The Vanishing Point
Posted on Sun Jan 26th, 2025 @ 8:58pm by Charles Xavier & Connor Bruin & Meilin Jiang & Kurt Wagner & Hayden Davis & Kennedy Kelly & Kayleigh Marshall & Maeve MacKenna & Drew Williams
Edited on on Sun Jan 26th, 2025 @ 11:32pm
5,022 words; about a 25 minute read
Mission:
Episode 6: X-Fernus Agenda
Location: X-Mansion
Timeline: December 4th, 1990
The sleek, obsidian BMW rolled through the gates of the X-Mansion, its engine humming quietly as Meilin guided it up the long, winding driveway. Her hands gripped the leather steering wheel tightly, her knuckles pale against her olive-toned skin. She exhaled sharply through her nose, loosening one hand momentarily to tuck a strand of jet-black hair behind her ear, only for it to fall loose again. The rhythmic click of her blinker as she turned into the mansion’s circular drive was the only sound inside the car.
Her normally composed demeanor seemed to teeter on the edge as she parked the vehicle and switched off the ignition. For a moment, she sat still, her hands resting on the wheel, her gaze fixed on the imposing façade of the mansion. Her shoulders lifted in a slow, deliberate breath, and she unclenched her jaw. "You’ve got this, Meilin," she murmured to herself, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "They're expecting you. They're going to help."
Stepping out of the car, Meilin smoothed the front of her tailored black jacket and glanced at her reflection in the window. She adjusted her scarf, ensuring it was perfectly centered, before turning toward the mansion. As she walked briskly up the stone steps, her heels clacked against the pavement with a sense of purpose, though the slight sway of her hands at her sides betrayed the effort it took to maintain her outward calm. Her lips pressed into a firm line, and her gaze remained fixed on the double doors, as though willing them to offer an answer before she even stepped inside.
Meilin hurried through the gates of the X-Mansion, the crisp morning air biting at her cheeks as she clutched her jacket tighter around her. Her face bore the strain of sleepless nights, her mind racing with unanswered questions. She pushed open the heavy doors, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallways as she made her way to the Professor’s study.
Inside, Professor Xavier sat at his desk, a steaming cup of tea at hand as he conversed with Connor.
"I would agree with you, Connor. It would seem Drew is a fine addition to—"
They looked up as Meilin entered, her urgency written in every line of her posture.
"Professor, I need your help," Meilin said, barely pausing to catch her breath. "It's Ty and Tandy... they've vanished. I've searched everywhere—Beat Street, their grandmother’s place, every corner of Harlem. It's like they’ve just disappeared."
Xavier folded his hands, his expression one of calm concern. "Meilin, please sit down and tell me everything."
Meilin took the offered chair, running a hand through her hair as she recounted her search. "Beat Street is still in shambles from the Sentinel attack, but the Fallen Angels are sticking it out because it's their home. Ty and Tandy have been holding things together, organizing supplies, watching out for the kids... and Ty's been splitting his time between that and looking after his grandmother and her grandkids. He doesn't ever leave Harlem. Neither of them do."
His eyes growing intense from focusing on her story, Connor began signing in a flurry of gesture. "DID YOU FIND ANY SIGNS OF FOUL PLAY AT THEIR RESIDENCE?"
"No," Meilin said, shaking her head. "Their apartment was locked. No sign of a break-in or struggle. Everything's there—wallets, jewelry, pictures—but they’re just gone. It's not like them.” Her voice faltered, and she glanced down at her hands before continuing. "They wouldn't just leave, not without telling anyone. They’re too... responsible for that."
Xavier nodded thoughtfully, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Do they have any known connections outside of Harlem? Any places they might have gone that you haven’t checked?"
Meilin hesitated, then shook her head. "No. Harlem is their world. But... Ty... he's a teleporter. He uses what he calls Darkforce energy. I was wondering... I know about your methods. Could you scan for that?"
The Professor leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "This... Darkforce energy..." he repeated. "Although it is not something I am deeply familiar with, I believe I may have detected traces of it in past scans of Harlem. If I can isolate that signature, I may be able to conduct a more focused search globally. However," he added, "it will take some time."
