(Five)
It was early the next morning when Fallen brought her exhausted crew back to the house. They had worked all day and through the night and had done quite a bit as far as helping the rescue workers dig out the trapped and helpless. Of course they had found their fair share of dead bodies, too. It was grim work but no one had complained. It could have been worse – they could have been doing this at the Mansion.
The Professor had some bad news for them and they piled into his office where he was waiting for them with Scott. The update was not happy news - Jael had finally claimed responsibility for the attacks, citing that his faction was defending itself against human oppressors. He vowed more deadly attacks to come and challenged the stupid norms to hunt him down.
Of course, none of the X-men believed him. Once Gambit had tossed out the suggestion that this was most likely part of the Game, the idea had stuck. The explosions were typical of his work, but the beheading on the grass had not been. It was enough to make the X-men cautious and Charles wasn't about to take any chances.
The Professor looked at his exhausted heroes. "As much as it pains me to do so, I have no choice but to pull you out of the relief efforts. It seems as though we may have to have the Siskans leave the Mansion as well. If Jael is thinking of taking the Game over here, it'll be much too dangerous."
"Where are we going to go?" Fallen asked. Seth was hers and she wasn't going to let him out of her sight.
"Fortunately, I've seen this coming for some time now. Warren has been working with a special team on a new site in a remote area of Arizona. We will start moving out in the morning."
Warren Worthington, codename Angel, was one of the Professor's earliest students. He was a tall blonde man with wings just like Max. In fact their resemblance to one another was uncanny and had been commented on many times. Warren had come from money and had been working as a financier after getting his education from Xavier's. Charles had come to him about three years back with a nice big project and he was all over it, willing to do anything to pay back the man who had showed him so much kindness.
"What're you talking about?" Logan asked, a bit put out that he wasn't in the know. "What site in Arizona?"
Charles breathed a heavy sigh and began to calmly explain. The continued attacks on the Mansion by Jael over the years had made the Professor more than cautious. Four years ago, he purchased a used pharmaceutical company in a large Arizona Industrial Park. The site was massive — a six story complex built on a one hundred acre lot. The previous owners had desired privacy and that had appealed to Charles very much indeed. That and the fact that the building was situated over at least three sub-basement levels. It was the same as a small city and perfect for a mutant hideaway. There was even a small airstrip nearby where the Blackbirds could be parked.
The area's natural resources had been investigated and a separate water supply was located deep underground. With all the mutants living at the site, it hadn't taken much to figure out a way to access it. The concern here was to be fully self efficient so that in a time of war, they couldn't be cut off or driven out by opposing forces. Already shield markers had been put in place, the Siskan and Shi'ar technology was now just waiting to be fired up and put to use. It wasn't going to take much to make the place impenetrable. Computer systems and non-electrical generators were already being moved over. The place was only days away from being self powered.
As time progressed and the economy waned, Charles Xavier had gone on to purchase all of the neighboring buildings just as he had done out here. He had sent Warren to be in charge because of his financial history and shrewd business habits.
Fifty or so mutants and their families had already moved into the complex, getting it ready for its future use as a base. Warren had wasted no time, he set up a couple of grocery stores and shops. The complex had its own monetary system and bank, exchanging dollars for credits that could be used anywhere in the complex. Warren was no thief, all the folks there were considered workers and were paid in these credits. There was real money to back up the system so that any assets earned could be taken with anyone who desired to leave. So far all the folks there were quite happy to stay and prepared the complex for the next wave to come. As new recruits moved up the Xavier status bar, they were being moved over. The complex was doing well, but it wasn't quite ready. It looked like they would have to step up operations and start moving out of here and over to there sooner than expected.
"Won't they find us?" Fallen asked.
"No. The site is small to the eye and largely underground. That matter displacement mutant Remy brought us, Billy-Joe, has been very helpful."
Logan grunted. "I was wonderin' where he ended up."
"He can remove large areas of material underground simply by making it disappear, speeding up our excavation time. I had planned on creating a much larger complex there, but it will take some time. I want the children moved as soon as possible. It's safer there. Kimble will go with them and be in charge of them. I'll send Remy ahead with Molly to get some rooms set up for himself and Kimble."
"Everyone still down in the Danger Room?" Logan asked hearing something in the Professor's voice.
"Yes, but Kimble is in one of the holding cells. He had a slight breakdown."
"What now?" Logan complained impatiently. Here it was, more bad news.
