Fortune Favors the Bold - Part 1

Posted on Sat Nov 23rd, 2024 @ 2:59am by Charles Xavier & Scott Summers & Connor Bruin & Bobby Drake & Hank McCoy & Hayden Davis & Ethan Hale & Aurora Summers & Jean Grey & Kennedy Kelly & Maeve MacKenna & Meja Vikström & Jennifer Bryant & Pietro Maximoff & Kayleigh Marshall

2,926 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Episode 5: Days of Fortune Past
Location: X-Mansion
Timeline: November 15th, 1990

The gentle hum of Professor Xavier’s desktop computer filled the room as he reviewed the newest data from Emma Frost’s testimony. His fingers moved thoughtfully over the keys, sifting through layers of betrayal and ambition laid bare. The Hellfire Club had always been a den of vipers, but this was a venomous strike even by their standards. On the display, images of Shinobi Shaw—once known to them as Jace Adams—intermixed with schematics of Prime Sentinels. It was too grisly to bear, but Xavier forced himself to review it in detail.

A soft knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Xavier called, his tone grave yet composed.

The door opened, and Connor stepped inside, waving to the Professor in greeting.

Xavier offered a welcoming nod. ~Connor, please, come in and sit. There is much to discuss.~

Connor stepped forward, taking the chair opposite Xavier. His posture was upright and his demeanor one of calm. But his telepathic voice, when it reached Xavier’s mind, was vivid and expressive.

~Of course, Professor. I assume this is about Shinobi Shaw. The ripple effects of his betrayal continue to fracture both our team and the world. I can feel the weight of it, the way his actions have carved uncertainty into our lives. What has he done now?~

Xavier nodded gravely, summoning the image of Jace Adams—confident, smiling, and unassuming—before shifting to Shinobi Shaw, Lord Imperial of the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle.

~We knew him as Jace Adams. Everyone believed, including himself, that he was an ordinary young man from Seattle. But as you’re aware, Emma Frost uncovered the truth. He is Shinobi Shaw, heir to Sebastian Shaw’s empire and a man who has chosen power and vengeance over loyalty and trust. He betrayed us, Connor, and now he’s poised to betray the entire world.~

Connor’s telepathic response was sharp and deliberate, filled with an unspoken disappointment. ~Jace—no, Shinobi—chose ambition over decency, and now we all bear the burden of his greed. Please, tell me how far his machinations have extended.~

Xavier gestured to the computer monitor. ~Shinobi has exploited the Hellfire Club’s resources to produce Prime Sentinels, using Mara's powers of technopathy to do so.~

Connor’s brow furrowed, his mental voice tinged with a solemn intensity. ~Mara, taken and twisted into a weapon. To see her repurposed for this is a tragedy of the highest order. And the Prime Sentinels? I assume Shinobi plans to use them as his final gambit?~

Xavier’s voice, though measured, carried an edge of urgency. ~Precisely. Shinobi’s hold on the Inner Circle is tenuous. The Hellfire Club’s North American operations are crumbling under the weight of Emma Frost’s defection and the legal repercussions she’s unleashed. In his desperation, Shinobi has turned to the Prime Sentinels to consolidate his power. Adaptable, unrelenting, and—if we do not act—unstoppable.~

Connor’s eyes darkened as he studied the display, his hands resting still in his lap. ~Prime Sentinels. Machines given life through stolen will. I suppose this is where Warren’s recent ordeal becomes relevant? His transformation into Omega Sentinel was no accident; it was a test bed, wasn’t it? A trial run for their grand design.~

Xavier nodded slowly. ~Yes. Warren’s suffering gave us the insight we needed to acquire countermeasures, but those countermeasures alone won’t be enough. We must dismantle the production facility entirely. Destroying the central controller is paramount. The consequences of failure are too dire to contemplate.~

Connor leaned forward slightly, his expression hardening with determination. ~The mission is clear, then. We must neutralize Shinobi’s plans, rescue Mara, and neutralize Warren before bringing them both home. The team has been training incessantly since our last mission. We were overly confident in Latveria and nearly paid the price, so I have had us refining our tactics and pushing the limits of our training.~

