CHAPTER EIGHT
Two Days Later
Scott stared at the other side of the wall of the Starjammer, deep in
thought. The X-Men and the Starjammers had spent the last five days
searching Sinister's bases around the world, hoping to find some clue to the
mad scientist's whereabouts and had found nothing. The European bases were
deserted, the one in Greenland looked as if it hadn't been in operation for
years. When his father had told him, there wasn't a base in Norway, Scott
knew the Starjammers' search overseas had been a total disaster.
Yet, the X-Men had no better luck. In the States, he had sent Rogue and
Wolverine to Seattle, only to have them report the base was deserted. He and
Bobby had traveled to Florida, searched the base, and found evidence of more
recent use. It seemed as if Sinister had been toying with them. It made
Scott angry to think he had put his faith in the information Prism had
provided. However, knowing Sinister, Prism had been most likely a pawn, used
to divert the X-Men away from his current base.
Once regrouped with the Starjammers, Scott and his chosen team were now
on their way to New York and then on to Maine, the last two bases on Prism's
list. He tried to occupy his mind with the mission ahead but he found
himself thinking of Sinister and what he intended to do to the scientist
once he met up with Essex.
"Scott, you've hardly said a word since we left the mansion." Drake's
voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What do you want me to say, Bobby?" Cyclops angrily snapped at the
younger man. He knew he sounded bitter and hostile, but he didn't care. If
Drake wanted to entice him into a conversation, then Scott was going to
speak his mind. There was no reason to be subtle.
"Do you want to hear me say that if I could get my hands on Sinister
right now, I'd kill him." He stood up, looked at the others, threw all
caution to the wind, and held nothing back. "I hate that man for what he has
done to me and my family. And yes, so help me God, if I see him, I'll kill
him."
"Hey Cyke." Logan joined the conversation. "I know yer upset right now,
butcha gotta pull yer self together. Ya won't be any help ta us if yer not
thinkin' right."
"You're the last person who should be giving me advice on how to control
my temper, Wolverine." Scott glared at him, irritated by the fact that Logan
had the nerve to preach to him on the art of tolerance.
"You planning to shake Sabretooth's hand when you see him?" The angry
look on Logan's face gave him his answer. "I thought so." Scott replied
sharply as he headed for the cockpit. He shot an angry glare back at
Wolverine. "Keep your nose out of my business," he added with a shout. "All
of you."
"Well, that went over well." Bobby commented, watching for any sign of
Scott. Satisfied Cyclops wasn't returning, he turned to Logan and said.
"Don't give up your day job, Wolverine. You'd make a lousy psychologist."
"Ya know somethin', Drake," Wolverine glared. "Ya gotta way about ya that
brings out th' worse in people."
"I thought that was you, old man." Bobby snorted.
"Watch yer mouth, kid!" Logan growled a warning as he started to pace.
"You need more fiber in your diet, Logan." Drake needled, "It would help
your disposition."
"Logan!" Rogue screamed before grabbing the enraged Wolverine,
restraining the Canadian from reaching Bobby. She tried to reason with her
friend. "Tha boy's just foolin' ya," she glanced at Iceman. "Ain't that
right, Sugah?"
"Sorry Logan, I didn't mean anything, just trying to lighten the mood,"
Drake admitted, trying to save his skin by apologizing. "You know me."
"Look, we're all on edge right now because of what's happened the last
few days, but we have to keep our heads on straight," Warren said as he
walked up to the trio. "Remember, we're going up against the Marauders. We
can't even risk lowering our guard for a second against those killers."
Angel nodded in the direction Cyclops had gone. "I'm going to see if I can
talk to Scott."
_____________
"I am getting tired of just sitting here and doing nothing."
Riptide told the others in the room. "I say we attack the X-Men now and stop
pussy footing around."
"I'm with you." Harpoon voiced his opinion. "Hey, when did the Marauders
start hesitating before attacking? I thought our motto was 'kill first,
celebrate later'."
"As long as I am paying you, Harpoon, you will take orders when and where
I tell you," Sinister's voice responded before he materialized with Creed.
He tossed the unconscious body of Sabretooth down at Harpoon's feet. "Does
anyone else care to follow his lead?"
