Logan sat behind the wheel of the ragged Jeep, watching through the side window as the dense forest of Vermont's Green Mountains swept by. The smooth paved road ran between tall pines and maples, winding through the mountainous landscape. Despite the steep curves, the surface of the road was smooth and well-maintained, allowing them to maintain a decent speed.
He'd recently returned from deep in the forest, where he'd been checking on the status of the special equipment Hank had created to protect the school. The technology was a masterpiece: a network of cloaking devices scattered throughout the mountain forest, creating a vast blind spot for satellite surveillance. The school, skillfully built into the mountainside, was virtually invisible from the air, its outline blending naturally with the surrounding landscape.
Logan stopped the jeep near a particularly dense part of the forest. To the casual observer, there was nothing remarkable here-just another group of tall pines. But Logan knew what to look for.
He walked over to one of the trees, which at first glance looked no different from the others. The bark looked real, and it felt real to the touch. Logan ran his hand along the trunk, fumbling for a barely perceptible protrusion. He pressed it lightly, and part of the bark slid away, revealing a small control panel.
These artificial trees were Hank's masterpiece. Outwardly indistinguishable from the real ones, they contained the most sophisticated equipment for creating a protective field. Each tree was equipped with various sensors, transmitters, and interference generators.
Logan entered the access code and began a systems check. A holographic display appeared in the air and showed the status of the equipment and the parameters of the protective field.
- Hank, you're a goddamn genius," Logan muttered, reviewing the data. The system was working perfectly, creating an impenetrable dome of invisibility around the school.
Finished checking, Logan closed the panel. The bark blended back into the trunk, leaving no trace of tampering. He looked around: dozens of trees like it stood throughout the forest, unnoticed sentinels guarding their safety.
Logan remembered how Hank had explained how this system worked. The devices generated a complex electromagnetic field that distorted any signals that passed through it. On the satellite images, the area looked like an ordinary wooded area-no buildings, roads, or signs of human activity.
But that was just the beginning. The system also included acoustic suppressors to mask any sounds coming from the school and thermal diffusers to hide heat signatures.
Logan frowned, remembering the events of five years ago that had led to the creation of such an elaborate defense system and the move to these remote mountains. Xavier's first school, their former home and sanctuary in upstate New York, had been discovered by the Guardians. That day is forever etched in his memory - the sky blackened by flying death machines, the screams of the students, the smell of burning trees and melting metal.
They fought desperately, trying to protect the children and what they had built. Logan could still feel the phantom pain in his bones, remembering how his body had regenerated from the near-fatal wounds. Scott had used his power to its full potential for the first time that day, leaving a huge trail of destruction. Each of them had encountered something that left an indelible imprint on their souls.
They managed to evacuate most of the students, but the price was high. The school, their home, was razed to the ground. Afterward, Hank devoted years to developing a new defense system, working days and nights. He vowed that he would never let a disaster like that happen again.
The result of five years of hard work was this new school, hidden so deep and secure that even the most advanced technology couldn't detect it. Logan respected Hank for his genius, but even more so for his unwavering determination to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
That memory made Logan grip the steering wheel tighter. He swore to himself that he would do everything he could to make sure history didn't repeat itself. Even if it meant checking every tree in the damn forest.
A cigar smoldered in the corner of Logan's mouth, its smoke wafting through the air, mingling with the smell of pine needles and damp earth. The sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a bizarre play of shadows on the road.
The radio was silent - it didn't pick up any stations in the area. Only the noise of the road, the gurgling of engine oil and the occasional squeak of the suspension broke the silence of the forest.
Logan thought for a moment about the two strange teenagers found two weeks ago. Their appearance had added a new level of tension to the already complicated situation at the school. What if their discovery had something to do with the Guardians' activity? The thought kept him on his toes.
Suddenly the phone rang, a special model that could work even in this area of signal suppression. Logan pulled it from the pocket of his worn jeans and took a cigar in his hand to speak normally.
- Where are you, Logan? - Cyclops' voice came through the slight crackle in the communicator. Scott was waiting for the security check report, but Logan, as usual, decided to take a couple of extra laps around the neighborhood. The dense woods around the school always had a calming effect on him, allowing him to take his mind off his daily routine for a moment and relax.
