sam back there," (Siryn then says with a very worried frown on her face as she looks back over her shoulder at Warpath, who looks up at her with the same look on his face).

"I have faith in Sam's judgment, he's never let us down before and I doubt that he's going to start now," (Warpath then says with a very confident look on his face as he checks out the readouts of a few instruments). "I'm just glad that Tabitha hasn' woken up yet…I don' know if she'd believe anything that we had to say," (Siryn then says with a tired sigh as she turns back towards her front console and gets back to driving the ship). "Hopefully we…," (Warpath then starts to say with a worried look on his face before the whole ship starts to shake very violently, and Warpath and Siryn shout in alarm). (Then we see an underwater shot of the research facility starting to explode). (Then we see a number of panels of both the many different parts of the research facility implode and then also explode and shots of Warpath and Siryn as they react to the explosions). (We then see the ship get thrown around a lot very violently before we then see the ship finally surface in a series of panels). (Then we see a panel of the inside of the stingray like ship as Warpath grimaces painfully as he unbuckles his seatbelt and then turns towards Siryn as he says), "Terry…you okay?"

"Aye…mostly, but I'm gonna have the biggest bruise on me bum," (Siryn then says with a tired look on her face, as she also looks like her belts are too tight by a mile). "I'd be more than happy to help you with that," (Warpath then says with a cheesy grin on his face as Siryn is unbuckling herself and smiling back weakly at Warpath). "I bet you could boyo…how's Tabitha," (Siryn then says with a frustrated smirk on her face before we then see a panel of Warpath checking on Tabitha). "Looks like she's fine…but she's going to need her rest," (Warpath then says with a grim look on his face as he looks back over at Siryn). "Wait…Sam," (Siryn then says with a shocked look on her face as she quickly turns back towards Warpath). "Try the communicator…maybe he…," (Warpath then says with a very worried look on his face as he walks back up to stand beside Siryn). "I'll try…but I don' see how anyone could have," (Siryn then says with a very scared and worried look on her face as she leans forward and picks up the headset and puts the receiver up to her ear and the microphone just off of her mouth and the part that goes over her head is turned off to the right). "Sam come in…Sam, please," (Siryn then says with a pleading look on her face as she holds the intercom button down with one hand and the other hand is holding the earpiece up to her ear).

(Then we see a few panels of Warpath and Siryn just sitting there waiting for a response but all that we see them hear is static). (Then we see a panel of Siryn as she starts to cry and Warpath looks like he's about to before he drops his head and squeezes Siryn's shoulder).

[Later]

(We see Warpath sitting very casually in the pilot's chair of the X-jet and he has a very bummed out look on his face). "This is a fine mess that we've gotten ourselves into," (Warpath then says with a frustrated look on his face as he scratches the back of his head). (Then we see Warpath punch in a few buttons and the instrument panel comes to life as we then see an outside shot of the X-jet as it flies out of the hanger that they put it in earlier). (Then we cut over to a panel of Siryn standing in the ship's control room and she's leaning on the back of the chair beside the one that Tabitha is asleep in and she's resting on her crossed arms, and she's looking down at Tabitha with tears running down her cheeks and a completely scared look on her face). "How am I supposed t' tell ye that he's gone…when I can' even believe it myself," (Siryn then says with an absolutely heartbroken look on her face as she's in the background and she's slightly blurry as she's looking down towards the foreground as we see in the immediate foreground Tabitha's left hand over her right hand and her engagement ring is visible).

(Then we see the radio crackle to life and make Siryn turn her head and wipe away a tear as she does so). (Then we see Warpath say through the radio as Siryn is walking back towards the drivers seat), "Hey Terry…you still there?" (Then we see Siryn say sadly as she sits down in the drivers seat), "Yeah Jimmy I'm here, what's the situation on your end?" "I'll be there in a few minutes, and then we can go home," (Warpath then says through the radio). (Then we see Siryn say in a close up panel of her face as she's gazing out of the window as a tear slides down her cheek), "…And break the bad news to everyone." (Then we see a panel of Warpath as he says with a tired and sad look on his face), "We're going to have a lot of explaining to do…not to mention what's going to happen to Tabitha." "Yeah…this will destroy her," (Siryn then says with a very worried look on her face as he looks back over her shoulder at Tabitha).

"We all knew the risks when we signed on for this mission Terry…we knew that there was the possibility that we…," (Warpath then says with a very sad frown on his face as he runs a hand through his hair). "That still doesn' mean that…that…," (Siryn then says with a very somber look on her face as she turns away from Tabitha and stands up and leans up against another of the chairs). (Then we see a few panels of Tabitha as she starts to wake up). (Then we see Siryn walk over to Tabitha with a very unsure look on her face before she kneels down beside her). "Wha…where am I," (Tabitha then says with a pained grimace on her face as she has a hand up on her temple as Siryn looks on with a scared frown on her face). "Back on Forge's new toy…just don't ask how," (Siryn then says with a hand on Tabitha's shoulder, with a very worried look on her face). "Sam…where's Sam," (Tabitha then says with a frightened look on her face as she sits up in her chair and starts to look around). (Then we see Siryn about to have a heart attack before she drops her head and looks away still with a hand on Tabitha's shoulder and then says), "Sam…well uh he…ye see he…."

"Acted recklessly and ignored some very good advice," (A voice form off panel then says that causes both Tabitha and Siryn to almost jump out of their skins as they turn around and Tabitha grins happily as Siryn gasps as she then says), "Sam!" (Then we see a panel of Sam leaning on the doorway, and he's soaking wet and he's a complete mess, but he has a tired grin on his face). "Did I miss anything," (Sam then says with a tired look on his face as he begins to walk into the room before Siryn then wraps her arms around him and hugs him very tightly as Tabitha stands up on shaky legs and with a pained grimace on her face). "Ye had us worried Sam…," (Siryn then says with a relieved but angry look on her face as she lets go of Sam only to have Tabitha hug him). "Sorry…guess my plan worked," (Sam then says sheepishly before the three take their seats as Sam ignores Tabitha's questions and just hugs her while Siryn just shakes her head and smiles as she starts to drive the ship again). -END