The 'What If?' Marvel RPG - Season thread

[Brainiac 8]

Erik was strolling through the hallway early in the morning, coming back from his visit with Forge. The new staff was ready and Erik was heading to give it to Gambit since he destroyed the last one Gambit had.

Forge did a great job on this Staff, it should do much better than Remy's old one.

It wasn't a surprise though when he found Gambit outside Rogues door. Erik was going to have to watch him. Rogue didn't need anymore heartache in her life. Very few could touch her without causing her and themselves harm.

With the way I can control magnetic fields, noone realizes that I am one of the few that can.

Erik walked up to Gambit and held out the staff.

"Here you go Gambit. I had Forge make this for you, it's an upgraded version of your old staff. It is similar to your last one, but Forge added in a converter that will store your energy should you charge the staff that will; instead of exploding, enhance the power of your staff."

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Prologue

Otto Octavius walked down the hallway at a hurried pace, his mechanical arms hanging limp at his sides. He had been summoned by Nick Fury, and he had a fairly good idea why...

Octavius came to a pair of large oak doors and knocked gently before easing one of them open and stepping inside. There he saw Nick Fury sitting at his desk, looking over a handful of papers.

"What was it you wanted to speak with me about Colonel Fury?" The doctor asked in his most polite voice.

Behind the desk stood Fury's right hand man, Mac Gargan, who was better known as The Scorpion. Gargan was SHIELD's number one enforcer. He handled their most stubborn opposition.

"Sit down, Doctor." Fury began.

"You look somewhat troubled, Colonel." Octavius noted as he took a seat. "I am quite curious to know what has caused your... discomfort."

Fury let out a sigh as he put down the papers he had been studying and gave his full attention to Octavius.

"I'll be as blunt as possible, Doctor. I've called you here today to discuss your latest project for SHIELD. The so-called: Inhibitor Drug."

"Alright..." Octavius said, his voice full of suspicion.

"Well Otto, I've been looking over your latest reports and I have to say... I'm a little conflicted."

"I see..." Octavius said as he looked away from Fury, a deep frown cutting across the bottom of his face.

"The fact is, Doctor... and please keep in mind that I say this with complete respect for you and with absolute appreciation for the projects you've completed for SHIELD in the past years... the fact is, we're pulling the plug on the Inhibitor Drug."

"WHAT!?!" Octavius shouted.

"Now Otto, calm down. Let me explain."

"Yes, Colonel Fury, please do! For I know you are not such a foolish man, who would so rashly dismantle a project that has the potential to change the very world as we know it!"

"Again doctor Octavius, I cannot stress enough the faith that I, and SHIELD as a whole, have in your brilliance and dedication. But the simple fact is, this is a project we can no longer support."

"And why is that Colonel?" Octavius said with an air of smugness.

"Come on, Otto, we both know what I'm going to say. This drug inhibits people's free will. It turns them into zombies, for lack of a better word. The public would never stand for the existence of such a thing. And even if SHIELD tried to keep it a secret, could you imagine the trainwreck that would occur if it was ever leaked that SHIELD uses a drug to force people to do their bidding?"

A wry smile appeared on Octavius' face. "Come now, Colonel Fury. Surely a man of your stature and courage cannot be so easily swayed by popular opinion. Do not be so painfully short-sighted. I know you understand the possibilities that my Inhibitor Drug presents. Legion of soldiers, unfailingly working as one to achieve a common goal. They would be unstoppable."

Fury sat back in his chair and rubbed his temples. "Believe me Otto, I am fully aware of the potential benefits of this drug. However, the general populace would eat us alive if we ever attempted to use it. I am truly sorry Otto, but SHIELD is pulling out. My peers are not even willing to continue testing the drug's effectiveness any longer."

"My arms..." Octavius said, as his metal limbs began stirring. "Are they not proof enough? The terrible accident that established a mental link between me and these wonderous creatures... was a blessing in disguise. The Inhibitor Drug grew from that accident. It was developed to simulate a similar relationship. Only this time, between people. Once a subject is exposed to the drug, they become completely obedient to mental commands from their master."

"I am familiar with the Inhibitor Drug's function, Otto. But the decision is final. We are terminating the project before it goes into human testing. Unfortunately, we will never know if your drug works."

Octavius chuckled and slid back in his chair, a sinister grin on his face. "Oh... but it does work my dear Colonel."

