Xavier's Institute For Higher Learning
"So wait, you said the Professor is in there with who?!"
The question posed by the one known to most as the mutant Domino was shared by the surrounding others in her presence. Gathered within the living room area of the Xavier Mansion, also the home of the Uncanny X-Men, were her teammates James Madrox, Bobby Drake, and Dani Moonstar. Less than twenty minutes prior to this meeting of mutants, long time foe and frequent nuisance Cain Marko, the Unstoppable Juggernaut, had literally showed up on their doorstep.
"He's in there with Juggernaut. Or should I say his step-brother, Cain Marko. I don't think we have anything to worry about though, it seemed like he actually came in peace." Dani says as she stood with her arms folded. The past between the X-Men and the Juggernaut was not one of the friendliest. In fact the man has tried to kill them on more than one occasion, and sided against them in disputes more times than any in this room could count. The Juggernaut's history with the X-Men notwithstanding, Cain Marko was simply a man most would never think to give the time of day.
"Peace, heh, somehow I don't think he left us with much choice really. Either let the big bad wolf in, or watch him knock the house down." Bobby Drake says as he kicked back on the couch.
"Well if it makes any of you feel better, Wolverine is posted up right outside the office. Guess that's his way of keeping talks 'friendly'." Dani replies.
"Yeah, well I don't like it. Like seriously, you X-Men give your enemies way to much credit. You got Magneto holding Genosha in the palm of his hand, the former White Queen of the Hell Fire Club posing as a teacher, and now we got the Juggernaut over for some tea and biscuits." Domino scoffs in frustration. Since joining the ranks of X-Men, she had been very vocal about the role that she found herself in. A former mercenary by trade, Domino had embraced Xavier's dream to an extent as a member of X-Force. Of course, back then she was the one calling the shots as well. One could argue that it was Cable's show, but Domino was the star that kept the act going, contrary to popular belief.
"Well haven't heard any bones break yet, so let's just assume all is well." Madrox chimes in, though his concentration was hardly focused on the matter at hand. His eyes had been glued to the basketball game that happened to be on the television at the time.
"Aw c'mon, how do you miss a layup?" he shouted as his hands clapped together, producing another Madrox which sat right next to him.
"Oops, didn't mean to do that..."
***
Inside the office of Charles Xavier, the founder of the X-Men was joined by his co-headmaster Emma Frost, and his estranged step-brother Cain Marko. The relationship between the Professor and Marko had never been close in their youth, but as adults the strain had only grown. What was once a connection of petty jealousy had since evolved into a genuine dislike between the two? Though Charles had always tried to remain cordial at best towards his sibling, the feeling was never mutual. Cain Marko wanted nothing to do with the son of his father's wife, though that claim has come into question on more than one occasion.
"Pretty funny ain't it, me comin' to you for help huh Charlie? Who woulda' ever believed it?" Cain said with a laugh.
"It certainly wouldn't be the first time Cain, and I appreciate you feeling that you could indeed come to me with anything. I've always said,"
"Look let me just get straight to it then." Cain interjected, not in the mood to hear the Professor ramble on about issues that had become all too redundant. "Basically, these last few weeks I've been feelin' like, I don't know maybe I'm bein' watched. Then I just chalked it up to nerves I guess or whatever, and then it happened. I was makin' some rounds up in Canada or whatever, and I got jumped hard out there."
As he spoke, both Professor Xavier as well as Emma Frost listened closely. The latter was doing much more than listening, seeing this as a golden opportunity to peek into the mind of Cain Marko. One reason for this was to confirm that the Juggernaut did come there in peace. The other was to seek validity in his claims of fear.
"Now you know I don't back down from nobody. I'm the unstoppable Juggernaut. Gone take more than a couple bounty hunters to bring me down. Only thing is, these wasn't just no regular bounty hunters. It was like these guys knew how to hit me, and make it hurt. Barely got away when I did, but ran into the punks a few days later in Michigan. Same story different day, 'cept they had some new guns. This one they brought, swear it was like lookin' into death." Cain says, his tone much more humble than one was used to hearing from him.
