|
Julia
de Santos stood uncertainly outside the Café. I'm a fic now, she
thought. Last week, I was Unposted. Is this supposed to be progress?
Sure doesn't feel like it. She checked her watch again. Where is
everyone? We agreed to fifteen minutes ago. It can't take them that long
to find parking. Small, furry somethings skittered out the doors and
rushed past her. Oh gods. I haven't even started drinking yet, but those
looked a whole lot like bunny slippers. She shook her head and decided
to have a look around on her own.
She smiled at the large man at the top of the stairs. "Hello. I'm a
fic. May I go in?"
The Bouncer looked her up and down. "What are you packing?"
"You want the entire inventory? It might take a while." She
said truthfully. "Mostly throwing knives and, of course,
this." She patted the hilt of her favorite sword hanging in its
sheath on her belt.
He gestured at the weapons check-in. "You can leave the sword
here."
"I'd rather not." She frowned slightly. "You're welcome
to try and take it off me, if you'd like."
He glared down at her. "Don't get smart. You can't touch me. I'm
working for Scribe."
"As if I'd even want to touch you. You have my word I won't start
any trouble." She offered.
"Uh, uh. I don't buy that honour stuff. It stays or you don't go
in."
"Okay, fine. I won't go in." She drifted across the road and
sat down on the curb. She watched a few Remys come and go as she
considered what to do. A lot of them looked very different from the
master thief she knew and several looked simply miserable. She played
with throwing knife as she cast a influence spell on the Bouncer. Can't
make it too broad, she thought. He'll start acting strange and
somebody's bound to take offense. He didn't start yelling at her so she
guessed he didn't notice. She walked back and tried again.
"Hi again. May I go in now?"
"I told you the first time. No extra weapons." He said, rather
irked by her denseness.
"I want to keep my sword." She said firmly.
His eyes became a bit distant as the spell overrode his will.
"Okay."
"Thanks."
She looked around as the doors closed behind her. Let's see. If I
understand the theory correctly, it looks slightly different for
everybody except when a specific Writer is controlling things. She took
in the polished mahogany bar, leather chairs and heavy furniture.
Everything was old, rich and in perfect condition. A gentleman's club.
Hmm. She glanced up. It's very nice.
There were multiple versions of every person she'd ever met at the
X-mansion as well as dozens of people she didn't recognize at all. Gosh,
it's clone central and they're not all Summers either. She spotted a
familiar ponytail and wandered over. Which version is this? Does this
place have another entrance? Wouldn't put it past them to sneak in just
for fun.
Shatterstar looked up at the woman in black armor approaching their
table. He'd been cuddling with Rictor and discussing ways to open, as it
were, relations between them and Roberto. He liked dark and handsome.
"Hello." He said in a friendly manner. He removed his hands
from Rictor's lap and placed them on the table.
Julia blushed. Oops. "I beg your pardon. I thought you were someone
else." She turned away. That would explain why he misses Rictor so
much, though. She glanced at the ceiling again. I don't want the
competition. Are you paying attention?
"Don't go just yet, chica." Rictor called. "You're a new
fic, right?"
She turned back and smiled. "Yes, I am. Julia de Santos. You're
Rictor, right? I know 'Star, of course."
Shatterstar looked pleased at the recognition. He still enjoyed lots of
attention even if he wasn't a Mojovision star anymore.
"You got it. The vibration specialist at your service." Rictor
grinned. "Is your Writer gonna be using me too?"
She ignored the smart comment that was jumping up and down in the back
of her mind. Nah, too easy, she told herself. "I think so. There's
a few drafts of the series floating in our Directory."
Rictor leaned forward. "Really? A whole series? With
everybody?"
"Yes. My Writer might not write fast but she writes big." She
studied the couple. "How did you enjoy Scotland?"
"It was very interesting. There were many new things to see."
Shatterstar smiled. "Please sit down. I'd like to hear about things
in your variation."
Why not? "Sure." A waiter came by and took her order.
"Well, everyone tends to be more sane than mainstream."
"Not that's hard to do." Rictor said. "You'd think
mainstream's run by a bunch of drop-out shrinks for all the crud they
inflict on the characters."
"True. Let's see. You're still in Mexico, doing whatever. The team
is still at the mansion and Wade and Terry are dating." She smiled
at Shatterstar. "I've got our version of you drinking too. We're a
party crowd."