A look of confusion spread across Fury's face. "What do you--"

Before Fury could finish his sentence, Mac Gargan grabbed him from behind in a crushing bear hug, pulling the Colonel out of his seat and pinning his arms to his sides.

"GARGAN! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? LET ME GO NOW! THAT'S AN ORDER!"

Octavius stood up and approached Fury, his smile growing wider still. "I'm sorry Colonel, it is the nature of the Inhibitor Drug that those exposed to it obey only their true master. In this case... me."

"You tested it on Gargan?" Fury shouted. "Are you crazy? You'll be locked up for this! You've gone too far Octavius!"

"On the contrary Colonel Fury! I haven't quite gone far enough!" Octavius reached into his suit jacket and produced a syringe full of green fluid.

"What are you doing, Octavius? You're insane! Get that thing away from me! GET AWAY!"

Octavius plunged the needle into Fury's neck, and the Colonel stopped struggling immediately. Gargan released him and the two stood motionless, staring at Octavius.

"That's much better Colonel. Much better. I expect your resignation within the hour, naming me as your undisputed successor. You are never to speak with anyone from this organization ever again."

Fury nodded slowly. His eyes staring blankly into space.

Octavius laughed maniacally. He finally had the power he had been lusting after all these years. He could finally expose himself as the evil genius he had been ever since the accident. The world was going to be his. And no one could stop him. No one.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Erik was strolling through the hallway early in the morning, coming back from his visit with Forge. The new staff was ready and Erik was heading to give it to Gambit since he destroyed the last one Gambit had.

Forge did a great job on this Staff, it should do much better than Remy's old one.

It wasn't a surprise though when he found Gambit outside Rogues door. Erik was going to have to watch him. Rogue didn't need anymore heartache in her life. Very few could touch her without causing her and themselves harm.

With the way I can control magnetic fields, noone realizes that I am one of the few that can.

Erik walked up to Gambit and held out the staff.

"Here you go Gambit. I had Forge make this for you, it's an upgraded version of your old staff. It is similar to your last one, but Forge added in a converter that will store your energy should you charge the staff that will; instead of exploding, enhance the power of your staff."

Gambit looks over at Mr. Lensherr. He takes the staff and twirls it around his back.

"T'anks dere' Mr. Lensherr. Rogue and I was supposed to get together 'dis mornin', but it seem she still asleep."

 

[Feature]

IC Adrian Toomes: The Vulture
Season I - Part Two

Adrian sat perched on the corner of a rooftop, patiently watching the scene below him. A trio of thugs were robbing an armored car, led by a man in a grey costume. In his mind, which contained virtually all the information in the NYPD's database, Adrian pulled the file of this costumed criminal.

His name was Simon Maddocks, but he preferred to be called Killer Shrike. He had been caught before and Adrian vowed that he would be caught again. Adrian watched as one of Shrike's accomplices dissapeared around the other side of the truck. Once he was out of view, Adrian dove down and scooped the thug up, then dropped him on a nearby rooftop from a height great enough to knock him unconscious, but not kill him.

"Hey Shrike, what happened to Mickey?" One of the thugs asked.

"What do you mean?" Shrike asked coldly.

"I mean, he's gone! Take a look!"

Shrike had a quick look around. "The idiot must have cut out. Well, he won't get far. The Kingpin will hear about this, you can count on that!"

Adrian watched as the two remaining thugs continued unloading the truck, while Killer Shrike kept an eye on the truck's drivers; both of whom had been tied up and blindfolded and were sitting on the curb.

When one of the thugs wandered across the street to fetch another bag out of their getaway car, Adrian seized the opportunity. He watched as the man ducked into the backseat, then he dove down and landed behind the him, slamming his head in the car door before flying out of sight once more.

"Shrike! Shrike! Something's wrong! C'mere!"

Shrike wandered over to his remaining accomplice, who pointed out the current condition of their friend.

"Look, somebody got Jimmy! They got 'im good!"

Shrike frowned. "Just load the bags in the car and let's get out of here. Kingpin is not going to like this..."

Shrike and his theiving acquaintence carried the bulging sacks of cash to their getaway car and started loading it. While Shrike stuffed some bags into the front seat, his partner started loading the trunk. Adrian flew down and kicked the man in the back, sending him toppling into the trunk. He then slammed the trunk shut, imprisoning the crook.

Shrike heard the commotion and whirled around.

