Future's Hope
Chapter 3
by
Hawkeye
When the Blackbird arrived on the outskirts of London, the sky was clear and the sun was shining bright. That didn't make for very good cover. Scott looked over to Ororo who was sitting just behind the passenger's seat. "It's time."
As her eyes clouded over, a think fog began to form; perfect weather for the city. Now with protection against any unwanted attention, it wasn't long before they reached the river and followed it to their destination. Setting down in a nearby lot, the team landed close to the abandoned factory that lay next to the Thames.
After they had all emerged from the jet, Logan just couldn't resist. "Now everyone remember where we parked!" Groans were the only reply. He shrugged and they made their way towards the building.
"Now, I don't know if he'll be alone or not," said Joy as they walked. "Charles didn't pick up any other mutants in the area when he searched?" She turned to face Scott.
He shook his head. "No, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't be prepared for a fight."
Logan's nose began to twitch as soon as they reached the building. "There's somethin' fishy goin' on here, and I don't mean the river." They all froze. There was the sound of metal ripping thought the air and Logan stood ready, claws out. "I'm smellin' two people." He glanced at Scott. "Looks like our pal has company."
Silently, their leader motioned for them to stay where they were while he checked around the corner. A moment later, he reappeared and waved for them to follow. He had found a fire exit that lead up to the second floor.
"We'll enter up there," he said pointing to the door. "Hopefully, we'll be able to find out what's going on without getting in the way."
* * * * *
The place was enormous. They were standing on the second floor which ran around the building. It was more like an observation ring, with little offices here and there for the management to keep an eye on the work without having to go down to the floor.
Without warning there was a large crash and someone yelled. Running to the edge of the floor, the team cautiously peered over the edge. At first all they couldn't see anything. There were crates and old machinery scattered everywhere, blocking their view.
Then, something flew though the air and a person stumbled out from a pile boxes. He landed hard on his back; the air-born projectile missing only by inches. Scott had his hand up to his visor and Logan was visibly impatient. They were ready to act, but not just yet.
As soon as the man struggled to his feet he dove behind a piece of equipment, shooting something as he sailed through the air, but the group was still too far away to see clearly what was happening.
However, from their view up top, they were able to spot another man on the opposite side of the room. He seemed very agitated and waved his hands constantly. And every time he did, something else would fly at the other man. Without having to ask, the team knew this was D'Arcy. But who was the other?
They simultaneous looked to Joy for an answer, but she could only shrug her shoulders.
The battle raged closer and closer to the team, and Joy began staring at the stranger, a confused look on her face. I know him, she thought, but who? No, it couldn't be? It only took a moment before her expression resolved into that of shock.
"It isn't. Not now," she mumbled, the team turning to face her. "Cable?"
* * * * *
"Hey Rogue, can I talk to ya?" Bobby yelled at the girl who was walking away from the house, book in hand.
She turned to see young Robert Drake run up to her, hopeful look on his face. "Sure. What's up?"
"Well, it's that new guest of ours, the one that--"
<Mr. Drake, could I see you in my office, please.> Bobby stopped in mid sentence. Rogue gave him a curious look. "Go on," she said.
"Sorry Rogue," he replied, tapping the side of his head. "The Professor wants to see me. Can I catch you later, though? I would really like to talk to you."
"Sure, Sugah. I'll be ovah by the tree when ya need me," she said pointing to her favorite reading spot.
Bobby smiled. "Thanks." Turning, he headed for the mansion.
* * * * *
"Thank you for all coming so promptly," said the Professor from behind his desk, four young adults standing in front of him. "The reason I called you here is because I have something very important to talk to you about."
It wasn't everyday that the Professor just showed up in their heads and asked them to see him. They were a little nervous, and it showed. Obviously, the Professor could tell. "Don't worry," he assured them, "you're not in any trouble." They collectively let out a sigh of relief. "But what I do have to say," he continued, "is of the utmost importance. Please, have a seat."
