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poster: nacey date: 23 June 2002, 7:04pm EST Logan made us leave straight away. I barely had time to say goodbye to Sarah, and it was all our stuff in a couple of small bags in the back seat of a beaten-down wagon and onto the road. Logan kept to the driving, sticking his head out the window and sniffing every now and again. "How do you know it's south?" Logan ticked a nostril. "I know." "How?" "I just *do*." I squirmed in my chair. I was incredibly bored already. "Why don't you try sniffing the air, Kid?" "What's the point?" I asked him. "I'm cat-like, and our sense of smell is different to wolverines and dogs and shit." "You've been using that cop-out for years," Logan said, digging inside the jacket that hung off his seat. "You know that if you work on it, it'll get better. It happened with your flexibility, your strength, and your hearing." I sighed, and rolling down the window, I sniffed. "Whaddaya smell?" "Petrol," I said. "Exhaust fumes. Wet grass." "Smell again." I sighed, and took yet another sniff. "Sarah." "That's on your clothes. You gotta sniff long distance." I looked to Logan with incredulity. "Sniff long distance?! What kinda crap is that?" Logan would have glared at me but he was driving. "The kinda crap that comes from somebody who KNOWS how to sniff someone out from the other side of the fucking country. Now SNIFF." I sighed again, and this time sniffed deeply. For a minute, I thought I smelt something - odd, different and yet familiar - but on second sniffing it was gone. I growled and threw up a clawed hand. "Forget it, I can't do it!" "You can," Logan said, "And you will." Shit. I
could tell this was going to be a very long trip.
poster: Amezri date: 24 June 2002, 12:18pm EST Hey Cassie, She stared at the screen for a long time, not knowing if she should answer the e-mail. She didn't want them to worry, but she didn't want them to come and "retrieve her", as the Professor might order. But didn't they deserve to know that she was okay? The PC came standard with America Online and as far as she knew her mother was still paying for an account. She plugged in her screenname and password and smiled when she heard the familiar soundbyte. If Kitty tried to trace the IP address back to her, all she would get would be the address for AOL's main headquarters which was somewhere in Virginia. Hey
Sarah,
poster: Allison date: 25 June 2002, 1:52am EST “You sure you don’t need to do some vigilante prep? I can study with Sarah if need be,” I asked Cameron. He’s out of school, I don’t need to drag him back into the hells of studying. “Since when are you and Sarah study buddies?” he asked, raising his eyebrows questioningly. “Yesterday, a little willful destruction of property, a bit of Concession Obsession and a lot of Monty Python were all it took,” I shrugged. He sighed, “What did you break this time?” “Hey! I resent that, she was the one who pulled out the power cord on my stereo. I haven’t broken anything since the window on my first day, and you know that,” I protested, throwing a pillow at him. “That’s more than I’ve done,” he responded chucking it back at me. “And the food fight yesterday was entirely innocent?” I asked holding onto the pillow as I thwapped him over the head. “You started it!” he insisted, tugging on the pillow. “You could’ve taken the higher road,” I grunted, yanking on my end. “And the fun in that is, where?” We grappled for a few more minutes when the door opened and a girl stepped in carrying two suitcases. She looked confused, “Um, hi.” Cammo let go of his end of the pillow while I was still pulling, I fell back and hit my head on the headboard. “Oowwww,” I rubbed my wound. “Are you ok?” Cammo asked apologetically. “Peachy,” I answered before turning my attention to the girl in the doorway. “Let me guess, you're Angelica.” Oh my god is she wearing a sweater set?