"You!" He yelled. "So it's true what they've been saying on the news! Ex-police cheif turned criminal! You think you can take this money for yourself?"

"You've got it all wrong. I'm here for one thing, and it's not the money."

Killer Shrike rose into the air, flying with the aid of his specialized equipment. He fired several shots from his power-blasters, each of which left smoking craters in the ground on either side of Adrian.

Adrian too rose into the air, and the two flew at great speeds, each hoping to strike the other. This aerial combat continued for several moments before Adrian was finally able to grab Shrike by the wrists and slam his power-blasters together, causing them to explode. Several sparking wires dangled from them.

"You ridiculous old fool! You don't know what you're doing!"

"Don't I?" Adrian replied calmly, as he grabbed hold of his enemy.

Shrike realized what Adrian was going to do. The Vulture was carrying him towards a public swimming pool, and intended to drop him in. His short-circuiting power-blasters would do the rest.

"Wait! Stop! Do you even know who's robbery you just botched?"

"Let me guess... yours?"

"No, you idiot! The Kingpin's! The Devil's gonna have your head for this!"

"If you ever get out of jail, give him my regards."

Adrian dropped Killer Shrike in the pool and listened to his screams echo through the night.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Five

The Beginning of the End: Part 1

The White House, Washington D.C.


I'm walking down the hallway towards the oval office. The president gave his address to the nation a few hours ago. It seems hes sending more troops to Iraq. Approaching the door to the oval office, I notice two of my Iron Men guarding him. Entering the room and nodding to the guards I say,

"Well that didnt take long."

"It certainly didn't"

"Well, Sir...why'd you summon me?"

"Damnit tony, you've just helped me strengthen the greatest army in the world. Call me George."

"Just give my my team's new mission sir."

"No, you won't be going out on this one or many more to come. I want you to stay and train more men"

At first im surprised that the President wouldn't want me out in the field. Then I realize the truth. He never meant to let me go out active ever. His whole plan was to assemble a squad of me's to fight for him.


The bastard.


"You sonuvabich." I say. "I gave you my technology and you BACKSTAB me?!"

"Tony, the war isn't going so well..."

"I dont give a damn about the war... The president of the united states should have some integrity!"

"I had hoped I wouldnt need to do this..." he says, opening a desk drawer. "The men outside the door answer to me. and if they ask me if anythings wrong, I'll say no." He removes a silenced gun from the desk and points it at my chest.

"You couldn't You wouldn't. You won't." I stammer.

"Watch me, Tony". He says.

I open my optical contact lens HUD and use my neural interface with my armor to locate his vocal chords. Before he can fire at me, I've reached over the desk and I have him by the neck. I've managed to grab his voice box and the best he can do is let out a few gasps.

'You're about to see what I do to traitors, Mr. President." I say calmly, coolly, and quietly.

"You cant... you're a hero!" He manages to mumble.


"Watch me, George." I say, putting emphasis on the name I dared not to say for years. His eyes are wide...he knows whats coming. I grab a handful of his hair. I give it a few good tugs. Then, without warning, I break his neck.





Who am I? I'm Tony Stark, Iron Man.


And I've just murdered the President of the United States.

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part One

It had been over a week since Nick Fury stepped down as Director of SHIELD and Otto Octavius assumed his position. The media frenzy was finally starting to die down, although Octavius was just getting started.

Today, he was visiting a top secret location, where several of the world's deadliest criminals were kept in suspended animation. Many of them had been out of commission for so long that they were assumed dead by the general public, as well as by their greatest enemies. It was one such individual that Octavius was going to visit today.

Accompanied by Mac Gargan, Octavius entered the warehouse-like facility. Only the highest ranking members of SHIELD were allowed inside the building. Most branches of the government did not even know of its existence. Inside, beyond several heavily guarded steel doors, was huge room full of strange looking pods.

An old man sat reading a newspaper in front of a large computer console. Octavius approached and gently folded the newspaper shut with one of his mechanical tentacles.

"Oh! Mr. Octavius, sir!" The old man said in shock, as he nearly fell out of his chair. "I'm terribly sorry! I... I didn't know you had made an appointment to come in today!"

"I didn't." Octavius said curtly.

"Oh... well... well that's quite alright." The old man stuttered nervously. "What can I do for you Mr. Director, sir?"

