Sequels My X-Men 4

[TKing]

I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own or have any control over the X-Men (as much as I wish ). This is merely a fanscript of what I would like to see in a future film instalment.

I must admit it turned out shorter than I expected, but once I finish my Young X-Men spinoff (which you can find here), I'll start work on my X5.

Well, here goes...

X-MEN 4
By TKing

BLACKNESS.

And then a speck of light, which twists and grows, spiralling like a glowing strand of DNA. The image is pierced by the voice of:

HANK (V.O.)
War. Unfortunately it is element of life. There are forces in this world, mutant and human alike, who have tried to start one.We have been given a unique opportunity: to repeat past mistakes or to strive for a better future. One thing is for sure. If we expect to preserve peace, mutants and humans must work together.

In a rush of music and light, words fill the screen:

X-MEN 4

Credit sequence ends with Cerebro’s armoured doors slam shut. An image forms in the door’s crystal lock. An image of:

INT. WHITE HOUSE – NIGHT

SENATOR GRAYDEN CREED, late 30’s from Florida, is rushed through the hallways of the White House. Photographers and journalists move in for his response.

VARIOUS
Mr Creed, are mutants really a threat to this country? / Senator, are mutants planning to overthrow the government? / Mr Creed, can we really live alongside them?

But Senator Creed doesn’t respond. He pushes his way through the press to his office. He rushes inside and locks the door.

He pours himself a glass of brandy and gulps in down in one. He heaves a sigh.

MAN (O.S.)
Rough day, mon ami?

The Senator is startled; he almost drops the beaker. His glance goes to a man, sitting in a chair, hidden in shadow.

SENATOR CREED
How did you get in here? Who are you?

The man is silent.

SENATOR CREED (CONT’D)
I want you to leave. Immediately.

Once again, the man is silent. He doesn’t seem to move.

SENATOR CREED
I’ll be forced to call security. I mean it, I will.
Suddenly, the man leaps up. He moves towards the fragile Senator, who backs away, his hands outstretched.

SENATOR CREED
Please. What do you want?

The man stalks closer.

MAN
I think the real question is: what can you do for me?

Creed’s hands tremble with fear. He stutters.

SENATOR CREED
I… you- you want money? I’ve got plenty. Take it.

The man shakes his head. Creed’s breathing is erratic. He hasn’t been this scared in his entire life.

SENATOR CREED
There are people right outside this door. You have nowhere to run. This isn’t a game!

MAN
You could’ve fooled me.

The intruder pulls out a playing card. It radiates a strange glow which grows and twists like fire.

MAN (CONT’D)
The Mutant Registration Acts. I want them called off.

Senator nods obediently.

SENATOR CREED
Yes, yes. Of course. Just let me go. I won’t tell anyone you were here.

MAN
But then… you’ll ruin Gambit’s fun.

In one swift movement, GAMBIT drops the playing card and leaps out of the ajar window. He disappears into the night.

The Senator stares in shock after him. Who was that? He looks down at the burning card, floating towards the ground. He stares at it, curious. The card begins to hiss and suddenly it dawns on the politician… it’s a weapon.

He screams.

EXT. OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE – NIGHT

The night sky is lit up in a heavenly display as a huge explosion erupts. Gambit watches from a hilltop, looking down at his handiwork. He smiles a devilish grin.

With one last look, he turns and strides into darkness as Creed’s office burns to a crisp.

 

[Boba_Fett_123]

It's an interesting opening. I think you may be carrying Gambit's powers just a bit far, and Logan is astronomically out of character with that monologue. Other than that, I'm hooked. Nice job.

 

[TKing]

Thanks.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Yea, Gambit's powers may be exaggerated a bit.

And Gambit isn't really the type, pre-X-Men, to really attack a government official for mutant rights.

 

[TKing]

Well, the Phoenix isn't really Jean's split personalitity in the comics, either, is it? t:

The movies are slightly different from the comics.

 

[TKing]

Here's more:

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO, SKY – DAY

An endless plain of white, pierced only by a growing black dot. It rips through the fluffy, abundant clouds.