Connor leaned forward. "I'LL TAKE HER TO THE LIBRARY. PERHAPS SHE CAN GIVE ME DETAILS TO NARROW THE SEARCH."
"Thank you, Connor," Xavier said with a small nod. He turned back to Meilin. "We will do everything we can, Miss Jiang. Please know that."
Meilin's lips trembled faintly before she pressed them together, forcing a grateful smile. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you, Connor."
As Connor gestured toward the door, Meilin rose to follow him. They walked together toward the library, and she glanced sidelong at him. "I appreciate your help," she said softly.
Connor glanced back at her briefly. "WE'LL FIND THEM."
The assurance offered by that mechanical voice seemed to settle something within her, and for the first time that morning, the tension in her shoulders eased slightly.
As the early morning progressed toward high noon, Professor Xavier finally find a trace. It was in the last place he had expected, but Cerebro couldn't find any Darkforce signatures anywhere else. There was only recourse.
Xavier pulled back, removed the Cerebro helmet and contacted Connor telepathically. ~I've located Darkforce energy on the island of Genosha. The nation appears to be shielded in some way, though, as I cannot penetrate beyond the exterior borders~
As he listened to the Professor's telepathic communication, Connor signed for Meilin's benefit. "PROFESSOR X BELIEVES HE MAY HAVE FOUND THEM IN GENOSHA."
"Genosha?" Meilin asked. "Where's that?"
"IT IS CLOSED NATION OFF THE SOUTHEAST COAST OF AFRICA," Connor said. "WE WILL INVESTIGATE."
The Professor's next telepathic burst was felt throughout the mansion. ~X-Men, report to the War Room immediately~
Down in the War Room, Connor's ears buzzed with anticipation and adrenaline as he took his place at the head of the expansive table. There was an array of reports neatly arranged before him. The room itself was a blend of advanced technology and functional design, with sleek monitors lining the walls and a central holographic display projecting a detailed map of the world. Dimmed lights cast a faint glow over the table where each report awaited its recipient.
Connor's fingers tapped commands into the console embedded in the tabletop as he ordered and then reorganized the information he'd researched for his visual presentation. His expression was calm and focused, though his sharp eyes occasionally flicked toward the door, suppressing anxiety while waiting for the arrival of the summoned team.
As the first of them entered, Connor turned toward them, his mechanical voice breaking the silence. "PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS. WE WILL REVIEW EVERYTHING ONCE EVERYONE IS HERE."
Drew was the first to arrive, benefits of being a speedster. He was munching on a power bar as he entered the War Room. He took his seat at the far end of the table at Connor’s words. He felt a little overwhelmed. He had been doing assessments with Connor for the better part of a week now in the Danger Room. This was something different.
"I AM GLAD YOU ARE HERE," Connor signed. "ETHAN LET YOU IN ON OUR SECRET, WHICH IS THAT XAVIER'S SCHOOL PLAYS HOST FOR THE X-MEN. I AM THE CURRENT TEAM LEADER, AND AFTER DISCUSSING YOUR TRAINING IN THE DANGER ROOM WITH PROFESSOR XAVIER, HE IS IN AGREEMENT THAT YOU ARE A WORTHY CANDIDATE. TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR TRIAL PERIOD IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE TEAM."
Drew was surprised at the invitation. He knew of the X-Men of course. Their exploits had been covered in the media, both television and print. He had possessed his powers for several years and they had grown exponentially over those years. He had always wondered if he had it in him to be a superhero. "I'm flattered, but I don't think of myself as a superhero. I've only been here a little under two weeks and we've only had a few training sessions in the Danger Room you and I." He went silent as Maeve entered, glancing at her for a moment before returning his gaze to Connor.
It was almost as if they never had time to actually sit and just chill out as students, as teenagers, before something else came up that needed the attention of the group. A call to the war room was rarely ever about anything positive. Maeve never liked the term war room, just felt wrong as a title for a room and not somewhere she'd want to visit. However she did agree to this life as some form of crime fighter, and she did get a nifty suit out of it too.
Entering the room she saw Connor talking to Drew. She had met Drew a couple of week ago on the steps of the mansion and since then a few times more. He seemed a nice boy and his powers of speed were pretty cool. She caught the end of Connor talking and then Drew's response and didn't want to interrupt.