There were four chairs already set up and waiting for them. Bobby, Piotr, Jubilee, and Kitty all took a seat. They weren't tense anymore; that had been replaced by a new curiosity.
The Professor went on, "I've asked you here because this is all your final year. I know that some of you may have plans to continue with your education, and some of you," he looked at Bobby, "have no clue as to what you'll be doing." Bobby shrunk a little in his seat. It wasn't his fault he couldn't decide what he wanted to do. He'd thought about it for a long time. What would be a respectable career? An accountant? Nah...
"Before you make any definite plans, however," continued Professor Xavier, "there is something I'd like to ask you." He leaned forward on his desk. "What I'm about to discuss must remain absolutely secret, though. Is that understood?" All four nodded. "Good. You've learned all you can though this school, and each of you have achieved an impressive level of control with your powers. I'd like to offer you something that, hopefully, will mean a huge difference in both yours and other people's lives."
No one said anything so Charles continued. "I'm sure you've noticed that this is more than just a school."
They nodded. How could you NOT notice a super secret stealth jet take off in the middle of the night right outside your window, thought Bobby. Sure, he'd noticed; so had the rest of the students.
The Professor leaned back in his chair again. "This is more than just a school. You know that your teachers, who you call the X-Men, are more than just that. But what? you ask." He steepled his fingers, lying his elbows on the arms of his chair. "They choose to fight, for human and mutants alike, protecting them from harm. It's a tremendous responsibility, but also extremely rewarding. I'm here to offer you that same choice."
* * * * *
When he heard his name, Cable turned to where the sound had come from. While he was momentarily distracted, his adversary took advantage of the situation and hurled a large crate in his direction. It hit Cable in the back of the head and the large man went down. Just before he blacked out, though, he cursed himself for not being more careful.
When his opponent had been taken out, D'Arcy followed where his rival's gaze had distracted him and noticed for the first time the five people watching the conflict. Needless to say, he made a quick exit.
"Storm, Wolverine, go after him," ordered Cyclops as he pointed after D'Arcy. "Jean, Joy, come with me." Storm took to the air, while Wolverine made the long drop to the ground floor. The others opted for a more safe route of stairs.
Cyclops reached the man first, who was still unconscious. He stopped a few steps away, but Joy pushed her way past their leader and knelt by his side.
"Joy, be careful--"
"It's okay, Scott. I know him."
Jean and Scott exchanged confused glances. "How?"
"Later. Right now, he needs medical attention. Jean?"
Jean stepped closer and examined the stranger. "He has a concussion. That was a pretty bad hit, Scott. I think we need to get him back to the mansion."
"As soon as--"
There was the sound of metal on metal. Logan appeared from around an old piece of equipment, adamantium claws dragging along its rusted surface. He was noticeably upset.
"Back so soon? What happened?"
"He got away," Logan growled. "Musta took to the water or somethin'. His scent ended at the edge of the river."
"Let him go for now," said Cyclops, picking up their new guest with Jean's help. "We have more urgent business."
* * * * *
"I don't know if this was such a good idea, Jean." Ororo and Jean Grey were standing outside the meeting room, watching through the observation window. Cable was pacing while Joy was seated, obviously trying not to loose her patience. You didn't have to be a telepath to figure that one out. Poor Scott was sitting quietly by - at the other end of the table.
"I'm glad he's all right," said Jean, her brow creased, "but I don't know if he was worth the trouble. If only the room wasn't sound proof."
Ororo nodded her agreement. As they continued to watch their two recent visitors, the Professor came up from behind. "How is it going?"
Jean sighed. "Not well, by the looks of it."
Joy was now standing, yelling, and heading for the door. A rush of sound met the three observers' as the entrance slid open.
"Whatcha mean?! I don't understand! How could--"
"Listen lady, I told you already," Cable interrupted, "I don't know you. I've never seen you before. If you ask me, its those damn alternate timelines that've got ya messed up."