Arclight looked down at Sabretooth and walked around his body twice. "Not
as tough as you thought you were, huh, Creed," she laughed before spitting
on him.
"Philippa, at least pretend you are a lady in my presence," the scientist
said. He turned to the other members of the Marauders. "We can expect
uninvited guests very soon. It seems the X-Men have gained allies who
possess a ship with a cloaking device."
Creed moaned, and slowly returned to consciousness.
Sinister waited, watching as the huge mutant climbed to his feet. "I want
these intruders taken alive. I have need of more specimens for my research.
Capture them and return with them to my laboratory."
"ESSEX!!!"
"What is it, Creed?" Sinister turned in Sabretooth's direction.
Aggravation weighed heavily in his voice.
"If ya ever lay a hand on me again, I'll make sure yer dead," Sabretooth
hissed. He glanced at the Marauders, a snarl on his lips and then stared
back at Essex. "Unlike these bozos, I do have th' means ta carry out that
threat."
"Creed, I spared your worthless life for a reason, don't make me regret
that decision," Sinister said, heaving a bored sigh. "I assure you that your
resent two-day rest will become a permanent one if you challenge me again."
With those last words, he left the hairy killer standing alone in the room.
____________
Xavier watched patiently, waiting for Jean Grey Summers to complete her
telepathic message with her husband. He never eavesdropped on his students'
private lives unless he felt the need or the urgency to do so.
As he waited, Jean's body language gave away her distress. She was
mentally pleading with Scott, but having no success. "I'm worried about
Scott, Professor." Jean admitted, taking the chair in front of his desk. "He
seems so distant. Our conversation was short and brief and that's not like
him. When he and the others left with the Starjammers, I had this ominous
feeling, from both Scott and Corsair."
"As did I." Xavier revealed as he rested his chin on top of his locked
fingers. "I tried to reason with Christopher but he told me to stay out of
his life. The man is seeking revenge and I fear what will happen if and when
Corsair confronts Sinister." Sighing with deep regret, Xavier added, "Scott
has completely shut down. The most I could get from him was two words at a
time."
"Scott's too occupied with Sinister to keep his mind on anything else.
And now the revelation about Remy." Jean jumped to her feet, leaned over the
desk, and eyed Xavier. "I should have gone with them on that mission,
Professor."
"Jean, you know you're needed here. Storm is going to need help defending
the mansion if the Marauders attack." Xavier took her hands into his,
offering her reassurance. "We must have faith in Scott."
"I do, but I feel so useless right now," Jean reluctantly admitted. "It's
not just Scott and Corsair that concerns me. I'm almost afraid to admit what
I have been thinking myself."
"Sinister's influence over Gambit." Charles spoke her unmentioned thought
aloud. He didn't want to startle Jean, but he also shared her concern. He
had repeatedly tried to locate his former student, either by using Cerebro
or searching on the astroplane. On one occasion, he came close to making
contact with the Arcadian, but something blocked his attempt, forcing him
back and leaving him with a troublesome headache for his efforts.
Xavier knew exactly who was blocking his attempts to communicate with
Gambit and the reason behind it. It didn't ease his fears, knowing his
former student was fading from his mental reaches. He glanced up. "Jean, my
greatest fear and worst suspicions are that Sinister is going to try and
turn Remy against us."
"I feel the same, Professor. I've been trying to scan Remy for hours and
I can't get a reading. That force you told us about earlier has grown
stronger. We must break through it to contact Remy. He must know the truth."
"Jean, even with our combined mental powers, it isn't strong enough to
break through that force." Xavier closed his eyes; feelings of remorse
overcame him as he chided himself for failing one of his students. An idea
suddenly came to him, perhaps it would take more than two telepaths to break
Sinister's barrier. "Have you contacted Psylocke?"
"Yes, she's on her way," Jean answered. "Another telepath will only aid
our cause. I've already told her what has happened and she wants to help."
_____________
Two days ago, Remy began an extensive regiment of therapy that even
surprised him with his rapid progress but his contentment was short lived.