Shatterstar looked interested. "Oh? What is our relationship
then?"
"We're friends." She hedged.
He frowned. "That is all? Why is that I do not have any companions
except for the story our Writer has created?"
She bit back a smile at his expression. "I think there was one
where you and Windsong kissed." She noted. "And there was one
with you and Betsy Braddock. It was sort of implied that you had Terry
too."
"Fekt. Hardly anything." He said derisively. "At least
those two would not tear me to shreds during the act as Feral
would."
"Don't worry about it, amigo. Things'll come around." Rictor
soothed. "I mean, it might be a lot to hope for to get the
following Gambit has, but things are picking up for us. There's that big
story where we all get some, even though most of it was Nate Grey's head
games."
She went for a hopefully harmless inquiry. "Who's Feral?"
"Early X-Force member." Rictor explained. "One more in
The Powers That Be's continuing obsession with furry women in skimpy
clothing."
She raised a eyebrow at that. "There's a hentai joke in there
somewhere. Let me guess. Claws, fur and a nasty temper?"
"You got it, pretty meat." Said a voice behind her. She looked
up to see a cat-like woman with a rather battered Shatterstar. He nodded
to her. I'm glad he's got fast healing, she thought taking in the
numerous cuts. They've been playing rough. She smiled as charmingly as
she could. "Feral, I presume?"
"Yeah." Feral said with a small snarl as she took in the
scene. "This could be fun. Two for one."
Julia finished her drink. Time to go, she decided. "I'm sure you
four would like to compare notes or something." She said
graciously. "It's been a pleasure meeting you."
"It could be a greater pleasure." Shatterstar said hopefully
from his seat. He liked dark and beautiful too.
"It already has." She winked. "I've got access to the
unposted stuff, remember."
She followed the tasteful brass signs to the Team Rooms. There was a
large blonde man passed out across from the double doors marked
X-Factor. He was clutching an empty bottle of Crown Royal in each hand.
He went down fighting, she thought stepping over his outstretched legs.
There were several X-Men rooms for the rest of floor. What? Missed part
of the alphabet here. She noticed a sign over the stairwell. They're
stuck in the basement. That figures. The sound of people partying got
louder as she went downstairs. Sounds about right. She poked her head
around the door.
It was X-Force. Sort of. More like X-Forces, she thought amazed. X-Forci?
A few people turned to look at her. She worked up enough nerve to go in
and immediately had to sidestep a stream of Silly String fired by a
giggling Risque. She stopped as Risque promptly passed out on the floor.
Several people walked over her, including a equally giddy Jimmy. He
tripped on his attempt and landed face down, still giggling to himself.
My goodness, she thought. I think they're stoned.
"It's a fangirl!" Domino said. "Everybody run!"
"Pardon?" Julia asked. "Dom, are you okay? What did you
mean?" Why the hell didn't I stay home and finish painting my
bedroom?
"She means you're a Writer-created fic that's in a story with
variations of real characters." Cable explained absently, still
looking down at his cybernetic arm. He'd converted part of his arm to
receive, well, cable and was watching another edition of the People's
Court.
"That's not my fault. I've got my own damned stories with not an
X-person in sight." She glanced at a blonde girl with horns who was
watching her intently. "And I do mean damned."
"Sounds cool. I'm Illyana." The girl offered.
She noticed the blonde's feet were in fact hooves. "I'm Julia. You
were a New Mutant once, right? Didn't the mainstream version die really
young, or something?"
"That's partially right. I grew up fast then got young again.
Time-traveling just messes with your DayRunner, I can tell you."
Illyana said.
"I don't doubt it." She glanced at the empty chair at the
demoness' table. "May I join you?"
"Please do. I don't get a lot of opportunities to coffee klatch.
The semi-demonic look puts people off." Illyana said pleasantly.
"You do magic?"
"Some. It was my minor at school. What are you into?" Julia
relaxed slightly. Illyana sounds like her brain is still attached to
rest of her, she thought.
"I rule Limbo. It's sort of a mini-Hell between dimensions. I've
got an army of demons but my magics really work only there. My Writer
has me at my most powerful if lascivious." She waved a hand and
second glass popped into existence in front of Julia. She poured them
both a drink from the bottle on the table. A very dark red liquid
spashed into the glasses. "You know what this is?"
