Brennan, Liz, and Shalimar headed downstairs into the café and saw Jeff and Nancy finishing up. Jeff only had to pull the shades down, which he was doing and they would be done. He saw the three of them come down and turned his attention towards them, “Hey kids, what’s going on?”
“We need to talk to you.” Brennan stated. “Can we sit down?”
“Sure, what’s going on?” Jeff asked as the five of them sat down.
Brennan figured there was no way but to be blunt with this so he said, “We know that you are a new mutant, an elemental. And we wanted to talk to you about it.”
Jeff and Nancy’s eyes went large at Brennan’s statement as they looked at each other than back at them. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Dad please. Tell us the truth.” Liz pleaded.
Jeff and Nancy saw the desperation in Liz’s voice and decided to fess up. “How did you figure it out?”
“Well it wasn’t hard to figure out.” Brennan said as he brought his hand up and showed them. Two small streams of electricity emerged from his fingertips to his thumb. “With both Liz and I being Elementals, we had one common factor, you.”
“Liz?” Her father looked over at her. She nodded before pushing up her sleeves and showing them her arms. They had lessened some but were still visual. “It just developed over the last few days.”
“We weren’t sure if we would pass the mutation on to you or not.” Her dad explained.
Liz caught the use of ‘we’ and asked, “You mean Mom too?”
“Yes, I’m a Psionic. My gift is telekinesis.” Nancy explained as she made the napkin holder in front of them float. “There were quite a few residents of Roswell who were taken to Genomex. At the time we didn’t know it was for research, they told us it was to treat us for potential radiation poisoning from the weapons testing they had done in the desert over the years. It wasn’t until a few of us started being able to do strange things that we figured out what it was.”
“Well we know about the two of you but what about Brennan’s mother?” Liz asked.
“No, Mackenzie never showed any signs of mutation.” Jeff answered. “She knew about us but never cared.”
“The reason we came down to confront you about it, is because of Liz doesn’t have any control over her abilities. And I want to take her with Shalimar and me back to Mutant X and help her.”
“Mutant X? You’re a part of it?” Nancy asked.
“Yes. I am. I’ve already contacted the guy who leads it and he said we could bring her.” Brennan explained.
“Do you want to go Liz?” Jeff asked.
Liz nodded, “My life is out of control and if this helps me then I want to go. Plus I’ll learn more about Brennan and the mutations and things.”
“Liz is already packed and we can be on our way tonight.” Shalimar threw in.
“I need you to take care of stuff for school. I can do the required courses through correspondence. I’ve got all but a few of the mandatory ones to graduate.” Liz continued.
“Will you come back for graduation?” Jeff asked. He had always wanted to see Liz graduate so he didn’t want her to miss it.
“Probably.” Liz answered truthfully.
Jeff and Nancy looked at each other and communicated to each other their decision. Their conversation had nothing to do with telepathy but of people who had been married for many years. At last they made up their minds and Jeff nodded to Liz. She jumped up to hug both of them and thank them. Liz needed answers, her scientific mind would accept no less. And a trip to Sanctuary would give her that. Plus she would hopefully get the control over her abilities that she was craving.
She hurried up to her room and double checked her room to make sure she hadn’t forgot anything. Then she went over to where she had left her journal and removed the loose brick. She didn’t want to leave it behind and had a feeling she would want to write in it again. She ripped a page out of the back and quickly scribbled a note to Max.
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Dear Max,
I know you are probably surprised by the fact that I am writing you this letter but it was the only way that I could say goodbye. As you probably guessed by that line, I’m leaving Roswell. Actually by the time you read this I will have already gone. There’s something else that happened this week that I didn’t get a chance to tell you about. I found out that I have a half brother. He’s very nice and reminds me a lot of Michael. Last night after you left, we talked and I’m going to go with him to try and get to know him and some stuff about myself. .
I want you to know that I love you and always will but I need this time.
Liz
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She folded it up and tucked it into an envelope. She had just sealed it when there was a knock at the door followed by Brennan telling her it was time. They gathered her bags, loaded up their SUV and said good bye to the Parkers. As they headed out of town Liz asked Brennan to stop by Michael’s apartment so she could drop off the letter. Once that was done they left Roswell.
Part 7
Liz sat in the back seat of the SUV as Brennan drove. They had been driving for most of the day and the night before. Brennan and Shalimar had switched off driving while the other one slept. Liz couldn’t believe she was actually going to a place where there would be others like her. They had told her a little bit about the others that they worked with but said that some of it just couldn’t be explained and Liz would just have to see them for herself. So then they had switched to talking more about themselves. Shalimar and Liz deepened their friendship from casual to one with a greater bond.
“I need you to put this on,” said Shalimar, leaning over the front seat in front of Liz holding what looked like a piece of plastic. Brennan nodded so Liz guessed it was okay and nodded her own consent. The woman moved a little closer, “When this touches you’re not going to be able to see anything until one of us takes it off at Sanctuary, okay?”