"Cain, while I understand why one would be frightened,"
"I ain't scared, if anythin' I'm worried 'bout what I'll do to these guys when I get 'em on equal terms!" Cain said with a scowl.
"Yes, I stand corrected. Still your story doesn't seem,"
"Oh Charles, why are we toying with this man as if he was a child." Emma says finally making her voice heard, though once again leaving the Professor cut off.
"Dear Cain, what your brother through marriage is trying to ask, is why now? You've gotten yourself into rather unfavorable predicaments before, including tussles with even the Avengers here and there. Yet, you've never willingly came to the X-Men for assistance, so why is the Unstoppable one doing so now?" Emma asked while her lips curled into a rather teasing grin.
"And please, don't be shy. We're all adults here." Emma added in curiosity.
***
Outside the Xavier mansion, there was a vast amount of land separating the state from any nearby neighbors. This served the Institute perfectly, for it was filled with people that may cause the casual observer to do a double take. An example of such a situation could best be made by looking no further than the backyard area of the estate. Sitting in a cradled position while hovering in the air was Monet St. Croix. The ebony toned woman seemed to be in her own little world, oblivious to the environment surrounding her. It was something which had become rather expected of the young adult. In the past when she was a member of Generation X, it was discovered that her reasons for choosing to be alone was because of the secret she harbored. Or one should say the secret her little sisters, Nicole and Claudette shared.
For a large duration of the time Generation X existed, the two Algerian girls combined to form a duplicate version of Monet, while the real M was trapped in the guise of the hard skinned Penance. Once everything had been revealed, and the real M surfaced, many thought they would see a much greater change in the personalities between the two different Monets. Contrary to popular belief however, Monet's little sisters had her personality down to science. The only difference, this Monet was very much the real deal, and gladly embraced keeping to herself when she had to. Years of imprisonment at the hands of her own brother had made her very much distrustful of anyone who dared get close to her.
This is why Monet embraced moments such as these. They allowed her to dwell on her more private thoughts, not having to deal with anyone other than herself. In the end, that's all she really needed, because M knew that no one quite had her back like she did.
Though if she hadn't been so wrapped up in her own world, the female mutant would have noticed that she wasn't alone. Hidden within the wooded area which surrounded the estate, was one unfamiliar with the former Generation X member. To them she served no other purpose, than as a potential adversary, should the opportunity present itself. Still, someone with her particular abilities could be of use to the organization this mystery person represented, but that was another matter entirely. For now, the unknown would continue to remain just that, as the pieces slowly pulled together.
***
"Bet you would love to get inside this head of mine, but I ain't here to talk to you babe. Charles is the one I came to." Cain said, glaring at Emma Frost. "Don't take it the wrong way, just some things shouldn't be said in mixed company."
Raising an eyebrow at the statement, Emma simply laughed.
"Please do not think I'm going to sit here and stroke your male ego for you dear Cain. Perhaps you fail to see where I could assist in whatever your dilemma is but,"
"Emma." For the first time during this conversation, Charles had been the aggressor in getting his voice heard. "If you do not mind, I would like to speak to Cain here in private."
Receiving an even more pressing look from Emma Frost, the former White Queen decided to cave. Besides, there was nothing being said that she couldn't discover on her own via her own abilities at some later point. Either way, no secrets would be withheld from her.
"Oh you two are such teases." she responds in a suggesting manner as she leaves the two siblings alone. As the door closes behind her, the room remained silent for another moment or two, until Xavier chose to break it.
"So tell me Cain, what's really the problem?" Professor Charles Xavier had known Cain for quite a long time, and as much as the brute would hate to admit, knew him all too well. Xavier knew how to interpret the man's emotions without ever having to intrude in his mind.
"Heh, you know I took a job with the Commission of Super Human Activity awhile back right? Offered me a pardon for all my past crimes if I did a lil' work for them on the side you know?" Cain said as he looked away from Xavier, almost as if he was embarrassed to speak.
"I've heard news of this." Xavier replied.
"Well, uh I did what they needed. Gave me my walking papers, and made me a free man. You know somethin', felt good to. All these years spent terrorizing people, don't get me wrong I had fun doin' it, but I don't know maybe I'm just gettin' older and I'm startin to see things in a different light." Cain paused for a moment, before he continued.