CLOSER ON THE SPECK

Suddenly, it twists and dives low under the cloud cover. After a moment, it reappears and blasts by us. The speck is revealed to be:

Warren Worthington III aka: ANGEL. Unusually, he is clad in a form-fitting battle uniform.

We follow this remarkable creature as he soars the skies. His wings flutter in the wind, gently keeping this incredible man aloft.

EXT. WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES – DAY

As Angel scours the air, he can’t help but notice the tall, familiar building very soon to be his inheritance.

He watches as workmen attempt desperately to repair a BROKEN WINDOW PANE on the top floor.

They look up. But before they can recognise him, he has vanished again.

Angel banks silently and disappears into the clouds.

EXT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – GROUNDS – DAY

A GIRL chases a boy around the fountain. Suddenly he teleports in a flash of yellow light, confusing her.

WE PULL BACK, THROUGH THE WINDOW, INTO:

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – STORM’S OFFICE – CONTINOUS

ORORO MUNROE, now the Headmistress of the Xavier Institute, sits behind her desk. She is holding a photograph of the late Professor Xavier. A tear falls down her cheek.

There is a KNOCK at the door.

STORM
(Wiping a tear from her eye)
Come in.

A beautiful Puerto Rican-American woman walks in, smiling. This is DR. CECILIA REYES.

DR. REYES
Hey, Ororo.

Storm manages a smile. Dr. Reyes senses that something is wrong.

DR. REYES (CONT’D)
What is it, Ororo? What’s wrong?

STORM
It’s nothing. I’m fine.

DR. REYES
Please. I want to help. Tell me.

But Storm is reluctant. She struggles to find the words.

STORM
I’m just worried that’s all.

DR. REYES
About what?

STORM
The school, the children.
(She pauses)
I was one of the Professor’s first students. This place was built where mutants could be safe, away from the rest of the world.

DR. REYES
We can’t hide forever, Ororo.

Storm looks out at the Institute’s garden, where three gravestones are positioned side by side.

STORM
If only the Professor was here…

DR. REYES
What would he want you to do? To be strong, to show the world that we’re not the ones to be afraid of. Wouldn’t he?

STORM
If only I knew…

Suddenly, JUBILEE rushes in.

JUBILEE
Ms. Munroe, have you heard the news?

STORM
What news?

Dr. Reyes switches the television on.

NEWS BROADCAST:

EXT. WASHINGTOND.C. – DAY

A REPORTER stands in front of the White House as army troops patrol the guards.

NEWS REPORTER
For those of you tuning in just now, we have tragic news. Presidential candidate, Senator Grayden Creed, was killed in the early hours of the morning. Witnesses say they saw a young man with dark hair disappear into the woods shortly before Senator Creed was killed. A state funeral is already set for this Friday.

Suddenly she pushes her earpiece with her finger. Her eyes widen in shock.

NEWS REPORTER
Wait. It has just been confirmed that the assassin is indeed a mutant. A strong supporter of the Mutant Registration Act, who knows how Senator Creed’s followers will react now?

 

[TKing]

INT. SENATE HEARING ROOM – DAY

The room is crowded with press and the like to the point that there is very little room to even move.

There is a dais – a raised panel of senators – and a second, lower panel.

TITLES: WASHINGTOND.C. – THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE

A conservative from Michigan, SENATOR HODGE, speaks into his microphone. He is the hearing’s Chairman.

SENATOR HODGE
… the Registration Acts will provide a sense of security similar to that of Megan’s Law.

EXT.CAPITOLBUILDING – DAY

A large group of protestors have gathered. Angry citizens state their opinions. They brandish their signs, “Leave us alone!” or “No more mutants!”

Stationed around the roads, are SWAT and National Guard troops, armed with their fibreglass shields to hold the rioters back.

INT. SENATE HEARING ROOM – DAY

HANK MCCCOY, Secretary of Mutant Affairs, stands amid the flashing cameras of the photographers. He addresses the room, his hands outstretched as a sign of peace.

HANK
Senator Hodge, I must insist: despite what you might think, not every mutant is a criminal. Many of us want to live normal, peaceful lives. To stereotype an entire community is madness.

Senator Hodge retaliates.