“Okay.” She didn’t like the sound of that blind with people she didn’t know or barely knew, but she sat still regardless as the blackness swooped over her eyes, she tensed but a hand on her shoulder relaxed her just as quickly. Trying to sound casual and keep up a conversation in the heavy silence Liz asked a question, “So who does Mutant X protect new mutants from?”
“Ever heard of Genomex or GS Agents?” Brennan responded, Liz hadn’t so she shook her head, “They’re the bad-guys basically, they hunt down New Mutants and put them in stasis for ‘future observation’, but a few go to Genomex on their own because they think it’s the right thing to do.”
An hour later the SUV pulled smoothly into the port and Liz felt someone take her arm and guide her out of the vehicle and forward.
“This is Sanctuary,” Brennan said as he took off the plastic, Liz blinked and her vision returned,
“Oh my God.” Liz exclaimed as she looked around. There were computers all around, and she saw a waterfall and staircases leading upwards but with apparently nothing holding them up, as Brennan and Shalimar walked her through the building. She listened to the waterfall and couldn’t help but think that Kyle would probably like to sit there and meditate. “So this is where you guys live” She asked as she saw two people around her brother’s age walk up.
“That’s Emma, the doofus here is Jesse.” Shalimar said introducing them.
“Right, and you already know my name is Liz. So what are you guys?” Liz asked.
“I’m a molecular.” Jesse said as she shook his hand then moved to shake Emma’s hand as she said, “I’m a Psionic.”
Liz knew what that meant and couldn’t help but tense up. Thoughts of Tess and what she had done with her mind powers were too fresh in her mind to completely trust someone with similar powers. She did her best to smile before dropping her hand. “So you are the other two who put up with my brother.”
Jesse smiled, and turned round to see Adam coming down a set of steps, “And that’s Adam; he’s the leader of Mutant X.”
Adam smiled at the Liz, noting everything into his memory; she barely came up to Brennan’s shoulder but there was a certain likeness, something that went deeper than the similar looks of dark brown eyes and hair. “Welcome to Sanctuary Liz.”
“Thank you, Adam. I’m glad to be here.”
“We have a room all set up for you and when you get settled, I’d like to run a scan on your DNA if that’s okay.” Adam said.
“Why do you need to do that?” Liz took a half-step back from the group, she wasn’t sure if she like the thought of them poking and prodding at her.
“It won’t hurt Liz,” said Brennan, “It’s just a scan. No needles, no prods; a yellow beam will go down your body, then up and then its all over. It barely tingles.”
“I have enough things tingling go in my body as it is.”
“God, now there’s two of them.” Jesse commented on Brennan’s and Liz’s sarcastic comments before Emma elbowed him.
“But I’ll do it, especially if it helps me to understand more about all of this.” Liz said. “Just to prove to myself that Brennan isn’t playing a big joke on me.”
Brennan smirked, “Just go with Shalimar.”
“Come on, kid. I’ll show you your room.” Shalimar said as she grabbed a few of Liz’s bags and led her up the stairs.
Once they were out of ear shot Adam said, “She seems to be coping well.”
“You should have seen her when I first told her that she wasn’t a complete freak. I walked in to her room and found her huddled on the floor. I saw her arms covered in electrical streams. She saw that I had seen and tried to cover up. But I told and showed her that I could do the same thing. She had never even heard of New Mutants so I can only imagine what she was thinking was wrong with her.”
“Brennan,” Emma said, “You said she had no idea about new mutants not even Psionics?”
“No, none of us. Why do you ask?”
“Because when I mentioned that I was one, I felt her hand tense in mine and I was cut off from her emotions. She has advanced mental block. Once she was on alert that I was a Psionic, I was completely cut off.”
“What did you feel before she cut you off?” Brennan asked curiously.
“Confusion, anxiousness. But hurt is what I feel the most in her and it’s deep.” Emma explained.
“Our father told me that she’s been through a lot in the past year. One of her best friends was killed last year in a car accident. He said that after she isolated herself from all of her friends. Then one of the girls from her group disappeared without a trace not long after. They weren’t close but they hung out with the same people even dating the same guy. He also blamed her boyfriend for some of it. Said ever since she got with Max a few years ago that she’s changed.”
“That could explain what Emma is feeling. As for her being so strong mentally, perhaps she is a hybrid of Psionic and Elemental. When you contacted me as you left Roswell, you said her mother was a Psionic and hybrids are rare but not impossible. But I won’t know anything until I scan her.” Adam stated.
Brennan just nodded wondering if his sister wasn’t hiding more from him.
(*(*(*(*(**)*)*)*)*)
On the way to Liz’s room Shalimar gave Liz a tour, “Sanctuary is a very large place. There are several areas to it. The main area is set up to be where research is done. Everything is voice activated. Our computers are farther advanced than others and allow us to dig deeper into other databases too.”
“So you guys are good hackers?” Liz asked.
“Something like that.” Shalimar said smiling. “There’s also some work out rooms including a simulator. Inside the simulator you can program it to make something appear that isn’t really there, like a hologram. The other work out rooms is where we lift weights or just spar.”
“Shalimar? Can I ask you a favor?” Liz asked.