"Anyway like I was sayin', the CSA made me a clean man for the first time since I could remember. And I did good to, hell you woulda' been proud. Been keepin to myself, tryin' not to get caught up in all the shit I used to mess with, and I thought I'd be good. Looks like ol' Cyttorak ain't taken this too lightly though. First I couldn't really tell a difference, but my strength started slippin' on me. Tried to tell myself it was just me ya know, but I ain't stupid Charles. The signs are all there." Cain said with a hint of remorse in his words.
"Cain, are you saying you’re able to harness the powers of Cyttorak?" The Professor asked, with a much more vested interest in the discussion.
"Nah, I mean once you’re granted the powers of a Juggernaut, I guess the power is always in you, just not as strong as it's supposed to be. That last attack done on me, proved as much. I still got my powers, but them boys did a number on me. Coulda' never happened in the ol' days, but guess since I ain't out there tearin the world in half, Cyttorak don't think I need his gifts anymore. And much as I wanna say to hell with it, it's been the only thing I could call mine for bout as long as I can remember now." As Cain spoke, Xavier simply observed. It was rare to ever see his step brother in such a vulnerable state, in any form.
"And like I said, these clowns that's after me, they ain't the normal bozo's you would think. They out for blood, and much as I hate to admit it, can't do it on my own, and I damn sure ain't tryna do it the old Crimson Gem way. So guess what I'm sayin' is, I need help."
***
As Emma Frost joined the others whom were already located within the living room, she was surprised to find that all gathered there, now joined by Jonothan Starsmore, and were collectively sitting in silence. Such a sight was rather unusual, especially given this rather lively bunch. Their eyes gave the distinct impression that they were being mesmerized by the events playing out across the television.
"Now what on on this Earth could have you all so fascinated." Emma mused as she turned towards the television herself. What she saw was not something that the mutant teacher would have ever fathomed to see. Her fellow colleagues were watching a news broadcast, with a headline which couldn't help but draw attention.
<This is Trish Tilby, bringing you an update of the horrific attacks which took place within the last hour or so. According to our Chicago correspondents, at least eight-teen people have been found dead in a small town just outside the city. Property damage has also been reported, leading to rumors that this incident may qualify as an act of terrorism. Authorities are being scarce on details until families of the victims have been notified, but sources have confirmed that this is indeed a homicide matter. Other sources have even speculated that this may be the result of a mutant attack. Local police have neither confirmed, nor denied these allegations. More on this as the details continue to come.>
As the broadcast came to an abrupt end, the living room of the X-Men remained quiet for a moment longer. Realizing that she was standing in awe with her white gloved hand covering her mouth, Emma chose to break the eerie silence.
"Someone...go find Logan. Tell him to get a team deployed immediately." Emma says as she turns her back on the other X-Men.
"What are we detectives now?" a skeptical Iceman asks.
"No Robert, we're X-Men now, and possible mutant threats are matters we need to take very seriously. Now as I said, someone please get Logan. By the time I link up to Cerebra and get a better idea of what we're dealing with, the Black Bird should already be in the sky." Emma says before she makes her own exit.
"Yes Ma'am." Bobby says with a mock salute as the Head Mistress makes her way to the Cerebra chamber.
"Finally some sort of action, I honestly don't know how the X-Men deal being cooped up in this house all day." Domino says.
"Oh trust, we spend less time here than you would think." Bobby says with a frown.
"Well since we seem to be pressed for time, I'll go find Logan, and see if I can drag Polaris away from Alex long enough to lend a hand." Madrox says as he creates a replica of himself, and the two 'Jamies', each go off in separate directions.
***
As the real Jamie went off in search of Wolverine, the Madrox duplicate instead headed towards the lower levels of the Institute. Those unfamiliar with the true purpose of this estate would be rather surprised to bear witness to the militaristic interior design of the bottom levels of the mansion. No longer fitting the warm school environment one would expect, the basement levels of the Institute were anything but. This was where the X-Men, men and women sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, maintain their objectives. The Madrox's destination was the medical lab, which due to a series of upgrades over the years, surpassed some of the top hospitals in the countries.
