First Mutant
By David D. Amaya
Chapter 14
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Xavier Mansion, Westchester County, New York 0607 EST. Day 19
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Kordel Nichols woke up in a strange bed, with a sharp pain in his arm and a throbbing headache.
The last thing he remembered was ... drawing his sidearm on this ... blue, troll ... Wearing ... horn rimmed glasses?
"I must have been suffering a nightmare," He said aloud trying to make some sense of where he is. "I thought I was going to shoot ... an animal?"
"No, my friend I am called 'the Beast.' I am a doctor and an X-Man. Animal is a Muppet."
Turning around, he found the blue form of Dr. Henry McCoy standing in the doorway.
It was then the true nightmare of the past 24-hours replayed in his mind.
The President's son kidnapped.
He, framed in his abduction
The helicopter, crashing into the Anacostia.
Tracking Cyrus through Maryland.
Meeting the X-Men.
The rescue.
The escape.
Rogue lifting his car and flying.
Taking a bullet meant for Cyclops.
Taking Cyrus in the Blackbird.
Drawing on the X-men in their own Infirmary.
The burn on his arm.
"So how is my patient this morning?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing, doctor."
"Cyrus is fine," reported Dr. McCoy. "He is stable and resting. He was suffering from mild hypothermia and dehydration, but no serious physical injuries. We were able to detoxify the hallucinogens in his system which included 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, which is a Schedule 2 controlled incapacitating chemical weapon.
"But I was referring to the burn on your right triceps, Agent Nichols."
Agent Nichols raised his arm to allow the doctor to examine him.
"May I see Cyrus, doctor?"
"Only for a moment," The doctor changed the dressing on his arm. "He is still sleeping and I do not wish for him to be disturbed. Although Agent Nichols. We are about to start our mission debriefing though, and the professor would like for you to accompany us, that is if you don't mind?"
"Very well, Doctor."
Hank McCoy led the Secret Service agent down to were Cyrus Parkman was still sleeping in the MedLab.
Jean was sitting by his bedside, reading him a Daily Bugle article about the Mariners game last night at Yankee Stadium.
"I know he would thank you for catching up on his team, but Cyrus prefers the Post-Intelligencer's on-line coverage of Mariners baseball, Jean."
"Good morning, Kordel, Hank" she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Are you ready for the debriefing?"
"Ready as I shall ever be, I guess," he followed the two out of the room.
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War Room, Xavier Mansion, 0615 EST.
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Seated at the head of a large conference table, and in his regular Shi'ar powered lift chair Professor Charles Xavier was joined by the rest of the X-Men.
Cyclops was seated to the left of the professor, Jean was right across from her husband. Beast, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, Banshee, and Wolverine were also there, as was Bishop, who this time didn't request the agent to fork over his gun. Jubilee was asked to sit with Cyrus.
Agent Nichols sat at the opposite end of the table.
"Are you sure you are up to this, Agent Nichols?" the Professor asked his guest.
"Yes, Charles," Agent nichols. "This is as good a place as any."
"What we are most concerned with right now is the events leading up to the rescue of the President's son," Cyclops explained.
"Where should I begin?"
"How about when you left in the helicopter yesterday afternoon?" suggested Phoenix.
"Very well," He drew a deep breath and rewound his memories, and replayed the events of the previous day.
"The helicopter I left in from here took me to the airport, then a DOJ Gulfstream to Acrobat, I mean, Andrews AFB, then in a Marine helicopter that was supposed to take me to Castle, that is the codename for the White House.
"There was only three others on board, a two-man flight crew, and someone who claimed to be a fellow agent.
"We were about 10-klicks out from Castle, when he pulled his sidearm.
"He said something about the forces responsible for Kilowatt's abduction were 'patriots' that were going to make him a 'martyr.' Kilowatt is Cyrus' codename. He referred to him as a 'Mutie.' I have no idea how they know. The First Family does not even know yet!
"It was about then when the initial report of my 'involvement' came in. They were going to push me over the side of the helicopter when I disarmed the agent and sent him over the side. I then fired on to the flight deck, striking the co-pilot once and hitting the control panel with the remaining rounds.
"The pilot lost control of the helicopter and we crashed into the Anacostia River. The pilot died on impact. I pulled the co-pilot out and dragged him to the riverbank. He died shortly thereafter.
"I hailed a cab and went to my apartment to get some munitions and the tracking device I was going to use to find Kilowatt. That's when I called here."
"Yes," Cyclops interjected. "A news report about your 'involvement' was just being broadcast when you called."
"After hanging up on the Charles, I entered my home to find the planted money and the fake documents that were left in my living room. The agency had not been there yet. That's when they called."
"Who?" Phoenix asked.
"I do not know, they were using a voice scrambler. It was the planted, 'We going for the mark, your plan will go smoothly, here is the drop' call.
"They were sloppy in they did not call at the time they left the money, so I picked up on them and thanked them in person for the loan.