SENATOR HODGE
Don’t talk to me about madness, Mr. McCoy. A U.S. Senator was killed barely two days ago in his own office. That’s madness.

HANK
But as I said earlier, you cannot base your opinion of a community of thousands on the actions of one man.

SENATOR HODGE
Well what are we meant to think, McCoy? Ever since the discovery of mutants… what is it, fifteen years now? Mutants have abused us, attacked our cities… why should we trust you?

Hank processes the question. Then:

HANK
Senator, it is a fact that mutants who have come forward and exposed themselves have been met with fear, often violence. To force mutants to expose themselves to the general populous is suicide.

SENATOR HODGE
These Acts are not a death sentence to any mutant, Mr. McCoy. They are merely designed to assess their potential threat – if any – to national security.

HANK
You must realise that with anti-mutant attacks occurring across the nation, some people might wish to remain anonymous.

Senator Hodge smiles. He has been waiting for an opportunity like this.

SENATOR HODGE
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. McCoy would like you all to believe that mutants are the sufferers here. But I can assure you, it is us who are the victims. How much longer must we live in fear of the mutant community? How much more must we endure until someone finally stood up to them?

The crowd reacts loudly in support of the Senator. Some cheer, some roar, some yell obscenities at Hank.

HANK
Senator, I…

SENATOR HODGE
The truth hurts, doesn’t Mr. McCoy? Senator Creed's tragic death might not have happened at all, if we had known about that mutant responsible. We have to take a stand, to counter this act of terrorism. That begins with these Acts.

Hank stares dumbfounded as the senate erupts into applause.

SENATOR HODGE (CONT’D)

If we are to succeed, we must know what these mutants can do. Knowing the danger and learning how to combat it is the solution for a better, safer world. Not just for us… but for our children as well.

HANK
Senator Hodge... I…

Hodge turns to the crowd, smiling and beaming. The photographs flash their cameras excessively.

Hank stands and walks out, pushing his way through reporters now moving in for his response. All the while, Hodge watches him go.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

YOU COPYCAT! THROWING CECILIA IN!

 

[TKing]

^I just wanted a fresh face around the Institute, especially after the absence of Logan and Beast. And Cecilia was the only other one Institute teacher I knew.

 

[TKing]

Please guys, ANY comments would be appreciated. I'd just like some feedback. What I could improve on, what's good, what's not so good, that kind of thing. Thanks.

Here's some more:


EXT. GORGEOUS BEACH – DAY

The white beaches are packed with young couples and holiday tourists. Umbrellas are put up here and there, as children play merrily in the water, splashing each other.

CLOSER ON ROGUE AND BOBBY

ROGUE and BOBBY, two students from the Xavier Institute, are enjoying their summer break. Rogue is lying on her front, sunbathing. Bobby is watching her from a deck chair.

Rogue hears a giggle. She turns to Bobby. She is wearing a rather-revealing bathing costume.

ROGUE
What?

Bobby can only master a smile.

ROGUE
C’mon. What is it?

BOBBY
I didn’t say anything.

ROGUE
But you were thinking about something.

Bobby looks up and down Rogue’s long legs and her gorgeously slim body.

BOBBY (CONT’D)
I sure was.

INT.BEACH – ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Another two students are taking a day off, KITTY PRYDE and PETER RASPUTIN. They have just brought an ice-cream each.

Kitty immediately dives into hers. She reels back, giggling.

KITTY
It’s cold.

Peter smiles. He leans towards her.

PETER
Here, let me help.

He dabs her nose with his ice-cream. He laughs playfully. So does she. She wipes the ice-cream from her nose and sticks her finger at Peter, trying to return the favour.

He holds her back. Eventually, she leaps at him and dabs his lips. Their heads draw closer. Peter smiles, rather embarrassed.

KITTY
Here. Let me.

She leans in and kisses him lightly on the lips. They pull back, smiling. Holding hands, they start to walk towards Rogue and Bobby.

EXT. GORGEOUS BEACH – CONTINOUS

ROGUE lies in BOBBY’S arms, looking up at the cloudless sky. He strokes her hair gently.

