Antarctica
The arctic winds blew hard against the only building located in the heart
of the tundra. Sheets of wind-blown snow roared against the structure,
announcing another blizzard was on its way. With the temperature already
thirty below zero, the only two residents in the area were more concerned
about a recent call that had been placed to their location, instead of the
dangerous weather brewing outside.
"It seems strange that someone would know the young man was here before
we had time to notify the authorities." George Young, head scientist of the
American-European Ozone Research and Development team spoke to his
associate, Gregory Powers. He carried two hot steaming mugs of coffee to a
table, then dropped down in a chair, and handed one of the mugs to the other
man.
"Receiving a phone from someone other than our suppliers is out of the
ordinary. Not too many people know about us."
"Apparently, someone knows we're here and that he's here." Powers sipped
the coffee; thankful for the warmth the beverage was giving him, if only
temporary.
While grateful that only a few hours were left on their long and
sometimes boring assignment, both were anxious to return to the civilized
world. Gregory lifted his cup and blew the steam off the hot brew. "Did the
individual give you any idea when he might arrive?"
"From the conversation we had, it should be any time now. Just how he
will come, I have no idea. I don't see how he's going to make it through
this blizzard." Young discarded his coffee mug and moved to the window. The
blinding snowstorm raging outside made visibility and travel impossible. He
turned back to his companion, "He claims to be the boy's father. I don't
like it. I have a bad feeling about the whole thing."
"You did say the man described the boy, right down to the ‘weird eyes'
and that he knew his son was a mutant." Powers countered, emphasizing the
characteristics of the young mutant they had found. "They must know each
other."
A knock on the door startled the two men. Young glanced at his friend,
who only shrugged; looking dumbfounded because even penguins wouldn't be out
in weather like this. He carefully opened the door, keeping his weight
against it to block the raging winds.
A pale looking man, appearing to be six foot eight, walked inside. His
thick black cape floated gracefully back behind his back as the wind
stopped. The cloak covered half his face, revealing only a hint of his
features. His heavy boots echoed against the concrete with each step the man
took. Looking at both men, the man turned his gaze in George's direction and
asked, "Are you the one who found the boy?"
"No, Gregory found him." Young indicated with a slight nod with his head
in Power's direction. "He was checking on the radar equipment we use for our
research on the depletion of the ozone when he found your son. There's a
huge hole above Antarctica. It's why we're here. In fact..."Young's voice
trailed off, realizing the strange man wasn't interested in ozone depletion.
He cleared his throat, returning to the main reason why the visitor had
come in the first place. "I don't know what kind of people your son
associates with, but if this was some college fraternity stunt . . ."
"They are former associates and I never considered them friends of my
son." The man interrupted, his voice deep and sinister. "If you would be so
kind as to point me in the direction you have my son, I will take him home
and allow you and your friend to continue your research in peace."
"He's in the back room, but you need to know something before you--" The
visitor moved past him, ignoring him completely. George's mouth dropped
opened as the man disappeared into the small back room. He turned back to
Powers, "Kind of rude, isn't he?"
"Rude isn't the word I would use." Powers glanced up from the table,
looked at the direction the visitor had gone and whispered, "That guy gives
me the creeps."
"The kid must have gotten his looks from his mother," Young replied,
sarcastically before following the visitor. He pulled back the hanging beads
that served as a door and walked inside. His breath caught in his throat,
shocked beyond words at the visitor's sudden change of appearance.
Gone were the pale features and dark eyes, they were replaced with
metallic skin and glowing evil red eyes. Young nervously fumbled near his
belt, searching for something. With a relieved gasp, he pulled out his gun,
and aimed it at the stranger as he called out to his partner, "Gregory, get
in here quick."
Powers rushed inside and gasped, "What the hell?" The visitor stared at
him; a red glowing diamond flashed in his forehead and teeth like razor
sharp fangs greeted him. "What kind of a creature are you?"
"Creature, indeed. You may address me as Mr. Sinister and live," the
visitor warned as he turned to the small cot resting in the dark corner. He
opened his hand, sending a beam of red energy over Remy LeBeau's unconscious
body. As he made his diagnose of the young man's health, Sinister ignored
the insulting whispers of the two men behind him.
If LeBeau's condition weren't so critical, Essex would have killed both
before either could blink an eye. He reached down to pick up LeBeau but the
sound of a gun clicking stopped him. He turned, glared at the two who would
dare cost him precious time. "I will spare your puny lives for saving his,
but stop me from taking him and I will destroy you."
"You are not taking that kid anywhere," Young stated unwaveringly. He
pointed the gun, and demanded, "Step away from him. I will not tell you
again, Mister."
The scientist stood erect, and in the most intimidating voice ever heard
to human ears, thundered. "No human dares to threaten the life of Sinister."
"Gregory, don't make it mad." Powers warned his friend.
"It?" Sinister chuckled. "Such disrespect needs immediate attention." He
raised both hands, turned his palms outward, and aimed them at Powers and
Young. Two lasers shot out of both hands, striking the men before either
could move. They were dead before they hit the floor. Sinister paid them
little notice, only uttering two words, "Human waste."
He moved to the cot, reached down, and caressed Remy's pale cheek. "In
Seattle, you told me you had found another life to live. A dream perhaps? Do
you still believe in Xavier's dream, young one?"
Essex waved his hand and a portal opened. He lifted the young mutant up
in his arms and carried him to the waiting portal. "Your so-called friends
left you to die, my boy. Such kindness will be rewarded ten-fold." He
stepped into the portal, leaving the two dead scientists and the cold arctic
air of Antarctica behind him.