"I'll be needing you to awake this prisoner immediately." Octavius said as he handed over a plastic card. "I expect to see him cleaned up, dressed, and ready for conversation within the hour. Understood?"

"Yes! Yes, of course Mr. Octavius, sir! Right away!" The old man babbled as he swiped the card through a reader attached to the computer console. "Let's see here, let's see... that's inmate 24601. Miles Warren. Correct?"

"Quite correct." Octavius said as he began to walk away. "By the way, have your belongings packed by the end of the day. Your time with this organization has come to an end. That should give you plenty of time to read."

The old man's face became a mixture of shock and sadness. "But... but Mr. Octavius, sir... I was... I just..."

Mac Gargan grabbed the old man by the jaw and brought his face to within inches of his own.

"Do what Mr. Octavius says, and keep this shut!" Gargan growled as he cracked the old man's jaw with a light squeeze.

The old man whimpered in pain as Gargan followed Ock down the hall, but he did what he was told and didn't say another word.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Iron Man Chapter Six

The Beginning of the End: Part 2

The White House, Washington D.C.


The President's body slups onto his desk. I look down at him. Nobody knows what I've done yet. Someone opens the door, an aid I assume.

"Oh....oh my god..." she says.

"Armor up" I murmur.

I just killed the president. I'm in for one hell of a fight.

My armor tears through the suit I'm wearing. My helmet slides over my face. I sprint at the woman and punch her squarely in the stomach. She flies backwards into the hallway that I had noticed my troops in moments before. I walk out of the doorway. My men are preparing for a fight.

" 'Scuse me, boys." I say as I grab their chests and pull the men together as hard as I can. Their faces collide and I assume I've shattered a few of their facial bones. That's the least of my problems.

I sprint down the hallway. crashing into several people as I go. One of my Iron Men surprises me by jumping from behind a wall and unleashing several repulsor blasts on me. One of them his my side and makes a gash in my armor. Luckily, my armor heals itself. Using my armor's neural interface, I pull up the white house's blue prints. Cross Checking data with my satellites in orbit over the earth, I'm able to pinpoint my location in the building. With a roar, the jets in boots ignite and I rocket upward. I crash through the building's ceiling. Accessing various new feeds, I learn that this story has already hit the international news community:


Tony Stark, better known as Iron Man, kills President In Cold Blood.

 

[Cyrusbales]

PUNISHER

“Taylor’s”

The sign on the warehouse looks shot up, probably something I did last time I was here. A heavy chain keeps the door closed, it’s starting to rust, meaning it’s been a while since I was here before, I don’t know what I’ll find, but anything related to this guy is worth it.

Making my way in by using a bullet or two, I see the aftermath. Blood turned into a dark reddish-brown paints the walls. Scrawled over a the far wall is something, something not in the picture.

“You know who I am…”

What does it mean?

Footsteps echo off the concrete walls, I’m not alone, but I’m prepared. Dashing out from behind a pillar, I unload a clip at the moving figure, bullets tearing through the air and ploughing into the concrete.

The figure is now hidden behind a large support post, snapping in another cartridge, I dive around the pillar, only to find empty space.

“Where are you???”

Clapping from behind me cuts through the silence. How did he get behind me?

Turning round just in time to watch him leaving the warehouse, following closely behind, I emerge into the alley only moments behind him. Once again he’s vanished, leaving behind nothing. Or has he?

On the floor is a piece of paper, bloodstained paper. Hidden partially by my foot, it reads, “661172”. Is this a code perhaps? Maybe a combination for something?

Right on cue, the headache breaks my thoughts. It’s getting stronger than ever, I settle myself, becoming ready for the inevitable moments of blackness, wondering when and where I’ll next gain consciousness. Or even if…

 

[Cyrusbales]

XAVIER

"Now Pietro, Mystique is on her way through the mansion, soon she'll disable a secuirity grid near Forge's workshop, then Scott will distract them whilst you grab Forge himself. Hank will also provide you with asistance and keep them busy. Hopefully mystique won't encounter any problems, but if she does, she's more than capable, so..........get ready!"

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Gambit grabs the doorknob to Rogue's room. He walks in to find her sheets pulled up over her head.

"Come on now chere. Rise 'n shine."

Gambit walks over to the window and opens the curtain. What he sees outside he can't believe. He runs to Rogue's bed and pulls down her covers. He wakes her up as fast as he can.

"Chere, if you ain't got no twin sister, then ah suggest you get on up!"