“Depends on what it is.” The blonde said.
“Well I was wondering if you could teach me how to defend myself without using my abilities.” Liz stated. She had thought about taking a self defense course ever since Nasedo had kidnapped her but never had. She just never found the opportunity and now one was here.
Shalimar smiled at her, “Sure, I’d be happy to. But I’m not a morning person. How about tomorrow afternoon after lunch?”
Liz thanked her and Shalimar continued the tour. “The only other two areas are the medical section and the hanger. The hanger contains the Double Helix, which you’re not allowed to touch. The medical area is pretty advanced like our computers and I’ll take you there after you drop your stuff so Adam can do his scan. But for now, here’s your room.”
After the door was out of the way Liz got a good look at her room. It was decorated in the same tranquil way that the main room was in different shades of brown and tan. There was a bed, a chair, and a dresser. Liz could see a door that she figured was a closet and then another one that she didn’t know where it led. But Shalimar answered the question, “You have your own bathroom so you don’t have to worry about sharing. This is your space so make your own for while you’re here. I usually go shopping a few times a week so if there’s anything you need or you just want to shop, you’re welcome to come.”
“Thanks.” Liz said as she dropped her bags on the bed. She wondered around exploring as she made her way to bathroom. It was about the same size as hers back home. She headed back out and looked at her bags. The last thing she wanted to do was unpack. So she decided not to just yet. “Well I might as well get this over with, show me the medical lab.”
Part 8
It didn’t take them long before Liz was at the lab. After explaining some of the symptoms she had had in regards to her powers including the static and pain from the energy, she showed Adam her hands and arms. After that Adam instructed her to hop up into one of the examine chairs. Adam, Brennan, and Liz were the only ones inside right now. Jesse was catching Shalimar up on what they had missed while gone and Emma was about somewhere. She had thought that Liz would be more comfortable without her around since she hadn’t seemed to relaxed around her before.
Liz sat anxiously not sure what to expect despite the fact that Adam and Brennan had told her. She stared transfixed as a wide yellow beam ran down the length of her body to her feet then back up to her head. She hadn’t felt anything but the slight tingly that Brennan described. “All done, you can get up now.”
Liz got up quickly before she wandered over to where Adam and Brennan were studying the results of the DNA scan. She was amazed by what she saw. She didn’t know as much about computers as a hacker but she had been around Alex enough to know what quality stuff was. And what she saw was very high end, if not cutting edge. She shouldn’t have doubted Shalimar. She looked over at the screen that displayed what she recognized as a DNA chart. “What does it say?”
“It says that you are not only an Elemental but have some Psionic power as well. Have you ever exhibited any of those kind of powers? Telekinesis, telepathy, precognitive perhaps?” Adam asked
Liz didn’t answer for a moment thinking of the flashes she had gotten from Max and Nasedo. Could they not have been alien related but because of her new mutant genes? She wasn’t sure whether it was one or a combination of both but she didn’t want to betray the alien’s secret so she just looked at them both and shook her head. “No, not that I can think of. Why did my abilities just suddenly develop?” Liz asked.
“It depends. On some mutants they develop because of exposure to a catalyst for them. Such as when Genomex was experimenting on people. But in your case since you inherited your gifts they probably just developed like other things in your genetics.” Adam explained. “I’ve seen cases when mutants have developed at a young age. And others not until they were well into their forties.”
Liz nodded but still wondered if Max’s healing didn’t have something to do with it. “Do you think I could use one of the computers to read over the database. I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy but I would like to read over all the data you have on mutants and stuff.”
“I think that would be okay.” Adam said. He was pleased that Liz wanted to know as much as possible about herself and other mutants.
“Thanks,” Liz said then she noticed Adam thoroughly studying the screen as did Brennan and asked, “What is it?”
“There is just some differences in her blood and DNA than other new mutants who were just developing that I’ve seen. Usually mutants develop their abilities slowly as you know but Liz’s seem to have accelerated to full development. That is possibly why you’ve had so many problems with them.”
“Could it just be because of inheriting them?” Liz asked. She knew that there could be some differences between her and Brennan’s abilities as opposed to other new mutants for the simple fact that they had inherited them.
“But my powers weren’t like that.” Brennan stated. “They developed slowly when I was around ten. It was a while until I got them at full strength.”
“The same with any other new mutant who has inherited them hybrid or any other.” Adam stated.
It was then that Liz knew she had her answers, mostly. From what she deduced, Max hadn’t actually changed her, only accelerated abilities that were already encoded within her. If she hadn’t had gotten shot and he hadn’t had to heal her that day she still would be developing the same abilities. Only probably had a later age and at a slower progress. She saw Adam and Brennan starring at her and she just gave them a half smile. “You guys know more about this stuff than I do.”
“Well I’ll do some research on this data and see what I can find out.” Adam stated saving all the records to the computer. He didn't want something to happen and loose them. “But for now you can work on your powers with Brennan and maybe Emma too about possible Psionic abilities you possess.”
“It’s late and you’ve had a long day. I think Shalimar and Jessie are getting antsy for dinner so let’s go get something to eat.” Brennan said jumping in.