Xavier regarded him thoughtfully, noting the confidence in his mental tone. ~I am concerned for the team. You believe they are ready for a task of this magnitude?~

Connor’s response was immediate and without hesitation. ~We have evolved, Professor. Each mission has forged us anew. Even Jennifer, once hesitant and uncertain, has cleared the Danger Room trials. She is no longer a student fumbling in the dark but a capable mutant ready to stand among us. I request her inclusion on this mission. Her unique abilities may be precisely what we need.~

Xavier considered this for a moment before nodding. ~Very well. Jennifer will join the mission. We will need all the help we can muster with the losses we’ve endured and the teammates who have left us. X-Factor has already agreed to join the operation. Cyclops, Jean, Bobby, and Pietro will reinforce your team.~

Connor stood, his telepathic voice ringing with purpose. ~Understood, Professor. The stakes are immense, but so is our resolve. We will not allow Shinobi Shaw to erase what remains of our future. We will bring Mara home, and we will dismantle his empire of shadowy ironmonger empire.~

Xavier inclined his head, his expression calm but resolute. ~Go now, Connor. Gather the X-Men in the War Room. I will join you shortly once X-Factor has arrived. And, Connor… thank you. Your leadership inspires more than you know.~

Connor paused at the door, his telepathic voice softening with a rare vulnerability. ~It is not inspiration that drives me, Professor, but necessity. In the face of betrayal and despair, we have no choice but to rise. We owe that to everyone who is no longer with us. We owe it to ourselves.~

As the door closed, Xavier returned to the computer monitor.

“Shinobi Shaw,” he murmured, his voice laced with quiet defiance, “you’ve underestimated us before. My X-Men will not fail. And they will show your Sentinels the meaning of the words 'never again'.”

---

The War Room was dimly lit, the central holographic table casting a cold blue glow across the sleek metal walls. Connor stood at its head, his gloved hands resting on the edge of the table as he studied the projections Professor Xavier had shared. Satellite imagery of the Detroit factory loomed before him.

He glanced briefly at the clock mounted on the far wall. The X-Men would arrive soon, including Jennifer whom he had summoned along with the others. Each moment of waiting was a silent test of patience, but Connor found solace in preparation. His mind worked through every detail of the mission, weighing the risks and strategies, visualizing the team’s coordination.

~Focus~ he reminded himself. ~They will follow you if you are resolute like Scott said. They will succeed if you leave no room for uncertainty.~

Connor’s gloves emitted a faint hum as he adjusted the hologram’s display, bringing up a map of the factory’s exterior and highlighting entry points. His mind raced through possibilities, factoring in each teammate’s abilities.

The door to the War Room hissed open, breaking the silence.

"COME IN," he signed. "TAKE YOUR PLACES. WE HAVE MUCH TO COVER AND EACH MOMENT IS PRECIOUS."

One by one, his teammates began to file in, their varying energy levels and emotions forming a tapestry of familiarity in his mind. He straightened, folding his hands behind his back as the room slowly filled. His expression remained calm, but within, the weight of leadership burned bright.

Kurt bamfed into the War Room, not bothering to use elevator lifts or even hallways. "Hallo," he said with a grin that accepted his yellow eyes.

Aurora entered the room, her suit accentuating the growing round of her stomach, as she walked across to a seat and sat down.

Hayden had suited up and was about to enter the War Room when she paused. So much had happened in the last few weeks and they'd all been through the fire with it. She took a deep breath as she entered, hoping that this battle wouldn't see another teammate go down.

She took a seat and looked at Connor and Aurora. "Hey guys," she said with a small wave.

“Hi Hayden” Aurora offered a warm smile, her attention turning to the door as it opened to reveal Kayleigh.

“Hi everyone” Kayleigh smiled as she took a seat beside Hayden, she was feeling very lucky to have become a part of the team.