- On my way," he replied, taking his eyes off the winding road for a second. - Don't miss me, sweetie. - He grinned, imagining Scott's annoyed face on the other end of the line.
At that moment, the silence of the forest was shattered by the roar of an engine. A car flew into the oncoming lane, traveling at breakneck speed. Logan jerked the steering wheel, avoiding the collision. The tires shrieked, and the jeep swerved, nearly overturning.
- Fuck! - Logan swore, leveling the car.
And then he saw it. The Guardian was stalking the car, closing the distance inexorably.
- Fucking hell," Logan gritted his teeth, adrenaline surging through his bloodstream. - Tin motherfucker!
Without a second's hesitation, Logan spun the steering wheel, turning the jeep around, and pushed the gas pedal to the floor. The engine roared, and the car sped forward, catching up with the Guardian.
The asphalt road turned into a washed-out lane. Logan maneuvered around the sharp curves without taking his eyes off his target. The car ahead was looping, trying to evade pursuit. The Guardian was closing in on it, preparing to strike.
Logan drew level with the Sentinel. The metal giant raised his hand to fire. There was no time to think.
Grabbing a heavy wrench, Logan jammed the gas pedal with it. His cigar was clenched in his teeth, his eyes narrowed with concentration. In one motion, he leaped out the window, then rolled across the roof of the jeep.
The wind was in his face, the roar of the engine deafening. Logan tensed, waiting for the moment. The Guardian began to charge the energy beam.
It's now or never.
Logan jumped. Time seemed to slow down. He flew through the air, claws outward with a metallic clang.
The impact. Logan clutched at the Guardian's steel plating. He jerked, trying to throw off the unexpected obstacle. Logan gritted his teeth and drove his claws deeper, climbing toward the Sentinel's head.
Sparks flew in all directions as the adamantium blades ripped through the metal. Logan, roaring with tension, reached the main control circuitry. One powerful blow and the electronics exploded in a shower of sparks.
The Guardian tumbled through the air, losing control. The ground was fast approaching. Logan pushed off at the last moment, landing on his feet in a cloud of dust. The Guardian collapsed behind him, shaking the ground.
Breathing heavily, Logan looked up. A frightened girl with silver hair ran out of the car ahead of him. Her face was as pale as chalk.
Logan spit the remains of his cigar and moved toward her, ready for any surprises.
- Are you okay? - Logan asked, his rough voice softening as he turned to the girl.
She looked up, silver strands of hair clinging to her sweat-damp cheeks. Her pupils were dilated with fear, and her hands were trembling. She tried to nod, but instead her lips quivered and she broke into sobs.
- Я... I thought he was going to get me," she sobbed, her voice breaking. - He was so close... I could feel... feel his metal hands...
Logan awkwardly placed his hand on her shoulder, feeling her flinch at his touch.
- Hey, it's over. You're safe.
He looked back at the defeated Guardian sprawled in the middle of the road. The massive metal carcass posed a serious problem. Their silencer stash was nearby, and finding the Sentinel might attract unwanted attention.
- Shit," Logan muttered, pulling out his phone. He dialed the number quickly. - Summers? We have a problem," he began as soon as Scott answered. - A big, purple and metal problem. In the middle of the goddamn road.
He heard Cyclops sigh heavily on the other end of the line.
- Coordinates?
Logan dictated them and added:
- And hurry up. We've got a scared girl here.
- Copy that. We're taking off on the Blackbird," Scott replied before disconnecting.
Logan turned to the girl, who was now sobbing quietly, wrapping her arms around herself.
- Hey, what's your name? - he asked, trying to distract her.
She raised her tearful eyes to him.
- Emilie," she whispered.
- Okay, Emily. Look, help is on the way. We're here to help you, okay?
She nodded, and Logan noticed the tension let go of her shoulders a little.
Suddenly the air was torn apart by a deafening crack. Logan turned around and saw his Jeep, left with the gas pedal jammed, crash into a tree on the side of the road. The hood crumpled like paper, and a moment later flames erupted from beneath it.
- Holy shit! - Logan swore, remembering the bottle of fine whiskey in the trunk.
No sooner had he taken a step toward the burning car than there was a huge explosion. Shards of glass and burning debris flew in all directions.