"Yes." Julia picked up her glass and took a sip. "A good
vintage."
"If you're mortal, shouldn't you be unable to drink it?"
Illyana asked.
"It's what's in inside that matters. All bets are off with
me." She said. "Are you with X-Force now, too?"
"Yup. My bunch is a future version. 'Berto's in charge. My Writer
really, really likes him."
"Huh. Good for him. Terry's our deputy leader but I think Sam wants
the job back." She looked around. "Which 'Berto is this?"
"He's not here right now. He's sort of having relationship problems
with Amara and Dani."
"Two women? Well, can't say I'm overly surprised."
Julia watched as a Deadpool went by, followed by a Feral. He sounds a
little crazier than usual, she thought. Her silver eyes flickered
briefly and a plate of hors d'oeuvres appeared on the table.
Illyana smiled at the offering. "Good choice. I like
mini-quiche." She picked up a pastry with a clawed hand and nibbled
daintily at it.
"It works a lot better here." Julia mused, taking one for
herself. "I always have a hard time with real objects at
home."
Illyana nodded as she waved a couple of cloth napkins into being.
"Yeah. I like being written but here's okay." She nodded at
Rictor, Shatterstar, Sam and Tabitha playing poker in the corner.
"They're with my team."
Julia studied them. The Tabitha in question had long brown hair.
"Wow. A Tabs with her natural hair colour. Unbelievable." She
took another sip of her drink. Could do with a mixer, she thought. She
considering what to conjure when a baby started crying.
She looked up to see Terry fussing with a squirming bundle. "What
is Terry doing with a baby?"
"That's a different team. Obviously." Illyana grimaced.
"The brat's Wade's. Which explains why it's so loud and
annoying."
Julia just stared as the Terry variation cooed at the infant. "My
gods."
"They're not listening. That bunch is just nuts. They're fun, but
by the First, I think they should all be sedated."
"I think I've got something." Julia offered. She tapped her
left wrist knife sheath. "Three doses. Your pick."
Illyana surveyed the crowd. "You can start with the version of me
that table-dances."
"I beg your pardon?" She asked. She looked down at her glass.
"Is there something else in this?"
"No. I meant it." Illyana waved a hand at a more human version
of herself. "That me actually worked a strip-bar!"
"Why? No. Don't tell me." She winced. "I think I'm too
sober to handle the answer."
"You're telling me." Illyana said. "Could be worse. Have
you seen the mainstream X-Force yet?"
"No. I haven't seen any mainstreams actually. Is it that bad?"
Illyana smiled evilly. "You are in for real treat. C'mon. Let's go
for a walk."
***
On the other side of town, a certain couple had discovered that there
weren't any Triple-A maps for Subreality.
"Are ye certain ye got the directions straight?" Terry asked
diplomatically as she could through her mounting frustration. If we were
going in circles that'd be an improvement, she thought. We've been going
in shapes that aren't even recognized by geometry.
Wade made a rude noise at her. "Yes, I did!" He looked down at
the rather tattered note. They'd agreed to meet up with the rest of
their gang at the Café, wherever it was. The only problem was that he
wasn't exactly known for his stenographic abilities and he'd written
things down in his new convertible, on a cell phone, speeding down the
highway. He didn't think it was a good time to mention he really had
heard maybe every fifth word.
"Would ye like me to ask...?" She offered, holding up a small,
black rectangle. If he doesn't say yes, I'll scream him unconscious and
stuff him into the trunk until we get there.
He almost sagged with relief against the steering wheel. His compass was
going bonkers, all the streets were starting to look the same but he
just couldn't bring himself to ask for directions. It'd really trash my
hard-earned rep, he thought. High-price killer merc gets lost in fanfic
land. Girl scouts lead him to safety. Millions die of ruptured spleens
from laughing at the loser. "Only if you want to, babe."
***
"That was easily one of the weirdest experiences of my life.
They're really messed up." Julia said as they strolled back.
"I can't believe Terry was so snarky to Wade when he came by. He
was only was trying to be nice. In his own unique way."
"They're all like that." Illyana said. "The mainstream me
is dead but my soulsword was supposed to be floating around causing all
sorts of stupid plot lines." She pulled a glowing white sword from
the air. "It's part of my soul. It's not something I can really
lose or lend out like a pair of socks."