ROGUE
Do you ever... you know… wonder what could’ve happened… if things were different?

BOBBY
How do you mean?

ROGUE
Could we have lived a normal life, like a normal couple… if we had never become mutants?

BOBBY
Rogue…

ROGUE
Well do you?

Bobby takes a moment to answer.

BOBBY
All I know is… if it wasn’t for our powers, we would never have met.

Rogue smiles at this answer. She rests her head against Bobby’s chest.

EXT. GORGEOUS BEACH – SOMEWHERE ELSE
Meanwhile, Peter and Kitty are still criss-crossing through the couples to reach bobby and Rogue. They lick their ice-creams, occasionally looking up at each other. They smile, childlike.

MAN (O.S.)
Look out!

Peter and Kitty look up in time to see a football heading straight towards them. Kitty’s eyes widen in surprise. The ball hits her squarely in the head, knocking her back.

She PHASES through the life-guard post, falling to the ground on the other side. The tourists near by look up in surprise and terror.

People start to point and mutter as Peter helps Kitty to her feet.

EXT. GORGEOUS BEACH – SAME TIME

ROGUE and BOBBY hear a muttering from behind.

ROGUE
What’s going on?

They look back to find a crowd, gathered around Kitty and Peter, whispering and jabbing with their fingers.

BOBBY
We got trouble.
They pick up their towels and race towards the others.

EXT. GORGEOUS BEACH – NEAR LIFEGUARD POST

Kitty and Peter are dumbfounded. They don’t know what to do. Rogue and Bobby arrive.

VARIOUS
They’re mutants! / We don’t want your kind here / Go away!

PETER
(Sadly)
I think it’s time to go.

Bobby looks around at the growing crowd; at their expressions of disgust. He nods his head solemnly.

BOBBY
I think you’re right.

Quietly, the four students turn to leave. The crowd voluntarily opens a pathway for them. They squeeze through and rush off as the crowd stares angrily after them.

 

[Boba_Fett_123]

Funny thing is, I was planning on bringing Cecilia in as well, although now I'm reconsidering.

 

[TKing]

So, do you guys like it so far?

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

So, do you guys like it so far?

I really like what you did with the Senate hearing, although it does resemble the Senate hearing from X-Men quite a bit

But, unlike the one in X-Men, there is a much larger sense of urgency. Reading that scene, I really felt that there was something "bigger" to come later.

 

[TKing]

INT. WHITE HOUSE – MUTANT AFFAIRS – DAY

We are greeted by an image of Professor Charles Xavier, smiling alongside a youthful Erik Lensherr, years away from becoming the mutant terrorist known as Magneto.

As we pull back, we wonder: where did it all go wrong for these two?

HANK MCCOY is watching a reply of the news broadcast from Washington. His tie is undone.

At the sight of Senator Creed’s coffin, he heaves a sigh and moves around to the other side of his desk, sitting in the leather chair. He grabs a pen and starts to sort through the pile after pile of documents.

INT. WHITE HOUSE – OVAL OFFICE – SAME TIME

PRESIDENT COCKRUM, late 50’s extinguished, sits at his desk. Light floods through the open windows.

Through the windows, we can see countless of National Guard troops stationed around the grounds. Security has been tightened for obvious reasons.

There is a knock at the door. An ASSISTANT walks in.

ASSISTANT
Mr. President? Mr Trask is ready for your appointment.

PRESIDENT
Thank you, Jennie. Send him in.

She nods complying. She leaves, and a MAN walks in. This is Bolivar Trask, Head of Homeland Security. He strides in confidentially, carrying a folder.

PRESIDENT
Good morning, Mr Trask.

TRASK
Good morning, Mr. President.

They shake hands.

PRESIDENT
(Gesturing to a chair)
Please, have a seat.

TRASK
I’d rather stand.

PRESIDENT
OK… what’s this all about, Bolivar?

Trask tosses the folder onto the desk. The President takes it gingerly. He flicks through the pages, digesting every word.

PRESIDENT (CONT’D)
I don’t understand. What is this?

TRASK
The answer to all our problems, Mr. President… Project Wideawake.

The President continues to read through the pages. He seems disgusted.