Logan instinctively covered Emily, feeling the shards digging into his back. He growled in pain, but didn't move until he was sure the danger was over.
- Are you all right? - He asked, pulling away and scrutinizing the girl.
Emily nodded, her eyes wide with shock.
- А... what about you? - She asked uncertainly, noticing the blood on his shirt.
Logan waved his hand.
- It'll heal," he muttered, turning toward the burning remains of his jeep. - But my whiskey's beyond saving," he added bitterly.
Emily giggled unexpectedly, and Logan looked at her in surprise. Her laughter was nervous but sincere, and Logan felt the corners of his lips turn upward.
- Well, at least someone finds it amusing," he grumbled.
****
Scott Summers sat at the solid oak desk in his office, his face tense from the conversation he'd just had with Logan. He hung up the phone slowly, covering his eyes for a moment behind his ruby quartz glasses.
- Damn it, Logan," he muttered under his breath. - You never can get out of trouble, can you?
Scott took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. The situation was serious: a defeated Guardian in the middle of the road, a frightened young mutant, and all of this not far from their secret hideout. There was no time to think.
With a decisive motion, he pressed a button on his communicator.
- Gene, Peter. - His voice sounded firm and confident, despite his inner tension. - Emergency assembly in the hangar. We have a problem.
Without waiting for an answer, Scott rose from the table. His gaze lingered for a moment on the maps and reports scattered across the table. An ironic grin tugged at his lips as plans were once again changed on the fly.
- Well, another day in the life of the X-Men," he muttered as he headed for the exit. His steps were quick and decisive-the leader of the X-Men was ready for another mission.
****
Jean was sitting cross-legged on the floor in the corner of the living room. Around her were several students - some on the couch, some directly on the carpet. The atmosphere was informal and relaxed.
- Okay, guys," Jean said, tossing a small rubber ball into the air with her telekinesis. - Who wants to try it?
Clarissa, a girl with purple hair, hesitantly raised her hand. Jean smiled and gently guided the ball toward her.
- Just concentrate," she encouraged. - Imagine that the ball is an extension of your hand.
Clarissa frowned, looking at the ball. It shook slightly, rose a few centimeters, and then fell.
- Shit," the girl muttered.
- Hey, this is progress! - exclaimed the guy sitting next to me. - Last time you accidentally threw it at the ceiling.
Everyone laughed, including Clarissa.
- Right," Jean nodded. - It's all about practice and...
She was interrupted by the sound of the communicator. Jean sighed when she saw the message from Scott.
- Sorry, guys, I'm gonna have to finish early. X-Men business. - She winked, rising.
- Can we practice on our own for a while?
- Of course," Jean said as she walked away. - Just try not to break anything!
She heard laughter and joking promises behind her as she headed for the exit. A slight smile played across Jean's face - even on the busiest days, these moments with her students helped her remember what they were fighting for.
****
In the spacious kitchen of the school, Colossus was working on the stove. The massive figure seemed out of place among the kitchen utensils, but the giant's movements were surprisingly agile and precise.
- Well, well," he mumbled with a noticeable Russian accent, "a little more protein, a little more superfoods, and you'll have the perfect breakfast for a healthy body.
He looked proudly at the result of his labors - a huge bowl filled with a strange-looking but undoubtedly useful mixture.
- Hey, people! - he shouted toward the dining room. - Who wants a taste of my specialty.....
He was interrupted by Scott's voice from the communicator. Colossus sighed heavily, looking at his creation.
- It's going to get cold again," he grumbled, but his face brightened. - Although... maybe I'll take it with me. Logan could use a little refreshment after the battle.
Quickly transferring the contents of the bowl into a container, Colossus hurried toward the exit.
****
"The Blackbird landed silently on the forest road, its stealth systems shut down, revealing a sleek black hull. The ramp lowered, and Scott was the first to step out, quickly assessing the situation through his ruby goggles.
- Logan! - He shouted, noticing the stocky figure of his comrade next to the downed Guardian. - What's the situation?
Logan, leaning against a tree and crossing his arms over his chest, nodded toward the metal carcass.
- As you can see, Summers. A big, purple and very dead problem.
Jean and Colossus came down next, looking around. Jin immediately noticed the shivering girl sitting on the curb.