Then again when dealing with mutant terrorists, and other threats of the super human nature, the X-Men had found that there weren't many facility they could trust to mend their injuries with no questions asked. Fortunately quite a few capable doctors and other qualified professionals have made themselves readily available to the mutants over the years.
Making his way down the halls, the dupe stops just short of the entrance leading into the medical lab. Currently occupying the area was Lorna Dane, and her recently rescued lover, Alex 'Havok' Summers. Since being found in the Morlock Tunnels by the X-Men, Alex has been in an unconscious state. A large portion of his radiated energies were used in defense against the X-Men, but they were ensured when his body was fully rested, he would be up and running again in no time. Of course it wasn't the physical aspects many were concerned about. Almost a year ago, Alex had seemingly 'died', in an explosion. This explosion occurred shortly after Jamie and Lorna had both chosen to help the Summers brother reform the mutant strike force known as X-Factor. Though all had been convinced that Alex had died, the body was inexplicably missing.
What happened between then, and his recent resurgence as a prisoner of the Dark Beasts was still a mystery that had yet to be explained.
Sitting at the side of the unconscious mutant’s bed, Lorna had her arms resting on the edge of the bed. The green haired mistress of magnetism hadn't left her lovers side since he was brought back, something most of the X-Men thought was a bit unhealthy. Not really wanting to disturb her solace, the dupe knew that there were far urgent matters to tend to.
"Hey Lorna, didn't really want to disturb you and uhh, Alex, I mean even though I doubt Alex really minds right about now." Madrox says before noticing the questionable look coming from Polaris.
"Anyway, there's been a situation. Emma wants a team to check it out just to be sure, think you’re up to it?" he asks.
Biting her bottom lip as she looks from Madrox to Alex, Lorna contemplated if she should leave her beloved. The last thing she wanted was for him to wake up, without her being here, but the life of an X-Man often meant duty called. Whatever emergency had come up obviously needed her attention more than the sleeping X-Man, so she gave in to her less desired instinct.
"Give me a minute, I'll be there." Lorna says say’s with a forced smile.
***
"A bit tense huh?" Wolverine asks with a grin as he throws a jab towards the face of Monet St. Croix. The two mutants were along the outer edges of the Estate grounds. Though there was a Danger Room which could easily curb their desires to train, neither of these mutants minded engaging each other in a natural outdoor environment.
"Upon having my meditation session interrupted? Perhaps." M replies as she blocks the punch. Countering with a well aimed kick to Logan's torso, the girl can't help but to grin. The former Generation X pupil was deliberately keeping her strength restrained; though she was convinced he could definitely handle it.
"Then again, a chance to spar with the great Wolverine was far too tempting to pass up." she says, following up with a spinning backhand to the head of her opponent. Blocking the advance while managing to grab hold of her slender arms, Wolverine brings the girl in close. His grip prevents her from making an offensive assault.
"Your holdin' back." Wolverine says with a gruff voice, and a grim face," Don't."
Smiling at the senior X-Man, Monet noted in silence the command. Her abilities made her quite the formidable threat, and she was convinced she's barely glimpsed her full potential. Wolverine by all means was the best there was at what he did. Something which all who have followed this path have come to hear on many of occasions, though no one knew exactly what that was. Still, Monet was no slouch in her own right, and had no reservations showing this.
"Obliged." Realizing her limited position, Monet adjusts her waist so that she is supporting Wolverine with her back. Once confident she has the advantage, M then proceeds to throw Wolverine over her shoulder, as he slammed hard onto the ground.
"Hmm, I was expecting much more of a challenge." M says as Wolverine picks himself up. Dressed in a new black leather uniform, the former Weapon X agent had abandoned the yellow and blue spandex which had become his signature look.
"Heh well you gotta ask yourself, you get that trick off cause of an openin' you thought you made, or cause it was one I let you make?" Wolverine says with a grin to a speechless Monet.
For once the Algerian young lady was at a loss for words, though her facial expressions spoke volumes. Creating a pout look which surely wasn't becoming of someone of her age, her eyes glanced past Wolverine as their teammate Jamie Madrox sprinted towards the pair.
