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...

29. My 29th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI #29: NOTHING EVER GOES AS PLANNED

BY: LOGANALPHA30

""-Words

[ ] - Caption Boxes

- Thoughts

+ + -Time, Place Boxes

( ) – Art Instructions

+ Weeks Later +

(We open with Sam and Tabitha all snuggled up close to each other and they're dressed for the pool as Sam's wearing swimming trunks and Tabitha's wearing a small black bikini with dark brown shades on, as they're sitting on a lounge chair poolside).  (We see that there's a stereo sitting beside them and it's blaring music and the couple appear to be having a lot of fun).  (We see that Siryn is getting out of the pool and she's wearing a small one piece suit while Warpath is wearing trunks and a backwards baseball cap as he's doing pushups beside the pool).  (We then see Forge, who's decked out similarly to Sam, as he's relaxing in another one of the lounge chairs).  (We then see that Erica's climbing up to the diving board and she has on her skimpy red bikini, and it's obvious that she's looking over and down at Forge).  (Then we move inside the mansion and we see Betsy sitting at the kitchen table eating an apple as she's telekinetically moving the knife to cut the apple apart).  (We then see that Warren is sitting beside her and he's reading the paper and drinking a steaming cup of coffee).  "Have all of the preparations been made for our eleven thirty meeting," (Warren then says with a tired look on his face as he sets the coffee cup down and turns to Betsy, who's chewing a piece of the apple).  "Already done luv, I called your secretary last night and set everything up, now remember my ultrasound appointment for this afternoon," (Betsy then says with a slightly angry look on her face as she's cutting another slice of the apple).  "I won't miss it Betts…I'm not going to miss a chance to see our twins," (Warren then says with a very serious look on his face before he takes another sip of coffee). 

(Then we see Betsy cock her head to one side and look at Warren with a look on her face that seems to show that she'll believe it when she sees it).  "Any word from Forge about the nukes," (Warren then says with a tired look on his face as he leans back in his chair and then picks Betsy's legs up and lays her feet on his lap).  "Not yet…other than a little hint about where that rave that Alysson told us about has moved to," (Betsy then says with a passive look on her face as she leans back in her chair and starts to cut another piece of the apple).  "Good, then tonight I'll lead a group to that location and we'll see if her lead checks out," (Warren then says with a deep in thought look on his face as he scratches his chin with one hand and rubs Betsy's feet with the other).  "You should take Erica with you…she could use a little more field work," (Betsy then says with a serious look on her face as she pops a piece of the apple into her mouth).  "Are you sure that she's ready Betts, I mean she only got rid of that parasitic program that Apocalypse implanted into her mind a few weeks ago," (Warren then says with a concerned scowl on his face as he continues to rub Betsy's feet lightly).  "I'm not sure, but you know as well as I do that after a traumatic experience of that magnitude one shouldn't be left to one's own devices," (Betsy then says with a very pointed look on her face before she puts another slice of the apple into her mouth and starts to chew as her other hand is rubbing her stomach). 

"I didn't really brood that much did I," (Warren then says back with a caught in a corner look on his face as he reaches out and takes another apple out of the basket in the middle of the kitchen table).  "Luv…you brooded so much that at one point I seriously thought about having Hank build you your own fortress of solitude," (Betsy then says with a joking smirk on her face as she accepts the apple that Warren hands to her). (Then we see Warren and Betsy both share a laugh before then Betsy telekinetically throws the remains of the first apple away).  "If I didn't know better I would be prone to thinking that you were trying to fatten me up," (Betsy then says with a haughty smirk on her face as she props the apple up on the tips of her thumb and index finger).  "I'd never do that Betts…because when I would least expected it you'd…," (Warren then says with a joking smile on his face before we see someone say from off panel); "She'd give you a telepathic enema."  (We then see Warren turn around and look as Betsy just drops her head down a bit and snickers as we see Cable in the doorway with his arms crossed, a big smirk on his face, and a swimsuit wearing Dani with a towel over her shoulder and a bored look on her face standing beside him).  "I thought that you'd left," (Warren then says with a sarcastic scowl on his face as he turns back around and gets a half smirk from Betsy).  "I thought about it but then decided to stay until Dani's all healed up and we've found Arthur Royce," (Cable then says with a serious frown on his face as he walks into the kitchen). 

"And kick his sorry backside all the way to…sorry about that," (Dani then says very bitterly at first before she smiles with an embarrassed frown on her face).  "Don't worry about it Dani…we'll make him pay," (Betsy then says with a very serious look on her face as she drives the knife deep into the apple before she slams the apple down onto the table).  "That we will…but first I need to talk to you about what's to be done about finding the nukes," (Cable then says with a grim look on his face and his hands on his hips as Dani nods her head before walking out of the mansion).  "I'm going to lead a team to one of the sites that Alysson told us about tonight, you can accompany us if you want, I haven't decided who to take along yet," (Warren then says with a slightly unsure frown on his face as he slowly sets Betsy's legs down).  "Whoever you two decide to take just make sure that Erica is one of them," (Betsy then says with a very authoritative look on her face as she stands up before walking out of the kitchen with the apple and the knife).  (Then we see Warren motion for Cable to sit down beside him).  "Now we can get down to business," (Warren then says with a small smirk on his face as he sits back in his chair).

[Out By The Pool]

(We then see Siryn sitting on the side of the pool with Warpath at her side, and the two are dangling their feet in the water).  (We see that Sam is doing the backstroke away from the diving board all as Tabitha is about ready to dive off of the diving board).  (We see that Forge is still lying on his lounge chair and Erica is sitting on the side of Forge's chair near his waist as she's smiling and wringing the water out of her hair).  (We then see Erica turn and look over at Forge as she says with an easy going smile on her face), "So uh…how'd you get all of the nice metal…uh…."  "You mean why do I have a metal hand and leg," (Forge then says with a calm look on his face as he slightly turns his head towards Erica, who then nods her head and smiles softly as she says, while laying a hand on Forge's shoulder), "Yeah."  "Well for the short answer let's just say that I made a very stupid mistake back in the war…and I paid the price for my folly," (Forge then says with an unhappy frown on his face as he holds his metal hand up and looks at it oddly).  "Did it hurt…wait that's a stupid question of course…it had to," (Erica then says with a slightly embarrassed and foolish grin on her face as we then see Warpath watching Forge and Erica as he then leans down to Siryn and says), "Uh Terry…mind tell me what's going on over there?" 

"I'd think that it's quite obvious Jimmy…she's going out of her way to flirt with Forge…and he doesn' look to unhappy about it," (Siryn then says with a snicker and sly smile on her face as she pats Warpath on the back).  "Don't know why she's…," (Warpath then says with a slightly confused look on his face as he looks back down at Siryn).  (Then we see Siryn reach up and kiss Warpath and then laugh as she says with a big smile), "Don't worry about it…it's the whole falling for the older man phase."  "Oh," (Warpath then says with a slow look of understanding look on his face before he dips his hand into the pool and splashes some water onto his face).  (Then we see Tabitha dive into the pool with a big splash as Sam laughs happily before Tabitha comes back up to the surface and she then laughs before she and Sam kiss and laugh as we move over to see Forge and Erica barely noticing as they're deep in conversation).  "So how are you feeling after that little trip through your mind…having any lasting effects," (Forge then says with a concerned look on his face as he moves a hand over and lays it on her knee, which she doesn't seem to mind in the slightest).  "Not really…," (Erica then says with a happy smile on her face as she lays one of her hands on top of Forge's hand before continuing), "I'm still having a little trouble coming to terms with the fat that much of the last five years or so of my life I've been believing a horrible sick lie," (Erica then says with a very sad sigh as she hangs her head and a tear the rolls down her cheek). 

(Then we see Forge reach up and wipe away the tear with a sympathetic frown on his face before Erica smiles and the two then inch closer as they're about to kiss but just when they almost do someone shouts from off panel), "Forge!"  (Then we see the two split apart looking embarrassed and uneasy before Forge then turns his head and says), "Yeah?"  (Then we see a panel of Warren and Cable walking towards the pool as Cable then says with a serious look on his face), "I've been told that you have a lead on one of the nukes, the one housed in the rave that Ms. Monroe told us about…."  "Yes…yes I do…," (Forge then says sheepishly as he jumps away from Erica and then staggers into Warren as he stands up).  "Are you okay Forge," (Warren then says with a concerned look on his face as he steadies Forge).  "Of course," (Forge then says as he clears his throat and then heads off towards the mansion as Erica then hangs her head and turns away).  "Did we interrupt something," (Cable then says with a slightly confused look on his face as he looks over at Erica).  "Nope…why would you think that…," (Erica then says with an almost angry look on her face as she stands up and walks away, leaving Warren and Cable to just stare at each other with confused looks on their faces).