- This is Emily," Logan introduced. - Our new friend who was being stalked by that tin man.
Jean smiled softly at her.
- Hi, Emily. I'm Gene. Don't worry, you're safe.
While Jean tended to Emily, Scott walked over to Logan.
- How did you manage to make such a mess? - He asked, glancing at the burning remains of the jeep.
Logan shrugged.
- You know, just a normal day. Saved a girl, took out a Guardian, wrecked a car. Oh, and I lost a bottle of fine whiskey.
Scott shook his head.
- You're incorrigible. All right, we've got to get this robot out of here before gawkers or, worse, government agents show up.
- Any idea how to take this pile of metal apart? - Logan asked.
- We have Colossus for that," Scott replied, turning to the Russian giant. - Peter, get started.
Colossus nodded, but pulled out his container before transforming.
- First we need to refuel! I have the perfect breakfast for recuperation.
Logan looked skeptically at the contents of the container.
- What the hell is this stuff?
- It's not bourbon! - outraged Colossus. - It's a superprotein shake with the addition of.....
- Peter," Scott interrupted him, "we appreciate your concern, but we really don't have time. Why don't you buy us a drink. with this. when we get back to school?
Colossus looked disappointed, but nodded.
- All right, comrade. But you don't know what you're giving up.
With those words, he activated his ability and his skin was covered in organic steel. As he approached the Guardian, Colossus effortlessly ripped off one of the mechanical arms.
- Jean," Scott called out, "we're going to need your help with the telekinesis.
Jean nodded, casting one last reassuring glance at Emily. Raising her hands, she concentrated, and the Guardian's huge head rose into the air.
- Where is she going? - she asked.
- In the cargo hold of the Thrush," Scott replied. - We need to load as many parts as possible. What won't fit, Logan will cut into small pieces that we'll scatter in the woods.
Logan hummed, releasing his claws.
- Finally something fun.
The next half hour passed in intense work. Colossus methodically dismantled the Guardian into large pieces, which Jean telekinetically moved into the airplane. Logan, like a skilled butcher, was slicing up what was left. Scott coordinated the process, occasionally glancing at the road and listening for any suspicious sounds.
- Hey, Summers," Logan called out as he cut another piece of metal, "what are we going to do about the girl?
Scott cast a glance at Emily, who was now sitting on the ramp of the Blackbird, wrapped in a blanket.
- We'll take her with us, of course. You saw the Sentinel chasing her. So she's a mutant.
- What if it's a trap? - Logan wouldn't let it go. - We'd already screwed up with those two teenagers a couple weeks ago.
- Logan," Jean intervened, dropping another part of the Guardian to the ground, "you don't think this scared little girl could be a threat, do you?
- I don't think we can afford to be naive in our position," Logan snapped.
- That's enough," Scott interrupted them. - We'll take her with us. We'll be careful, of course, but we won't leave her here alone.
Logan mumbled something inaudible, but he didn't argue.
After another twenty minutes, there wasn't a single part left on the ground. "The Blackbird took to the air, and its stealth systems activated, making the plane invisible.
In the parlor, Jean made Emily more comfortable by covering her with another blanket.
- It's okay," she said softly. - You're safe. We're going to a place that will help you.
Emily nodded weakly, her eyes still wide with shock.
- Hey," Colossus called out, pulling out his container, "maybe now it's time for my super-nutritious cocktail. We could all use a refresher after all this work.
Logan groaned.
- God, Russian, you're incorrigible.
- Actually," Emily said suddenly, "I could use something to eat.
Colossus glared.
- See? At least someone here appreciates healthy eating!
"The Blackbird was flying low over the Atlantic Ocean, its stealth systems making it invisible to radar and satellites. Scott drove the plane, closely monitoring the instruments that tracked the movement of ships within a radius of several hundred kilometers.
- This'll do," he said, slowing down. - It's about five kilometers deep, and the nearest ship is three hundred miles away.
Logan hummed.
- Not a bad grave for our iron dick.
Jean stood at the cargo hatch, preparing to use her telekinetic power. At Scott's command, she opened the hatch, and cold sea air rushed into the plane.
- Come on, Gene," Scott commanded.