"Fine, fine..." Joy trailed off as she threw her hands up in surrender. "Whatever. When he wants to talk," she said to Jean, "let me know. I'll be in my room." She went one way down the hall, Cable the other.
Scott slowly emerged from the room, his visor hiding the worried look in his eyes. "I don't know what to make of it," he told the waiting group. "I guess we'd better let them cool off while I fill you in."
When the entire team, including Logan, had been seated, Scott began. "Well," he said, scratching the back of his head, "Joy says she knows him. He says she doesn't."
"We gathered that, Scott," said Jean, "but why is she so upset?"
"Apparently, he's the reason why she's here. Plus, there's this alternate timeline thing, or something like that. I think you'd be able to grasp it better than me," he said looking at Jean. "I guess he's not the Cable she knows. From another future or something. I think I need an aspirin..."
"Did he say why he was fighting D'Arcy?" asked the Professor.
"No, not really. I think we should ALL have a talk, once things settle," suggested Scott. "Then maybe we'll get some real answers."
"Well, in the meantime, and since you're all here, I'd like to bring up an important issue," continued Charles as he reached for a control panel built into the table. "You can come in now."
A moment later, four, somewhat nervous looking students shuffled in. "Scott and I have discussed this at length," said the Professor, "and we have decided that these will be our new X-Men."
Silence.
The poor students, although totally familiar with their teachers, weren't quite sure how to act. This whole superhero thing was new to them, and needless to say, they were a bit nervous.
Finally, the Professor motioned towards the empty chairs at the foot of the table. "Please, have a seat."
He didn't want to, but Bobby ended up sitting next to Logan. The older man gave him a cold look, then turned to the Professor. "So they'll be goin' on missions with us?"
The Professor nodded. "Just as observers to start, of course."
"Of course," grumbled Logan under his breath.
Ignoring the remark, Charles went on. "They will begin training as soon as possible. Besides that, they have also decided to teach."
Ororo and Jean looked pleased; their students had turned out very well. Logan on the other hand, had his doubts. "So what'll they be doin'? Home ec?"
Again, the Professor held his cool. "Kitty will be teaching computers, since we all know what a natural she is with them." The young women blushed and stared down at the table top. "Piotr will, of course, be starting a new visual arts program. Jubilee has decided we need a fashion course, and Bobby," he paused for a moment, "will be working in the garage - at least for now. But he's also shown some signs of possibly pursuing accounting or--"
"Wait a sec," piped in Logan. "The garage is my area. I don't need no--"
"It will do both of you some good, I'm sure," said the Professor. "Besides, Mr. Drake is actually quite talented at mechanics."
Scott nodded. "I'll vouch for him, Logan."
All this time, poor unfortunate Robert Drake had to sit beside Logan, the one man he wanted to be the farthest from. And to make matters worse, was now going to be working with.
Logan didn't say anything after that, not that he wouldn't later. He knew he was out numbered, and it was no use fighting when he knew he couldn't win.
"That's it," finished the Professor. "I just wanted to introduce you to the newest members of the team. If you four will follow Jean," he nodded at the newcomers, "she'll show you around the base."
They got up to leave, following their former teacher out the door. "And remember to get them their uniforms," called a smiling Scott. They could all hear a resounding "Cool!" come from down the passage. No doubt, it was from Jubilee.
"The rest of you are free to leave, although I want to have a meeting with both our guests in about an hour," said Charles. The others got up, but Scott paused a moment on his way out. "Do you think we're doing the right thing?"
The Professor thought for a moment. He knew Scott was concerned for their newest members' safety, but that was a decision they made themselves. Also, if anything should happen to the current team... He looked up at his first X-Man. "If we want to survive," he said, "yes."
Nodding, he left the Professor alone with his thoughts.
* * * * *
"This is so cool, Rogue! I can't believe it!"