poster: Jen date: 26 June 2002, 1:10am EST This was fucking hopeless. No amount of studying is going to help me with the midterm. If I don’t do something to relax, I’m going to explode. You’ve got to be kidding me. I know these are the codes. I’ve been using them for months and now it’s telling me ‘not authorized.’ What the hell is that? I need this. Kicking the shit out of the door isn’t exactly mature, but damn. No Danger Room, no firing range, no outside and no Max for the indeterminate future. I need
a lolly. I swear Xavier has house elves or something, because with 200 plus kids and adults running in and out of the room at all hours, the rec room candy bowl is always full. I spied the lone raspberry tootsie pop and snagged it. I hadn’t seen one of these in ages. Paige always manages to get them. Speak of the devil. She and her little friends have been avoiding me since our little attitude adjustment was finished. Suits me. They’re loud and now they’re pawing through the bowl. God, I hope they washed their grubby little paws. “I thought you said there was one in here, Hector.” Paige said frowning. “There was.” “Sorry, Paige, if you’re looking for the raspberry I got it.” Maybe that’ll stop them from digging through the bowl. “You got the last one?” Pete said, his eyes widening. “Yes,” I said warily seeing the horrified look Hector and Pete just shared. “Why?” “No reason. I just….” Hector grabbed Pete and Paige and started dragging them from the room. “I think there might be another bag in the pantry. Let’s go. Bye Sarah.” Those kids are so strange. I, like the owl, succumbed to the temptation and bit into my tootsie pop. And spit it out. Those little monsters were going to die. ~~~~~ I caught Hector coming out of the bathroom. Grabbing his shirt, I slammed him into the wall a few times just to make sure I had his attention. “You think that was funny?” After 4 hours I still hadn’t gotten he taste of the silly putty out of my mouth. How they got it in there I don’t know and I don’t care, but I was going to take it out of this one’s miserable little hide. “It wasn’t meant for you. I swear! It was meant for Paige!” “Sarah put him down.” Figures it would be Jean who found us before I’d been able to do anything to the little brat. She had an uncanny ability to show up anytime I ‘asserted’ myself with the other students. “Now Sarah.” I dropped him. I’ll deal with Hector and Pete later. Making them sweat before I kick their asses will make it even better. I am in total shock: she sent him to his room. Not that I believe she’ll punish him. They didn’t get punished the last time they rigged the sauna door to dump a bucket of jello on my head, but I got a two-hour lecture from her and her husband about learning to take a joke. I hope he’s the next recipient of silly putty or jello. We’ll see how funny he thinks it is. “You want to explain yourself?” “Not really, ma’am.” “Do it anyway.” “If I thought it would make a difference, I would.” Heh. She’s turning a great shade of red and huffing like a fish out of water. Not the mansion beauty queen now, are we? "Miss Carmody, you will explain yourself right now." "I don't think so. Ask Hector." "I believe that I asked *you* to explain why *you* were attacking a younger student." "I'm a vicious, unstable person?" "Be that as it may, there is no excuse for the way you were treating him. In fact, perhaps you should apologize." “With all
due respect ma’am, it’ll be a cold day in hell before that happens.
I’ll be in my room when you decide on a punishment.”
poster: cammogirl date: 26 June 2002, 6:37pm EST The girl that stood in the doorway was a redhead, a meek looking thing, hefting a rather expensive looking suitcase set. I got up off the bed, extending a hand. "Hi," I said, "I'm Cameron McMannus... uh, you can call me Cammo. Need help there?" "I'm fine," she said, dumping her stuff by the door. "So... " She looked to Annie, and I clapped my hands together. "She's Annie, and I better be leaving." Annie looked at me with a frown. "Where you going?" "I better get to that business I was talking about. Prep stuff." I winked at her and strode out of the room. I figured it was better that I let the new girl and... the other new girl get to know each other in private. I went down to the training facilities, and getting to the debrief room I saw Jean zipping up her jumpsuit. "Hey," I said. "You upped the security on the lower levels..." "Yeah," she said in a clipped tone. "We need to make sure the active X-Men get the most time possible in the damned facilities." Wow. She said damn. "You okay?" She glowered at me and sighed. "Remind me why I took this job again?" I clapped a hand on her shoulder and grinned. "Cause you're a good soul, Jean, a giving, generous woman that takes crap from nobody." She could tell I was pulling the piss out of her. "Funny," she muttered. "I had a run in with Sarah in the hallway. That girl absolutely despises me, and I can't figure out why." "You're the head honcho momma," I said, opening my locker and pulling out my jumpsuit. "Lady in power. And Scott is the head guy. She'll hate you both for that very reason, it's the kinda person she is. Don't take it personally." "She doesn't hate the Professor," she said with a purse of her lips. "No," I said. "He's kinda more the head elder, the old wise mage. Though... to be honest." I winced at her. "I don't think she likes him too much either." Jean sighed. "I have a feeling she's going to be some fun to reign in when we eventually get to training her." "Leave it to Logan," I said. "And just open up to her more, show her that your human." "She's a predatory being," Jean said. "She'll probably take that as a sign of weakness and go for the jugular." I grinned. "Probably. I know this might sound crazy, but why don't you try going easy on her once in a while? I know she's a little wild but the best way to get her to keep in line is to trust her." Jean blew a sigh through her cheeks. "Maybe. Come on, lets get training. Afterwards we can check if there's any word from Logan." I nodded,
and slipped into the Danger Room with Jean, leaving visibility behind
me. Of all the other X-Men here, she was the most formidable to me.