"Understand, Logan. Kimble is part of the Game. Most of us believe that what happened today was that very Game being played and Kimble does, too. He feels horrible. He blames himself for the deaths of ten thousand people."
"But it's not his fault," Fallen interjected. "Why doesn't he understand that?"
"It never is, but he can't help himself but feel otherwise. Henry put him down with a tonic and he's in the lockup."
"He wasn't violent was he?" Wolverine wanted to know. Already his hackles were up.
"No. He was sick, vomiting, and Henry and Remy felt it would be best to put him there away from the news and all the talk. Kimble apparently agrees. He requested to remain there for the time being."
"Fair enough," Logan grunted, surprised that Kimble was being so agreeable. He was grateful for it. He had felt that Kimble should be kept confined for a long time now. All those times the Siskan had stood in front of him, bruised and bleeding, had only driven that thought home in his mind.
The Professor wasn't finished. "Our problems are a bigger than Kimble right now. My biggest concern is the talk of reactivating the Branding Program or the possible use of large camps to contain mutants. We simply have to stop Jael before it comes to that or at least try to get as many mutants out as we can. Any refugees that come to us will be moved along."
"What about spies for Jael?"
"Any new folks will just have to be quarantined. No help for it."
"What about the folks here in the City? They need us to help at the site," Logan protested.
"I think we might better serve mankind by hunting down Jael. We will begin moving some equipment and ordinance over to Arizona in the morning."
(break)
The evacuation to the Arizona Complex was not something that could be done quickly, safety precautions had to be taken. Kimble was just as vulnerable there as here until the last of the main security systems were on line. The complex was still being built and it would take a couple of weeks or more to get his quarters arranged and his stuff all packed up. Gambit and Molly were sent on daytrips to Arizona to get all of that arranged, being flown there and back again by Fallen in her speedy Lucky Dragon. She could make the trip in a half hour, the fastest transportation available.
During that time, the Mansion remained on high alert with a large compliment of X-men on patrol. There had been no incidents of violence against the Institute, but that could change at any time. Not everyone knew this was a haven for mutants and Charles was looking to keep it that way for as long as possible. As it was, a SHIELD representative was sent to look in on Kimble and make sure he was still safely incarcerated, something not entirely unexpected. It made the Professor's discretion all the more reasonable. Now they would be left alone awhile, something Charles was counting on. He wanted to sneak Kimble off to Arizona without being watched.
Kimble spent his days remaining in the holding cell, keeping eerily quiet. He slept a lot, something he often did when he was trashed and didn't move about much. He stared off into space, sometimes moving his lips as though in silent conversation, but when questioned about it, offered no answers. He was cross and irritable, sometimes snapping at those folks just trying to help him.
Remy didn't like it and had him watched for signs that he was breaking. So far nothing was readily apparent, he didn't change his voices or act strangely. Gambit meanwhile had graduated from crutches to a leg brace and a cane, happy for a little more mobility. Henry commented on how pleased he was with Remy's recovery, he seemed to be healing faster than he expected, something that wasn't readily explained. He was thinking perhaps the break wasn't as bad as he had originally feared.
Angel stayed with Kimble down in the holding cells, being taken out for only short periods of time when Kimble was sleeping. Most of the kids were still being kept in the lower levels for safety as well and she played with them for some exercise. She didn't stay long before asking to be brought back to her father, not wanting to be too far from him for long.
The cleanup in the City was still ongoing. Things had been sped up considerably because of co-operation from the rest of the mutant community outside of Xavier's, but the tragedy was still fresh. It seemed as though the full ten thousand and more were dead or missing. It had renewed talk of registering mutants and putting them away into special containment camps though so far, nothing had officially been said. Charles just shook his head. Didn't they see that by forcing the mutants to band together that they were only encouraging factions to build?
There was safety in numbers ...and mischief as well. There had been rioting and bands of humans working together as death squads to hunt down innocent mutants that resembled the pair that had been fighting in the Park. Several mutants had already been killed but the police were unable – or unwilling - to stop it.
Jael himself was quiet, seemingly siting back and watching all of this with a controlled curiosity. In spite of SHIELD's renewed efforts, the mysterious terrorist couldn't be located. Wherever he was, he was hidden well from prying eyes.
(break)
Jael lay on his bed, the tiny body of his precious Star still draped over him. This Siskan had meant it when she said she knew how to please. She might have been small in her body, but she received him willingly and performed any task he had asked of her. More than that, he could still feel the warm tingle of her power coursing through his body, making him feel young and invigorated. He would rest a minute and then take her again. Regenerator, indeed. She was magnificent.