“Sure, I’m going to get freshened up.” Liz quickly agreed and excused herself to go to her room. “I’ll be back down in a few minutes.”
Liz quickly left the lab and fled to her room. She knew she needed to get over her whole fear of being around Emma because she was the best one to help her with her gifts. Of course first she had to admit to the others about having these gifts. And then learn how to use them. If they accelerated like her other ones she would have no control soon. She had never had control anyways, she had never known when she would get a flash from Max. And getting everyone’s memories every time she touched someone did not sound appealing. Especially Max. Possibly seeing the night he spent with Tess would be horrible. To have to see it as if she had been there, except it would be worse because if she had been there she could have at least closed her eyes. But with a flash she couldn’t.
She went into the bathroom and splashed some water on her face. She still loved Max and despite everything she still wanted to be with him. She had talked in depth about this with Maria, who thought she was crazy for taking Max back. Maybe she was right, but she couldn’t forget Grandma Claudia’s words to follow her heart, wherever it took her. And it always took her to Max. But how much hurt could a heart take?
She wondered if there was a mutant out there who could go back in time or change the past in some way. But even as the thought went through her head she knew she shouldn’t act on it. She had messed with the future once and Alex had ended up being murdered because of it.
She felt the energy in her arms increase as her emotions overloaded. She had to calm down and keep her emotions in check. She thought about the book on Buddhism that Kyle had given her and wondered if it could help her. She had just gotten it when the chimes on her door went off. “Come in.”
The doors opened and Brennan stepped in. “Just wanted to come and make sure you didn’t get lost.”
“Uh, no. I didn’t get lost except in my thoughts.” Liz said.
Brennan saw her arms and the increase in the energy. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”
Brennan pointed to her arms. “That wouldn’t happen unless you’re upset so spill.”
Liz was about to argue but saw his jaw was set in determination. When he flopped down onto her bed she knew that she wasn’t getting off easy. “I was just thinking about Max and these gifts when I get back to Roswell.”
“What about him?” Brennan asked.
“We haven’t had the best relationship, lots of pain. But I’ve stayed with him because I love him. And I’m worried that if I develop a Psionic gift like being able to read someone’s mind or see someone’s memories that I’m going to see something that I don’t want to.” Liz explained. Her brother’s eyebrow raised in question and she continued. “We broke up for most of last school year and he dated another girl in our group, Tess. A person to put it mildly I despised. It broke my heart that they were together but I felt he was better off with her. Then right after Alex died, we all found out that Tess was pregnant.”
“So you’re scared of seeing them?” Brennan asked.
“Yeah.”
“What happen to Tess?”
“Max found out that she purposely got pregnant and she took off.” Liz lied.
“And you got back with him?”
“I know everyone thinks it was stupid but I love him. Looking back we should have spent more time working things out than we did. The night you found out about my burgeoning abilities I had blown up at him and told him off. Then he came to my window and I told him that I needed to work somethings out on my own.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Brennan stated. “You’ve been through a lot and it’s gotta be hard.”
“Exactly. So now I’m going to try and sort out myself, get a hold of these powers, and get closer to my brother.” Liz said. “Now let’s go get some food, I’m starving.”
Part 9
The next morning Liz and Brennan got to work on her control. They went into the training simulator and Brennan turned on his program for simple target practice. Liz stood about ten feet away from them with Brennan coaching her from behind. “The first thing you have to do is learn how to pull the energy out of your body. Put your hands together like I showed you. Now focus on the way the energy feels on your arms and push it out through your hands.”
Liz did as her brother told her. She placed her hands so that they faced each other and tried to push her energy streams into her palms. She pictured how Brennan had done it in her room and tried to achieve the same thing. She felt the energy starting to lessen and opened her eyes. Between her hands the streams had collected like Brennan’s but she could tell they were weak. She gave them another push and they got stronger. She mentally gave herself a pat on the back even if it had taken an hour to get there.
“Good job.” Brennan praised. She was catching on quickly but he wasn’t sure how long it would take her to learn. With him, he had kept learning as his energy had increased but Liz was at almost full power. That could be harder to learn. “Now keeping it together aim both of your hands at one of the targets and push it at it.”
Liz swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to do what he said. But when she did, the only thing that happened was they sparked for a moment then fizzled out. “Dang it.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it. You’ll get it. Why don’t you take a break for a minute?” Brennan suggested before handing her a bottle of water.
“I’m just frustrated, I’m used to being in control. I like to being in control.” Liz grumbled. She had learned that when she wasn’t control of something, that was when something usually went wrong. There were several events over the last few years that Liz felt backed up her thoughts on the matter.
“Maybe you should just relax and let it flow.” Brennan stated. “I know I don’t know the whole story, only what you or our father told us but it sounds like you’ve had it rough. That can make it hard to loosen up and even harder to control your abilities.”
Liz blew out a deep breath. “What do you suggest? I can’t just forget it all.”
“Have you ever tried meditation? It can help a lot.” Brennan stated.