Jean raised her hands, concentrating. Huge chunks of the Guardian one by one rose into the air and flew out of the hatch, falling into the dark waters of the ocean. Each piece she directed so that it fell a considerable distance from the previous one.
- I hope the fish like their new artificial reef," Colossus joked as he watched the process.
As the last wreck disappeared into the waves, Jean closed the hatch and sank tiredly into her chair.
- It's done," she exhaled. - Now no one will find those parts.
Scott nodded, turning the plane back toward the shore.
- Good work, team. We can go home now.
"Blackbird" gained altitude, leaving behind the vast ocean that safely kept their secret at its bottom.
****
Bolivar Trask stood at the panoramic window of his office on the top floor of a skyscraper, watching the first rays of sunlight color the New York sky orange. His reflection in the glass looked tired - the last few weeks had been particularly stressful. The increasing incidents of sabotage, the disappearance of the Sentinels, the growing mutant resistance - all of it demanded his constant attention.
A quiet metallic sound made him turn around. A holographic projection of Prime Guardian appeared in the center of the room, a ten-foot tall figure emitting a cold blue glow. Its presence always gave Trask mixed feelings: pride in his creation and a slight awe at its power.
- Dr. Trask," the Prime Guardian's voice was mechanical, but there was a hint of intelligence in it, "I have information that requires your attention.
Trask adjusted his glasses and sat down at his desk.
- I'm listening carefully.
- A Mark VII model Sentinel, serial number SN-2749, went missing while on a mission in the mountains of Vermont. Last signal was received at 15:43 yesterday afternoon. Coordinates: 44.5588° N, 72.5778° W.
Trask frowned, his fingers drumming on the tabletop.
- Again? That's the third one this month. What was the mission?
- Pursuit of a class D mutant. Young female, presumed to have the ability to manipulate electricity. Sentinel detected her on I-89 and initiated pursuit. Latest telemetry readings show an abrupt interruption of communications in the mountainous terrain.
The holographic projection changed, showing a three-dimensional map of the area. A red dot marked the Guardian's last known location.
- Interesting," Trask stepped forward, looking at the map. - What's out there?
- Officially, nothing remarkable. National forest, mountainous terrain, a few abandoned mines. The nearest settlement is thirty kilometers away.
- But...? - Trask caught the note of uncertainty in the AI's voice.
- The analysis shows several anomalies. First, this is not the first case of signal loss in this area. Over the past five years, seven similar incidents have been recorded within a hundred kilometer radius of this point. Secondly, satellite images of this area show strange features.
The projection was replaced by a series of satellite photos.
- Pay attention to this section of the forest," the Prime Sentinel zoomed in on a fragment of the image. - The configuration of the trees hasn't changed a millimeter in the last five years. No seasonal changes, no traces of natural phenomena. Statistical probability of such constancy: 0.0001%.
Trask stood up from the table, stepping closer to the hologram.
- Disguise?
- High probability. I suggest an extended scan of the area using new quantum analysis protocols.
- Turn it around," Trask crossed his arms over his chest.
- A recent update to the satellite system includes quantum scanning technology. It allows us to detect anomalies in the structure of space caused by cloaking technologies. Theoretically, it could allow us to see what's behind the fake image of the forest.
Trask nodded slowly, his eyes lighting up with the familiar fire of excitement.
- What resources do you need?
- Full access to the Argus satellite system and additional computing power for data processing is required. Analysis time: approximately 48 hours.
- Good," Trask returned to his desk and began typing rapidly on his keyboard. - I'll give you all the necessary authorizations. But first, answer me one question.
Prime Guardian's holographic face tilted slightly, mimicking the human gesture of attention.
- Why do you think it might be important? We're losing Sentinels in other places.
- Analysis of recent events indicates that the mutant resistance is becoming increasingly organized. Their actions are becoming more coordinated, which suggests the presence of a control center. The geographical location of the anomalous zone, its isolation and permanence of camouflage correspond to the parameters of a possible base of operations.
Trask leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
- You think we can find their main hideout?
- Probability that a major mutant base exists in the study area: 73.8%. Probability that this is a major resistance base: 64.2%.
- What do you suggest after the scan is complete?
- Phase One: Confirmation of the base and determination of its exact coordinates. Phase Two: Detailed reconnaissance using advanced Mark X Sentinels. Phase Three: a full-scale operation to neutralize the threat.