"Congratulations, Bobby," replied Rogue. "I knew you had it in you." She was still absorbed in her novel when Bobby had found her.
"Jean said it was all right that I talked to you about it, since you already know about the team and all." He knew she hadn't been asked to join since she was still dealing with control problems. Maybe in time...
"And I even got a uniform! Man, this is so awesome." He was one big grin. Apparently, during their little tour, the tortures of having to deal with Logan had worn off, giving way to undeniable excitement.
"What was it you wanted to talk to me about, anyways?" asked Rogue all of a sudden, looking up from her book.
"Oh, yeah, that. Well," -Bobby leaned back against the trunk with Rogue- "I just wanted to see if you knew anything about our visitor. Her name's Joy, and I guess there's something about her that makes her important."
"Why ya say that?" she asked.
"Well, last night, Logan had a little talk with me--"
"*Logan* had a talk with you? Sugah, are you all right?" She was being sincere. That made Bobby nervous again.
"Yeah," he ventured slowly, not sure why she was so concerned. "But I don't think it was a big deal. He just told me to stay away from her. I wanted to know why."
Rogue's brow was furrowed as she thought. "That's strange. But ah guess if he didn't yell at ya or nuthin', you'll be all right."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence," he replied sarcastically. "I just hope you're right."
As the two young mutants sat under the tree in the yard, a silent figure stood at an open window on the second floor of the mansion. Following her gaze, you would find yourself watching the young couple having their conversation.
Inside, Joy knew that this wasn't *her* Bobby. He didn't know her, and she didn't really know him. She sighed. She knew she had to let him go, but it was so hard! After a lot of thought, and even more tears, she decided that she wouldn't be tortured anymore. And she wouldn't try to avoid him, either.
He wasn't her Bobby. At least, not yet...
* * * * *
"Glad you could all be here," said the Professor as he took the head of the table for the second time that day. "Now we might be able to work a few things out." Everyone was there, including the four new members and their unexpected guest.
Logan had warned Bobby with a glare when he entered, but that was it. The young man took a seat as far away from Joy as possible.
The Professor began by turning her. "Tell us again how you know Cable."
She took a deep breath. "Well, like I've said before, he's the reason why I'm here."
Cable was about to interrupt when Charles put up a hand to silence him. "Everyone gets their turn to speak." Reluctantly, the gruff man shifted back into his seat.
"As I was saying," Joy continued, "in the future, Cable, or at least, *my* Cable, is the leader of the resistance movement against D'Arcy. Actually, no one knows exactly who he is or where he came from, only that he was willing to fight, and die, for our cause." She looked him in the eye. "You showed up a few months before my mission, after our old leader was killed. You took his place and your the one that sent me back here, to the X-Men."
There was a long moment of silence when she just stared at him, apparently satisfied with what had been said. Charles motioned for Cable to speak.
He straightened a little before he began. "First off, I don't know you," he pointed at Joy, "and I don't know who the X-Men are. At least, not before today. So don't go pullin' any crap on me. I'm not your leader, and I ain't gonna be."
Jean cleared her throat. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question. Couldn't you be the person she's talking about, though? Only a future self? I mean, it seems it could make sense."
"Possibly," he growled, "but unlikely. In our little chat earlier, how old did you say I was?" he directed the question at Joy.
"Before I left, we had just celebrated your 37th birthday."
"You see, I'm 42. It couldn't be me. Like I said, it's probably a different timeline that I come from. You run into these sorta things. In my experience, it's better if you don't ask any questions. That way," he glared at Jean, "you don't go crazy."
Jean backed down and sunk into her chair.
"Why were you attacking D'Arcy?" asked Scott, eager to find out, and also to direct the man's anger in another direction.
"I was just monitoring some channels when I saw a temporal spike. Thought I'd check it out. Never thought I'd find D'Arcy here. We go back a long way... and he owes me." Cable started to drift into his own thoughts when an idea came to him. He looked at Joy. "Musta been your arrival. When ya say you arrived? Couple of days ago? That musta been what I picked up."