“Now you’re starting to sound like Kyle.” Liz said only causing Brennan to look confused. “Kyle is a friend of mine that found Buddhism after he had a ‘life altering’ experience. Now he goes around quoting Buddha and trying to convert everyone. It’s quite a sight to see, Roswell’s biggest jock is now Roswell’s only Buddhist.”
Brennan smiled at his sister’s description of her friend, “Well you don’t have to go that far but Emma taught me how to meditate and it does help to clear out your head.”
“I’ll think about it,” Liz said uneasily.
“What do you have against Emma? Ever since you met her, it seems like you’ve been scared of her.” Brennan stated.
“I don’t have any problem with Emma, well not her as a person. It’s just Psionic powers kind of freak me out. I mean, they can read our thoughts and mess with our heads. Doesn’t that freak you out?”
Brennan thought it over, “I guess in a way. I’ve met some Psionics that do use their powers for less good ways but I know Emma. For one, she doesn’t read your thoughts but your emotions. And she uses her powers to help here with Mutant X. And she could help you with your own powers, so that you can get control over them too.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll talk to her.” Liz conceded.
“Good, now brakes over, time to get to work.”
“Yes, slave driver.” Liz joked. She placed her hands together and was happy when the streams popped up between them without as much effort as before. Brennan coached her again and she aimed another to try another shot. She almost jumped in shock when the streams blasted out of her hands. They flew wide of the targets but she’d at least been able to get them out
“Wide shot but you did it, that’s what’s important.” Brennan stated.
Feeling more confident Liz smiled and started to work to shoot off another one.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Later that afternoon, Emma was walking through the main living room when she saw Brennan and Shalimar resting, “Hey you guys look tired.”
“Started Liz’s training today, kind of wore us out.” Brennan stated. He was surprised by how much energy his little sister had. She was just like an energizer, she just kept going and going. If he could produce enough electricity to power a small city he wondered what Liz could do if she tried.
“Over eager is she?” Emma asked.
“I think she wants to learn anything and everything and it all right now.” Shalimar stated. “She’s in on one of the computers reading a bunch of files she got from Adam. Everything on mutants, genetics, Genomex’s experiments. And Adam’s not helping, he’s acting like a kid with a new toy. But he’s just happy to have someone who is as interested in learning as he is.”
“I think I’ll go see how far she’s gotten.” Emma said wanting to do something. She wandered into the computer lab and saw that Adam was no where in sight. She saw the back of Liz’s head bent over a computer and made her way over there. She could see that Liz zoned out as she studied the screen in front of her. Emma could tell that Liz did not know she had come in because her feelings were an open book. She was excited over what she was reading, enthusiastic about learning something new and as before she could feel deep hurt in the girl before her. She couldn’t help but want to comfort her. She reached out to place her hand on Liz’s shoulder and the girl jumped a foot. She whirled around to face her; her hands coming up and her electrical streams rising from her fingertips to defend herself.
“Emma?” Liz said with relief as she lowered her hand and the electrical charge that had been waiting to be let loose faded. “Sorry but you scared the crap out of me.”
Emma felt the wall slam down on Liz’s emotions the moment that Liz became aware that it was her who that was standing in front of her. She had also noticed that Liz automatically went on the defensive. Emma had seen that reaction in New Mutants who had been on the constant run from the GSA. But Liz had never even seen a GSA agent. So what had frightened her so much before to react like that? “It’s okay. I ran into Brennan and Shalimar and they said you were in here. So I thought I’d come see what you were doing.”
“Oh, I was just looking over all the files Adam has. Science has always been my passion and I thought it would help me adjust to having these abilities if I saw how they came to be, to help wrap my mind around it.” Liz explained. She shifted around in her seat uncomfortably as she asked, “Um, Brennan mentioned that you like to meditate.”
“Yes, I do. I find it helps me to focus my abilities.” Emma answered.
“I need some help with focusing and not letting all the baggage I’ve got to get in the way. And Brennan said that mediating could help so I was wondering you could teach me?” Liz asked.
Emma studied the girl for a minute trying to see her response as she said, “I would be happy to teach you, I think that you have a lot of potential to become a strong Psionic. But if I was to teach you, you would have to be more comfortable around me. You can’t learn to relax when you’re tense every time I walk into the room.”
Liz blew out a deep breath and tried to think of something to say that could explain how she felt without giving too much away about the aliens. “It’s nothing personal. It’s just the thought of abilities that mess with the mind makes me uneasy. I mean if you mess with someone’s mind too much doesn’t it have an after effect?” Liz asked thinking about how Alex died.
“I can’t speak for others because we are still learning more and more about different mutants but I don’t actually mess with their minds. I just pick up on their emotions. Like a radio or TV picking up a signal. True there are times when I can influence a person but I have never seen any damage afterwards.” Emma explained. Liz nodded in understanding and Emma went on. “I hope that you can learn to trust me, and I want you to know that I won’t probe into any of your thoughts without your permission.”
Liz smiled, “I would really appreciate that. And I’ll do as much as I can to loosen up around you. I already to feel more comfortable.”