Kennedy entered the War Room with a degree of confidence that was partially fabricated. These past few weeks had pushed her to new limits and with those changes she had experienced the full gamut of emotions. Growth was often hard and painful but in her quest for self discovery she found herself improving. Today would be a challenge and that fear of adversity loomed over her but at the same time she had purpose and direction, those feelings gave her the confidence she needed to continue and move forward. Dressed in her uniform of forest green, she joined the rest of her team with her head held high. Artemis offered a few words of greeting before taking her seat at the table.

Ethan had been reading Jurassic Park up on the roof of the mansion, when he got the call. In his haste, he dropped the paperback and flew down to his room and then made his way downstairs to where everyone was stating to gather.

Jennifer also entered with a confidence she didn't really feel. She was good at projecting it, at showmanship. She smiled at the other members of the team as she took her seat. She hoped she wouldn't let anyone down.

Meja strode into the room, her stature had changed since their return from her first official mission. She'd been tirelessly training both physically and her powers in the interim and this showed, her musculature was more toned along with her aura. Nodding silently to Connor as she took a seat opposite most of the others filing in, she slipped her braided hair over her shoulder and waited for Connor to begin.

Ethan saw a young woman enter who looked to be around his age. He didn't recall seeing her before.

"Hey, I'm Ethan. You must be new here. I think we're going to need your help. What do you do?"

"I'm Jennifer, I mean, Dynamo," she said, still getting used to this. "I can do a lot with electricity." She offered him her hand.

Ethan took her hand and shook it. "My code name is Gryphon, by the letting his wings rise and fall. Electricity huh? When did you join our merry little band?"

"Very recently," Jennifer answered. "This is my first time in the field."

Ethan held up his left hand squeezed his fist. Four 4" claws jumped at jumped out "I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but you can stick close to me if you want. I'll watch your back."

Connor stood at the head of the table, his expression calm but focused as his speech-generating device echoed his words in its distinct, deliberate tone. He began by summarizing the critical points of Xavier’s insights and relaying every key detail the Professor had shared in the study. The room fell silent as the team absorbed the weight of the information, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and unease.

With the groundwork laid, Connor leaned back slightly and gestured to the assembled team. "THAT IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW SO FAR," he signed through his device. "IF ANYONE HAS QUESTIONS OR IDEAS, NOW IS THE TIME TO SHARE THEM." His gaze swept across the room, inviting discussion as his teammates began exchanging thoughtful glances and preparing their responses.

"How do ve know zhat ze countermeasures are effective?" Kurt asked right off the bat.

"I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO DOCTOR MCCOY'S RESEARCH IN FULL, BUT I DID READ HIS ABSTRACT WHICH STATED THE NANOTECHNOLOGY PREVALENT IN THE DART HE RECOVERED FROM THE OMEGA SENTINEL WAS NEUTRALIZED IN EVERY EXPERIMENT," Connor signed. "BUT WE HAVE A FINITE AMOUNT. WE MUST RESERVE THE COUNTERMEASURES FOR OMEGA SENTINEL AND FOR THE MASTER CONTROLLER IN ORDER TO SHUT DOWN THE NETWORK."

“Can we really save them? Mara and Warren?” Aurora looked at Connor.

"WE WILL TRY," Connor said. "WE CANNOT PREDICT WHAT WILL HAPPEN THE NANOTECHNOLOGY IS NEUTRALIZED, BUT WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN FOR THEM. SHUTTING DOWN THE SENTINEL PRODUCTION MUST BE PARAMOUNT. FORTUNATELY WE MAY BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH BOTH OBJECTIVES AT THE SAME TIME."

"How is that?" Ethan asked.

Connor turned to Ethan, his face briefly registering astonishment. His fingers paused mid-sign before he started again, slower this time, his expression a mixture of incredulity and patience.

"ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN AGAIN—"

"Or," Cyclops interrupted, stepping into the room with a confident stride, his visor gleaming under the fluorescent lights, "allow me." His voice carried a note of warmth and resolve, cutting through the moment like a well-aimed optic blast.