[Meanwhile]

[Even after leaving the mansion, and agreeing to stay out of trouble, Alysson Monroe returns to her old patterns and routines, unfortunately for her].  (We see Alysson walking through the streets of downtown San Francisco as she's looking around like she's trying to spot someone that she knows).  (We see that she looks tired and ragged a bit and she also looks like she's slightly scared).  "Where is everybody," (Alysson then says with a worried look on her face as she stops walking and leans up against a light pole).  (We then see Arthur Royce walk out of a nearby store, he doesn't see Alysson who has her back to him, and get into a waiting limo with several other men, all that look oddly like costumed crimson dawn warriors).  (We then see Alysson turn her head slightly and see Arthur Royce with a shocked and worried look on her face).  (We then see a drunken guy stagger up to one of the crimson dawn warriors and ask for some money, but the costumed crimson dawn warrior just gets angry and throws the drunken guy into an alley). 

(We then see Alysson slowly walk away as the limo pulls away, and she then thinks with a very certain look on her face), I've got to tell Mr. Cable.  (Then we pull away and up as we see Alysson running through the streets). 

[Elsewhere]

(We see Sam, Tabitha, Warpath, and Siryn sitting around the table by the pool).  (We see that they all have fruity drinks in front of them and we see Erica sulking around in the background).  "Okay…so it's five dollars to get into the pool," (Tabitha then says with a happy smile on her face as Sam loops an arm around her shoulders).  "Okay…I say it'll be early and that their son will be born first," (Warpath then says with a calm look on his face before he takes a drink).  "And I say just the opposite boyo," (Siryn then says with a joking smile on her face as she leans back in her chair and then takes a drink as they all laugh).  (Then we see Erica walk up to the table with a sad frown on her face and then say), "Hey guys…what's all the laughing about?"  "Just taking bets on whether or not Psylocke will deliver on time or not and who gets born first," (Tabitha then says with a clam smirk on her face as she looks up at Erica as beside her we see Sam take a drink).  "So how much is it to get in," (Erica then says with a fake smile on her face as she leans forward on the table).  (Then we see Sam hold up his hand and flash all five fingers with a content smile on his face).  "Count me in…but I'll have to pay you later…I don't have any money on me," (Erica then says with a sheepish grin on her face as she shrugs her shoulders). 

"That's fine, but just don't forget and expect to get any of the pot," (Tabitha then says with a very serious frown on her face as she's sorting the money).  (Then we see a panel of Dani just shaking her head at those at the table before we then see Cable come walking out of the mansion and towards the table).  "Uh oh…here comes trouble," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she shakes her head and all of those at the table look down at their drinks while in the background Dani puts her shades down and Erica starts to sadly turn away from the table).  "And just where do you think you're going Erica," (Cable then says with an almost amused look on his face before Erica then turns back with a slightly confused and sad frown on her face as she says), "I'm going back inside, you're obviously here to gather the troops for another mission…one that I'm sure as hell not going on because…."  "It doesn't really matter Erica, but you're right about why I'm here…I am getting a group of you together to run a little errand at the rave that Alysson told us about, Warren will lead the team but it's up to me to pick who goes and who stays," (Cable then says with a serious look on his face as everyone at the table looks over at him).  "So I'm going then…are you sure that I should after…," (Erica then says with an unsure look on her face as she hangs her head and picks idly at a loose string on her towel). 

"It was made very clear to me that you should be included on this mission…so you're going," (Cable then says with a calm look on his face).  "Yeah…party time," (Tabitha then yells triumphantly with a really excited smile on her face as nearby we see Sam roll his eyes and then hang his head).  (Then we see Cable turn to Tabitha and then say with an almost angry frown on his face), "Sorry to burst your bubble Tabitha, but you're not going tonight."  (Then we see Tabitha get all angry and yell as she starts to jump up out of her seat but is restrained by an embarrassed Sam), "What…why not…no Sam lemme go…I want an answer Cable!"  "Because Tabitha…bringing you into a place like that would be like giving an uzi to a six year old hyped up on sugar, we'd lose track of you in a heartbeat," (Cable then says with a serious look on his face with his arms also crossed as everyone but Sam and Tabitha smile and snicker before we then see Tabitha get very angry and then glare at Cable).  "Settle down Tab…you know how you get when we go to raves, you're there for five seconds and you zone everything out…including me," (Sam then says with a reluctant look on his face as Tabitha then begrudgingly sits back down).  "So then who's going," (Warpath then says with a bored look on his face as he leans back in his chair and shields his eyes from the sun). 

"Warren and I have talked it over and we've decided…now Erica I want you, Sam, and Theresa to assemble in front of the mansion at seven," (Cable then says with a serious look on his face as he turns away and then starts to walk away from the table before we then see a panel of Cable looking back over his shoulder as he says), "Oh and one more thing, dress as if you were going to the rave as a partygoer, we're going in undercover tonight."  (Then we see Sam and the others nod their heads as Tabitha looks angry and grumbles before Warpath then says with a slightly confused look on his face), "Why didn't they pick me…if there's going to be a fight then…?"  "Settle down Jimmy, if this rave that we're going to tonight truly is where one of the nuclear warheads is set up at then you'd be way to easy to spot, unlike me or Sam," (Siryn then says with an amused smile on her face as she pats Warpath on the shoulder).  "Then maybe Tabitha and I should go kick in a few doors around the area, see if we can stir up a little trouble…and take some of the heat off of you guys," (Warpath then says with a slightly unhappy frown on his face as he looks back and forth between Sam and Siryn).  "Yeah," (Tabitha then adds with an excited smile on her face as she perks up a bit and puts a hand on Sam's shoulder). 

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, if you two go around causing all kinds of trouble then it could just prompt them to only heighten their security," (Sam then says with an unsure frown on his face as he turns towards Tabitha, who glares back at him before she then says with an unhappy frown on her face), "Well I can't just sit here and wait for you to come back, you know how I get…."  "You'll have Dani to talk to you know, she's a barrel of laughs," (Erica then says with an amused smirk on her face as she crosses her arms and takes a step back as Tabitha then whirls around angrily in the foreground and in the background we see Dani frown and then turn her head away).  "The two of you sure spent enough time together in the infirmary during your recovery, ye didn' spend the whole time ignoring each other did you," (Siryn then says with a slightly concerned frown on her face as she looks up and back over her shoulder at Erica).  "No…not the whole time, we talked a little…but I really wasn't in the mood to do very much talking," (Erica then says with a serious look on her face as she hangs her head and also shuffles her feet).  "Who would be in your condition," (Warpath then says with a solemn frown on his face as he stares down at the top of the table). 

(Then we see a panel of Erica as she gets angry and slams her fists down onto the table before she glares over at Warpath and says with an angry scowl on her face), "My condition…?"  (Then we see Warpath cringe a bit and then say with an embarrassed and apologetic look on his face), "Sorry…I didn't mean it like that Erica…all that…mind stuff…is like way over my head and…."  (Then we see Warpath's eyes grow wide in shock as he instantly regrets what he said as Erica then looks like she's about ready to deck Warpath as she growls, as we see Siryn roll her eyes as she drops her head into her hands), "Mind stuff…that's just…grr!"  (Then we see Erica get very angry and then storm off as Warpath then nervously shakes his head and Dani cracks up laughing).  "It's not funny Dani," (Tabitha then says with an unimpressed frown on her face as she's looking forward at Dani who's in the foreground, and Dani only smiles widely and then says), "On the contrary Tabitha…it's extremely hilarious."  "Whatever," (Warpath then says with a bored frown on his face as he looks over at Siryn).  "So what do we do until tonight," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she pulls her chair up closer to the table and then takes a drink). 