"So I guess your not the person I know." Joy seemed disappointed. It was a moment before she spoke again. "So why exactly are you after him?"
He grunted. "Moron tried to take me out, in my time. Along with the rest of my family. Thought I owed him one."
"I think, then," joined the Professor, "that we can all work together, since we have the same goal in mind."
Cable looked uncomfortable at the thought. He didn't like working with others, especially when he didn't have to.
"Listen," he said, "I'm grateful that you didn't let 'em kill me, but I don't need anyone else's help. I can take care of the situation myself."
"May I point out," interrupted Logan, "that if we hadn't showed up, he mighta just got to ya first?"
"Only because--"
"Gentlemen, please," Charles interjected. "Cable, would it really be so difficult to work with us on this? We both have the same objective and I believe that working together will bring a quicker end to all of this."
He seemed to consider it for a moment. Looking from one to the other, he finally sighed. "All right. But if it doesn't work, I'm doin' it my way. Understand?"
"Good. That will be acceptable," replied Charles. "I believe that's all for now. I'll locate D'Arcy again with Cerebro and let you all know as soon as possible where he is."
The group got up to leave, but Joy hung back for a moment. "Logan? Can I talk to you?"
When he heard his name, Logan turned to find Joy still seated in her place. He let the others pass by and the two of them were alone together. "What's up?"
"It about Bobby."
Logan growled.
"No, no, no... Don't do that. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Did you say anything to him? He looks so nervous every time he sees you."
Logan averted his eyes.
"Logan?"
Sighing, he looked at her. "What about it? I thought he was hurtin' you. I didn't want him to upset you."
She smiled. "It was a nice thought. But it's okay. Really." He looked doubtful.
"Listen, I've decided that I can't go around avoiding him or pretending he's not here, especially now that he'll be joining us. Please Logan, don't make him uncomfortable anymore. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself."
"But--"
"No. I've made up my mind. Please respect that."
It didn't look like Logan was going to give in, but after a few long moments he shrugged. "Fine. You want it that way, you got it. 'Sides. I was gettin' tired of it."
Joy smiled. "Thanks, Wolvie."
"And why do you always call me that?--"
* * * * *
"I don't know. Do you think I look good in leather?" The four new recruits were standing outside the training room, waiting for Mr. Summers, ah, Cyclops... or is it Scott? to arrive. Jubilee was fidgeting with her new uniform.
"You look fine, Jubes. Stop worrying about it," replied Bobby, although he was fidgeting a little himself. Man, were these things tight.
"I'm glad you all managed to be here on time," Scott said as he came up to them, clipboard in hand. "Everything all right?" he asked Jubilee, who looked frustrated enough to fry the outfit with her powers
"Yeah, yeah. I'm all right. So when do we get to have fun?"
He smiled. "Right now." Entering an entry code into the control panel next to the door, it slid open. As he stepped inside, the four new members tentatively followed.
"Wow!" exclaimed Kitty, usually the quiet one. "This place is huge!"
"I don't get it," said Bobby, frowning. "How are we supposed to train when there's nothin' in the room?"
He was right. There wasn't anything. No obstacles, no equipment, just a big empty space.
Scott smiled. He held up a small remote device and pushed a button. Suddenly, the walls disappeared, and they found themselves in a steaming jungle.
The former students stared wide-mouthed at the morphed room, while Scott's grin got wider.
"This is the training room. Holographic technology enables us to manipulate the surroundings. It only appears that we're somewhere else, so don't worry; we're still in the mansion. And don't any of you start thinking that you can use this for fun, like on Star Trek," -he pushed another button and the whir of machinery could be heard- "because we have a lot of work to do."
* * * * *
The door slid open once more, and four, very haggard, very exhausted youths fell out, followed by their unscathed instructor.