Drew looked Connor in the eyes. "Do you really think I'm ready?"
"YES." Connor furrowed his brow, wondering at how to be more clear. "YOU ARE INTELLECTUALLY CAPABLE, HAVE A NATURAL APTITUDE, AND EVERYBODY LIKES YOU. THAT IS MORE THAN CAN BE SAID FOR MANY FORMER TEAM MEMBERS. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT THE OFFER, YOU MAY RETURN TO THE GROUND FLOOR. BUT IT IS MY HOPE THAT YOU STAY AND LET THE TEAM BENEFIT FROM YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS."
Drew considered Connor's words carefully. He had been training with Connor every day for the better part of ten days. He nodded his head. "I would like to stay."
Kennedy nodded her head in greeting as she entered the War Room and sat down in her usual seat. Her blue eyes were cool and focused, the look on her face neutral and calm. The huntress in her appeared when they were called to action.
Hayden walked in, suited up and ready to go whenever the order was given. But first, it was briefing time. She sat down in one of the empty chairs and looked around the room. It seemed like a couple of conversations were already in the works. She kept to herself and waited for the briefing to begin.
Kayleigh arrived next offering those already present a polite smile as she walked over to a seat and sat down.
A bamf near the corner heralded Kurt's arrival. Rather than take a seat, he leaned his shoulder into the corner and contented himself there. There was no telling what this briefing might hold or if he truly had a place in it.
After the team had gathered for the briefing, Connor explained the situation as promised.
"PROFESSOR X IS BUSY WITH CEREBRO, BUT HE HAS ASKED ME TO COMPILE A REPORT ON THE NATION OF GENOSHA." With all the research he had done in a short span of time, Connor realized he had neglected to tell them why that was relevant. "TY AND TANDY, OUR FRIENDS FROM BEAT STREET, HAVE GONE MISSING WITHOUT A TRACE. PROFESSOR X HAS DETECTED A TRACE OF TY'S DARKFORCE ENERGY IN GENOSHA. FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, HE IS UNABLE TO PENETRATE ANY DEEPER. THE X-MEN WILL INVESTIGATE IN HOPES OF ASCERTAINING THE FATES OF OUR FRIENDS WHILE DETERMINING IF ANYTHING NEFARIOUS IS TRANSPIRING ON LOCATION."
With that, Connor indicated the papers he had arranged at each seat as if he were conducting a board meeting. Bullet points in bold font conveyed a brief report on the situation thus far:
Key Facts
Founding and Governance
Genosha was founded in 1960 as an independent island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Initially governed as a constitutional monarchy, the nation has seen significant governmental upheavals. In recent years, power has consolidated under its enigmatic leader, David Moreau, referred to in some circles as “The Genegineer.”
Genosha is closed to the United Nations and operates as a sovereign entity with no formal diplomatic relationships with the broader global community.
Apartheid Policies
Genosha enforces a strict apartheid system, though details of how this is implemented remain unclear.
Reports suggest a deep divide in the population, with certain groups relegated to servitude. This has led to speculation that this division may involve mutants, though corroborating evidence is scarce.
Economic Powerhouse
Despite its secretive nature, Genosha appears fabulously wealthy.
The nation is a major manufacturer, producing a wide range of goods including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other exports, though trade routes remain obscured.
Recent advancements in genetic engineering and medical sciences suggest the presence of sophisticated research facilities and robust technological capabilities.
Scientific and Technological Advancements
David Moreau is held to be a geneticist of the highest caliber. His work allegedly includes breakthroughs in genetic manipulation and mutation studies.
Moreau was once rescued by the X-Men’s First Class from the Savage Land Mutates, a group with ties to Magneto.
The entirety of Genosha is impervious to Cerebro scans. This anomaly suggests the use of advanced technology.
Once giving everyone an opportunity to review his findings, Connor signed, "THESE FACTS TELL US SEVERAL THINGS. I WOULD OPEN THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION." Looking around, he wondered who would be the first to speak.
Maeve hesitantly put a hand up, almost as if she was in class and afraid of looking silly or that she didn't want to ask but her body made her. "I don't mean to sound daft here but I still only understand like 10% of what you guys talk about when you go into science mode so sayin that... What kind of technology can they be using if Professor Xavier's Cerebro thing doesn't work on Genosha? I thought that thing was one of the most powerful tech there is?" she asked, the last question more rhetorical than the first.