She could sense me, and nobody else could. I hid, getting ready for
the sparring, and for an idle moment I wondered how Annie was doing.
poster: nacey date: 26 June 2002, 6:51pm EST I settled into the corner of the cheap motel room, curling up on the bed and beginning to write in the pad I had in front of me. Logan was smoking a cigar in the corner, winding down. He said after we'd settled we'd go get a bite to eat from the bar downstairs. Great. From five star meals that were healthy and nutritious to diner crud. Logan seemed to enjoy the thought. I concentrated on writing my letter. Dear Sarah, Hey baby, how are you? I miss you like crazy. I keep smelling you on my clothes and my entire soul just lurches, like something is missing. The smell of you is fading from me though. Thankfully it won't fade before I'm back, and then you'll be there to fix that won't you? Logan and I made real good time today. I gotta say, Logan knows his way round the continent, that's for sure. We're getting closer, he reckons. He says Cassie's smell, as faint as it is, is getting a little stronger. See, I can't tell. I can't sniff the air like he can. He has some crazy mutation stuff going on, you know that. My hearing is way way better than his, and unlike him I can see really well in the dark, but he can out-smell me into next week. He wants me to get better at my smelling, and he says that with work I can be as good as him. I'm not too sure about that. He says that cats have an excellent sense of smell, and that his old enemy Sabretooth is better at sniffing stuff out than he is. Then again, Sabretooth is a seven foot furry fucker without two brain cells to rub together on a cold day. It's not surprising. We're at this motel... Sunshine something. Something cheesy. I can tell he's itching for a beer, and you know, this is just the kinda dorky old hicksville place he and Marie go nuts over. "Reminds us of when we met," Marie always says. Maybe it's cause I grew up in New York, but the country just gets me fidgety, unhappy. The full-on wild - hey I love it. Could go naked and live in it forever. But farmland, cultivated empty acres of nothing... yick. I gotta have some kind of jungle around me, even if it's a concrete one. I miss you. I know I said it already but I just have to say it again. Be a good babe and stay out of the way of those kids, huh? I know that you've been having run-ins with them lately, but just try to be the better and bigger person. Don't break any bones. Well, till next time. Love, I folded the letter away, sticking a stamp on the envelope, and scribbling on the address, I stuffed it all in my jacket pocket. I stood, striding over to Logan. "Come
on, let's get dinner."
poster: Allison date: 26 June 2002, 10:49pm EST After a few short minutes alone with Angelica "My violin better not be damaged" Jones, I was ready to kill Cammo for abandoning me. She was mini-Jean from the red hair down to the high heels. Wait, she's talking to me now and not just about herself, "Huh?" She looked at me like I was stupid, "I said, that was my bed, but I suppose I can take this one, just so long as you haven't taken up too much closet space." She's worried about closet space? I might have some shirts in the floor in there but most of my stuff is in my dresser and in duffel bags under my bed. "That shouldn't be a problem," I muttered. Speaking of duffel bags, I reached under the bed and pulled out the one with the Jolly Roger on it. With my bag in tow I walked past her to the bathroom, she stepped back when I brushed her shoulder with my arm. "You don't mind if I take a shower do you?" "No, of course not." * * She was still folding her clothes and placing them gently into the drawers of her dresser. She looked at me like I had grown a second head, actually if that had happened she probably would have looked less disgusted. "Boo," I said, walking by. She didn't say anything as I laced up my boots and grabbed my jean jacket off the chair. It used to be blue but a can of black spray paint had done the job. "See ya, Angie!" I called on my way out the door. "It's Angelica," she responded but the door was practically closed. I pulled the jacket over my T-shirt that read, "You can get more with a kind word and a 2x4, than just a kind word." and looked down the hall deciding where to go next. The loud thumping noises coming from next door prompted me to choose Sarah's room. "Can I help?" I asked drop kicking a pillow by the door. "That the best you got?" "I don't play goalie, I'm defense," I replied, snagging her history textbook off the far end of the desk. I threw it to the ground and jumped on it repeatedly, causing my wet hair to thrash around. "How.
Is. This?"
poster: Jen date: 27 June 2002, 6:22pm EST “It’s not that woman’s head.” I growled, tossing another book. Destructo mode only lasted a few minutes. Once I’d toppled my bunk and threw the chair and the rest of my books across the room, I was pretty much done. Annie just waited by the door, tossing stuff back to me as needed. That was pretty cool. She wasn’t asking what was wrong, or going for help, she just waited me out. “I look pretty stupid, huh?” “Nah,” Annie said uprighting my chair. “Redecorating is cool.” I smiled and started reassembling my bunk as Annie collected my books from around the room. “Thanks for not asking.” “Asking would make it less Zen.” “Zen. Right. And this new look of yours? Is this Zen too?” "I don't know. You could call it acupuncture." “The teachers are going to have a cow.” "Do you really think so? 'Cause that would be fun." “Absolutely. Promise me, you’ll let me watch.” "I'll sell tickets." She’s certifiable, but I am not going to miss that show for anything. “You finished studying for the test?” "Pretty much. Cammo helped me translate the text book into English." "It's still a bunch of squiggly lines and numbers they’re pulling out of thin air to me. Would you mind sharing that translation with me?" "Only if you come with me to retrieve them, I'm afraid of going back in there." I choked back my laugh. Annie must be terrified of spiders or something stupid like that. I can’t imagine what else there could be. It’s not like she has a psycho roommate or anything. "Lemme check my mail first. Then we can liberate your notes. Shall I provide cover or do you want me to do the extraction?" "Cover is all that will be necessary, thank you. I do expect you to suit up though. Something less friendly." "Black Ops or Jungle?" I asked holding up two sharply creased BDU jackets I dug out from the back of my closet where they'd been hidden after getting civvies. "Black Ops, we're a team and need to appear as one." “Black Ops it is. Boot up Cass’s computer for me, will you?” "Sure thing soldier." I changed quickly and went to pull up my mail. I felt kinda guilty using Cass’ computer while she was gone, but it beat having to go down to the library and deal with the other kids. “Uh oh.” “What?” “Change of plans. Professor first. Notes later. How do I print this dammed thing out?”