"We sleep…if I have to go to a rave tonight I'm going to have to get some sleep first or else I'll be useless," (Sam then says with an almost angry frown on his face as he scratches the back of his neck).  "Ya got that right," (Tabitha then says with a spunky smirk on her face as she elbows Sam in the ribs).  "Is this going to be one of those expect death at every twist and turn kind of missions," (Erica then says with a concerned look on her face as she idly hangs her head and scratches a scab on her arm).  "Pretty much yeah," (Siryn then says with a reluctant look of acceptance on her face as she throws her hands up and looks up and back at Erica, who only nods her head with a grim look on her face as she says), "That's what I was afraid of."  (Then we see Erica turn around and walk away as Dani gets up in the background and walks over to the table and then says with an amused look on her face and her arms crossed), "Is it just me…or did she sound a tad to apprehensive about going to that rave tonight?"  "Lighten up Dani, Erica thought that she killed her own son for years…that'd take anybody a long time to get over…if she ever does," (Warpath then says with an angry scowl on his face with his arms crossed as Siryn solemnly nods her head in agreement). 

"Whatever…if she's going to get into this life then she'd better get used to these little ups and down because there's going to be a lot of them," (Dani then says with an unconvinced look on her face as she turns around and walks back towards the pool).  "While that's very true Dani, what Apocalypse did to Erica happened years ago before she ever met us," (Sam then says with an unimpressed scowl on his face as he stands up with his hands supporting his weight on the table).  "Don't lecture me Sam…when it comes to having a difficult life I'm a pro remember…I don't…," (Dani then says with a defiant and angry look on her face as she spins around and glares at Sam).  "If by difficult ye mean dressing up in a Halloween mask and laughing like a bloody hyena while ye attacked us then I'd be inclined to agree with ye," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she stares ahead of her drink while she stirs it with her straw).  (We then see Dani scowl in anger and start to say something angrily with a clenched fist in front of her face in a panel but then we see a panel of Warpath looking back over his shoulders with a very serious and grim look on his face as he shakes his head and loudly clears his throat). 

"Can it Jimmy…I don't care what your little friend here says, little miss I'm scared of my own shadow is going to have to get used to how this lifestyle works or hit the highway…I'm hoping that she takes the latter approach," (Dani then says with a slightly fed up scowl on her face before she smiles faintly and then puts her sunglasses back on and walks away from the table in the opposite direction that Erica went).  (Then we see a panel of the four at the table as they react to what Dani said as they react with uncertainty and uneasiness).  "All I can say is that this won't end well," (Tabitha then says with a very worried frown on her face before she then looks to Sam, who has an equally somber look on his face as he slips an arm around her shoulders and hugs her).  "Should one of us…go after them, try to calm them down, smooth out the mountain between the two," (Siryn then says with a slightly worried look on her face as she has her drink up near her mouth).  (Then we see Warpath lay a hand on Siryn's shoulder as he then says with a hesitant look on his face), "I don't know Terry…neither one of those two likes to be patronized or told what to do, Dani most of all."  "I know Jimmy…but if I have to go with her on this mission tonight then I don' want her to be a bloody sour puss the whole time," (Siryn then says with an unsure frown on her face before she takes a drink). 

"I'll go talk to her," (Sam then says with a serious and a bit grim look on his face before he leaves the table and takes his drink with him as he walks off in the direction that Erica went).  "I'd better go get ready for tonight…make sure that I have something to wear," (Siryn then says with a yawn as she stands up and then pats Warpath on the shoulder with a smile on her face before leaving the pool area).  "What do we do now," (Warpath then says with a bummed out frown on his face as he leans forward heavily on the table with his elbows).  "I dunno," (Tabitha then starts to say in a panel with a melancholy frown on her face before she then takes a quick drink and then we see a panel of Tabitha as she brightens up suddenly and smiles sneakily and says), "I know…wanna go for a ride with me into town in my new car?"  (Then we see a panel of Warpath looking like he just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar before he then swallows hard and says as he runs a hand through his hair with a nervous smile on his face), "Let's not and say we did…okay?" 

(Then we see Warpath get up and walk quickly away from the table as an impatient Tabitha follows him trying to get his attention as we pull away back to the pool and see a leaf lazily float by). 

[Shortly, Forge's Workshop]

[There are people that calm their frayed nerves with food, others use sleep, some use sex, but for the man known as Forge he has always retreated into his world of wires and circuit boards].  [That defense has served him well over the years, getting him through some of the most painful times in his life].  [But this defense has also been used to hide from feelings and emotions that he'd rather not deal with…].  […but for one young woman his defense only adds to the mystery that is him].  (We start off with several panels of the various projects that are in Forge's workshop as they're in many various stages of development).  (Then we do a slight aerial path around Forge starting from behind him and then going around to both sides and finally overhead of him).  (Then we see him working on a circuit board and he's working on the connections with the hot needle like thing that melts the metal together and we see smoke rising off of the circuit board and there's a radio nearby playing music and the table that has the circuit board that Forge is working with on it is filled with other projects and various extra bits and pieces).  (Then as we see Forge put the hot melting needle back in its holder and blow the smoke away back over his shoulder as he's facing us in the immediate foreground as he's blowing away more of the smoke and in the background we see an nervous and slightly angry Erica come walking into the room). 

(Then we see Erica walk up to stand just behind Forge as she crosses her arms and grins sheepishly as she says while slightly chewing her bottom lip), "So uh…what are you doing?"  "I'm fixing a few burnt out circuits from Warren's computer…so what may I ask are you doing here Erica," (Forge then says with a very calm look on his face as he continues to go about his work).  (Then we see Erica start to turn to leave but she stops suddenly and turns back and says with an extremely nervous and scared look on her face), "You wanted…I mean, before Cable and Warren came out and interrupted us…you were about to kiss me right?"  (We then see a panel of Forge's face as his face goes completely pale and he sits up rigid in his chair and looks away and then says after clearing his throat), "I…don't know what you're talking about."  (Then we see Erica say with a completely shocked and hurt frown on her face as she furrows her eyebrows), "What…you mean you don't…you didn't…." 

(Then we see Forge look back over his shoulder at Erica with at first a very serious and slightly mean look on his face as he says), "No…not at…," (Then we see him sigh, shrug his shoulders, and then hang his head and say with his shoulders slumped), "Sorry…I'm no good at this…emotions…for the most part…but give me a completely burnt out old radio and I can turn it into a matter converter."  "I wish that was my problem as well, for me I usually come on so strong that guys get scared of me and then I've lost my chance," (Erica then says with a sad frown on her face as she reaches over and pulls up a chair and sits down beside Forge).  "It's all a part of life…I guess it's just not a part that either one of us is any good at," (Forge then says with a serious look on his face as he tries to wipe the sleep out of his eyes as Erica turns towards him, crosses her arms, and leans forward onto the table and she rests her chin on her crossed arms).  "Yeah, and we both have a terminal case…got any idea what we're supposed to do about it," (Erica then says with a bummed out look on her face as she turns her head towards Forge). 

"I'll tell you first if I ever figure it out," (Forge then says with a tired frown on his face as he leans forward on the table beside Erica and he's leaning on his elbows).  "So what's the story with this rave that we're going to tonight…anything special that I should know about," (Erica then says with a concerned look on her face as she sits fully back up and yawns as she also pushes some hair back behind her ear).  "From what I've discovered it should be what you'd expect for a rave," (Forge then says with a serious look on his face before he picks up a few microchips and then absentmindedly begins to build something).  "So…what do you think I should wear tonight," (Erica then says with an overly happy smirk on her face as she leans up against Forge's shoulder).  "I'm not one to ask for fashion advice Erica…in fact I've been told on more than one occasion that I have no fashion sense whatsoever…," (Forge then says, as his face goes red, with a nervous smile on his face as he hands his head a bit and his shoulders slumped).  "Let me guess…Tabitha," (Erica then says with a sly smirk on her face before she and Forge share a laugh in a quick panel). 