“I’m glad, we’re a team here and you’re the family of one of the team members so you’re kind of like an extended part of the team.” Emma stated. Her and Liz talked a little while longer setting up a time period for Liz’s training with Emma before she left and Liz got back to reading the computer.
Part 10
Over the next month Liz immersed herself in all things to do with New Mutants. She trained with Emma, Brennan, and Shalimar even Jesse joined in occasionally and continued to read Adam’s files. Late into the night the others found her sitting in front of a terminal with a large cup of coffee in her hand browsing through the computer. The scientist in her found them incredibly fascinating. True, genetics hadn’t been the field she was going to pursue but she still knew enough and was learning more every day, to get her by. She had poured over everything from Adam’s old notes to the most recent Mutant X encounters. She had quickly learned that there might be only four classifications of mutants but there were many different examples of each that varied a lot. Most were like her brother and the others but there were a few cases of hybrids between two types of mutants like her. She was glad that she was the only one of her kind.
Liz had gotten a good handle on her powers. She always hit the targets now with her streams and had even learned how to change the amount of power in them. She could use a low powered one to power anything that ran on electricity like a radio or TV or she could use one to blow up something usually a target. Her Psionic abilities could still use some work but she was learning. She could get a flash from someone if she really concentrated but it usually gave her a headache afterward. With all of her research she came to the conclusion that Max’s healing her was the reason behind why her powers had excellerated in intensity so much. Kind of like fast forwarding them.
Emma was right when she said the others would treat her the same. After they became accustomed to her being there, they all started treating her like their own little sister, not just Brennan. And Liz loved every minute of it. Granted she wasn’t allowed to go with them on the missions where they helped other mutants from Genomex but she was able to help them. She stayed with Adam and helped him with whatever she could. Usually just computer work and looking stuff up but she still felt like she helped them.
Emma was right when she said the others would treat her the same. After they became accustomed to her being there, they all started treating her like their own little sister, not just Brennan. And Liz loved every minute of it. Granted she wasn’t allowed to go with them on the missions where they helped other mutants from Genomex but she was able to help them. She stayed with Adam and helped him with whatever she could. Usually just computer work and looking stuff up but she still felt like she helped them.
Liz wasn’t confined to Sanctuary alone though. She did leave from time to time with others, like to go shopping with Shalimar and Emma. She also found time to do the small amount of class work she had gotten through the mail. Adam let her use the post office box that the rest of them used so that she could get any mail regarding her schoolwork. Brennan bought her a new cell phone that she used to call her parents as well as Maria occasionally. Things didn’t work for Maria in New York so she was back in Roswell. She kept Liz up to date on the news of what was going on in Roswell, which of course wasn’t much. Except that they were all laying low because they weren’t sure if the aliens might be in danger. Max had been working late at the UFO Center, something according to Maria he’d done a lot of since Liz left, and had seen a woman being mugged and had reacted before he thought. He had used his powers to save the woman. So far they had not seen any sign but with that on top of the other strange things over the last three years, they knew that someone had probably noticed. Liz told Maria to call her if something happened and left it at that.
Liz felt better about things since she had left Roswell. She had meditated long on everything, from Future Max’s visit to Alex’s murder and Tess’s pregnancy. She didn’t know how to explain on how it had left her. She hadn’t forgiven Future Max for coming back and messing things up more and she hadn’t forgiven Max for giving up on them and sleeping with Tess. But she didn’t let it eat away at her like she had before. If she did, it would drive her insane if she did. So she concentrated on the here and now.
When she had been there just over a month, Liz and Brennan were in the main room as Brennan tried to teach Liz how to play poker as Jesse looked on. They’d been at it about an hour when Adam came rushing in, “Jesse go fire up the helix, I need the four of you to go rescue some new mutants.”
“What’s going on Adam?” Brennan asked as he followed Jesse along with Liz and Adam.
“I just intercepted a message from Genomex to a team of their agents who were sent to pick up a group of undiscovered new mutants. There are three mutants and Genomex is treating them as a sizeable threat. They sent twelve to pick them up.” Adam explained.
“Twelve?” Shalimar asked as she joined them as they walked into the hanger. “Looks like Genomex isn’t taking any chances with these …How many mutants are there?”
“Three. Two guys and a girl. There was no information on what kind they are.”
“Where are we going?” Brennan asked.
“Liz’s hometown, Roswell.” Adam stated.
“Roswell?” Liz perked up. “Did you get the mutants’ names?”
“Maxwell Evans, Isabel Evans Ramirez, and Michael Guerin.” Adam answered. “Do you know them?”
“Yes, I do. Very well in fact.” Liz answered. She turned to the other four and headed up the ram into the jet. “I’m going with you.”
“No, you’re not.” Brennan argued.
“That’s Max out there, Brennan!”
“I know that Liz. But you’re going to stay here like you always do and stay safe with Adam. You’re not going to get into a situation where Genomex can grab you.”
“I know you are not telling me what to do. You might have forgotten Brennan but you’re my brother, not Dad.” Liz argued with her hands on her hips.
