First, the standard disclaimer: I do not own any of these recognizable Marvel properties and this is for fun, no profit here so please no lawsuits.

As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.

Now...

Chapter Eleven: Evaluation...

The Xavier Institute.

Ben let out an appreciative whistle as Will Brown's old Plymouth pulled up in front of the Xavier Institute. "Nice place."

Will Brown nodded in agreement. Then gave Ben a wry smile. "And before you ask, I don't think anyone in Bayville knows much about this place. I know a little more than most. The place was built in the 1890s and except for a few years after Brian Xavier was killed it's been in the Xavier family ever since."

"Sounds to me you know quite a bit about this place."

Will shook his head. "Just that when I was growing up, there were whispers about how Kurt Marko had married Xavier's widow for her money and that he beat his son for bullying his stepbrother. Apparently he was afraid Cain would kill his chances with the golden goose. Cain Marko is a case study on how to make a kid mean as hell. I got into a few fights with him myself and I could tell even then there was something wrong in that house. Cain was mean in a fight but if you beat him... He just had a look that no kid should have in his eyes." Brown shrugged. "Anyway, Kurt Marko died about nine years later and after he died, people just wanted to forget about this place. Bayville was a whole lot smaller the last time this place hosted anything you'd call a social event. And that; my boy, was a celebration of the birth of your new employer." He shok himself. "Anyway, I think I've spent enough time spreading old gossip. Just remember, Hannah still expects to see you for supper on Friday come hell or high water."

Ben grinned at that. "I'll be there."

"Good! Now then Mister Reilly, be off with ye! For I expect you've got a busy day ahead."

Will was right. Aside from the small matter of moving in to the mansion, there was the paperwork to be filed in Xavier's office. Then there was a physical in Doctor McCoy's office. 'Beast' had confirmed that Ben was indeed a clone. It was painful yet liberating to know for certain who he was. Or at least wasn't...

Then came his first trip to the Danger Room. It was a simple introductory program designed to gauge his abilities. A simple little obstacle complete with moving obstacles, trap doors, and lasers...

"Wow! Look at him go!" Spyke exclaimed as most of the students had insisted on squeezing into the observation room to watch.

Logan grunted something about beginners luck. They watched as Ben completed the course with a reverse somersault and a perfect two point landing.

"Damn showoff..." Logan growled as he turned the program off.

"Oh come on Badger!" The newly reinstated Tabby teased. "You'da docked him points if he hadn't stuck the landing." It had not been easy for her to leave the Brotherhood. She cared a lot about those guys. But for the moment the barriers between them and Xavier's students were still up. They felt; and Tabby admitted there was some justification in this, that they were looked down upon by the others as the unsavory dregs. But Tabby wanted to be part of the team again and just maybe she could work on getting some of those walls down. In the meantime, she had a little bit of mischief to perform.

"By the way... Rogue?" I was supposed to show Ben around but I just realized I've got a mountain of studying to do so if you could fill in for me? I really need to crack the books."

"But Tabby..." Kitty started to object before Rogue could speak. Tabby had volunteered to play tour guide that morning before Kitty had a chance.

"Oh! Thanks for offering to help me study Kitty! You're a great friend you know that?" She pushed Kitty out of the room before anyone could say a word. "I'll be there in a minute Kitty!"

Rogue blinked as Ben walked in and took his mask off. "How was that?" He asked.

"Amazing!" Jamie declared.

"Wunderbar!" Kurt exclaimed.

"Beginners luck." Logan declared as Storm and Beast looked at him with amusement.

"That was solid!" Boom Boom declared grinning. "Oh! Rogue! Thanks for agreeing to show Ben around for me! Gotta run!" She left before either Rogue or Ben could say a word. Ben looked at Rogue curiously as Xavier stifled a laugh.

"That was a most impressive display Mr. Riley. Rogue? If you would be so kind to give Ben that tour now, I and the senior instructors have a few things to discuss. Scott... Jean... If the two of you would remain with us?" The other students recognized their dismissal and filed out of the observation room. Ben gestured to a somewhat embarrassed Rogue.

"I guess I'm all yours..." Ben told his reluctant guide.

Rogue's blush deepened. Tabby... Ah swear Ah'm gonna kill you...

Xavier leaned back in his chair thoughtfully.

"His natural skills are considerable." Hank said impressed.

"Yeah but the kid's still a loner." Logan replied.

"He wouldn't be alone in that now would he?" Storm pointed out.

"The question arises as how best to train him." Xavier said.

"I have a suggestion Professor." Jean said a bit hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"I think that this gives us the opportunity to address the advancement of several of the New Mutants. I think we should form a second team of X-men. I would suggest Storm as team leader. We take Rogue and Mr. Riley along with say three of the most capable New Mutants and train them as a team together."

Xavier nodded. "Storm?"

Ororo nods. "That is a logical idea. It least affects the effectiveness of the main team and makes best use of our available resources."

Xavier nodded. "In that case we need to decide which New Mutants to promote..."

Downtown Bayville

Peter surveyed the city skyline as he prepared for his first spin around Bayville. He didn't know whether he would run into this new clone so soon or not but he needed to get a feel for the city and there were photos to shoot at any rate. Something he could sell JJ and keep his backing up until Peter could get to the bottom of things.

To Be Continued...