(Then we see Forge say with a smirk on his face as he puts a hand on Erica's shoulder), "How'd you know?"  "It was easy, you should see the stacks of fashion magazines that she has stashed in her room," (Erica then says with a sneaky smile on her face as she leans into Forge's side and wraps an arm around his waist).  "I'd like to say that I'm surprised by that…but I can't…but now you really should get back to your room and prepare for tonight," (Forge then says with a tired look on his face as he pulls Erica closer, apparently without consciously realizing it).  "Yes sir…just watch me go…I'm leaving now…," (Erica then says with a mock salute and mock serious look on her face as she stays right where she is).  "You're still here," (Forge then says, after a quick panel of the two just looking oddly at each other, with a mock look of annoyance on his face before he smiles and then laughs as Erica then joins in the laughter and the two then look at each other again in a quick panel).  [It all suddenly comes to a head…].  […and both are surprised by the outcome].  (Then we see a panel of Erica and Forge staring at each other with suddenly very shocked and serious looks on their faces). 

(Then we see a short series of panels in which they move towards each other until they kiss in a half or full page panel).  (Then we pull back and see Sam, with his arms crossed, standing in the doorway and looking on with a shocked but not entirely surprised look on his face at first).  (Then we see a panel of Sam smiling happily and he hangs his head a bit and looks away).  (Then we go back and see Forge and Erica break the kiss as Erica looks like she enjoyed it and Forge just looks like he's slightly confused and nervous).  "That was…Sam," (Erica then says with a cheesy smile on her face before she turns her head and sees Sam).  (Then we see Sam say, in a panel as Erica and Forge jump away from each other, with a good natured smile on his face), "Please…don't let me stop you…continue."  "Shut up Sam…," (Erica then says with an angry glare on her face as she also has her arms crossed).  "Are you here for an actual reason Samuel or…," (Forge then says with an unhappy scowl on his face before he turns back to his table and starts to work on the various projects).  "I'm only here to make sure that you're alright Erica, after that fight that you had with Dani I was just going to talk to you and make sure that…you know, that you were okay," (Sam then says with a calm and serious look on his face as he starts to walk into the room and stops beside Forge). 

"I'm fine Sam…really, you don't have to play John Wayne, riding to rescue the damsel in distress...sorry to disappoint you but I don't need rescuing," (Erica then says with an angry scowl on her face as she turns away from Sam and begins to idly mess around with the chips on Forge's table).  "Because you've got Forge to do that right…," (Sam then says with a smug grin on his face as he plays with a few knobs on some of Forge's machines).  "Something like that Samuel, now would you please stop messing with those, they're very sensitive instruments," (Forge then says with a very frustrated scowl on his face as he rushes to the machines and pushes Sam away).  "Whatever, look I just need to make sure that the next time you and Dani meet you won't try to kill each other," (Sam then says with a serious look on his face as he puts his hands up defensively and backs away slowly).  "We'll be fine as long as that bitch doesn't try to…," (Erica then says with an angry scowl on her face and her arms crossed as she takes a step towards Sam before we see Forge raise his hand and cut her off as he then says with an almost scolding look on his face), "That's enough Erica, I don't care what it takes…as long as she's here you and Dani will have to find some way of both living under the same roof without fighting every time you meet." 

"Okay Dad, I'll try to play nice with Dani…for now," (Erica then says with an angry scowl on her face before she then glares at both Sam and Forge before she then storms out of the room).  "Well that certainly didn't go how I planned," (Sam then says with a half smirk on his face as he turns to Forge and then smiles widely).  "If you're completely through meddling in affairs that aren't your own Sam may I suggest that you find something else to do…," (Forge then says with a less than enthusiastic scowl on his face as he sits back down and turns away from Sam and starts to go back to work).  "If it affects one or more of my teammates and friends then it's my business, and I know that you and I aren't the best of friends but I think that you should know that I'm the type of guy that will do anything for his friends," (Sam then says with a slightly grim look on his face as he crosses his arms and leans on the table and looks down at Forge).  "You and I are alike in that respect Sam…but I don't need a lecture from you about who I'm friends with or how I treat those that I care about," (Forge then says with a slightly angry scowl on his face as he picks up a few more chips and goes on with his work). 

"So you do care about Erica then," (Sam then says with a smug grin on his face as he walks away from the table and towards us in a panel as Forge then turns around a bit in the next panel and says with a tired look on his face), "Sam…wait, yes I care about her…I'm not sure exactly how much yet."  "A piece of advice Forge, when dealing with Erica and her feelings…," (Sam then says with a serious look on his face as he stops at the door and turns around, leaning on the doorway).  "Yeah…and that little piece of advice would be," (Forge then says with a concerned look on his face as he turns around in his chair with only the lone light above him making it look like he's all alone and the light casts shadows down on him).  "With Erica it's best to play it safe and take is slow," (Sam then says with a calm look on his face as he opens the door and nods his head before he then says as he heads out of the room fully), "Oh and good luck!"

[Later That Night]

[Out Front Of The Mansion]

(We start off with a fly around of the outside of the mansion as we pass through the trees and see some fireflies, other bugs, and even a bird or two).  (Then we move down and see that there's a sports car and a jeep out front).  (Then we pull away a bit and see, in the background, the mansion's front door open and several people walk out of the door).  (Then we move in closer and see that Sam is walking out front and is wearing jeans and a lightweight shirt, followed by Warren, who looks similar to Sam but he's dressed a bit better than Sam in more dressy type pants).  (Then we see Siryn follow soon after wearing a short and tight black dress, her shoulders-arms-and upper back are bare, and her hair is pulled up in a tight bun with a few well place hairs left down and the top of the dress has a loop that goes around her neck, and she's in heels).  (We then see Cable follow behind wearing close to what Sam is except he's wearing a coat also).  "Where's Erica," (Siryn then says with a tired and bored sigh in a close up from her collar up as she's adjusting her bracelet).  "She came out early…said that she wanted to take a walk, here she comes now," (Cable then says with a slightly unhappy frown on his face as he climbs into the jeep and leans back in the drivers seat). 

(Then we see the small group turn and look as then we see a panel of Erica walking towards us, under the tree line, and she's walking barefoot as she's carrying her shoes in one hand and she's pushing the hair off of her face with the other hand as she's wearing very low hip hugger jeans and a white long sleeved button up shirt that's billowing in the breeze and she's tied it up high above her stomach and she's smiling and looking off into the distance).  "Glad she could find the time to show up," (Warren then says with an almost scolding scowl on his face as he stands beside the sports car and opens the door).  (Then we move in on a close up on Warren's head as he starts to get in the car but stops as we then see someone speak to him telepathically and say), Warren?  (Then we see Warren stop and turn half around and look up at a window on the mansion's third floor).  (We then go inside the mansion and see Betsy standing at the window looking down with her arms crossed as she then says telepathically with a strict frown on her face), Are you sure about this luv? (Then we see Warren look up and frown before he cocks his head to one side and says with a calm look on his face), It'll be fine Betts…if anything goes wrong we'll call for backup…I promise. 

Alright, but just don't go and do something stupid…like trying to be a hero by taking…, (Betsy then starts to think back before she just stops and turns and walks away from the window).  "So everybody ready to go," (Erica then says with a content smile on her face as she sits down on the edge of the fountain to put her shoes on).  "We are now," (Sam then says with a tired frown on his face as he's walking around to the other side of the car).  "Sorry but I needed to take a little walk to clear my head," (Erica then says with a slightly embarrassed and nervous smile on her face as she then stands up and smoothes out the front of her jeans).  "Well I hope that ye got it all together because the mission tonight is serious business, not a trip for you to get your feet wet on," (Siryn then says with a less than impressed frown on her face as she then turns away and walks towards the jeep). 

(Then we see Erica start to get angry and growl a bit as she clenches her fists and takes a step forward before we then see Warren lay a hand on her arm and he clears his throat before he then says with a serious look on his face), "Don't…it's not worth it Erica…trust me."  (Then we see Erica hang her head a bit before she sighs and then gets in the back of the backseat behind Warren).  (Then we see the small group pull away from the second story window and we then pull back and see that Warpath is watching with a  slightly somber frown on his face before he cringes as behind him we see Tabitha say with an angry look on her face and her hands on her hips), "There you are!"