"Logan, Emma wants you to get the Black Bird up and moving. Bunch of murders went down near the Chicago area, thinks it's something us X-Men should be checking out." Madrox says.
"What are we detectives now?" Logan grunts.
"I'm not even touching that question." Jamie says with a chuckle.
"A mission and am I to assume this is only for those that fall in the direct favor of Professor Xavier once again?" Monet says with an unpleasant look. Since transferring here to the Institute from the Massachusetts’s Academy, M and her fellow Gen X teammate Chamber had found themselves more often than not sidelined during missions.
"Don't take it personal kid, Chuck an' Frost just trying to keep you healthy until you’re ready to see some heavy action. Now I know you kids went through hell and back while you was in Gen X, but guess the powers that be needed a bit more convincin'." Logan says as he places his hand on the shoulder of Monet.
"Besides, the Juggernaut is still here. Who knows, maybe he'll go on a rampage here in the mansion." Jamie says, until he notices that neither M nor Wolverine is smiling at such a thought.
"Whatever, Blackbird is out in ten." Logan says as he begins making his way across the grounds. A few steps into his stride, he stops and looks out towards the woods, thinking he mistakenly heard something in that direction. Pausing for a few more seconds, he keeps his attention focused on any sounds not coming from the three X-Men present.
"Wolverine what's wrong?" M asks.
"Nothin', probably a mouse." he says before continuing on. As Wolverine disappeared from view, followed by Madrox and M, the unseen noise the feral had thought he heard once again made itself known.
"Prepare to initiate the plan, the X-Men are on their way away from the mansion." the unknown intruder says as it alerts its contact.
***
As the X-Men's primary source of aerial mobility the Black Bird, began its ascent, the five mutants gathered aboard it each strapped themselves in secure. Wolverine takes the controls, as Domino sits by his side. Behind them were the gathered bodies of Polaris, Iceman, and Madrox. All were feeling tense, as most of them often did before embarking on a mission. Though they've all done this more times than any of them could count, the nervousness was always there.
"Ok, can anybody give me an idea what the hell we're goin' into exactly?" Logan says as the Black Bird gradually increases its speed as it begins to soar through the open sky.
{Logan please, allow me to show you all that I have inquired thus far.} says Emma Frost, via her mutant ability of telepathy. Psionically linked with the minds of all the gathered X-Men, Frost opens their minds to the latest information received regarding the recent murders.
{With Cerebra I was able to detect a very powerful mutant signature around the area of the attacks. It's one I can't seem to examine at the moment, so treat it as you would any unknown threat.} Emma says. While she was mentally present with the deployed X-Men, her physical form remained in the Cerebra Chamber back at the Institute.
"So I'm taking that as a shoot first, ask questions never order then?" Domino asks with a sly grin.
"As if there was any other way." Logan replied as he put set a course for the coordinates Emma had inserted into his mind.
Xavier's Institute For Higher Learning
"Cain, do you have any idea exactly who would want to harm you?" Charles asks.
"Heh, a name or two comes to mind." Cain Marko responds with a snort. The Juggernaut had made quite a few enemies over the years, hero and villain alike. For a man that prided himself on being a bully to the highest degree, the Juggernaut had one too many people who would love to put his head on a plaque.
"Like I said though, first attack happened in Canada. Narrows the list down, but last I checked I'm internationally known. Hell, wouldn't surprise me if it was the government playin' games with me." he adds with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Yes, well together I'm sure we can find a more definite answer," The Professor stops as both him and his step-brother look at each other in confusion. There was a loud rumbling coming from outside, and from having founded the X-Men out of this mansion, Xavier knew that the sound was that of a jet. However he knew for a fact that the Black Bird had just been deployed a short while ago, and he had doubts the X-Men would have returned so soon. Then there was the feeling that this jet was landing in a place that wasn't where the X-Men would have chosen.
"Guess your X chumps are back already." Cain says.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Xavier extends his powers outward as he searches to confirm the statement.
"No, not the X-Men, though I can only wonder why these guests would be here without prior notice. I'm sorry Cain, but I'm afraid will have to continue this later. It appears I have even more company." Xavier says, with a hint of suspicion in his tone.