poster: Allison date: 27 June 2002, 9:19pm EST Here," I took control of the keyboard and pressed some buttons, the printer whirred to life. "Four copies enough?" "Yeah whatever, lets get this to the Professor," she grabbed the letters out of the tray and moved towards the door. I grabbed the last one and followed her down the hall, reading as we moved. "So this is good right? Cassie is ok, and not trapped or anything." "Looks like it. I just hope Xavier will abide by her wishes." "Why wouldn't he? She's an adult and she has free will and all that crap." "I - Maybe I'm just being my paranoid self. I just don't think he's as altruistic as he seems." I shrugged, he kinda creeped me out in the all-knowing-old-guy-who-can-read-minds sort of way. "Well we can turn over his wheelchair if he doesn't want to leave her alone." "Perhaps we could try something a little more subtle to start." "Can it at least be plan B?" She shook her head; "We'll hold it in reserve. Wayyy in reserve." I sighed, "Fine, be that way." She rolled her eyes at me and knocked on the door/wall thing that led to the Professor’s office. “Come in,” he said after the door swung open. Sarah practically marched in and stood as though she had a board tied to her back. I waited for her to start explaining what was going on with Cassie, but she was silent. “Miss Carmody, Miss Gallagher, do take a seat,” he gestured to the seats in front of his desk. I hopped into the chair from the side and hung my legs over the other arm, Sarah stayed ramrod straight. “Now what is it that you two needed to speak with me about?” the Professor asked, folding his hands on the desktop. "I took a chance and emailed Cassie. She just replied with this," Sarah placed one copy of the email on his desk. We both held our breath, as he looked it over, “I see.” Neither of us moved for a moment, waiting for him to say something more valuable. "Sir, aren't you're going to call Logan and have him come home?" Sarah asked, after a moment. “Yeah,” I piped up, “Cassie isn’t in danger or anything so Logan and Max don’t have to stalk her.” "I appreciate your assistance. We have things under control." Neither of us moved. "Thank you. That will be all." Sarah’s eyes flashed and then she turned around, I hauled myself out of the chair and followed after her. When the door behind us closed I asked, “Do you think he’s going to do what she wants?” "It didn't sound like he was recalling Max and Logan to me. We'd better warn her." “Mutiny. I like it.” I grinned, “So much for studying.” "What and pass a test? Why would I want to break tradition?" I nodded solemnly, “It could bring about the Apocalypse.” "Or
give Worthington a heart attack."
poster: cammogirl date: 27 June 2002, 11:28pm EST I was just getting my ass kicked by Jean, thrown clear across the Danger Room when Xavier's little mental bell went off in our heads. Jean strode over, smiling, pulling me to my feet. "You know, mental shielding isn't too hard to learn. It'd help stop me, and other telepathic mutants, knowing where you are." I nodded at her. "I might take you up on that offer." She gave a small smile, and we left the Danger Room, skipping the change and just going there as is. It was a possibility that we'd need them anyways. When we got to the Briefing Room, Xavier didn't look happy. He didn't look particularly upset either, just - withdrawn. Cyke, Storm and Hank where there too, and we all sat around the table, waiting to get the news from him. "This
morning Sarah Carmody recieved an email from Cassie. In front of you
are copies of this email. I have sent Kitty to check the systems to
see if we can track them. Cassie is rather talented at using computers
and it's most likely she's made sure we can't track her. I believe it's
worth a try nonetheless." "I don't mean to be ... well... contrary, but if she wants to be left alone, shouldn't we let her be?" Xavier stared at me a moment, and gave a calm warm smile. "Indeed, we will, Cameron. I'm just making sure she is safe from any danger. This letter may easily be a faked one. I would rather make sure she is well, and the fact that I cannot sense her mental patterns for myself worries me." "Right," I nodded. They continued to talk, and it seemed that they were going to contact Logan and Max and fill them in on the development. I felt worried all over again, after his mail had made me feel a bit better. It seemed that it was going to be another long day of waiting.
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