[Shortly]

(We start off with a few panels of the Warren's sports car and Cable's jeep as they drive through the city).  (We then see Siryn turn to Cable and says with a bored look on her face), "So do we actually have a plan for tonight…or do the rest of us party hearty while you and Warren snoop around?"  "That's the plan alright, Warren and I will try to locate the warhead while the rest of you fan out and see if you can discover anything by word of mouth," (Cable then says with a grim scowl on his face as he turns on his image inducer and his face changes to that of a much younger looking Cable).  (We then see Siryn react with a smile before Cable looks at her oddly before he shakes his head and glares at her and then says), "Stop that Terry…keep it up and I'll remember to tell James when we get back."  "Oh," (Siryn then says with a shocked and embarrassed look on her face as she quickly looks away).  "So how are things between you and James," (Cable then says with an uncomfortable look on his face as he stares straight ahead).  "We're fine…I was always so scared about admitting my feelings for him, but I did…and now it's better than…," (Siryn then says with a very nervous look on her face as she looks away and Cable looks on in concern). 

"You ever thought it could be…I know what you mean…I had that once, look you and James are lucky, what the two of you have…together…is something good, don't forget that," (Cable then says with a serious but not angry look on his face as he looks back and forth between Siryn and the road).  "I won't," (Siryn then says with a very serious and confident look on her face as she leans back in her seat and crosses her arms).  "Good…so tell me…when am I going to get my invitation to you and James' wedding," (Cable then says with a smug smirk on his face and a short snicker as Siryn jumps in her seat and stares at Cable with wide eyes and her jaw drops open in a gasp).  (Then we pull back as we see Cable crack up laughing and Siryn then hangs her head and shakes it).  (Then we move forward to the car that Warren is driving as Sam is sitting in the passenger seat and Erica is sitting in the back).  "So Sam…can I have the first dance," (Erica then says with a hopeful smile on her face as she leans forward and Sam sighs and starts to turn his head and decline her offer but Warren jumps in first and says with a sly grin on his face as he stares straight ahead), "Why of course you can Erica, Sam would be more than happy to give you the first dance…won't you Sam."  "Y…yeah, right," (Sam then says with a begrudging look on his face as he looks out of the window). 

"Great…," (Erica then says with a happy smile on her face as she falls back into the seat as Warren just laughs).  "How are we going to find the nuke, if it's even here," (Sam then says with a serious look on his face as he scratches his chin).  "Before I left Forge cobbled together a little device that will help us with that," (Warren then says with a sly smile on his face as he takes one hand off of the wheel and opens up the center console of the car and takes out a small device that looks like a small palm pilot and hands it to Sam).  "I think I've seen this before, didn't we use this in Parlau Pau," (Sam then says with a hesitant look on his face as he begins to study the small device and Erica leans forward and looks over Sam's shoulder with a concerned look on her face).  "Kind of, except Forge made a few modifications to a couple of them for Cable and I to use tonight, and an additional feature is that with the g.p.s. aspect we can instantly communicate with Betsy and the others back at the mansion," (Warren then says with a serious frown on his face as he pulls into an old parking garage followed closely behind by Cable). 

"So that they'll know what we know at exactly the same time," (Erica then says with a small smile on her face as she turns to Warren, who then says with a slight nod of his head), "Exactly."  (Then we see Warren park the car and Cable park the jeep close by and they all then get out).  "Okay people, if it's possible I'd like to do this without causing the destruction of half a city block," (Cable then says with a less than thrilled look on his face as he walks around to the back of the car as Erica just ignores him).  "The night's still young…," (Siryn then says with a proud smirk on her face as she looks up at Cable, who doesn't look amused).  "You never know…we could go for an entire night without something blowing up or massive amounts of property damage," (Erica then says with a merry laugh as she grabs Sam's arm and pulls him out of the panel).  (Then we see Warren say as he sighs and shakes his head), "Only if our luck changes."  "I'd better go make sure that Sam doesn' do something that Tabitha would have to later kill him for," (Siryn then says with a joking smile on her face before she walks after Sam and Erica).  (Then we see Warren turn to Cable and say with a very uncertain look on his face), "This is certainly going to be one hell of a night." 

"Agreed…so tell me, how'd you get permission to come on this mission…a new outfit perhaps, a summer vacation in the Bahamas…," (Cable then says with a joking smile on his face as he slaps Warren on the shoulder).  "Something like that, Betsy said that I'm going to owe her for a very long time…," (Warren then says with a nervous frown on his face as he shrugs his shoulders and then he and Cable follow Siryn out of the parking garage).  (Then we see a panel of Warren and Cable crossing the street as there's a big crowd and they then find Siryn, Erica, and Sam out front of the club).  (Then we see a few panels in a series that shows that Warren starts to show that the loud noise is affecting him).  "What is it Warren, what's wrong," (Erica then says with a concerned look on her face and a hand on Warren's shoulder, as Warren has a pained grimace on his face and he's also covering his ears).  "Nnh…the music is too loud, makes me wish sometimes that I couldn't hear like a hawk," (Warren then says with his teeth gritted and Cable looks on with concern). 

"Damn you and your enhanced hearing," (Siryn then says with an unhappy scowl on her face as beside her we see Sam deep in thought).  "Here Warren…use these," (Cable then says with a concerned frown on his face as he hands Warren two small items).  "What are these," (Warren then says eyeing the two small items intently).  "Specially designed earplugs, made especially for you," (Cable then says with a proud look on his face as he idly watches some young women stroll into the rave).  (Then we see Warren look at Cable with a slightly confused look on his face as he holds up the earplugs in front of his face).  "Your loving fiancé had Forge make you those, she foresaw your need for them where even I with all of my knowledge of the future could not foresee," (Cable then says with an almost joking smile on his face as Warren rolls his eyes and Sam, Erica, and Siryn snicker and look away from Warren).  "I'll have to thank her when we get back," (Warren then says with a slightly embarrassed look on his face as she shakes his head and then puts the earplugs in). 

"C'mon move it Sam…I want to dance," (Erica then says with an excited smile on her face before she rushes into the rave).  (Then we see Sam say with a reluctant and nervous frown on his face), "I'd better…," (And then he turns and walks through the door and into the rave, and then in the next panel we see Siryn take a deep breath before following Sam and Erica into the rave).  "Ready…," (Cable then says with an unsure look on his face as he looks down at Warren, who only nods his head before the two head into the rave).  (Then we see several wide panels of people going crazy to the music in the rave as lights are flashing everywhere).  (Then we see a panel or two of Warren and Cable slowly walking down the stairs before the two get to a small landing and Warren then says with a shocked and nervous look on his face), "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…."  "…I fear now evil…," (Cable then adds with a serious and grim frown on his face as he nods his head). 

(Then we see a couple of panels of a few beautiful and scantily clad women walk by Warren and Cable and the women stare at Warren and Cable with happy and lustful smiles on their faces).  "I haven't had that happen in quite some time," (Cable then says with a nervous frown on his face as he turns to Warren, who then laughs and says with a big smirk on his face), "Happens to me all the time…so much so that I've gotten used to it…Betsy hates it though."  "Lucky you," (Cable then says with a bored look on his face as the two nod slightly to each other before the two descend into the rave their own separate ways).  (Then we see several panels of people dancing and generally having a good time and some of the bouncers trying to keep the crows from getting to far out of control).  (Then we see Siryn fending off the eager advances of a lot of lecherous guys as she doesn't look to happy about it).  (Then we see one of the bartenders put a drink down in front of Siryn and just smile and shrug his shoulders, at the confused look on her face, before he turns and walks away, leaving Siryn looking somewhat squeamish).  (Then we see Siryn look at the drink in a couple of panels as she looks around as if to see if anyone's watching before she picks up the drink and looks like she's about ready to drink it). 

(Then we see Siryn quickly put the drink down in two panels as she says with a deadly serious look on her face), "No…I…I can't, I'm stronger than my addiction…."  (Then we see Siryn slowly back away from the drink nervously before she turns around and bumps into someone).  (Then we see Siryn blush and say), "Sorry…I didn'…."  "Terry," (We see the man say with a shocked look on his face as Siryn has the same shocked look on her face in the next panel as she says), "Kelvin…?"  (Then we go and see a few panels of Cable and Warren as they make their way through the crowd using the devices that Forge made for them to find the nuke with). (Then we move over and see Sam and Erica standing near a group of tables as Erica is dancing but Sam just looks nervous and bored as he's looking at his watch instead of Erica).  "Hey hayseed…time ain't gonna move any faster because you're staring at your watch…why don't ya shift those beautiful baby blues of yours over here and focus on me…," (Erica then starts to say from out of the panel as Sam turns and looks in shock as Erica is slinking her way towards him very seductively and swaying her hips and smiling as she does before she wraps her arms around Sam's neck and says with a very happy and excited smile on her face with her forehead up against Sam's), "…because I'll help you make the hours just fly by if ya give me a chance." 