"My condolences." Julia said sincerely. What kind of socks
would someone with hooves wear? She wondered. Pointy ones?
Illyana took a swipe at a mostly-harmless tree then absorbed the blade.
"Thanks. Being a fic's a major improvement after that. I'm back in
power, not dead and hanging with my friends." She glanced at the
Bouncer. There was a delicate tracery of magic on him. "Did
you...?" She asked quietly.
"Just a little. I wanted to keep my hardware." Julia admitted
with a small grin.
Illyana grinned back. "It's nice work. Very subtle. I'm no good
with that gentle stuff."
"Subtle is what assassins are all about. And money, of
course."
A Domino and Cable passed them and went up the stairs. They seemed
surprised when they were allowed to keep their weapons. Domino hugged
her rifle happily as they disappeared inside.
"I think I should have made it a 'me only'." Julia said
reflectively.
"No, this is great. X-Force and unarmed are mutually exclusive
terms. Everyone'll love it."
She frowned. Taking out bystanders was bad form. "But there's more
than our teams in there. What about them?"
Illyana made a face. "Who cares? If they don't duck when they have
too, tough. Death's not permanent here."
"If that's okay here." She shrugged. If they can come back, it
doesn't count, she thought. Not much in the way of business
opportunities then. You be good, she told herself. Xavier will go
apoplectic if you start killing for money again. Not-for-profit killing
is okay, though. Her train of thought paused at a crossing. Did I miss
the morality in that directive or what? Maybe I can get assassination by
donation approved.
"It is. Want to go check out some more places?"
"Might as well. I don't think my gang's here yet. I don't see any
of their cars and they won't walk anywhere unless at gunpoint." She
conjured a bottle of Beaujolais in one hand and a pair of goblets on the
other. "A drink for the road?"
The demon sorceress laughed and took a glass. "Yeah. You need it
around here." They sauntered away, looking for somebody to happen
to.
***
Jimmy, Roberto and Shatterstar, reluctantly named the Mutant Musketeers,
had finally found a Café. But it was the wrong one. At least, that's
what the Bouncer said when he threw them out.
"I thought I told you buggers twice already, NO FICS!" He
yelled at them from the top of the stairs. The door slammed as he went
back inside.
They sat in the alley behind the Mainstream Café and pondered what to
do. Roberto stood and brushed himself down. Good thing purple doesn't
show dirt, he thought as adjusted his new black X-belt.
"Okay. I think we should take the man's advice this time and stay
out." He decided. "Who's got the directions?"
"I have them." Shatterstar said pulling out a carefully folded
paper from one of his multiple belt pouches. They were actually only
good for carrying Post-It Notes, candy and spare change in spite of
their stylish, high-tech appearance. He reread the directions again.
"I'm uncertain why these are so inaccurate. Wade was emphatic that
he had transcribed the information correctly."
"He was probably lying like a rug." Jimmy muttered a tad
sourly.
They trooped out and took in the lay of the land. In front of the Café,
several mainstream characters were bitching and smoking. Most seemed
quite downtrodden.
"Madonna." Roberto said quietly. "They all look like
they're about to face a firing squad."
Jimmy nodded. "Check it out. It's Wade. And a bunch of weirdos."
They watched as Deadpool went past, mouthing off everyone and
everything. An entourage of strange people followed after him, shooting
and stabbing each other on occasion.
"He seems slightly more," Shatterstar paused. He had a bit of
respect for the man, after all. "troubled."
"You mean he's a total maniac." Roberto translated. He noticed
a group sitting on the grass across the road. "Oh, no. Guys, it's
us."
Jimmy studied the assembled members of the official X-Force and extended
his senses as much as possible. "'Berto, you're making the moves on
Tabs." He said quietly.
Roberto was upset at this slur on his personal ethics. "What! Why
would I do that? Sam's my friend. I wouldn't try stuff like that."
"Don't know but I know what I heard." Jimmy hissed. "I
think that me is with Terry, too. Where's Risque?"
Shatterstar listened with one ear to his friends' hushed conversation.
He was watching himself and Rictor walk up and join the group. "I
wish to meet them." He decided as he strode over.
Roberto studied Bobby. I'm...scruffy, he thought with disdain.
"Hey. I'm Roberto DaCosta. New fic."
Bobby smirked. "You think you're Reignfire, don't you?"