“THERE IS ANTI-TELEPATHIC TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN BLOCK CEREBO.” Connor signed to Maeve, “IT IS WHY THEY COULD NOT FIND JEAN WHEN SHE WAS MISSING. IF MOREAU HAS ACCESS TO ANTI-MUTANT TECHNOLOGY LIKE THAT, WE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS. IT KILLED TELFORD PORTER.”
Drew glanced at Maeve. He wasn't sure what Cerebro even was, but he had a different question altogether. "I would like to know what our purpose is for even going. What is it are we going there to do?"
“Purpose?” Kennedy seemed perplexed by Drew’s question. “Two powerful mutants were abducted without a trace. No one else is going to look for them, they’ll be written off as former addicts who disappeared from a high crime neighbor. When in reality they were kidnapped and taken to some remote African island with advanced, Cerebro-blocking technology. None of that sounds good and it sounds incredibly suspicious. We’re X-Men, it’s our job to investigate and stop mutant exploitation and abuse… besides Ty and Tandy are our friends, we should rescue the them.”
Kennedy skimmed the dossier of information about Genosha and what they were walking into. “David Moreau was responsible for creating the mutates that we found in the Savage Land. They were experiments of animals and humans mixed together for the creation of super soldiers. It’s a strong possibility that he’s doing that same type of work here, except with mutants.” She shuddered at the thought of mutants being turned into lab rats, it had been done before. “But something tells me Magneto wouldn’t be involved in something like that. Moreau must have a new boss.”
Drew turned to Kennedy. "I didn't know about Ty and Tandy." He gestured to the copy of the report in front of him. "This report only mentions the island and the the fact there's some serious technology being used. Something that can prevent Cerebro from working." He thought of Angela and what he did for her. Would he have risked exposure for a total stranger? He had kept his abilities a secret for years. It was in that moment that he looked around the table at the others. His gaze settled on Connor. "People are in trouble. I just want to know one thing. When do we leave?"
Hayden grinned. The speedster would be the one that is ready to head out. "Hang on," she said. "It says here that Genosha is a sovereign nation without any formal diplomatic relations. We should have some sort of plan first so we don't risk getting ourselves captured. There won't be anyone to save us. How do we get into someplace like that?"
Kennedy rolled her eyes in response to Drew’s comments. Connor had literally just told them about Ty and Tandy and Xavier used Ty’s mutant abilities to hone in on Genosha. Between his weird behavior in her dorm room and now not paying attention, Drew was a space case as far as Kennedy was concerned.
“Maybe a little subterfuge?” Kayleigh offered as she looked towards Hayden, then at Connor. “Genosha would welcome any mutant who wants to live amongst their own kind. Maybe we could use that to our advantage?”
Drew listened to Kayleigh's statement. "Are you suggesting we send in...folks posing as refugees?"
Kay nodded. “It would have to be people who aren’t so well known as x-men, nobody would genuinely believe it otherwise.” She looked around noting there was no Aurora at the meeting, no doubt she was getting closer to the due date of her baby.
"How do we pick who we think is not well known enough?" Maeve asked looking at Connor for guidance but also to the more senior of those that were part of the x-men. "There are a lot of us that have turned up in the last couple of months I suppose though..."
Drew looked around the table and raised his hand. "Who else hasn't been seen battling as an X-Man on television news or has a picture in the papers?"
“You guys are crazy, Genosha isn’t some mutant sanctuary that takes in refugees that appear on its shore.” She placed her fingers on the paragraph in the dossier they had all been given. “Genosha is an Apartheid, that means they openly segregate and have established a racial hierarchy with mention that mutants may be living in servitude. You can’t just knock on their front door and ask to come in, especially when we don’t even know how they maintain and enforce apartheid. You all saw that collar they put on Hank, you would be walking into your own enslavement.”
Kennedy shook her head in disapproval but attempted to steer the conversation towards the positive. “I agree with you that showing up in suits and proclaiming that we’re here to rescue two missing mutants is a bad idea. Especially when Genosha’s ruler is some sort of mutant and genetics super scientist with unknown technology that could be lethal. If we’re going in, it needs to be covert.”