"Ah, Mr. Summers, er... Scott," began Bobby, trying to stay upright. "I think instead of the training room, it should be called the "danger room"."
"Hummm...." Scott seemed to consider it for a moment. "Let me take it up with the Professor. Now then," he turned to the mass of sweating bodies that lay on the floor before him, "what did you think?"
"I think I need a vacation," remarked Jubilee.
"I think it is a lot of work. Too much work," said Piotr.
"I think I need a doctor," rasped Bobby, who by this time had collapsed with the others.
"I think I can't think anymore," moaned Kitty.
"Good!" beamed Scott. "Then you'll all be ready to go again, first thing in the morning." With that, he made his exit, calling over his shoulder, "and don't forget we have class in fifteen minutes!"
A collective groan echoed down the hall.
Struggling, Bobby managed to sit up halfway. "What have we done?"
* * * * *
"So? Have you thought of one yet?" Rogue was practically hanging on Bobby as they sat to eat dinner.
"One what?" he asked, too engrossed with his growling stomach.
"A codename, stupid! What else?"
"Oh, that," he said, mumbling through a piece of bread he had just shoved in his mouth. "Uh, I think so."
"You? Think?" It was Kitty. She took a seat across from Bobby, followed by the remaining junior members of the team. "That's hard to believe."
"Shut up, Kitty. Or should I call you Shadowcat?"
"Hey, I like the name," she defended.
"I like it as well. It suits her," defended Piotr.
"At least yours has something to it," replied Bobby. "Colossus versus Shadowcat. Humm.... I wonder who would win?"
"Now, now Bobby. Let's not get nasty. What about you Jubes?" Rogue asked, leaning over Bobby to speak to Jubilee who had seated herself on his other side.
"Who, me?" she replied, mouth full of hamburger. "Well, ah... I like the name Jubilee just fine, thanks. Besides, it suits me, don't ya think?"
"Bobby doesn't think, remember?" piped Kitty.
Bobby glared at her. "Ha, ha. Very funny."
"Well, sugah, what have you come up with?" asked Rogue again.
Bobby hesitated for a moment. "Umm, I ah... I was thinking of something like Mr. Freeze... but that was already taken." There were stifled giggles from the rest. "Hey, come on! It's harder than you think! I mean, you get stuck with a bad name, and it'll follow you forever!"
"How about Frosty?" suggested Jubilee.
"Or Popcicle?" added Kitty.
"Or howsabout you both be quiet for once?" snapped Bobby. The two girls fell back to their plates.
"You can turn into ice, right?" asked Piotr quietly. He wasn't much for conversation.
"Yeah," answered Bobby.
"What about Iceman?" he replied. "It is short and makes sense. Also, it is very cool."
When he saw the girls starting to crack up again, he quickly added, "Sorry. No pun intended."
But Bobby wasn't paying much attention to the others. "Iceman..." he mumbled to himself, "Yeah, Iceman. I like it. Thanks Piotr!"
"No problem. That is what I am here for."
They all laughed now, including Bobby. Iceman. Yeah, that could work...
* * * * *
"Whatcha say this was again?" asked Cable.
"A car," replied Scott.
"And what's it do?"
"It moves. It's a mode of transportation."
"What's it run on?"
"Gasoline."
"That ancient stuff? Man, it's amazing you actually survived the twenty first century."
Scott and their new guest were standing in one of the garages, surrounded by a variety of very new, very expensive cars.
"Is there a reason they're so ugly, or is it just a fluke?"
"Hey!" Scott defended, stroking the nearby BMW. "You'll hurt their feelings."
"Oh, brother," Cable mumbled as he turned to leave. "Ya got anything else ta show me?"
"Not much. Just the Blackbird. Then we can have supper, if you like."
"Blackbird? That thing you call a jet?" He looked doubtfully at Scott. "Think I'll pass. Besides, I'm starving."
Fine by Scott. He was starving, too. Training new recruits and teaching made him hungry.
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