Once Rogue hears she jumps out of bed. Gambit runs to the hallway and smashes the alarm.

"Mr. Lensherr! Da X-Men is here!"

Gambit turns, runs, and jumps through Rogue's window landing right in front of her lookalike.

"Well, hello chere. It must be Gambit's lucky day if dere's two Rogue's runnin' round."

Gambit charges his new staff and smacks the Rogue lookalike right in the face. She is sent flying across the courtyard.

"Ah'm not sure who you are chere, but if you don' want no more smacks with ma' new toy, you best be leavin'."

 

[Zoken]

Big Bertha

"I could just sit on her," Ashley offered, having heard Gambit's part of the conversation. She grabbed the imposter and held her tight. Ashley was bulked up to more than a ton.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Gambit smiles and looks at the intruder.

"Now, ah know you jus' heard Big and Lovely. Ah suggest that if ya don' want to be sat on, you better tell us where da' others are."

 

[Noon]

Gambit grabs the doorknob to Rogue's room. He walks in to find her sheets pulled up over her head.

"Come on now chere. Rise 'n shine."

Gambit walks over to the window and opens the curtain. What he sees outside he can't believe. He runs to Rogue's bed and pulls down her covers. He wakes her up as fast as he can.

"Chere, if you ain't got no twin sister, then ah suggest you get on up!"

Once Rogue hears she jumps out of bed. Gambit runs to the hallway and smashes the alarm.

"Mr. Lensherr! Da X-Men is here!"

Gambit turns, runs, and jumps through Rogue's window landing right in front of her lookalike.

"Well, hello chere. It must be Gambit's lucky day if dere's two Rogue's runnin' round."

Gambit charges his new staff and smacks the Rogue lookalike right in the face. She is sent flying across the courtyard.

"Ah'm not sure who you are chere, but if you don' want no more smacks with ma' new toy, you best be leavin'."

At first I am still dazed with sleep, but when I hear x-men, I am very, very awake.

Gambit is already outside, getting stuck in. I jump down after him and find myself face to face with Beast.

"How's it going Old man? Long time no.."

I get cut off as he races at me and swing himself on his fists, kicking his back legs up at me. I only just manage to duck out of the way in time, his huge feet buffeting the air where I once stood.

This isn't right, they would never go for a full frontal assault with no direct goal, it must be a distraction. I shout over to Gambit.

"We've gotta git back insahd, this is just a distraction!"

 

[guitarsingerguy]

At first I am still dazed with sleep, but when I hear x-men, I am very, very awake.

Gambit is already outside, getting stuck in. I jump down after him and find myself face to face with Beast.

"How's it going Old man? Long time no.."

I get cut off as he races at me and swing himself on his fists, kicking his back legs up at me. I only just manage to duck out of the way in time, his huge feet buffeting the air where I once stood.

This isn't right, they would never go for a full frontal assault with no direct goal, it must be a distraction. I shout over to Gambit.

"We've gotta git back insahd, this is just a distraction!"

Gambit turns and looks at Rogue.

"Well dat's jus' great!. Bertha, do ya' worst."

Gambit turns and begins running toward the broken window he jumped out of. He slams his staff down on the ground and pole vaults himself back up into Rogue's room. He hits the ground running and begins making his way through the hall.

 

[Zoken]

"I'm pretty sure I know who you are," Bertha said to the imposter she held. "You can be a prisoner or a projectile, it's entirely up to you."

 

[Cyrusbales]

XAVIER

Sensing the battle ensuing, I send Scott in, a few blasts later and Mystique has broken free of her grip and is ready to take on a more destructive form.

"Pietro, when I give the signal, you get in there, but before snatching Forge, I want you take out a few of those earpieces, so we can have a little fun..."

"Just say the word prof."

I telepathically tell Beast and Scott the ideal postitions to distract the brtoherhood with and cause the most damage and keeping them busy.

I turn to storm in the X-jet.

"It's time"

The clouds begin to crack and hum with radiating energy and the sky blackens, I almost feel sorry for those left outside...

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Two

Otto Octavius opened the door to a small room and entered, accompanied by Mac Gargan, as always. Inside the small room was a plain table and three chairs, one of which was already occupied.

"Good afternoon Mr. Warren." Octavius said cheerfully. "I see you've already been reunited with your personal effects."