"Bring me a drink, my dear," he purred as he shifted to get more comfortable. The bed was large and covered with soft furs and thick blankets. "There's some wine just over there."
"Yes, Master."
Star rose to obey, her slim body not showing any of the signs of the wear that she felt on the inside. At first she had been grateful her new Master was a man, she preferred to serve a male, especially one as strong and powerful as this one. The bigger, the better. But she could soon see the effect her Kundatesh was having on him. Her power wasn't like the others, she was a Rogue and as such, her powers were not clearly defined. Her Kundatesh was intoxicating and exhilarating, mainly because it had the ability to heal. Her new Master was an aggressive man, he was very active and as such injured himself frequently. He had been spending a lot of time with her now, sensing on some level that she was in fact repairing him and filling him with even more energy. He was like a kid again and it made him lust after her with a deep, burning fire. She appreciated the use, but her new Master was a hard and cruel man. It tainted his shine and made her queasy. Of course she said nothing of this, she wanted only to please him and survive.
We must escape! said a tiny voice inside her head. This was Luma, the Protector. Like Kimble once had been, Star was shattered. She had three personalities active and trapped in her tiny body, more than she could stand at times. All of her fractured selves were female, a unique situation for a Kintay du Lushna-esk. Most of the more powerful 'grams preferred to be male, but not her. She was strong enough just as she was.
We wuz made to serve, so we'll serve, Star replied firmly. This is how it is. Maybe someone'll come and takes us away, be good ta us.
It's too big in here! Kinta complained next. She was the Fearful and liked to be kept away small. Sheba, their former Mistress, hadn't liked this Rogue 'gram and used her only for healing. Most of the time Star had been locked away and that suited Kinta just fine.
The Master will tire of us soon. They all do, little one. It won't be long now, Star said, trying to soothe. It was best if her sister personalities were calm. An outbreak of violence would only get them killed.
In the short two weeks that she had been here, almost all of Sheba's thirty or so 'grams had been destroyed, something that horrified Star beyond belief. When she first learned of it, she had collapsed into tremors and Jael was forced to place her in confinement, isolating her away from what was happening. He didn't try to explain or justify his behavior, but his shine had told her enough. This Master had no love for his Siskans, he was collecting them only for their power. He took their angels and put them into the machine. Jael was busy now, assembling all of the pieces Sheba had left for him as he attempted to create his powerful Shalayesk weapon. He would then make love to the new Siskans he had won and afterwards would only keep those that had some special talent he liked. Those that didn't qualify were taken away and bled out with no energy to revive them. Siskan Courtesans were almost immortal if well cared for, the Ristle energy created by the pilots could sustain them almost indefinitely. But a Siskan could bleed to death, especially one with no special powers that couldn't defend itself. The thought of it chilled her.
While she was isolated, Jael came to visit his precious Rogue. He would never have put up with her hysterics and upkeep if he hadn't become so addicted to her Kundatesh. She was an emotional roller coaster and she required plasma to feed, something new to him. None of his other Siskans were like that. Still, she was worth the trouble.
It wasn't always so pleasant for Star. As Jael lay with her again and again, his evil thoughts seeped into her, making her sick. Jael was cheating at the Game. He was destroying those Siskans he thought were extra or meaningless. It wasn't exactly against the rules, but it was an immoral and sinful act. It betrayed his callousness and disregard for their sentiency. He didn't care that they were very aware of what was going on. They were simply possessions for him to use or destroy as he saw fit.
Jael soon tired of having to go to the isolation cells to visit Star and so had her permanently moved to his private rooms. It kept her out of the harem and away from the slaughter. He hoped this would keep her stable and make her more ready to serve him.
Star hated him. She hated him with all her heart. Her other Masters had been cruel in that they never recognized her as a real creature, as a lover to be treasured. That had hurt enough, but this? How could she forgive the wholesale slaughter of her brothers and sisters? Remy had learned long ago that all of the Siskans in the Game had been made from a single clutch by the Siskan Master Quishnalay. As such, most of the 'grams considered themselves to be siblings and often formed strong attachments to one another, some even going as far as to form pair bonds and becoming loving soul mates. Jael had made sure to put those of Sheba's 'grams foolish enough to pair up to death immediately. Jael believed that a Siskan should think only of its Master, he wouldn't share. Sheba had such a large harem that there had been several pairs. They had been dragged off, screaming. The thought of any of her kin being put to death so senselessly tore at poor Star's heart.