PRESIDENT
Is this even necessary, Bolivar?

TRASK
Necessary? Senator Creed was assassinated only two days ago.

PRESIDENT
You’re talking about killing millions of lives, Bolivar. I cannot allow that.

TRASK
Mr. President, every day that these mutants go unchecked, is another day when millions of Americans are at risk. Someone must ensure this country’s survival.

PRESIDENT
What do you want me to say, Mr Trask? I don’t approve of what’re saying.

TRASK
Mr President, you have to realise that these mutants pose a very real threat to this country. You have to take a stand.

PRESIDENT
They’re not as bad as you might like to think. Not all of them.

TRASK
Don’t kid yourself, Mr President. How long will it be... a day? Two? Until they attack another of our cities? Liberty Island, AlkaliLake, Alcatraz… they are a menace, Mr. President. Don’t throw this opportunity away.

The President sighs. This is all too much.

TRASK (CONT’D)
I realise that this may be too much to handle, Mr. President. But I can assure you that in the long run-

The President cuts him off. He stands, looks out through the window.

PRESIDENT
OK. I don’t like it, Bolivar, not one bit. But I understand what’re saying. I want an update, every week.

TRASK
Of course, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT
And Trask? Anonymity is the key. If word of this gets leaked to the press, there will be a civil unrest.

TRASK
I understand. You won’t regret this, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT
Well don’t give me a reason to, Mr Trask.

With that, Trask takes the folder and leaves. The President pours himself a glass of brandy and gulps it down.

INT. WHITE HOUSE – HALLWAY – CONTINOUS

Bolivar Trask is greeted by two of his aides. One of which is a striking young woman in a suit, VALERIE COOPER.

They walk through the hallways, briskly.

VALERIE COOPER
Well? What did he say?

TRASK
We’re good to go. Is everything set?

VALERIE COOPER
They’re just finishing a few minor adjustments as we speak.

TRASK
Good. I want it ready and prepped by the time I arrive.

VALERIE COOPER
Yes, sir.

They round a corner and disappear.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Way to take my idea!

 

[Jennifer Walters]

He seems good at that.

 

[TKing]

Way to take my idea!

Umm... what idea? If you're talking about the Sentinel programme, then you must realise that lots of people want Sentinels in X4. So it's hardly unusual that the two of us have included them in our scripts.

 

[TKing]

Damn, double post.

 

[TKing]

EXT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – GROUNDS – DAY

The iron gates swing open to reveal: LOGAN, looking as animalistic as ever. He strides up the gravel pathway towards the school.As he does, he notices an ANGEL fly overhead. Logan smiles and carries on.

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – MAIN ENTRANCE – CONTINOUS

The DOORS OPEN and Logan steps forward, a bag swung over his shoulder casually. He walks through the plush, stately hallway, ignoring the beautiful paintings and pleasant décor.

As he is about to round a corner, a female voice calls out.

STORM (O.S.)
What time do you call this?

Logan turns around to see STORM, coming towards him. He stutters.

LOGAN
Well… I… I left a note on the fridge.

Storm smiles. She gives him a friendly hug.

STORM
Nice to see you, Logan.

LOGAN
You too.

STORM
Good trip?

They start to walk through the corridors.

LOGAN
Might say that. How are things here?

STORM
Oh, they can be…

At that moment, two boys rush past them. Storm shouts after them.

STORM (CONT’D)
No running in the halls!

She turns back to Logan. She finishes her sentence.

STORM
… quite a handful.

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – HALLWAY – CONTINOUS

They have reached Logan’s bedroom. They pause at the door.

STORM
Well… I’ll let you unpack.

LOGAN
Actually, I won’t be staying for long.

Storm looks hurt by this.

STORM
Oh. I thought for a moment you might have been… it’s my fault.

LOGAN
Look, I’m sorry, ‘Ro. It’s just I’ve got things to do and… I can’t do them here.

STORM
No, no. It’s fine. Honestly.

LOGAN
I guess I could stay for one night.

She smiles weakly. She turns and disappears down the hall. Logan bangs his head against the wall. He is evidently disappointed with himself. He sighs and goes into his room.