***
On board the Black Bird as it made its way towards the state of Illinois, the gathered X-Men continued to enjoy the brief moment they had to themselves. They were dealing with a mutant who was going about killing people, and that wasn’t even the full extent of what this unknown threat had committed. This homicidal lunatic had was alarming the general public, and by doing so it further clouded the already negative perception cast over mutants already. The last thing anyone with an X-Gene needed was someone abusing their powers in such a way.
“We’re comin’ up to our destination folks. ETA is another ten minutes, tops. Start getting’ ready.” Wolverine informs his team as the jet continued to fly closer and closer towards their final destination.
“Good, let’s hope this doesn’t take too long.” Polaris says as she stares sits back with her eyes rested. She personally hated flying on planes, brought back to many memories. Not to mention she found it pointless, when her own magnetic manipulation granted her the means of flight when she chose.
“Don’t worry, way I’m feelin’, I’m tryna get this done by dinner.” Logan says with a smile.
“I second that.” Bobby chimes in. Normally the jokester of the bunch would have been the main source of social commentary, but the Iceman really wasn’t in the mood. It was something about mass homicides which didn’t exactly turn him on.
“Yeah well it looks like we’ll be there sooner than I thought. Domino, I want you and Lorna to get off here and scout out the ground. The rest of us will meet up with you after I land this baby.” Wolverine says.
Domino unbuckles her seat belt and heads for one of the parachute packs, while Polaris follows her lead. As the drop hatch opened, the two female X-Men sent their teammates a look of confidence.
"See you boys on the ground." Domino says as she jumps out of the plane, into the unrestricted air.
***
"Seriously Jono, you’re taking this way too hard. Not every mission is going to need every available X-Man, and besides, a home team provides just as much as an away group." Dani Moonstar tells her teammate Chamber as they make their way towards the sound of the jet which had apparently landed on their front lawn.
{Easy for you to say luv. Xavier lets you roam as you please, while the rest of us lads are left to rot.} Chamber replies. Without a mouth, his main form of communication is his thoughts. His body exchanged a chest and partial facial features for a harbor of biokinetic energy which flowed through the British mutant’s body.
"Please, I was once a New Mutant. You don't really think Xavier gave us permission to do half the stuff we did do you?" she says with a smile as they finally make it to the front door, and venture onto the outside. They are soon greeted by Charles Xavier and Cain Marko, along with Emma Frost.
"Expecting company Charles?" Emma asks as her eyes closely watch the jet hatch open.
"No, but I believe this is a very welcome visit. Charles says as the first of the visitors makes himself known. The rather large, hairy man could only be described as a Sasquatch, which served the man known as Walter Langowski well. The Alpha Flight member was flanked by fellow Alpha Flight members, Guardian, Vindicator, and Puck. Though at times Alpha Flight had been thorns in the side of the X-Men, more often than not they were well respected allies. Yet, Xavier noticed that aside from Langowski, the others seemed to be fairly out of it, as if they barely acknowledged his presence at all.
"Alpha Flight, my this is certainly an unexpected visit, what may I ask brings you here?" Charles asks as he maneuvers his hover chair so that it begins to move towards the group for a more formal greeting.
"Hello there Professor, but unfortunately this isn't a social call." Langowski says as his eyes move towards the Juggernaut.
"Cain Marko, by order of the Canadian Government, you are under arrest. Should you resist, we will take you down."
To Be Continued...
Next Issue: Can you say, Alpha Flight vs. The Juggernaut? Also what happens when the X-Men find what the mutant they're looking for? Let's just say, it will definitely be a confrontation to remember.
Author's Note~
Well here it is the fourth issue, and also the first part of the 'Wanted' story arc. Yes, I know I had originally planned to title this Hunting Season, but realized that this fit the story much more appropriately. Anyway alot of set up went into this issue, so get ready for a huge smackdown in the next. Also in case it wasn't noticed, Storm is no longer on the team, though you knew that if you read the last issue. Don't expect her to be gone long though; there are plans in motion for Storm, as well as a couple other characters that have already appeared in the series to show up, in a huge way. Of course, this will all be revealed in due time.
-Eric Roman 6/17/07