First Mutant
By David D. Amaya
Chapter 26
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Main Lecture Hall, Washington Convention Center, Downtown 1435 EST. Day 21
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"Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States."
The crowd of 400 law enforcement officials took to their feet applauding as the Thunder Bay Police Department Highland Pipes and Drum Brigade playing "Hail To The Chief" awaiting the President's arrival on stage.
"This way Mr. President," Lt. Duggan gestured with his arm as he and the six Secret Service agents stepped off the secured elevator and were walking toward the sound of Scottish bagpipes.
When they passed into the entrance to the main auditorium, President Parkman noticed a young girl who held out a Mariners jacket with 'J. PARKMAN' lettered on the back.
"Wait a moment, Lt. Duggan, is that my son's..."
"It must be a coincidence, sir," replied Chief of Staff, Jon Roth. "This way Mr. President."
"Warlock, calling Gate Crasher come in."
"Crash 1 reading 5 X 5, over."
"Gate Crasher, Daylight approaching, repeat, Daylight approaching, stand by and await signal, over."
"10-4. Warlock, awaiting, Crash 1 Over and out."
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Capital Plaza, Capital Hill, 1436 EDT.
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X-Men, report.
I'm in front of the New Senate Building, Professor. There are several police officers keeping the crowd off of the front steps and are blocking the main entrance.
Very well, Bishop, Storm where are you located?
I am in position atop the Capitol Dome, Professor, I command an unobstructed view of the entire crowd.
Excellent, Cyclops are you ready?
We're already in the crowd, Professor. We're ready.
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Washington Convention Center, 1437 EDT.
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Taking the podium and tightly flanked by Secret Service and SHIELD agents, President Parkman made his best attempted to look very much the poised leader of the free world while trying to scan the crowd through the teleprompter for any sign of the girl with the baseball jacket or its original owner.
"My fellow Americans, as you are well aware, violent acts against American can strike without warning, even the Executive Office is not immune...."
As with any appearance of the Commander-in-Chief, the Executive bodyguard keep their eyes on the audience, looking out for anything out of place.
"All Sectors report."
"Sector 1, Clear."
"Sector 2, Clear."
"Sector 3... Lizard stand by."
Come on Dad! Cyrus was silently screaming. Even a blind man can't miss me wearing this loud thing!
Sitting in the eighth row next to Agent Nichols, and wearing Jubilee's bright yellow trenchcoat, the President's son subtly, but deliberately, trying to signal his father.
"Just a few more inches to the left, Mr. President," whispered Agent Nichols. "Only a little more..."
"Excuse me, sir," A man with an earpiece sticking out of his left ear told him. "Could you and your cousin come with me for a few moments?"
"Oh geez!! Oh geez!! Oh geez!!" Jubilee muttered to herself from across the hall. "One-Time just found 'Watt! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Hold up gal. Take the chill pill. He don't wanna start nothin' here with 'Watts dad up there. Oh come on lucky trench do your stuff!"
Crash 3 calling crash one come in, Over."
"Crash 1 5x5, over."
"Disturbance in Sector 3. Repeat, disturbance in Sector 3, over."
"Crash 6, verify, over."
"Six, Roger, verifying sector 3."
"CRASH 1 PARASITE IN SECTOR 3! REPEAT, PARASITE IN SECTOR 3!"
"Gate Crasher one calling Warlock, Parasite on deck! repeat Parasite on deck Over!"
"Gate Crasher, this is Warlock, FULL BREACH! TAKE PARASITE ALIVE!"
"Come on Secret Agent Dude," Jubilee urged from across the hall. "James Bond this guy out the way. Come on just ask to see his ticket and bolt. Comeoncomeoncomeoncomeon!... Oh my God, more creeps backing up One-Time!
"... And so, even in the wake of such a terrible event, " President Parkman continued. "I pledge that this administration will continue to turn the tide of crime on our nation's streets!"
As he paused for the crowd's applause, he noticed Agent Price leaning across talking to a man and a boy in an all-too-large coat so bright yellow it would make New York taxis look dull. as he strained for a better look at the young man, The President missed his cue, as he was fixed on the boy.
"Wait," he accidentally whispered into the microphone. "Cyrus??"
"Oh my God he knows, he KNOWS! Oh my god, those other creeps got their gats out! Oh my god!
"LARIAT, BEHIND YOU!!"
Wheeling around, Agents Price and Nichols came face to face with CAT-Issued MP-5 assault rifles, trained on Cyrus and Kordel.
"GUN!!!!!!"
End of Chapter twenty-six
© David D. Amaya 2007