“And he trusts me to keep you safe while you’re here at Sanctuary, not let you go running into a dangerous situation.” Brennan fired back. Adam and Shalimar were about to jump in but Liz kept going.
“Dad doesn’t know half of the stuff I’ve been through…” Liz stopped in mid sentence and said, “I’m not going to stand here and argue about this. We’re wasting time. And I am going. I know these three and they won’t even consider going with you if I’m not with you. They will see you as an enemy as much as they will the GSA.”
“Liz is right, this is taking too long. Let’s go.” Emma said agreeing with Liz. Adam nodded for Liz to go and the five of them hurried into the jet. Within five minutes they were off and heading for Roswell.
It wasn’t long before they were in the skies over New Mexico. Brennan and Jesse were at the controls while Liz stood between them. Adam was on the Com Link and in constant communication. Which was good when Jesse asked, “Adam do you know where the agents are going to try and capture them?”
“The last communication said that they were closing in on them about ten miles to the north outside of town.” Adam answered back.
‘The rock formation that contained old podchamber.’ Liz thought. “I know that area. It’s really barren, all desert. But there’s a rock formation that just comes out of no where. That’s where they’ll be. Once we’re past Roswell you should be able to see it in the distance.”
“How do you know that’s where they’re at?” Jesse asked.
“Trust me, I know that’s where they are.”
“Trust her Jess, the ones we’re going for are her friends.” Brennan answered before looking at Liz. “What else can you tell us that could help?”
“The rocks around are steeper than they look but if you know about it you can look for foot holds.” Liz said trying to think what else could help. “There are probably a few people with Max, Isabel, and Michael but they can be trusted so don’t worry about using your abilities.”
The rock formation came into view in the windshield and Liz pointed, “There it is. Go around it and there should be a flat enough area to land there.”
Just as Liz said there was indeed a landing spot and Jesse touched the Helix down. And before the door was even opened completely Liz was out the hatch. Her feet hit the sand running and she used her connection to Max to find him.
Brennan saw his sister’s quick exit and swore, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to catch up to her and might loose her but got an idea. “Shal!”
“I’m on it.” Shalimar said, already knowing what he wanted so she used her abilities to chase after Liz and the others followed behind.
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“Max, who are they?” Isabel asked talking about the men that were beginning to surround them.
“I don’t know, Izzy. Maybe FBI but they are definitely the government.” Max said sizing up the twelve men. They wore tan overcoats and sunglasses. But what worried him were the large weapons they were welding. They didn’t look like guns so what were they? Then he realized that they looked like the stun guns.
Max had thought it was a better idea for them to meet by the ruins of the podchamber instead of one of the apartments but now he was reconsidering. Of course if they had been in one of the apartments then they would be trapped but out in the desert they weren’t so confined. The six of them, Maria, Michael, Isabel, Jessie, Kyle and himself, clustered closer together, back to back as the men came closer, “Who are you?”
“That’s none of your concern, now come along with us or we will be forced to harm you.” The man up front stated but could see that the teens were not going to concede and motioned for his men to stun them.
Max could see them powering up to stun them and was about to use his shield to protect them. But before either side could do anything, what looked like a small lightening bolt came down and hit the guy who looked to be shooting first. He flew backwards, colliding with two other agents, knocking them all to the ground. Max and the others looked up and were shocked at what they saw.
Both groups stared up at Liz on her perch ten feet above them, with a blonde behind her. Her hand was raised up to let them see the streams dancing in her hands. “I don’t think they’re going anywhere with you.”
Part 11
Despite her advantage over knowing the terrain better than they did, Emma, Brennan, and Jesse caught up with Liz and Shalimar just as Liz threatened the GSA. The GSA agents instantly recognized the members of Mutant X and moved to engage them in a fight knowing that they were intent on taking the three they were sent to apprehend. Some raised their weapons to fire while others readying themselves for hand to hand.
Max stood in awe as he watched Liz and her friends. The five of them leaped the ten feet down the cliff side, the blonde woman jumped the farthest landing right in front of one of the other men and started to fight him. The two guys, one dark haired, one with lighter were right behind her, they too started to fight a few of the agents. Liz was just in front of them and she was the most shocking. The electrical streams, the same ones he had seen running along her skin the last time he’d seen her, were now being thrown out of her hands aimed at the men just like Michael’s energy blasts. She took down two of the men, stunning them with her streams, before turning to them, “They already know what you’re capable of. If you guys want to get out of here and not locked up in a lab, use your powers.”
Isabel didn’t need to be told twice if it meant protecting her friends, brothers, and Jessie. She raised her hand and sent the nearest agent flying backwards. Michael did the same thing but Max was too enthralled with their rescuers. He noticed that the tall dark haired guy seemed to have the same powers as Liz but the others were completely different like the other guy. He seemed to make himself invincible. Who the hell were these people?