Warren, or the Jackal (as he preferred to be called) wore a permanent scowl.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked, outraged. "What are you doing here? WHERE AM I?"

Octavius sat down calmly and Gargan took the chair next to him.

"Do relax Mr. Warren. I understand that you must be feeling extremely confused right now, but all will be made clear in time."

"Are you in charge here?" Warren asked breathlessly. "I want out! You can't keep me here!"

"I must insist that you calm down this instant, Mr. Warren. I caution you: my patience lasts only so long."

Finally, Warren became silent, nervously wringing his hands and looking all about him.

"Now then..." Octavius began. "It was some years ago that you suffered some life-threatening injuries and were recovered by SHIELD. Are you at all farmiliar with that organization?"

"Yes." Warren answered shortly.

"Very good, that will save time." Octavius said with a smile. "Now, following your capture you were placed in a state of suspended animation. You remained in such a state until today, when I chose to wake you."

"Why did you do that?" Warren asked. "Why were you allowed to do that?"

"I was allowed to do it because I am the Director of SHIELD. Which makes you my property."

"I am NOBODY'S property!" Warren shouted.

Gargan shot out of his seat but with a single look, Octavius willed him to sit back down.

"This is no question, Mr. Warren. You are and will forever be my property. However, as I intend to show you today, that does not have to be an unpleasant thing."

"My predecessor was a man named Nick Fury, and though he was fool enough to allow your talents to be squandered for so long, it is a tribute to his intelligence that he kept you alive. Even a man like Nick Fury recognized you as a valuable resource, he simply lacked the vision to utilize you. I have no such deficiency."

"And just what is it you plan on using me for?"

Octavius smiled broadly and turned to Mac Gargan.

"Mr. Gargan, I'd like very much for you to make a broad incision across your left forearm."

Gargan immediately pulled a large hunting knife out of his pocket and began cutting his flesh, exposing muscle and a tapestry of veins. The blood poured from wound uncontrollably.

"That will do, Mr. Gargan."

Gargan replaced the knife and left the room.

"I've sent him for some first-aid." Octavius announced.

"What the hell was the point of that?" Warren asked, thoroughly unimpressed. "Am I supposed to be frightened by the undying loyalty of your pawns? I should hope not. For if that is the case, you have failed. All that has become apparent to me is the sheer stupidity of your underlings and your own foolishness in relying on such displays in hopes of insipiring fear."

Octopus scoffed. "You think me a fool?" He shot out one of his tentacles which latched on to Warren's throat. "In time you will learn that it is your own erroneous judgement that is foolish!"

Warren tried desperately to pry the claws of the tentacle away from his throat, but his effort were in vain.

"The reason I concocted that little demonstration was to give you an example of my power. For the man you have just seen was nothing more than a mindless slave! I have invented a drug that complete inhibits an individual's free will! And with it, I am going to create an unstoppable personal army!

Finally, Octavius released Warren, who began to gasp frantically.

"Intially, my plan was to administer the drug to super-powered vigilantes directly. However, once I realized that SHIELD had you in custody, I understood that it was not necessary to confront these super-powered vigilantes directly."

"I don't understand." Warren said, still rubbing his neck.

"Perhaps your genius has been over-exaggerated." Octavius said with a menacing frown. "You have mastered cloning, have you not?"

"Yes..."

"I am going to use your knowledge to manufacture an army of clones. Clones with super-powers that obey my every command!"

"But in order to clone I need tissue samples... I need tons of equipment... I need the kind of resources--"

"That only an organization like SHIELD can provide!"

A look of understanding flashed across Warren's face. Octavius was about to become very powerful indeed.

 

[Apprentice]

"One of these days, I won't be able to patch you up."

Jean sighed, feigning a pout of irritation. The healer, Ar'aly, was poised before her, ivory energy intertwining in her digits and coating the blemishes that tarnished her patient's skin. It was her third visit to the infirmary of that week, and on every occasion, Ar'aly had greeted her with the exact speech, the same lecture as always. Jean rose slowly, only to be pressed - firmly but gently - back down onto the bench. Another exaggerated exhile was released from the redhead's rouged lips.

"Ar'aly, your healing skills are the best in the Shi'ar Empire," she persisted, folding her arms over her chest as a sign of indignance. "You could heal anyone, anything, that you were required to."