(Then we see a panel of Sam and Erica just staring at each other before Sam pulls away and sits down at a nearby table).  "Party pooper," (Erica then says with a pout on her face as she plops down in the chair next to Sam's and leans on her elbows on the table and rests her chin in her hands as she looks over sadly at Sam).  "No…I thought that you and Forge were…," (Sam then says with a nervous and unsure look on his face as he crosses his arms and leans forward onto the table).  "We…well we…I don't know what we are," (Erica then says with a defeated look on her face as she flags down one of the people that's walking by with drinks and she then orders a couple of drinks and pays for them).  "Don't you think that maybe the two of you should sit down and figure all that out," (Sam then says with a serious and slightly somber look on his face before he then takes a drink).  "I'd love to really, but every time Forge and I get around each other our higher brain functions just seem to shut down," (Erica then says with a somber frown on her face as she crosses her arms on the table and rests her chin on her crossed arms as Sam looks on with a worried look on his face). 

"Well you can't keep running away from your problems all the time," (Sam then says with a serious look on his face as he sets his drink down and shrugs his shoulders).  "We won't…if I even have the slimmest chance with Forge I have to take it," (Erica then says with a serious look on her face as she turns her head and looks up at Sam).  "So then why the I want sex act just now," (Sam then says with a confused look on his face as he nods his head out towards the dance floor).  (Then we see Erica flush red with an embarrassed look on her face as we see that she's afraid to look Sam in the eye as she says), "Oh that…yeah, sorry about that Sam, I just get in the groove and do stupid things."  "I know someone a lot like you…," (Sam then says with a sly smirk on his face before he and Erica share a laugh as we see Siryn and Kelvin sitting down at a table in the background).  (Then as Sam and Erica continue to laugh we move over to Warren as he's walking through the crows staring at the screen of the small palm pilot like device with a frustrated scowl on his face as he readings stay low).  (Then we see Warren pass the hallway that leads to the back room, that's guarded by four burly guards, before we then see the readings jump off of the scale, which we see Warren react to in shock). 

[The readings spike high…].  […much higher than he would have expected…].  What the hell…, (Warren then thinks in a half page panel as he stands in the middle of a group of dancing people as he is totally absorbed with the readings).  (Then we see Warren pick his head up and look around nervously before he walks slowly away from the hallway and then grabs his collar and says with a very grave and serious look on his face as he speaks into his collar), "Cable…are you there…Cable!"  (Then we see a panel of Cable talking to a pretty young redhead and she's laughing a lot before Cable politely steps away and does the same as Warren did and says with a small smile on his face, and we see the next series of panels set up with Warren on the left and Cable on the right), "I'm here Warren…I take it that you found something."  "You could say that…get out the little toy that Forge made for us, I'm sending you the readings now," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face as he's watching the crowd around him).  "Okay the readings are starting to come…down, looks like we found the nuke," (Cable then says with a serious scowl on his face).  "We'd better round up the team," (Warren then says with a grim frown on his face before we then see the two nod their heads and head out).

(Then we cut back to Siryn and Kelvin talking at their table, and they both look nervous). "Kelvin…what are ye doing here," (Siryn then says with a shocked look on her face as she sits back in her chair and also brushes some hair off of her face).  "I had some time off so I decided that it was high time that I took a vacation, so…," (Kelvin then says with a passive sigh before he pulls a pack of cigarettes out of one of his pockets and takes one out and then lights it).  "And ye picked San Francisco…why," (Siryn then says with a nonplussed frown on her face as she wrings her hands).  "I was just sitting there at a pub…trying t' figure out where I was going to go for me first vacation in years, there was a map of the United States on the wall…so I threw a dart and it landed here," (Kelvin then says with a relaxed smile on his face before he takes a drag on his cigarette and then blows the smoke out and then orders a drink and asks Siryn if she wants one, but she blushes and then politely declines).  "Well it's always nice t' see an old friend," (Siryn then says with a nervous smile on her face as she leans forward slightly and crosses her legs). 

"Aye…so tell me…where's that big fella that ye brought home with ya last time," (Kelvin then says with an optimistic look on his face as he leans forward and sticks the cigarette back into his mouth).  "Ye mean Jimmy…he's not here tonight," (Siryn then says with a sad frown on her face as she looks away).  "Oh…to bad," (Kelvin then says with a half delighted smirk on his face before he winks at the waitress and then takes a drink after she sets the drink on the table).  "What no…Jimmy's not here right now because Warren and Cable didn' pick him for this mission, if I had my way Jimmy n' I would be together right now…having a lot more fun that I'm having right now," (Siryn then says with a very serious and almost angry frown on her face as she uncrosses her legs and leans away from the table).  (Then we see a panel of Kelvin sitting back in his chair with a shocked look on his face as he says), "Okay…well ye don' have t' get bitchy about it." 

"Sorry it's just that this life that I'm in doesn' afford me much time for the finer things in life…like love, but by some miracle I ran into Jimmy, and right now I wouldn' change a thing," (Siryn then says with a very serious, but not angry or sad, look on her face before she coughs into her hand).  (Then we see Kelvin look a little startled and angry as he jams his cigarette down into the ashtray and says), "Well if that's how ye fell then maybe I should just leave!"  (Then we see Siryn shake her head and lean forward and then say with a slightly apologetic look on her face), "No wait…don't go…look…it's just that…."  "Theresa there you are…sorry about this but I found what we're looking for," (Warren then says with a nervous look on his face as he's standing beside the table).  (Then we see a panel of Siryn at a loss for words as Kelvin just looks confused).  "Okay so what now…what about Sam and Erica," (Siryn then says with a very serious look on her face as she turns and looks at Warren).  "You know what Terry…I think they'll have to fend for themselves," (Warren then says with a suddenly very serious look on his face as he looks up towards the stairs that come down into the rave). 

"What…," (Siryn then says with a concerned and confused look on her face as she turns towards the stairs and then we see a panel of Siryn just staring at the stairs with a very grave look on her face).  (Then we see a panel of Kelvin watching them both with a totally confused look on his face).  (Then we cut to a panel of the stairs as we see Imol walking down the stairs surrounded by several crimson dawn warriors and some extremely scantily clad women and he looks very confident and smug).  "Kelvin…if ye only listen t' me once in your bloody life make it now…get out of here and whatever ye do don' look back," (Siryn then says with a very serious look on her face as she stands up and knocks her chair down).  (Then we see Kelvin start to say something but then nod his head and get up and leave).  (Then we cut over to Cable as he gets to Sam and Erica's table and say with a very grim look on his face), "Sorry to interrupt this little party of yours but we have work to do…." 

(Then we see Sam almost jump out of his chair while Erica finishes off her drink and then stands up next to Sam).  "Just when it was starting to look like this was going to be a fun night to," (Erica then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she turns to Sam).  (Then we see a panel of Erica as she's still looking at Sam but she notices a portal opening behind them as she says with an almost speechless look on her face), "Uh…uh S…Sam…"  "Not now Erica…this isn't the time or the place for…," (Sam then says with an irritated look on his face as he only half turns his head towards Erica as we see the wind begin to pick up and blow Erica's hair around as also Cable turns off his image inducer).  (Then we see Cable start to turn around as he begins to notice the change in the air movement, and it's with a growing level of concern scowl on his face).  (Then we see Cable say with a very grim look on his face as he's looking back over his shoulder at the portal), "Uh Sam…I think that you should listen to Erica." 

"Huh," (Sam then says with a confused look on his face as he starts to turn around before a blast shoots out of the portal and slams into Sam's chest, which catapults him back up into the air and across the rave before crashing into a bank of telephones as the coins all spill out, and the rave goers shout and scream in alarm as they rush for the exits).  "Sam…," (Erica then yells out in shock and worry before we see War step out of the portal and laugh maniacally).  "Son of a…," (Siryn then says angrily as she turns to help Sam but we then see beside her a crimson dawn warrior turn around and grab her from behind and pick her up and throw her into the shelves of bottles and glasses behind the bar as she yells out in first shock and then pain).  (Then we see a couple of panels of Siryn crashing first into the shelves of bottles and glasses and then to the floor in a shower of broken glass and booze).  (Then we see Warren fighting against the crimson dawn warrior that attacked Siryn while Cable and Erica are trying to fight against War).  (Then we see a panel of Warren and the crimson dawn warrior fighting over the warrior's weapon as Warren is bent back over the bar as the warrior is trying to choke Warren with the weapon). 