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – CLASSROOM – MINUTES LATER

At the front of the class, stands DR. REYES. She faces a group of 16-17 year olds, all taking down notes and listening intently.

DR. REYES
… and to conclude, I want your views on the benefits of space exploration on my desk on Friday. That’ll be all. Have a good day.

The students, including JUBILEE and JONES, pack their bags and leave. Dr. Reyes wipes the board clean. As she does, she notices something in the garden:

STORM, kneeling beside three gravestones. Dr. Reyes nods knowingly and leaves her classroom.

EXT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – GROUNDS

Storm is kneeling beside the gravestone, a flower in her grasp. She sniffs.

DR. REYES (O.S.)
Ororo.

Storm looks up to find Dr. Cecilia Reyes coming towards her.

STORM
Hey. How did you’re class go?

DR. REYES
A few empty seats. But what can you do?

Storm’s eyes look blank, like a dead woman’s.

DR. REYES (CONT’D)
Still thinking about your Professor?

STORM
I don’t know how I can go on without him. He was a like a father to me, you know?

DR. REYES
And no-one will replace him, you know that. Wherever the Professor is, I’m sure he’s watching over you.

STORM
You really believe that?

DR. REYES
Don’t you?

STORM
A couple years back, maybe. But now… I guess I’ve lost faith.

DR. REYES
Well maybe it’s time you found it again.

Storm looks at her, inquisitive.

DR. REYES
Come on. I want to show you something.

STORM
But what about the kids?

DR. REYES
Logan can manage.

Dr. Reyes helps Storm to her feet.

STORM
No. I shouldn’t leave them. Not now.

DR. REYES
I promise you it will be worthwhile.

Storm holds back.

STORM
But where?

DR. REYES
(Smiling)
You’ll see.

 

[TKing]

Double posts > me.

 

[Ororocity]

write more pleasssssssssssse

 

[TKing]

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – HALLWAY – SAME TIME

ROGUE, KITTY, BOBBY and PETER, fresh from their trip, walk the hallways.

PETER
Maybe we shouldn’t mention what happened.

KITTY
Yeah. I agree. Storm’s got enough to deal with.

BOBBY
Ok, we’ll meet you guys later.

PETER
Alright.

Kitty and Peter take a small corridor leading right. Bobby and Rogue head to their dorm room.

ROGUE
I’ll meet you at the dorm. I heard Logan was back.

BOBBY
OK. Don’t be long.

ROGUE
I won’t.

She disappears down another corridor. Bobby continues on to their dorm.

INT. SEWERS – NIGHT

We hear the sound of feet, splashing in the water. The noise gets LOUDER and LOUDER.

We follow a man, GAMBIT, as he rushes through the arched tunnels, water spraying up all around him. He seems focused, determined.

In his hands, is a playing card. He flicks it round and round, twirling it in his fingers. He turns sharply left and continues running. Through –

INT. SEWERS – JUNCTION – CONTINOUS

He comes to a T-Junction. Three channels… three different directions…Suddenly, he hears the sound of feet treading in feet rise steadily BEHIND him.

He looks back over his shoulder. He cannot see anything.Making his decision, GAMBIT takes the right-hand tunnel.

INT. SEWERS – ELSEWHERE – SAME TIME

A figure, clad in grey armour and armed with high-tech weaponry, emerges from the murky water. He wears red-tinted goggles and a rounded helmet.
He brings out a walkie-talkie.

SOLDIER
Target is on the move, moving rapidly. It’s hard to keep up.

A gruff VOICE replies, amid the static.

VOICE (V.O.)
Stay on his tail. We can’t loose this one.

INT. SEWERS – MEANWHILE
Gambit is continually running through the tunnel, his breathing growing faster and more erratic by the second. It is clear that he is tired.

Abruptly, he stops. Pauses. He looks down beneath his feet. Smiles. He reaches down into the water. Almost immediately, a bright light appears like a sparkling diamond in the far reaches of the ocean.

Gambit rushes around a corner, and looks back at the light. Three… two… one… with a loud BOOM, a large hole appears where Gambit has just touched. Water gushes into the hole.