"I can't heal a corpse," Ar'aly shot back. "One of these days, that's what you'll be. That Gladiator of yours must be more careful. You're not the Phoenix yet, my dear!" A final application of pressure to ensure the level of severity to each injury, and then a routine, All right, ma'am, you're free to go."

Jean paused, hesitant to reach out and retrieve the majority of her garments from the post. "Ar'aly...you're not like the others, are you? You don't think of me in the same way. I can tell."

Ar'aly glared daggers at the girl, continuing to go about her work. "It's rude to pry. Doctor-patient confidentiality works both ways, you know."

"I didn't need telepathy. Just intuition."

"All right then, it is true. I don't respect you as much as the rest of this damned Empire."

Jean gasped, her brow knitting together in concern. "Ar'alay! You blaspheme!"

"They've gone too far. They forced you into a destiny that you don't belong to. If they'd just left you ba - " She halted abruptly. "Forget I said anything, lass. Be on your way."

Jean instinctively drove her telepathic probe in the doctor's mind, but met surface resistance. Any other intrusion would not go unnoticed, and she did not want to gain the reputation of a woman assaulting her carers for a mere slip of the tongue. She dressed swiftly and silently, donnin ght extravagant, velvet cloak before exiting the infirmary without another word. Knelt before the doorway, the Gladiator startled the telekinetic telepath.

"Gladiator?!"

"I must apologise, my lady. I hurt you. I went too far." His voice faltered. It was truly amazing how such a powerful man could be so weak inside.

"We've discussed this before, Gladiator; if not for your training, I would stand no chance against the %8^$£ that stole the Phoenix from me." She caressed his chin with one gloved digit. "I thank you for them."

"GLADIATOR! MISTRESS GREY! PLEASE REPORT TO THE BRIDGE!"

"Computer," Jean demanded, motioning for Gladiator to rise. "What is the cause for the alert?"

"Destination: Earth, 3 minutes from arrival."

This was it.

 

[spartin2008]

Vulcan (post 3)

"Eric", Vulcan said flying near the Island, talking into his commlink "Eric, this is Vulcan, can your hear me, I am in dyer need of medical attention, the mission...has failed, i dont belive it is posible. If you can here me, i will be there soon, i am sorry for my absance but as I see the X-men are invaiding. If and when you get this message, tell me where i am required to protect the establishment."

 

[Brainiac 8]

Gambit grabs the doorknob to Rogue's room. He walks in to find her sheets pulled up over her head.

"Come on now chere. Rise 'n shine."

Gambit walks over to the window and opens the curtain. What he sees outside he can't believe. He runs to Rogue's bed and pulls down her covers. He wakes her up as fast as he can.

"Chere, if you ain't got no twin sister, then ah suggest you get on up!"

Once Rogue hears she jumps out of bed. Gambit runs to the hallway and smashes the alarm.

"Mr. Lensherr! Da X-Men is here!"

Gambit turns, runs, and jumps through Rogue's window landing right in front of her lookalike.

"Well, hello chere. It must be Gambit's lucky day if dere's two Rogue's runnin' round."

Gambit charges his new staff and smacks the Rogue lookalike right in the face. She is sent flying across the courtyard.

"Ah'm not sure who you are chere, but if you don' want no more smacks with ma' new toy, you best be leavin'."

Vulcan (post 3)

"Eric", Vulcan said flying near the Island, talking into his commlink "Eric, this is Vulcan, can your hear me, I am in dyer need of medical attention, the mission...has failed, i dont belive it is posible. If you can here me, i will be there soon, i am sorry for my absance but as I see the X-men are invaiding. If and when you get this message, tell me where i am required to protect the establishment."

Erik was not far down the hall when he heard Gambit call out to him about the X-Men. He turns around and runs toward Rogue's room. As he does he hears Vulcan's voice on the comlink in his helmet. As he runs he says into the link, If you are hurt Vulcan, you need to get to the infirmery. If you are well enough to fight...I have a feeling we will need the extra hands.

As he nears Rogue's door, he sees Gambit vault back in.

Remy, what is the situation outside?

As he says this, he hears the distant rumbling of thunder.

Charles, what are you after? He thinks to himself.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Erik was not far down the hall when he heard Gambit call out to him about the X-Men. He turns around and runs toward Rogue's room. As he does he hears Vulcan's voice on the comlink in his helmet. As he runs he says into the link, If you are hurt Vulcan, you need to get to the infirmery. If you are well enough to fight...I have a feeling we will need the extra hands.