Star's hands began to shake with rage as she poured the wine, her angry thoughts swamping her. She ached for the strength to kill him, but it was against her programming. She knew it would shatter her again and there were too many inside of her already. She took a deep, calming breath and steadied herself. Soon this would be over, she prayed. It had to be!
Jael was blissfully unaware of any of her thoughts. He smiled at her as she came to him with his glass. He was feeling generous and so let her have a sip to sweeten her mouth. Just the sight of her walking towards him had refueled his desire and he was eager to taste her again. He drank from the cup and then pulled her down for a kiss.
Star disliked this task. His mouth was full of sharp teeth and fangs, frightening her. He seemed to like it, though, the deep kiss of a Siskan. He was playing all coy now, batting his large cat's eyes at her. He tipped the glass of wine and spilled some on himself on purpose, pulling her head down. He wanted her to lick it up. She obeyed, never complaining as he made the trail of wine continue down his belly to his groin, grinning greedily all the while. She did as she was told, closing off her mind. She dreamed a happy dream, of serving a large man such as this, but one that loved and cherished her. One who would touch her with undying passion and joy at having her serve him, not because she was his slave, but because she was his soul mate, his only love.
Star jerked slightly when she heard a soft knock at Jael's door. Her Master growled deeply in anger, slapping her with his vibration of frustration. He was educated enough about Siskans to know that his emotions could hurt her but he just didn't think about it. He sat up, rudely shoving her aside. "This had better be good!" he snarled.
"My Lord," Razel replied nervously from behind the closed door. "Sabretooth has been found."
Jael's anger quickly dissipated and he rose, reaching for a silken robe that had been draped over a chair nearby. No such covering was provided for Star, she was left naked and tossed aside on the bed, forgotten. She kept silent and crawled under the blankets, pulling them up tightly around her. She didn't feel much better about Razel and didn't want his eyes on her. So far she hadn't been permitted to serve anyone else besides the Master and she wasn't complaining. They were all thoughtless and cruel here.
Jael came to the door and opened it, gesturing for Razel to enter. "Where is he?"
"Afghanistan. He's been calling himself Kris Talay. Made it harder to track him down."
"Not Kris Talay. Kristalay. One word. It's Siskan for "Golden Hair"," Jael corrected kindly. "Kimble was calling him that, I believe. Funny that he should hang on to that. I thought he was brainwashed. What was he doing there?"
"Working for a SHIELD splinter cell called the Cleaners, hunting for Bin Laden."
Jael grunted. "Bin Laden? Figures. Such talents wasted. Creed would be better off working for us. I'd like to arrange that."
Jael had a large agenda, one with many items of unfinished business. Years ago, he had paid Victor Creed, the infamous Sabretooth, to hunt down Kimble and bring him here. Creed snatched him all right, but then the unspeakable happened, Victor fell in love with Kimble instead and kept him for himself. For this Jael would never forgive. It was Sabretooth's fault that Kimble wasn't in his possession now. Sabretooth had been taken in by SHIELD for execution on behalf of the many hundreds he had murdered, but Creed had mysteriously disappeared within that organization, snapped up by black ops, no doubt. Jael's resources were global and vast. Others were looking, the X-men in particular, but it was Jael who had now at last found the wayward killer. He would have his revenge and more. He had a special purpose for Victor Creed, oh yes.
"I want him collected," Jael ordered. "It's about time he pays back what he owes me."
A long time ago, Jael had hired Sabretooth to bring Kimble to him. That had failed. Not only had Sabretooth not completed the work, but the arrogant bastard had kept Kimble for himself, losing him only when the X-men recaptured Kimble and brought him back home. Jael hadn't been able to recover him since. Afterwards Sabretooth had disappeared and stayed out of Jael's vengeful reach. Until now.
"Yes, my Lord," Razel replied and made to depart. He paused at a grunt from his master. "Yes?"
"Have Grog brought to the machine. I think a test will be in order." Jael had been busy, putting some of the pieces of his machine together and it hadn't taken him long to see that one of the items he was constructing was some kind of gun. Unsure of just what kind of gun it might be, it was best to have a trial before deciding whether or not to use it on Sabretooth. It wasn't any good to him if it didn't inflict any real pain or damage. "Their mutations are similar, are they not?"
"Yes, Master. As if they were kin."
"Fine. Gather an audience then, this should be entertaining."
"As you wish," Razel said with a bow and left, a smile on his face.