Behind him, X-Factor stood assembled, each of them exuding a quiet strength that seemed to fill the room. Jean, poised and radiant, rested a steadying hand on Scott’s shoulder. Bobby, in his gleaming ice form, gave a lopsided grin that was equal parts cocky and reassuring. Pietro lounged casually with his arms crossed, his silver hair catching the light, while Hank loomed behind them, his trunks covering virtually nothing of his taut, overly muscular frame as a picture of both intellect and power.

Cyclops continued, his voice steady but firm. "We’re going to save Mara and Warren. We’re going to shut down Sentinel production. And we’re going to do it together. Courage. Teamwork. That’s how we win."

Meja smiled silently as she saw the older mutants enter the Danger Room. It was then that she felt the compulsion to speak up, "No doubt, especially with you all, and Connor leading us. Is there a plan in place? Teams and separate focus, like Doom?"

"Upon arrival at factory I will telepathically disengage and remove any guards or civilians from the property, combined with are arrival in the middle of the night, we shouldn't have to worry about any risk to the general public." Jean said from her position next to Cyclops, her voice calm and collected as she spoke, it has a leveling effect on any nerves that may have lingered in the War Room. "Once inside, Hank and Connor will begin uploading the countermeasures that will theoretically neutralize the nanotechnology that effects the Prime and Omega Sentinels. As a team, we will proceed with taking down any sentinels in the facility as well as destroying any equipment that is used for sentinel production. While our arrival will be a surprise it is safe to assume our infiltration will not go unnoticed and we risk reinforcements arriving. At that point in time we may attempt to divide and conquer, I will provide telepathic communication and updates to the team as we work as well as keeping telepathic channels open for continued conversation."

Jean paused for a moment and looked around the table, there were a handful of new faces in the crowd that had not been with them in Washington D.C. "Our hope is that Warren will arrive once the attacks begin, much like he did on the bridge. X-Factor will take the lead on running distraction against him specifically. I need not remind you that the Omega Sentinel is deadly, do not provoke him and only engage with him if absolutely necessary. X-Men, your priority is to defend Hank and Connor while they work and take down as many sentinels and their production equipment as possible."

“I can try holding up a telekinetic shield to protect you and Doctor McCoy.” Aurora looked at Connor as she spoke. “I’ve been training with Jean lately, it’s time I put everything I’ve learned into practice.”

"We will certainly take all the assistance that can be mustered," Hank said a little gruffly.

"The room where Connor and Doctor McCoy will be uploading the countermeasures, do we know anything about it?" asked Hayden. "Like, is it an open floor plan in a warehouse type of set-up? Or some place we could maybe bottleneck the Sentinel's for easier defense?"

"UNKNOWN," Connor replied. "THE FACILITY WAS FORMERLY AN AUTO MANUFACTURING PLANT FOR THE HUDSON MOTOR COMPANY WHICH CLOSED IN 1959 AFTER A CORPORATE MERGER. SCHEMATICS HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE THAT TIME. IT IS LIKELY THE FACTORY FLOOR IS AN OPEN CONCEPT WITH MODULAR ADDITIONS FOR OFFICES, SECURE STORAGE, AND OTHER PURPOSES WHICH REQUIRE AN ENCLOSED SPACE. THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO SHELTER US FROM SENTINEL SCANNERS ANY BETTER THAN WITHSTAND THEIR ORDNANCE."

"Alright, let's go," Cyclops said, eager to start the operation. "Anything else can be discussed on the Blackbird."

"AT SUPERSONIC SPEEDS, IT WILL TAKE BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MINUTES FOR US TO ARRIVE," Connor said. "THAT IS NOT MUCH TIME TO REVIEW ANY ADDITIONAL CONCERNS."

Cyclops cracked a smirk. "I have faith in you, Caveman." He looked at his team. "X-Factor, roll out."

"X-MEN," Connor signed, "TO THE BLACKBIRD."

Aurora stood up from her seat to head to the Blackbird. This was one rescue mission that had to work without a hitch, and she just hoped it would go that way.

Jennifer stood, taking a deep breath. This was it. Ready or not. She hoped she was ready. She'd certainly been training.

"Understood," said Hayden. She joined the others in leaving the War Room. Sentinels...what in the world?

 

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