As he nears Rogue's door, he sees Gambit vault back in.

Remy, what is the situation outside?

As he says this, he hears the distant rumbling of thunder.

Charles, what are you after? He thinks to himself.

"Da' situation outside bout bad as it gonna get. Some shape shiftin' fool is under Bertha's feet, and Rogue be outside too. Dey' is too spread out. Dey' makin' it impossible ta' do anyt'ing in force. Dat' mean dis' obviously a distraction, but for what?"

 

[Cyrusbales]

"Da' situation outside bout bad as it gonna get. Some shape shiftin' fool is under Bertha's feet, and Rogue be outside too. Dey' is too spread out. Dey' makin' it impossible ta' do anyt'ing in force. Dat' mean dis' obviously a distraction, but for what?"

XAVIER

"That strange Cajun man is causing some level of trouble for us here. Pietro, it's time, I want you to remove his psychic shielding earpiece, then make a break to grab Forge."

"Of course Prof."

"And one thing, make it snappy, Anything slower than seven seconds and I'll be very dissappointed!"

"Seven? I'm insulted, won't take that long."

Dashing out of the X-jet, I suddenly sense the Cajun's resistance to my power is no longer there.

Working my way into this 'Gambit's' mind, Pietro returns, with an unconscious Forge over his shoulder. Time to have some fun with this Cajun before we leave...

 

[guitarsingerguy]

XAVIER

"That strange Cajun man is causing some level of trouble for us here. Pietro, it's time, I want you to remove his psychic shielding earpiece, then make a break to grab Forge."

"Of course Prof."

"And one thing, make it snappy, Anything slower than seven seconds and I'll be very dissappointed!"

"Seven? I'm insulted, won't take that long."

Dashing out of the X-jet, I suddenly sense the Cajun's resistance to my power is no longer there.

Working my way into this 'Gambit's' mind, Pietro returns, with an unconscious Forge over his shoulder. Time to have some fun with this Cajun before we leave...

Gambit drops his staff and falls to his knees. His eyes glass over, and he can only kneel and suffer the mental assault by Professor Xavier.

 

[Cyrusbales]

Gambit drops his staff and falls to his knees. His eyes glass over, and he can only kneel and suffer the mental assault by Professor Xavier.

XAVIER

Making things difficult for the Brotherhood has never been so joyous. I notice Scott taking some heavy damage.

"Now Gambit aint gonna be nice no more"

Perhaps I should teach this creature diction?

His raw energy is intense, I don't really want to stay long in his head, could be dangerous. Reaching into the pockets, I let his power flow into some playing cards, they soon find themselves hurled across into the support pillars.

The flowing power begins to swell, his body glowing with raw energy. It's addictive, I become drawn to the energy. Until I see Scott's body burst into a red flare.

I break off my hold on Gambit, only to sense Scott's presence is no longer here...

"Everyone, extract, our mission is complete, and Scott is...."

 

[spartin2008]

Erik was not far down the hall when he heard Gambit call out to him about the X-Men. He turns around and runs toward Rogue's room. As he does he hears Vulcan's voice on the comlink in his helmet. As he runs he says into the link, If you are hurt Vulcan, you need to get to the infirmery. If you are well enough to fight...I have a feeling we will need the extra hands.

As he nears Rogue's door, he sees Gambit vault back in.

Remy, what is the situation outside?

As he says this, he hears the distant rumbling of thunder.

Charles, what are you after? He thinks to himself.

XAVIER

Making things difficult for the Brotherhood has never been so joyous. I notice Scott taking some heavy damage.

"Now Gambit aint gonna be nice no more"

Perhaps I should teach this creature diction?

His raw energy is intense, I don't really want to stay long in his head, could be dangerous. Reaching into the pockets, I let his power flow into some playing cards, they soon find themselves hurled across into the support pillars.

The flowing power begins to swell, his body glowing with raw energy. It's addictive, I become drawn to the energy. Until I see Scott's body burst into a red flare.

I break off my hold on Gambit, only to sense Scott's presence is no longer here...

"Everyone, extract, our mission is complete, and Scott is...."

Vulcan (post 4)

"Eric, I belive I am to late" I say landing in the front lawn, seeing the X-jet speed of. "I belive they captured Forge, and my brother...I could not clearly see what happend, but I fear the truth...would you like me to lead an attack squad on Xavier?"