While everyone had been talking, Connor had been taking notes. Kennedy's objections to the current line of discussion mirrored his own thoughts.
"GENOSHA'S CLOSED BORDERS AND EXCLUSION FROM U.N. OVERSIGHT INDICATE A DELIBERATE STRATEGY OF SECRECY," Connor began, his gloves pausing for emphasis. "THIS STRATEGIC ISOLATION IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR A NATION WITH SUCH SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC STRENGTH. IT SUGGESTS AN INTENTIONAL EFFORT TO HIDE INTERNAL OPERATIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL SCRUTINY."
He shifted slightly, gesturing toward a map of Genosha displayed on the central monitor. "THE APARTHEID POLICIES AND MOREAU'S KNOWN HISTORY IN GENETIC RESEARCH POINT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SYSTEMIC MUTANT EXPLOITATION. THIS COULD MEAN FORCED LABOR, EXPERIMENTAL SUBJECTS, OR EVEN SOMETHING WORSE."
He paused briefly before continuing, his gloves gesturing to highlight sections of the report on the holographic display. "MOREAU'S PREVIOUS CONNECTION TO MAGNETO AND THE SAVAGE LAND MUTATES PRESENTS A POSSIBLE IDEOLOGICAL LINK. THAT CONNECTION ALONE COULD ACCOUNT FOR BLOCKING CEREBRO. HOWEVER, IT REMAINS UNCLEAR WHETHER THIS ALIGNMENT CONTINUES OR IF THERE HAS BEEN A SCHISM BETWEEN THEM."
Connor leaned forward slightly, his tone taking on an even sharper edge. "FINALLY, THE DARKFORCE ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED IN GENOSHA MAKES THIS A PRIORITY. GIVEN TY AND TANDY'S DISAPPEARANCE, GENOSHA'S EXCLUSIONARY PRACTICES AND HIGH-TECH CAPABILITIES REQUIRE INVESTIGATION. THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. WE MUST PROCEED WITH CAUTION BUT ALSO WITH URGENCY."
He sat back, his gloves still, as his final words echoed in the room. "THE STAKES ARE HIGH, AND WE NEED TO ACT DECISIVELY. APPLYING FOR ASYLUM MIGHT PUT US WITHIN THEIR SLAVE RANKS IF SUCH WERE TO EXIST, BUT THE PROCESS WOULD TAKE TIME WHICH OUR FRIENDS MAY NOT HAVE."
With all of those concerns addressed, Connor moved on with his proposal.
"TO INVESTIGATE GENOSHA EFFECTIVELY, WE MUST CONSIDER THREE POSSIBLE POINTS OF INGRESS."
He gestured to a map showing Genosha’s coastal geography. "GENOSHA’S COASTLINE IS HEAVILY PATROLLED, BUT THERE ARE VULNERABILITIES IN THEIR DEFENSIVE NETWORK. WE CAN USE AQUATIC CAPABILITIES TO INSERT A SMALL TEAM THROUGH LESS-MONITORED WATERWAYS. THE INITIAL OBJECTIVE WOULD BE TO SECURE INTELLIGENCE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS WITHOUT ALERTING AUTHORITIES."
One of the bays on the map flashed brightly. It was labeled Carrion Cove.
"ONCE ESTABLISHED, THE TEAM COULD INFILTRATE THE MAINLAND TO SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF DARKFORCE SIGNATURES AND IDENTIFY POSSIBLE DETENTION SITES. WE WILL NEED TO AVOID CIVILIAN INTERACTIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE."
A new image displayed aerial reconnaissance of Genosha. "WHILE GENOSHA'S AIRSPACE IS RESTRICTED, THE BLACKBIRD'S STEALTH SYSTEMS COULD INSERT A TEAM VIA HIGH-ALTITUDE DROP. THIS STRATEGY WOULD REQUIRE PRECISION TIMING TO AVOID RADAR DETECTION. OUR INITIAL OBJECTIVE WOULD BE TO SECURE A SAFE LANDING ZONE NEAR A POPULATION CENTER FOR INTEL GATHERING."