Gambit leaps down the hole, into another set of tunnels. He looks up. The cost is clear. He moves on.

INT. SEWERS – ABOVE – SAME TIME

The soldier has arrived at the tunnel where Gambit blew the floor open. He raises his gun, searching.

SOLDIER
There’s nothing… here. Is it possible he got through to the surface?

VOICE (V.O.)
Negative. We have a guard posted at every exit. He has no way out.

SOLDIER
Wait… I think I’ve found something.

The soldier finds the hole in the tunnel floor. He peers down. Nothing.

SOLDIER
He’s moved down one level. Alert Johnson. He’s heading his way.

INT. SEWERS – BELOW

Gambit is waiting in the shadows, listening to the conversation. The way forward is completely black. Gambit CHARGES his playing card. It burns the same pinkish-flame we saw earlier.

He uses the card as a makeshift torch and walks cautiously into the shadows.

INT. SEWERS – NEARBY

From around the corner, appears SOLDIER #2. He is dressed exactly like his companion. He talks into his walkie-talkie.

SOLDIER #2
Sir, target is 30 yards and closing. My orders?

VOICE (V.O.)
Wait for backup. This guy is extremely dangerous. We don’t want to aggravate him.

SOLDIER #2
Understood.

INT. SEWERS – ELSEWHERE

Gambit rounds a corner, holding the card out in front of him as if it was a bomb. Long slivering shadows are cast upon the brick walls like puppets.

He ventures forth, not realising that a SQUADRON OF SOLDIERS lies ahead of him, waiting to ambush him.

Halfway down the tunnel, the soldiers crouch and wait.

SQUADRON LEADER
Ok, this is it. Get ready.

As Gambit grows nearer, one of the soldier’s nose twitches. Uncontrollably, he sneezes. The sound echoes throughout the tunnels.The squadron leader glares at him with blazing eyes.

Gambit stops. He listens intently. Where did that noise come from? It seems like he’s going to turn back. But then with incredible speed, he throws the burning card towards the soldiers ahead of him.

SQUADRON LEADER
Look out!

The squad is momentarily distracted. They back away from the card. It splashes down into the water. The sewage starts to bubble, rising and rising.

A huge wave of water… 7 feet high, builds. It surges towards the soldiers, who are helpless. They are dragged into the wave. They wave their arms futilely.

Gambit smiles and rushes back the way he came.

SQUADRON LEADER
HQ, we’ve lost him.

VOICE (V.O.)
No. We’ve cut off his retreat. There’s no way out…

INT. SEWERS – CONTINOUS

Gambit walks through the tunnels. I’ve lost them he thinks.

VOICE (V.O.) (CONT’D)
… he’s trapped.

But suddenly there’s a rattle from ahead and smoke arises. A smoke grenade? Gambit can make out three or four dark figures heading towards them.

But the smoke is growing and soon he can’t see anything.

SOLDIER #3
Move, move, move!

The soldiers corner Gambit, who is stuttering and coughing.

SOLDIER #3 (CONT’D)
Freeze, mutie! Put your hands up!

Gambit, reluctantly, does as he is told. But in a flurry of movements, Gambit springs forth at the closest soldier, feet first. He falls to the ground.

Gambit leaps high into the air as the other troops open fire. He lands behind a second soldier. He grabs his arm, spins him like a shot-put and lets go.The soldier flies through the air. He crashes into the brick wall and crumples to the ground.

The remaining two soldiers look at him, surprised. They take aim, and shoot. But the smoke has obscured their vision and Gambit has disappeared…But not for long. He takes one of the soldier’s guns and knocks them over the head with it.

The last remaining soldier fires wildly. But to no avail. Gambit has vanished, again.The soldier looks around. No sign of the mutant. He moves forward, his gun poised.

SOLDIER #4
Come out where I can see you! I ain’t playing no games, mutant!

GAMBIT
Boo.

Gambit descends from the ground, raises the gun he borrowed from the third guard and fires. The soldier drops to the floor, dead. Gambit tosses the gun away and starts to run off.

But one of the soldiers is still conscious. He sees the mutant running away. He takes out a tranquilliser and fires.Taken by surprise, Gambit looks around, then at the dart fired into his arm. He sways from side to side, then collapses to the ground.