"I then followed the signal out of Washington into Maryland that is when I picked up the BOLO on my scanner."
"BOLO?"
"Be On The Look-Out, Ororo," Banshee replied.
"When I determined the location of the signal, I began my reconnaissance. Fifteen armed tangos, terrorists, patrolling the perimeter, eight patrols near the stable area in jeeps, and Phoenix was correct, there was seven tangos inside the field house were the signal was coming from.
"That is when Wolverine appeared out of thin air."
"I'm the best at what I do, bub."
"You bet. When the rest of the X-Men arrived, I asserted field authority, as per title 51, section 18 of the United States Code, pertaining to the rescue of federally protected hostages.
"I briefed the team on the strength of the enemy forces, the location of the tracker beacon, and I gave orders on his rescue.
"I led the rescue team armed with a softpack, a shotgun, along with Wolverine and Gambit. We neutralized the interior forces and extracted Kilowatt."
"That's when the fun began, Chuck," Wolverine grinned.
"Yes," It clearly pained the professor to admit. "I told my X-Men to show no quarter, which goes against every principle I hold dear."
"After the extraction, I escaped with Kilowatt in my car. We were followed by a jeep armed with a top-mounted machine gun.
"I attempted to return fire with my sidearm. When that was unsuccessful, Rogue gave us a lift."
"Anytime, sugah."
"When we rejoined the X-Men, it was decided to take Kilowatt for medical attention, via your jet, when a sniper tried to take out Cyclops. I took the shot center mass, while Gambit and Wolverine grabbed the shooter.
"I tried to extract the name of those responsible, but Phoenix said he did not know. Then she neutralized him."
"That is when we escaped back to here. I was the lone injury on the strike unit, just a scratch on my arm." Then he stood up and addressed the group of heroes before him.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologize. I request forgiveness from everyone for my heavy-handed tactics in the infirmary. If I had not passed out when I did, I may have done something regretful."
"That is quite all right, Kordel," Dr. McCoy assured him. "I am sure I speak for everyone when I say we understand that you were only doing your duty."
"Speak for yerself, Hank! But thank Jeanie, 'couse one more second, G-Man and I'da done something I wouldn'ta regretted!"
"That was a very brave thing that ye did, tryin' ta save the President's son alone, lad."
"It was either this or a career with an investment firm," he replied. "Besides, I can not trust the agency, and it is going to hit the fan like Iran-Contra when they do a cleanup at the racetrack. All signs shall point straight to me."
"What do you mean, Agent Nichols?" Cyclops asked.
Agent Nichols drew the Sig Sower from behind his back, removed the ammo clip, and took out three bullets, tossing one to Cyclops, Xavier, and Wolverine.
The tips were pointed, cone-like in shape, and colored with a blue substance.
"What type of bullets are these?' the professor asked.
"Black Rhinos," Wolverine answered. "They hit ya like a Mack truck, and they do some nasty damage when they exit, and they're coated with Teflon so they'll go through most bullet-proof vests. You play fer keeps, G-man."
"Damn skippy! This ordinance is illegal in the United States, even for federal officers, but I had a fear I would need them one day, I found a supplier and using an off-shore account, brought them in via FedEx. To ensure the department will know of my involvement I used them in my issued Service pistol. You see the ballistic signature of every federal agency-issued weapon are registered with the Bureau. Also the shotgun I used at the racetrack is my SPAS-15. Since the United States banned their importation in 1996, they are quite rare. They shall point to me like a compass.
"Do any of you know how this is playing out in the media?"
The Secret Service agent was then handed a stack of newspapers; The Daily Bugle, the Washington Post, the Metropols Daily Planet, The Los Angeles Times, and USA Today all had the abduction of Cyrus Parkman on the front page.
The Professor then activated a large monitor, which had a report from CNN from late last night.
"I'm standing outside the Wyoming Ave. home of Special Agent Kordel Nichols, who is now wanted for questioning in the abduction of Cyrus Parkman.
"Inside agents have just found, what sources close to the investigation say is a large amount of cash in unmarked, sequential large bills... Wait just a moment ... I have just received word that Press Secretary Devin Mahoney is about to address the press. Let's go live to the White House."
"Ladies and gentlemen, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, a federal material witness warrant has been issued in the name of Special Agent Kordel Nichols of the United States Secret Service, in connection with the abduction of Cyrus Parkman.
"Agent Nichols was last reported to have boarded a helicopter from a field assignment at Andrews Air Force Base, which crashed into the Anacostia River, en route to the White House at approximately 5:30 p.m. this afternoon.
"The helicopter's flight crew died at the scene of the crash, and a third victim was reported to have fallen out of the aircraft in mid-flight. He too died of his injuries at the scene."
"Mr. Mahoney, we have received reports that the Department of Justice now has evidence linking Agent Nichols to the kidnapping of the President's son. Can you confirm or deny this for us?"
"As this is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment on this, but let me stress that this is a material witness warrant, and at this time Agent Nichols is wanted only for questioning."