The capital city of Hammer Bay lit up as well.
"FROM THERE, THE TEAM COULD POSE AS CIVILIANS OR WORKERS TO BLEND INTO LOCAL POPULATIONS. BY DOING SO, WE MIGHT GAIN INSIGHTS INTO THE APARTHEID STRUCTURE AND LOCATE FACILITIES LINKED TO MOREAU’S RESEARCH."
Connor switched to an image of Genosha's central administrative building. "WHILE THE NATION IS CLOSED TO U.N. OVERSIGHT, IT DOES MAINTAIN LIMITED FOREIGN TRADE. USING A FRONT COMPANY OR ESTABLISHING DIPLOMATIC CONTACT COULD ALLOW US ENTRY UNDER THE GUISE OF BUSINESS OR NEGOTIATION. THIS WOULD BE HIGHLY RISKY BUT COULD GRANT US ACCESS TO KEY POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CENTERS."
President David Moreau's face could be seen delivering a speech, although the audio was muted.
"ONCE INSIDE, WE COULD ESTABLISH A NETWORK OF INFORMANTS AND SECURE DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES. THIS STRATEGY WOULD RELY ON A HIGH DEGREE OF SUBTERFUGE AND POSSIBLY BRIBERY TO OBTAIN CLASSIFIED INFORMATION."
Connor adjusted his gloves, his eyes scanning the room as he concluded. "EACH OPTION PRESENTS UNIQUE RISKS AND REQUIRES SPECIFIC PREPARATIONS. DEPENDING ON THE TEAM'S SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES, ANY OF THESE COULD LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL INFILTRATION."
Drew listened to the options Connor laid out for infiltration into Genosha. He looked around the table and frowned at the final option before shaking his head. "I doubt anyone would believe that one of us would or could be some sort of investor. I think one of the first two ways in would work better. Maybe both if we don't want to put all our eggs in one basket. Two teams might learn more about where Ty and Tandy are being held." He knew he was low man on the totem pole, but...the team leader had asked for opinions.
As he considered Drew's concern, Connor's expression was impassive. "YOU MAKE A VALID POINT," he said, gesturing toward the screen where the third option remained outlined. "WHILE INFILTRATION VIA COMMERCIAL PRETENSE IS VIABLE, IT WOULD REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT TIME TO ESTABLISH. CONSIDERING THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION, WE CAN DISREGARD THAT OPTION FOR NOW."
The map shifted back to the coastline, with Carrion Cove highlighted in glowing yellow. Connor tapped the screen, zooming in to display a detailed topographical view of the waterway and surrounding terrain. "THAT LEAVES US WITH TWO OPTIONS: ENTRY BY AIR OR BY SEA. THE BLACKBIRD'S STEALTH SYSTEMS MAKE HIGH-ALTITUDE INSERTION POSSIBLE, BUT WE CANNOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT GENOSHA HAS BLOCKED CEREBRO. THIS SUGGESTS TECHNOLOGY SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH TO DETECT OR COUNTER OUR AIRCRAFT." He paused, scanning the faces of those gathered before continuing. "A SUBSURFACE APPROACH THROUGH THE WATERWAYS OF CARRION COVE TO THE INTERIOR INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX REDUCES THE RISK OF DETECTION WHILE ALLOWING US TO ENTER AT A VULNERABLE POINT."
Kurt, standing with his arms crossed, nodded slowly but narrowed his eyes. "Zhat sounds clear enough, mein Freund, but vhat is ze plan vonce ve reach ze interior? Are ve going undercover, or vill ve be more... direct?"
Connor turned his head toward Kurt, his expression unchanging. "THAT IS UNKNOWN. GENOSHA'S TECHNOLOGICAL SHIELDING AND POLITICAL SECRECY MEAN WE LACK INTELLIGENCE ON THE GROUND. ONCE WE REACH THE INTERIOR, THE TEAM WILL NEED TO ADAPT TO THE SITUATION AS IT UNFOLDS. RECONNAISSANCE AND INTEL GATHERING WILL DETERMINE THE NEXT COURSE OF ACTION."
Kurt raised an eyebrow and muttered under his breath, "Ze blind leading ze blind into a pit." He then crossed himself and added aloud, "But ve do vhat we must."