When he was alone, Remy pushed himself, almost to the brink of
exhaustion, stopping only when he had no choice but to put his pride aside
and rest.
Now, as he stood in front of a wall-mounted mirror, he wondered if
someone was watching him from the other side. Not that he cared; he always
felt he was living in a fish bowl for most of his life anyway.
It seemed like someone was always watching him, just waiting for him to
slip up so they would have an excuse to toss him out on his ass. Why should
Sinister be any different? The scientist wouldn't have saved him out of the
goodness of his heart. No, Sinister had to have an ulterior motive for
rescuing him from Antarctica and the X-Men's death sentence.
The X-Men, even their name left a bitter taste in Remy's mouth. While
confined to bed, he had passed the time bitterly remembering the mock trial
and reliving it again in his dreams.
Those same dreams quickly turned to horrifying nightmares. Images of him
slowly freezing to death, screaming as Rogue flew out of sight. Images of
the X-Men laughing, condemning him while deliberately reminding him of their
checkered past, cut into his soul more painfully than any physical pain
wound ever could.
Last night, he had awakened to the sound of his own screams, shivering so
violently he thought he was going to be sick. Seconds later, he felt
something soft and thick placed around his shoulders, providing him with the
warmth he so desperately craved.
Remy remembered pulling the blanket tighter around his body and looking
up to discover Sinister's glowing red eyes watching him in the darkness. Too
embarrassed to speak, Remy turned his back on the scientist and waited until
the trembling had eased before he rolled back on his side and discovered he
was alone. Sinister had left the room as quietly as he had entered.
Remy touched the smooth glass surface of the mirror as his thoughts
returned to the present. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he tried
to keep his emotions bottled but the same nightmare that had been haunting
his sleep flashed before his eyes and before he realized it, his hands were
balled into fists.
Raising a fist in the air, he was ready to smash the mirror into a
million pieces when the door hissed open.
"Your therapy is not scheduled for another two hours," Sinister's angry
voice greeted him as the door closed behind the scientist. The red eyes
glowed brighter, displaying Essex' emotional mood. "Why are you up?"
"It's been three days. I'm outta here." Sinister's eyes narrowed and Remy
flashed his famous sarcastic grin and started to make his way in the
scientist's direction. Within two feet of Sinister, Remy's strength gave out
and he lost his balance.
Before he could utter a sound, Sinister had reached out and grabbed him.
"Merci." Remy pulled himself out of Essex's grasp and slowly made his way
across the room where he collapsed on the couch. He ran a shaky hand through
his hair, realizing he had a snowball's chance in hell of Sinister not
demanding some form of payment from him for saving his life. However,
something else kept lingering in the back of his mind, the unexplained
reason for Sinister's admitted fondness for the thief. Why, he didn't know
but he was going to find out.
"If you think I'm gonna do another job for you Sinister, you're
mistaken." Remy declared, "I didn' ask you to save my life. I owe you nothin'."
"Perhaps, you need a gentle reminder of your account balance for my
services." The scientist stared at the thief. An evil smile trifled on his
lips as the red diamond started pulsating almost in a hypnotic rhythm. "You
are still indebted to me for aiding you in your time of need, or have you
forgotten the condition you were in when you first sought my aid?"
Remy's anger quickly resurfaced. "Dat debt been paid along wit' my soul
to boot."
"Exaggeration does not suit you." The taller man studied the younger.
"You could have refused my offer at any time."
"You knew after dat incident in Seattle, I was desperate for your help."
Remy sighed, stared down at the floor, and whispered a heartfelt regret. "If
I'd only known de price I had to pay."
"You place too high a value on human life. Those who died in the Seattle
Theater meant nothing to you and yet you allowed unnecessary emotions almost
destroy your sanity. With the world's over population, five hundred less
humans to feed would be less troublesome for those in charge, don't you
think?" The scientist said, shocking Remy with the cruel words.
His stunned expression caught Essex's attention. "If it consoles you,
those who died did not suffer."
"It was my fault. I couldn't control..." His voice trailed off, memories
five years old, of the theater collapsing around him returned in full force.