"Mr. Mahoney, what assignment was Agent Nichols on when he disappeared?"
"I cannot comment on that, as it is a matter of Secret Service protocol. I'm sorry but I can not answer any more questions."
Xavier ended the recording.
"At least The Director is not 'officially' implicating me, YET, but I can not just walk into the White House with the President's son," he added. "Whoever did this is still out there, and they WILL strike again."
/Buzz.\
"Yes Jubilee?"
"Come quick, guys! The First Kid's, like, waking up! He's asking for someone called Lariat!"
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MedLab, Xavier Mansion, 0701 EST.
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He woke up with the Great-Grandmother of all headaches. He lifted his arms to stretch out and found he could.
Opening his eyes slightly he noticed he was in a strange bed. Looking around he saw a young girl sitting next to the bed doing her nails. She looked up with a start when she noticed he was awake.
He tried to say hello, but his mouth was still dry. The nice girl in the blinding yellow trenchcoat gave his some water. The light in the room hurt his eyes, so she gave him a cool red pair of shades. She also said she was going to find Lariat.
Cyrus Parkman had no idea how long he had been lying in his coffin, but now he was glad to be out of that creepy box. Even if he was in a hospital.
At least the nightmares are over.
"And how are you feeling, Cyrus?" said a man who was covered in blue fur, like the Cookie Monster.
Then again.
"It's good to finely be out of my grave," Even though I'm still seeing things, he finished to himself. "Where's Lariat ... I mean Agent Nichols?"
"I am right here Cyrus."
"Good to see ya, Lariat, but you look like hell."
"I see you have yet to look in a mirror as well, Cyrus." He replied. "Doctor, could you give us a moment alone?"
"Sure Kordel, I'll be right back, Cyrus."
As Dr. McCoy left the room Cyrus motioned for Kordel to lean close.
"Is it me, or was that doctor ... Blue?"
"Yes, Cyrus, he is covered in blue fur. I assume they did not tell you, we are at the Xavier Institute in New York."
"You mean we're not at Bethesda?"
"What is the last thing you remember, Cyrus?"
"I remember drinking some sour milk at school, then passing out. I woke up in this creepy coffin, then this guy opens the casket and tells me I'm gonna die for my country, Then I heard screams and gunshots, then you callin' out my name. Then here I am. WAIT! What about Andi? Is she safe? Did they hurt her? Is she..."
"Please calm yourself! Settle down! Your sister Andromeda is safe. She was not involved in the abduction. She is at the White House."
"What about mom and dad?"
"Cyrus, whoever is behind your abduction has connections into the White House command. The President does not know you are safe yet. And I am afraid that the Service will not believe anything I tell them."
"Why not, Lariat?"
"Because I am being framed in your abduction."
"That's a load a crap," the President's son replied. "You weren't even there!"
"You know it, and I know it, but they issued a material witness warrant for me last night."
'What's that mean?"
"It means that they do not believe the evidence that was planted at my apartment, but they are going to arrest me anyway."
"What kinda evidence?"
Kordel told the young mutant about the envelopes, and the amount they left in his apartment.
"THAT'S MY GOING-RATE!" he shouted fundamentally insulted by the amount. "I pelt's gotta be near A-Rod dough at least! I'm only worth the player-to-be-named-later!"
"Your abductors must be short of cash, for whomever it is happens to be very well financed. There were 30 paid goons armed to the teeth just to guard you."
"Wait a minute. My powers ... I couldn't use my powers. They're GONE!"
"They're not gone," said a friendly voice from the doorway. "You are wearing an inhibitor collar."
"I know that voice, Mrs. Summers?"
"Yes, Cyrus, it's good to finally meet you," Jean said as she walked over to his bed, took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "But I wish it would have been under more pleasant circumstances."
"So I haven't lost this mutant thing?"
"No, Cyrus. When we remove the collar, it will all come back to you."
"Lariat, does she...?"
"Yes, Cyrus, and as a matter of fact, she was one of the people who helped me rescue you."
"REALLY?"
"Do not look so surprised, Cyrus," Agent Nichols replied. "Even the Secret Service needs assistance now and then. I can not take down 30 men by myself."
Just then the room flooded with ten more people surrounding Cyrus' bedside.
"Cyrus," Kordel began. "Allow me introduce you to the rest of the heroes that helped rescue you.
"You have already met Dr. McCoy, and Jubilee," Each waved at the mention of their respective names. "Scott, Jean's husband, Ororo, Sean, Remy, Rogue, Logan, Bishop and Professor Xavier, whom you have met on the telephone.
"It is my pleasure for me to introduce Cyrus James Parkman, the son of the President, Cyrus, let allow me to introduce you to...
"The X-Men."
"THE X-Men?" he said stunned. "Wow, I thought meeting all those pro athletes was cool! Now I get to meet real life, bona fide, super-duper heroes!
"Man, Oz was right! Living at the White House does have its perks!"
End of Chapter fourteen
© David D. Amaya 2007