The projection created a three-dimensional model of the intended operation, showing the movement of the Guardian squads and attack options.
- Mark X? - Trask raised an eyebrow. - They hadn't been fully tested yet.
- The current situation may provide ideal conditions for field testing. The Mark X has improved mutant countermeasures systems and more advanced artificial intelligence.
Trask stood up and went to the window again. The sun had already risen higher, its rays reflecting off the glass facades of the skyscrapers.
- Go ahead," he finally said. - You'll have access to all the resources you need. Keep me informed every step of the way.
- Acknowledged, Dr. Trask," the holographic figure bowed slightly. - Initiating scanning procedure. Estimated time to complete primary analysis: 47 hours and 23 minutes.
When the hologram melted away, Trask took another long look at the city below. After so many years of fighting, they might finally be close to a decisive blow to the mutant resistance. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
- Colonel? It's Trask. I need you to prepare a task force. We may have an important target on our hands soon. Yeah, looks like we finally found them.
As he hung up the phone, he smiled at his reflection in the glass. The string of defeats and failures could soon be over. All he had to do was wait a little longer.
1) Scan protocol initialization: 06:12:47 EST.
2) Activation of the Argus satellite system: successful.
3) Quantum sensor calibration: done.
The primary analysis of the target area revealed an anomaly in the structure of the space-time continuum. Standard data processing algorithms detected static interference in the area with a radius of 3.7 kilometers.
Data Matching:
- Visible spectrum: normal
- Infrared range: normal
- Radio frequency spectrum: minimal interference
- Quantum scanning: significant distortion
Probability of natural origin of the anomaly: 0.0003%
Probability of technological intervention: 99.9997%
Activation of extended analysis protocol at 06:15:22 EST. Redirected 47% of available computing power to processing quantum fluctuations. Each microsecond of scanning created a new layer of data, forming a multidimensional distortion map.
Patterns in the structure of the anomaly were found:
- Fluctuation periodicity: 3.7 seconds
- Oscillation amplitude: stable
- Geometric shape: regular polygon
Comparative analysis with known cloaking technologies revealed similarities with the developments of Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy. Probability of authorship: 89.4%. The technology outperforms all known analogs by 47.3%.
07:45:19 EST: Detection of the first weak spot in the cloaking field. Quantum fluctuations created microscopic ruptures in the defense structure every 3.7 seconds. Duration of the rupture: 0.003 seconds.
A deep scanning protocol was initiated through the detected breaches. Each penetration through the defenses lasted a fraction of a second, but allowed for the collection of critical data on the contents of the protected area.
Analyzing the collected data fragments:
- Anthropogenic structures: detected
- Thermal signatures: multiple
- Energy emissions: significant
- Biological markers: present
09:23:55 EST: Formation of the primary three-dimensional model of the object under camouflage. The structure follows the parameters of a large building complex integrated into a mountainous landscape. Architectural features indicate an educational institution with elements of defense infrastructure.
Comparison with historical data indicated a high probability (97.2%) that the site identified was the new location of the Xavier School for Gifted Teens.
Analysis of traffic in the protected area revealed:
- 147 unique biological signatures
- 89% carriers of the X gene
- 1% chance of people being present
Two anomalous signatures that do not correspond to known mutation patterns attracted special attention. Energy profile: unknown. Potential threat: requires separate assessment.
10:17:33 EST: Started mapping the facility's defense systems. A network of cloaked sensors within a 15 kilometer radius has been detected. The cloaking technology is distributed through a system of artificial trees containing sophisticated electronic equipment.
Vulnerability analysis of the defense system:
- Main cloaking field generator: localized
- Backup generators: 7 units
- Critical points: defined
- Optimal attack vectors: calculated
11:45:09 EST: Forming final report for Dr. Trask. Recommendations include the use of specially modified Mark X Guardians with enhanced defenses against telepathic interference and the ability to counter cloaking technologies.
Estimated probability of successful target neutralization using standard protocols: 43.2%
Estimated probability of successful target neutralization when using modified Mark X Guardians: 89.7%
12:00:00 EST: Completion of initial analysis. Initiation of surgical preparation protocol. Subject categorized as a top level priority target. Awaiting further instructions from Dr. Trask.