Brennan looked over the area and sized up the situation. Several of the agents were down but they were still coming. Shalimar was fighting two of the agents, he could see her eyes glowing feral yellow. Jesse was also holding his own as well as Liz and her friends. But Liz didn’t see the agent to her right about to fire. He gathered up some energy and was about to blast them but didn’t need to. Max stepped up and out of his hand came what looked like a large green shield, stopping the agent’s blast. “Liz! You and Emma get them back to the Helix. Emma can get it fired up and we’ll follow.”
Liz nodded, and turned to her friends. “Follow us.”
The six looked skeptical for a minute but trusted Liz. So the eight of them hurried away, Max still holding his shield up to protect them. They hurried up the rocks to where they had left the helix. Max was confused at first because he didn’t see anything at first but then the ramp came into view and figured that that was where they were going. They followed Liz and who he assumed was Emma inside and Emma plopped down at one of the front seats. She taped a few buttons and the consoles lit up. He saw Liz sit down in one of the other seats and mess with another computer.
Liz didn’t know much about the Helix but she did know that the computers on board were much like the ones in Sanctuary. And she knew those. She used the computer to get a lock on Brennan, Shalimar, and Jesse’s positions. They were on their way, “The others are coming.”
A minute later Shalimar, Brennan, and Jesse pounded up the ramp and into their seats. Brennan took the pilot seat. “Sit down and hold onto something!”
Max was barely able to grab onto a nearby console before the floor lurched upwards. Maria started to fall but Michael caught her quickly. Jessie, Isabel, and Kyle were more prepared and weren’t thrown around. They all looked but no worse for where and no injuries. Max could feel the vehicle moving and figured it was too smooth for a ground vehicle so it had to be a plane of some type. He could see through the windows in front and saw that they seemed to be ascending fast. After a few moments they seemed to level out. The two guys that had came with Liz were in the front seats while the two girls settled just behind them and Liz in the next seat. They all looked busy messing with the computer terminals in front of them. Max figured that at least one of them was flying the jet.
This was definitely not the way he had pictured his first meeting with Liz when she returned. When he had found her note outside of Michael’s apartment, he’d been shocked. He had jumped right in his car and drove over to the Crashdown only to find Liz indeed gone. She had gone off to stay with her brother, and while he was glad that she had found a brother, he had been worried. What if she exposed herself in front of him? She could have been in great danger if that happened. Of course now he knew that hadn’t happened and was again glad to know she had found a brother. He had gotten the story from Maria who had gotten it during her phone calls from Liz. The month that followed her departure had been a lonely one for him.
After Jesse took over the controls from his seat, Brennan took the chance to hit the button reactivating the comlink, “Adam, are you there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. How did it go?” They could hear Adam ask, the anxiousness could be heard perfectly over the speakers and they knew he had been worried about them.
“Piece of cake. We’ve got the three plus three of their friends. What now?” Brennan asked.
“Take them to one of the safe houses.” Adam answered, “Then we’ll see what we can do to get them into the underground.”
“Adam?” Liz interrupted.
“Yes, Liz.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. They’re not like others you’ve helped. And I’m positive that they won’t go willingly underground. ” Liz stated.
“What do you suggest?” Adam asked.
“Bring them back to Sanctuary for a little while, let me talk to them and figure it out from there.” Liz proposed. “Adam, I know these people better than I know myself, I trusted them with my life before, they won’t tell. And since we’re in the Helix it’s not like they’re going to be able to figure out the location.”
Liz knew she was pressing her luck with Adam and asking a lot but she felt like her suggestion was the best possible idea. They had to somehow get Mutant X to understand that they weren’t dealing with ordinary mutants and how dangerous it could really be if Genomex got their hands on them. They would be as bad as the Special Unit, keeping them locked up while dissecting them. Regardless of how much Max had hurt her, she couldn’t let that happen to him. She wouldn’t let that happen to her worst enemy.
While still waiting for an answer Liz chanced a glance over at her friends. Michael looked like he couldn’t decide whether they were friends or enemies, Maria just seemed in shock, Kyle appeared to be meditating, Jessie just looked astonished, she hoped that he already knew the aliens’ by now if he didn’t he did now. Isabel had put up a mask of ice, not relaying any of her emotions to anyone. And Max, Max just seemed to be watching her, trying to figure it all out. He was probably pretty confused, he thought she was just gone to connect to her brother and he was finding out it was a little more involved than that. Not to mention that the last time he had seen her, she didn’t have any control over her abilities. Now after her little display on the rocks he knew she did. And he still thought they were alien, but she would have to tell him that not all powers were alien, some were just plain human. His eyes met hers and they locked. Like always she felt herself falling into his amber orbs and forgetting everything else around her. She barely even heard Adam’s voice over the speaker, “Go ahead, but be careful.”
“Okay everyone, sit back and enjoy the ride, we should only be in the air another fifteen minutes.” Brennan announced.
Liz nodded and turned to face her friends, she figured they should know where they were going. “Guys, I know you’re all curious about what is going on but don’t worry I’ll explain everything soon.”
“Where are we going?” Michael asked.
“Some place safe.” Liz stated.
“Who are all these people?” Maria asked.
“Well that’ll take a little longer to explain.” Liz stated and tried to figure out where to start.
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