Screams and death invaded his mind, forcing him to live his innocent
victims' final moments of life. Hundreds of terrified and dying essences had
assaulted him, destroying his mental shields leaving him exposed to an
empathic tidal wave. His own screams were the last thing he remembered
hearing before he blacked out.
He had awakened in a Seattle hospital, listed among the few survivors
instead of the murderer he believed himself to be. Once healed from his
injuries, he cut himself off from all human contact, living in fear of his
own uncontrollable powers and from those who might seek vengeance for the
death of a loved one.
It was during one of those dark, lonely days that he ended up in
Millstone, Arizona, befriended by Gray Crow. Believing he had found a
kindred soul in Gray Crow, he confessed his deepest fear concerning his
powers. It was then Nathaniel Essex entered his life.
Remy believed the mysterious scientist was a godsend, saving him from a
fate worse than death. Once his powers were contained, the scientist only
demanded his thieving talents in return for his services. In time, Remy
learned the true nature of the scientist and demanded his freedom. His wish
was granted, with one condition, in which Remy was more than willing to
honor. What harm could there have been in gathering a group of individuals
to do a job for the scientist? When he read the list of names, Remy realized
too late that he had made a deal with the devil, himself.
Looking up at the scientist, Remy's thoughts returned to the present. He
swallowed his anger, choosing instead to seek a reason behind the massacre.
"Why? You had no right to play judge and executioner."
"My reasons are beyond your comprehension, child." Essex said, without
emotion, indicating the conversation was over before it had started. A
chuckle came from the scientist. "Perhaps you should be asking the X-Men
that same question. It would be most interesting to hear their explanation?"
"Damn you," Remy screamed. He was furious that the scientist had turned
the conversation in another direction. He clenched his hands, and then
unclenched them. "Dis isn't 'bout de X-Men."
"Isn't it?" Sinister challenged. "You may blame yourself for the
so-called Morlock massacre, but that is only the surface of your feelings.
The X-Men's betrayal is the true source of your current negative emotions."
He knew Essex was speaking the truth, but Remy didn't want to admit it.
It hurt too much. He looked up at Sinister, shot him his most threatening
glare, and lied. "Non, you're wrong."
"Why do you deny what we both know is the truth? Your hatred for them is
growing."
It seemed as if Sinister was reading his mind. He turned away and faced
the wall. "I don' wanna talk 'bout dis no more."
"But I do." The words were a command, and if not heeded, a threat.
Essex's silhouette grew larger, covering most of the white wall like a
looming dark rain cloud as the scientist approached. Remy turned back
around, looked up and found those red eyes, so much like his own, staring
down at him. "In Seattle, you denied the offer I so graciously presented to
you. Now, that you have discovered the truth about the X-Men, will you
betray my kindness again?"
"Non! You de only one who cares 'bout me." Remy closed his eyes. The
emotions he had tried so hard to bury only moments ago, burst forth. "Why?"
He asked in a quivering voice. "I put my life on de line for everyone of dem
and dey left me to die. Why?"
"Because they are jealous of you, my son." Essex placed his huge hands on
Remy's shoulders, squeezing them with gentleness the young mutant never
realized the scientist processed. "You never fully allowed them to know all
your powers and secrets, and for that they hated you."
Remy turned, looked up at the scientist, and asked, "What?"
Sinister continued. "Have they not always treated you like an outcast?"
"Oui," Remy answered, wondering how Sinister knew that information. He
had never revealed it to anyone, including the X-Men themselves. He doubted
if they really cared.
"The X-Men are hypocrites, judging you without mercy and yet conveniently
excusing their own malfeasance. None are innocent, including Xavier. Their
so-called leader unleashed Onslaught upon the world, who had it not been for
Bishop, would have murdered the X-Men themselves." He began recalling
several of the X-Men's sins that Remy knew and those he hadn't. "I find it
inexplicable that Worthington, along with several others, would condemn you
while blood still stains their hands."
"De thought crossed my mind." Remy admitted bitterly.
"Perhaps Xavier's knowledge of your alliance with me was the reason
behind the X-Men's betrayal?" Essex asked, but Remy knew better. Sinister
was trying to bait him into revealing information about the X-Men. Vital
information that he knew could destroy his former friends. It was a powerful
weapon, one that Remy wasn't ready to use, at least, not yet. Sinister
noticed his aversion and continued the enticement. "Why else would he allow
you to join his X-Men? He tried to get into your mind to learn my secrets
and failed."