(Then we see Warren say), "Terry…are you…?"  (Then we see a panel of Siryn as she's picking herself up off of the floor as she says with a pained grimace on her face), "I'm fi…yeow!"  (Then we see a panel or two of Siryn wincing badly in pain, and maybe a tear or two and her hair is now all disheveled, and then we see Siryn cry out in pain again and grab her thigh as he dress is hiked up a bit and there's a nice sized chunk of sharp glass jammed into her thigh and it's bleeding heavily).  (Then we cut over to Sam as he's getting up off of the floor as several crimson dawn warriors charge towards him and surround him).  "I guess if you guys are so interested in a fight then ah guess that…," (Sam then starts to say with an angry look on his face before he knocks a tooth out of the mouth of the nearest crimson dawn warrior as he then says), "ah should oblige."  (Then we see several panels of Sam and Erica fighting hand to hand against the assembled crimson dawn warriors).  (Then we see Warren use the crimson dawn warrior's weapon against it as he uses the weapon to smash the warrior in the face and then stick the end between the warrior's legs and then flip it over backwards before he then turns back to Siryn).  "Terry what's…," (Warren then starts to ask as he's gasping for air before he looks on in shock at Siryn's wound). 

(Then we see Siryn whimpering and grunting in pain and discomfort as she struggles to stand up).  (Then we see Warren start to help Siryn up but he's interrupted by Erica as she goes flying over his head and goes crashing through the window that was uncovered after Siryn broke the shelves).  "Erica…," (Sam then shouts before he gets slammed up against the wall by Imol and a couple of angry crimson dawn warriors).  "So Askani's son, it's just you and me," (War then says with a look of sheer delight on his face before Cable then yells angrily), "Yeah…but one of us isn't going to be sticking around for very long!"  (Then we see War take a swing at Cable but Cable blocks it and then slams his fist into War's jaw that sends War reeling backwards and crashing down into a large group of tables and chairs, and War growls in anger as he goes down).  (Then we see Warren helping Siryn up onto the bar and he's careful to not injure her further).  "Stay here while I go check on Erica," (Warren then says with a worried look on his face as he hops over the bar and kicks open the door to the office to find Erica on the floor trying to get up).  (Then we see Warren standing in the doorway in a quick panel before we then cut to a very angry War who's getting back up to his feet as he fires off a rather large and powerful blast that Cable dodges at the last second but Warren doesn't see the blast coming because he's to concerned with Erica's condition and the blast slams straight into the middle of Warren's back, propelling him straight through the wall on the opposite side of the office as we see a cloud of singed feathers, dust, and dirt). 

(Then we see Erica yell with a pained and terrified look on her face as she tries to reach out to help Warren as he gets blasted through the far wall), "Warren!"  "Your numbers are dwindling quickly mutant filth…why don't you just save me the trouble and give up now," (War then says with a sick smile on his face as he takes a few steps towards an angry Cable).  "I've always been alone…so the odds are no worse now then when I fought that bastard that you put your faith in," (Cable then says with an almost cocky smile on his face as his eye flashes and War charges at him).  (Then we see Cable grab a couple of nearby chairs and then smash them both into War's face before he then breaks a few tables over War's back).  (Then we see a crimson dawn warrior start to sneak up on Cable but it gets blasted away by a sonic scream from a pained but angry Siryn).  (Then we see, as that said crimson dawn warrior crashes into a pile of stacked chairs and tables, Imol get blasted back into War as he's starting to get up as Cable has to dive and roll out of the way).  (Then we see a number of portals open all throughout the rave and crimson dawn warriors begin to pour out in droves).  (Then as we pull away we see Sam throwing crimson dawn warriors around, Siryn sliding painfully off of the bar and using her sonic screams to try to keep the crimson dawn warriors away and Cable is fighting War and a groggy Imol). 

(We then move back into the office as we see Erica as she's crawling on her hands and knees and she's trying to avoid the broken glass as she says with a very worried and scared look on her face), "Warren…are you okay…oh please be okay…Warren!"  (Then we see Erica get to the hole in the wall that Warren made and we see her reaction as one of shock and concern as she blubbers out a few words as she painfully scrambles to his side).  (Then we see Warren struggling painfully to just bet back up to his elbows as he's gritting his teeth and dust, dirt, and even a few bricks fall off as Warren isn't looking very well).  "E…Erica…," (Warren then says with a pained look on his face as he's gasping for air, and with a hand on his chest).  "I'm okay…mostly, but we're getting our collective asses kicked out there," (Erica then says with a worried and highly annoyed frown on her face as she helps Warren up to a seated position with his back up against the wall as he's trying to clear his head and we can see the loud sounds of the battles that are going on out in the rave).  "Nnh…how many are we talking about…crimson dawn warriors," (Warren then says with a very pained scowl on his face as he's wincing in pain and wiping his brow with the back of his hand). 

"I'm not sure…but I know enough to say that we're hopelessly outnumbered," (Erica then says with a very concerned look on her face as she and Warren struggle their way back up to their feet as then an unconscious crimson dawn warrior lands nearby).  (Then we see Warren say with a pained grimace on his face as he's struggling towards the exit), "We have to get out there and help them."  "Whoa pal…I look like I just went a few rounds with Mike Tyson and you look like death warmed over…," (Erica then says with a tired and very nervous look on her face as she physically gets in front of Warren and tries to stop him from leaving the back area).  "We can't stay in here forever Erica, we won't help our friends unless we…," (Warren then says breathlessly before he has tot drop down to one knee as Erica almost falls herself in her attempts to help him).  "Fine…then do the smart thing and call for back up," (Erica then says angrily as we pull away and then go back out into the rave as Sam slams Imol up against the wall, Siryn is flying up in the air and blasting any crimson dawn warriors that she can as Cable is fighting War in hand to hand combat).  "Ah know I'm not usually the pessimistic member of this little group but I've gotta say that our chances aren't lookin to good," (Sam then says with a very concerned scowl on his face before and as Sam punches Imol first in the stomach and then in the face). 

"We don't have time t' be negative Sam," (Siryn then says with an angry look on her face before she has to dive to the right to avoid the blast of a crimson dawn warrior's weapon).  "Besides we're far too busy trying to keep our heads attached to our bodies," (Cable then says with a grim scowl on his face before he gets punched in the face by an angry War).  "Hey guys good news, help's on the way," (Erica then shouts in a panel in which we see her helping Warren back out of the office).  "Well they'd better get here fast before…," (We then see Siryn say with a very serious scowl on her face before she gets silenced by a powerful blast from War).  (Then we see a panel of Cable getting up off of the floor, and he's bleeding from his mouth, and he glares at War and says), "We've gotta start fighting back before there's nothing left for our friends to rescue."  (Then we see War laugh and start to build a sphere of energy before Cable then grits his teeth and blasts War back up into the air and then down into a big crowd of crimson dawn warriors with a psi-blast).  (Then we see a couple of crimson dawn warriors rush towards Warren and Erica and Warren growls in pain and then throws his wings forward and he knocks both of them away). 

"You will all die you inferior…," (Imol then yells angrily as he's shoving table and chairs aside and standing up before he gets blasted away by a bored Sam who then shrugs his shoulders and says), "Blah…blah…inferior…blah…blah…blah…you guys seriously need to get some new material."  "You dare mock me," (Imol then growls angrily as he starts to get up and he looks ready to fight).  "That would be a definite yes," (Siryn then says with a pained grimace on her face as she's again picking herself up off of the floor amidst a field of broken glass).  "Enough jokes Sam, take this and find the nuke…we'll hold them off until the others arrive," (Cable then says with a very serious and commanding scowl on his face as he tosses the device that Forge made for him to Sam).  "Right…wish me luck," (Sam then says with a serious frown on his face before he brings up his blast shield and then flies off into the back).  "Good luck," (We then see Warren say with a very tired and pained look on his face as we then see Erica fighting off a few crimson dawn warriors but she soon becomes overwhelmed by the sheer number of warriors and she gets punched in the stomach and then two crimson dawn warriors grab Erica and slam her down onto the tope of the bar on her back). 