From around the corner, arrives… BOLIVAR TRASK and VALERIE COOPER. They are flanked by more soldiers.Two of them grab Gambit and drag him to his feet. Bolivar approaches them.

TRASK
Get him back to base.

SOLDIER
Yes, sir.

The two soldiers disappear with the comatose mutant. Bolivar turns to Valerie Cooper.

TRASK
Is everything set?

VALERIE COOPER
Yes, sir.

TRASK
And the prototype?

VALERIE COOPER
Ready and waiting.

TRASK
Good. At last, things are finally coming along.

VALERIE COOPER
Yes, sir.

Bolivar turns and leaves, but Valerie has noticed something lying on the ground. She bends down and picks it up. It’s a pack of playing cards. She stares at them.

Bolivar calls to her.

TRASK
We've got a job to do, remember, Miss Cooper?

VALERIE COOPER
Yes, sir.

She runs to catch up with Bolivar.

 

[TKing]

INT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

Night has fallen. The bedroom’s light is turned on. Logan stands beside the cupboard, the drawers open. He puts some clothes into his rucksack.

As he does this, he notices a photograph of Jean on top of the cupboard. He picks it up and sits on the bed. He strokes the photograph.

LOGAN
Jean…

His thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door. WARREN stands there.

WARREN
Hey, look whose back.

LOGAN
Hey.

Warren sits down beside him.

WARREN
Storm’s out with Cecilia.

LOGAN
Yeah I heard.

WARREN
You know she’s trying her best.

LOGAN
Who?

WARREN
Storm. I hate to judge, especially after everything you guys have been through, but… the least you could do is be around more.

LOGAN
Oh yeah?

WARREN
Ororo can’t cope running this place. She’d never admit it, but she is. And she needs you around her.

LOGAN
Well she seemed fine to me.

WARREN
You know her better than me, Logan. Storm will always put others before herself. It’s just her nature.

Logan sits there quietly.

WARREN (CONT’D)
Well, it’s nice to have you back, Logan. Even if it is for just one night.

Warren starts to leave. But he remembers something and turns back.

WARREN (CONT’D)
Oh, I think Rogue was looking for you. Someone else who needs you around...

Warren leaves. Logan looks back at the photograph of Jean. She looks so happy, so lively. So much unlike the way Logan last saw her, when she had become the “Phoenix”.

He snivels and puts the photograph face down. He continues his packing.

INT.HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRIC WARD – NIGHT

A male doctor leads STORM and DR. REYES through the gated hallways.

DOCTOR
… the institution was actually built in 1902 for victims of a fire which burned down many local industries. Since then, well it’s been used as a ward for the mentally-ill.

Storm’s eyes are lit with interest. She indicates the patients passing by.

STORM
And all the patients here are… mutants?

DOCTOR
Yes. You’ll be glad to know that the institution treats everyone, mutant and human. It’s a prejudice-free environment. We don’t question anyone’s background. We just want to help.

A nurse joins them, carrying a clipboard.

NURSE
Doctor Rabinaw. It’s county. They need you to sign for the meds.

DOCTOR
Tell them I’ll be right there.

The nurse disappears.

DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Please, Ms. Munroe, feel free to look around. Perhaps here, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

With a smile, he turns and walks back up the hallways. Dr. Reyes leads Storm to a patient’s ward. They peer through the window.

DR. REYES
See the man in there?

A comatose man lies unconscious on the bed. If we didn’t know any better, he could be dead.

DR. REYES (CONT’D)
He has been like that for over 20 years. And still they care for him. Even know he is a mutant… even though he may never wake up…

She turns to Storm.

DR. REYES
You see. There is hope for mutants and humans living alongside each other.

STORM
But the Professor will never be alive to see it. He has worked his whole life to establish peace. And now look… he’s gone.

DR. REYES
Maybe so, but he would be counting on you to carry on that dream.

Storm smiles and they walk on.

 

[TKing]

Please, any comments? t:

 

[Ororocity]

love it!! And as I usually say write more pleassssssssssssse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!