"Xavier never...."
"Never entered your mind?" Sinister laughed, finishing the sentence for
him. Remy shot him a dirty look. If Sinister noticed, he ignored it. The
laughter continued.
"You foolish naive child, why do you think Psylocke tried to probe your
mind when you were unconscious? Xavier knew that was the only opportunity he
had to learn your secrets. Even unconscious, your shields were strong enough
to block the forced invasion. Xavier realized you were far more powerful
than he had imagined. He believed you to be a threat to him after his plan
failed. He waited until the time was right and ordered the X-Men to turn on
you."
Until Essex mentioned Xavier's ordering the X-Men to turn on him, Remy
was beginning to believe the scientist. He shook his head, denying the
claim. "Dat's impossible. Xavier was never at de trial. Nobody knew where to
find de professor."
"Xavier was your judge, jury and executioner." Sinister said. "He was
Erik The Red."
"Dat can' be true, Xavier...,"
"Did you not tell Xavier about your involvement in the massacre and did
he not promise to keep it a secret between the two of you? Who else could it
have been?" Sinister asked. "Xavier cannot stand knowing that he had failed
to destroy me, and you were that constant reminder of his failure. Do you
really think he would turn himself over to the authorities when he knows
full well that the humans rule the courts and he would never get a fair
trial?" Essex continued. "No! He disappeared to plot his diabolical plan
against you and I."
"You coulda been Erik de Red," Gambit countered. Having spent most of his
free time trying to guess the identity of the mysterious judge at the mock
trial, Remy was no closer to a conclusion than he had been that cold day in
Antarctica. He knew of several, including the man before him. "I heard your
voice dere."
"Xavier has friends who can mimic voices, even mine." Essex answered.
"He's not the saint he appears to be. Had he not attacked Magneto, Onslaught
would not have been released upon this existence."
Gambit recalled the incident when Xavier mind swiped Magneto, and later,
the two warring personalities merged into Onslaught. A being so powerful,
that it took the combined powers of the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and the
Avengers to defeat it. The attack had cost many their lives, sacrificing
themselves in order to save humanity. So deep in thought, Remy almost didn't
hear Essex.
"Xavier pretends to preach tolerance, yet when someone opposes him, he
strikes back with a vengeance. First, Magneto, and now, you." Sinister
heaved a heavy sigh. "What have you gained by being an X-Man? Nothing!"
"Oui, nothin'."
Essex lifted the young mutant's head and two sets of red eyes stared at
the other. In a soothing voice, the scientist added. "I am the only one you
need. Return to me and all will be forgiven."
Remy hesitated, and lowered his head. "So, you forgive me?"
"And whose forgiveness do you ask?" Sinister asked. It was undignified to
gloat, but he was going to savor his victory.
"Yours, Father." Remy responded softly. He looked up, surprised that
addressing Sinister by the title of 'father' had not been as hard as he
thought it would be. In fact, it felt very right.
"All is forgiven, my child." Essex announced. "I have great plans for
you, Remington." He held his hand out. "Place your hand in mine." When
Gambit hesitated, Sinister assured him. "You have nothing to fear. Do as I
command."
Gambit placed his hand inside Sinister's open hand. The large gloved hand
closed around his and squeezed. A powerful energy source engulfed him,
sending a warm sensation traveling through his body. He wanted to break off
the contact, but before he could act, the energy source dissipated as
quickly as it had appeared.
"You have neglected your powers for far too long. You have grown weak."
Sinister commented, after releasing Gambit's hand. "Your power potential has
never been tested."
"Don't wanna know." Gambit admitted, "an' you know de reason why."
"You lost control because I was not there to shield and teach you. I only
performed the operation to tamper your powers until I felt you were ready to
master them." Essex placed his arm around Gambit's shoulders and gave him
another cylinder containing the familiar green elixir.
"Now it's time for you to take your place by my side. I can make you more
powerful than you could ever imagine."