(Then we see Erica grunt in pain and yell), "Hey…ow, let go of me!"  (Then we see Erica struggle to get free as a couple more crimson dawn warriors rush to the bar and hold down her legs as the original two hold her arms down).  "Now you die mutant," (A very sinister looking crimson dawn warrior sneers with a huge smile on its face as it raises a mean looking dagger over its head as it prepares to stab Erica).  "Warren help," (Erica then yells with a very scared look on her face as she frantically tries to free herself).  (Then we see Warren struggle to stand up before he then lunges forward).  (Then we see several quick panels of Erica's face that then goes to her eyes and then only one eye as she's close to crying as we see the reflection of the knife coming towards her).  [As she watches in horror the point of the blade screams down towards her].  [In the blink of an eye her whole life flashes in front of her face as she prepares for the end].  (We then see Erica squeeze her eyes shut tightly and since in fear as then we see the panel of the knife nearing Erica).  [But just in the nick of time an angel, of sorts, intervenes on her behalf].  (We then see a panel of the knife moving towards Erica before we see one of Warren's wings smashing into the warrior's hand that's holding the knife, sending the knife flying far away). 

(Then we see a panel of another crimson dawn warrior glare at Warren and then blast him back into the pile of table and chairs).  "Warren no…alright that's it," (Erica then shouts first in fear and then in anger before she amps up her powers, as we see fire erupt from her eyes and forehead, and the warriors that were holding her down burst into flames along with the one that blasted Warren).  (Then we see Cable throw a couple of crimson dawn warriors over the bar before he then dodges an attack from Imol and War and then punches Imol in the face, as his eye flashes again).  (Then we see Siryn just get back to her fee before we then see a panel of one of the crimson dawn warriors using the but end of its weapon to smash her in the face, knocking her out cold and causing a big gash on the side of her head).  "This is getting out of hand…," (Cable then sys with a very concerned look on his face as he then looks around and see that he's almost completely surrounded and Erica is barely able to hold her own).  "Then how about we even out the odds a little bit like good friends are supposed to," (We then see someone say from off panel before we see Cable turn and look over and up).  (Then we see a panel of Tabitha sliding down the railing on her but, with an excited smile on her face, as she's blasting away at will, and yelling with glee as she goes). 

"Hi all, we heard that you guys needed some help and since we were in the neighborhood…we thought that we'd lend a hand," (Warpath then says with a confident smile on his face as he's standing at the top of the stairs cracking his knuckles).  "Sorry but I'm afraid that it doesn't matter how many of your insipid brood shows up…you will all die here and my lord will be victorious," (War then says with a very proud and arrogant sneer on his face as he then begins to laugh heartily).  "Over my dead body," (We then see Forge say with a very grim scowl on his face as he has a gun pointed down towards War and beside him we see a very determined Dani loading an arrow).  "So the geriatric cripple has decided to grace us with his presence…tell me, does the nursing home know that you're not in your room," (Imol then says with a mocking look on his face as he begins to walk towards the stairs and phasing through the various crimson dawn warriors as he does so). 

"Can I shoot him now," (Dani then says with a frustrated frown on her face as she has a psychic arrow loaded and is aiming it at Imol).  "By all means Dani," (Warpath then says with an invigorated  look on his face as he leaps over the railing at the top of the stairs and lands down below on a few crimson dawn warriors).  "Get them," (War then shouts in anger as he starts firing off a few blasts that are met in response by gun blasts from Forge and a few psychic arrows from Dani).  (Then we see a couple of panels of some crimson dawn warriors that are about to smash Siryn's skull in with their weapons before we then see them start disappearing as we then see Warpath angrily tossing them around like toys in his attempts to get to Siryn and help her).  (Then we cut back to Tabitha as she gets to the bottom of the stairs and hops off of the rail and then upon landing she starts hopping around with her hands on her but and a pained and slightly angry look on her face as she shouts), "Ooh….hot buns…!" 

(Then we see a panel of the crimson dawn warriors as they crowd in around Tabitha and look like they're about ready to attack her at a moments notice but Tabitha then holds a hand up and puts her index finger up before she says with a strained smirk on her face), "A piece of advice fellas…don't slide all of the way down a railing on your but."  (Then we see those same crimson dawn warriors start to charge towards Tabitha but she then begins to laugh like a little girl as she spins around like a female skater and blasts the warriors as she does so).  (Then we see Dani fire off a few psychic arrows as she runs down the steps with Forge firing his gun close behind).  (Then we see Warpath gingerly pick Siryn up with a very concerned look on his face before he then takes her back into the office and sets her down beside Warren).  "What the hell happened here Warren," (Warpath then says with a calm but angry scowl on his face as Warren is rubbing his shoulder with a pained grimace on his face). 

"Everything was going along fine until Imol and War showed up, they must have been a part of a contingency plan that Arthur Royce came up with in the even that someone discovered this location," (Warren then says with a pained wince as he gingerly touches the side of his head that's bleeding pretty freely).  "That's what I was hoping that you'd say," (Warpath then says with a grim frown on his face before he adds), "You stay here and take care of Terry while I go teach those jerks out there a few manners…," (before he then leaves).  (Then we see a panel back out in the main room of the rave as War gets knocked back through a portal by Cable, who then turns to help a tiring Erica as Forge arrives at their side and uses his fist to break the nose of a nearby crimson dawn warriors).  "Are you sure that this was all such a good idea Forge, just barging in her without a game plan," (Dani then says with a slightly unsure frown on her face as she has an arrow loaded and she's looking back over her shoulder at Forge, who doesn't look to happy). 

"We didn't have a choice Dani, our friends were in trouble and we acted, if you want I'll be more than happy to go a few rounds with you about my decision after we get back to the mansion," (Forge then shouts back with a very serious look on his face as he's firing away).  (Then we go into the back of the rave and see Sam frantically looking from room to room before he checks one room with the device that Cable threw to him and the readings jump off of the scale).  "Guess I found the nuke," (Sam then says with a look of dread on his face before he puts the device in his pocket, shrugs his shoulders, and then rears back and kicks the door in).  (Then we see a panel of Sam walking into a room that's empty and he starts to get scanned by a beam but he gets angry and just rears back and blasts a big hole in the wall and then steps through the opening and enters the big room that we saw earlier where the nuke was drilled into the ground).  (As the smoke clears we see a couple of angry and heavily armed crimson dawn warrior's growl in anger and charge towards Sam with their weapons drawn). 

It's never easy, (Sam then thinks with a bored frown on his face before he blocks the first warrior's attack and spins in place and drives the point of the first warrior's weapon straight through the chest of the second crimson dawn warrior as it howls in shock and pain).  (Then we see Sam grab the two warriors and he angrily shoves them over a nearby railing as a few fearful human scientists scurry out of the way and cower in fear as Sam then charges down the steps and then uses the device to scan for the nuke before he locates it).  "Guess now it's time to call in Warren's team of scientists to properly take care of this thing," (Sam then says as he's walking towards the nuke, before then in the next panel we see Sam contacting Warren's team).  "Now next I should…," (Sam then starts to say with an impatient scowl on his face before he's interrupted from behind).  "You should count yourself lucky hick…lucky that you made it this far, but I'm afraid that your luck has just run out," (Arthur Royce then says with an evil glint in his eyes as he's flanked by a large group of heavily armed crimson dawn warriors that look ready to kill Sam).

[Meanwhile, Back At The Mansion]

(We see Betsy sitting in the ops room with a hot cup of tea in front of her on the console in front of her as she has her feet up and she's reading a book with a bored out of her mind look on her face).  (Then we see her put the book down and sigh as she puts a bookmark in its place and closes the book and then lays it on the console in front of her as we see that the book is a very finely made book of Japanese poetry).  (Then we see her pinch the top part of her nose and rub her eyes a bit before she cocks an eyebrow and looks on at the readings on the screen with a very concerned look on her face as she says before taking a sip of tea), "Bloody hell!" -END