"ACCURATE," Connor confirmed without a hint of irony. "WE ARE GOING IN BLIND. OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE REMAINS LOCATING TY AND TANDY, BUT SECONDARY OBJECTIVES MAY INCLUDE IDENTIFYING INFRASTRUCTURE OR DETENTION FACILITIES RELATED TO MOREAU'S RESEARCH."
The room was silent for a moment, tension settling like a physical weight. Kurt straightened and placed a hand on the back of one of the chairs. "If blind it ees, zhen blind ve shall go. Do ve split into teams, or are ve committing to ze vatervay?"
Connor shifted his attention back to the map. "A SINGLE TEAM UTILIZING THE WATERWAY MINIMIZES THE RISK OF SEPARATION AND MAINTAINS FOCUS ON THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE. HOWEVER, IF A SITUATION ARISES THAT REQUIRES SPLITTING UP AFTER WE LAND, WE WILL REASSESS IN THE FIELD." He turned back to the group, his gaze calm but intense. "THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF WHAT WE WILL FIND, BUT THIS IS THE BEST CHANCE WE HAVE TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH."
Kayleigh nodded as she listened to the plan, she was new to the team itself, even though she'd been at Xavier's school for years. She would trust in Connor's plan.
Drew nodded as well. He felt excited and nervous at the prospect of joining the team officially. He silently prayed that he wouldn't mess things out up.
“If Genosha is the economic powerhouse that it appears to be, they will have goods moving in and out on a routine basis.” Kennedy examined the map as she considered their plan and how they were going to get in all together in a manner that did not alert Genosha to their presence. “Shipping barges are huge, those massive boats that come over from China are filled with shipping containers. We could easily sneak onto one of those while it’s out at sea and we should be able to get into the bay without being detected.”
"I don't imagine those barges stopping too much, either," said Hayden. "We'd need something that could match it's speed and do so quietly so we could sneak on board. The Blackbird would still be noisy in stealth mode, yeah?"
“Do we need something to speed us up or do we need someone to slow the boat down?” Kennedy looked over at Hayden with a smirk on her face. “It’s a shame no one can slow a boat down by controlling the waves it’s crashing into.”
Kennedy stood up and looked over the notes. “They way I see it, the Blackbird can’t just drop us off on a barge. But if we can slow it down to a crawl for a bit and Kurt has line of sight of the boat from the jet, he could drop us off on the back of it. Then we would just have to hide until it arrives at Genosha’s harbor.”
Hayden retuned Kennedy's smirk with one of her own. "Yeahhh," she said, slowly nodding. "I can make some waves and slow it down. No problem there." She grinned as she thought about controlling the waves crashing into the barge.
She looked over the notes as she listened to the rest of Kennedy's statement. "Then I'll be the last one off the jet so I can keep a bird's eye view of the crashing waves at the front of the boat. I wouldn't want to have them come up and over the sides."
"The Blackbird's autopilot has a return-to-base function which allows it to return here," the Professor said, finally entering the briefing. "If it remains out of range and undetected, then I will summon home for refueling. I hope to have reinforcements ready in a few days to join you should you need them."
Nodding in agreement, Connor stood up out of respect for Xavier. "THANK YOU, PROFESSOR X. I BELIEVE THAT KENNEDY HAS GIVEN US THE FINAL REFINEMENTS TO OUR MISSION PLAN. WE SHOULD MAKE ALL DUE HASTE."
"Ja, vhat she said certainly addressed my personal concerns," Kurt put in as well. "Now I can make ready immediately."
Pausing to look around, though, Connor gave pause. "WE WILL BE THOROUGH AS WELL. ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? LET US NOT OVERLOOK ANYTHING AT THE WAR ROOM TABLE."
Drew looked at the couple of people already in their super suits. "Am I getting one of those?"
Hayden looked a their team leader, "Negative, ghostrider."
While Connor gave Hayden a very confused look, Professor Xavier smiled at Drew's question. "Oh, I'm sure we can fit you into something," he said with a knowing smirk.
Connor nodded again. "EVERYONE GET INTO UNIFORM. I WILL PREPARE THE BLACKBIRD FOR DEPARTURE."
END
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