"Pardon? Um, no. Not anymore. Cable did a telepathic tap-dance to
get that under control." He paused. "Aren't you?"
"Nope. Never was. Reignfire was my evil double."
Roberto blinked. He was cloned? And the clone went nuts? I guess that
makes a twisted kind of sense. Happened to the Jean, didn't it?
"I see."
He tried not to notice how Tabitha and Bobby were all over each other.
Why isn't Sam here to kick some sense into you? He wondered. Would it
break the rules if I did it?
Jimmy took in the sight of himself and Terry. They smiled back but
didn't seem overly inclined to make conversation.
"Um. Just asking, you understand." He began tentatively.
"Where's Risque?"
The mainstream Jimmy frowned. "She was using me to get me to do
some work for her boss. We split after I found out."
"Oh."
"'Tis a good thing ye did." Terry said. "She was nothing
but trouble."
But I like trouble, Jimmy thought. It's cute and very friendly. He opted
for nodding and trying not to stare at Tabitha's haircut.
Shatterstar watched with dismay as the mainstream of himself and his
best friend Rictor slouched on the ground and smoked cigarettes. From
the smell he knew they were not smoking tobacco.
"Hello. I am Shatterstar, also a newly-created fic." He began
politely. Rictor ignored him and stared up at the sky.
The mainstream held out a hand. "Ben Russell or Shatterstar.
Whichever. We're both here."
He shook his hand automatically. "I don't understand." He
allowed.
"I'm not surprised. It's sort of complicated." The mainstream
sighed. "My original body was taken into the future and killed when
Cable and I were trapped in a TV show broadcast. Spiral and Longshot
brought my soul back and put it into the body of a comatose human
runaway who was institutionalized."
He tried to process that. "But how is that you look the same? Why
did the human have the same markings as well?"
"I don't know. No one does. The tattoo comes and goes. My left eye
may or may not glow and I think my fighting skills are shot." The
mainstream shrugged and took another drag. "Most of the team thinks
I've been overrated all this time anyways. All that 'warrior born' stuff
was faked."
"Aye." Terry said. "Ye admitted to me that ye were at the
bottom of yer class when learning yer sword fighting."
" ! " Shatterstar managed. He was so insulted he didn't know
were to start.
"Double droga." Roberto said with feeling. "Well, it's
been fun meeting all of you. We have to be going now."
Jimmy pulled the enraged Shatterstar away before anything could happen.
"C'mon, 'Star. Don't freak. It's not you."
Salvation came in the form of a blonde and a brunette in a Mustang
convertible
"What are you dweebs doing here?" Tabitha yelled from the
passenger seat. "Risque and I've been looking for you!"
"We're saved." Jimmy said, still keeping tight hold on
Shatterstar's arms. The former gladiator might have stopped struggling
but he wasn't taking any chances. Jimmy didn't understand the language
Shatterstar was muttering but the meaning came though loud and clear. We
never did ask what 'fekt' means, he thought. I know it doesn't mean
'have a nice day'.
"Actually, they're saved." Roberto corrected, making a dash
for the car. He who hesitates, loses shotgun.
Risque just laughed at them when they piled in. "You know, you're a
babe James. But some days..." She said ruefully as they pulled away
from the curb.
Tabitha turned in her seat. She'd retained her claim of shotgun with
only a couple timebombs. "How come you got lost? We have phones for
a reason." She waved hers with its dayglow stickers at them.
There was some uncomfortable shuffling in the overcrowded backseat. When
no explanations were forthcoming, Risque decided to have a little mercy
on them. It's not their fault that asking for directions conflicts with
the Y-chromosome, she thought.
Roberto leaned forward. "All right, you gloated at us. Where is
everybody?"
"Wade and Terry are parking their car. Julia's wandering around
with some Illyana person to torment whoever they happen to find."
She smirked at the rearview mirror. "She's got her phone, so she's
not likely to get lost. Cable and Domino are there already."
Shatterstar tried not to think of where his swords were digging into
him. "Did she say when she would rejoin us?"
"Not really. If we get bored, we can probably find her by following
the emergency vehicles."
***
Sequestered in a corner of the Subreality Café, Domino and Cable waited
for the kids and enjoyed a few relatively quiet beers. He watched the
variants of his family, friends and allies as they came and went from
the Café. It was kind of horribly compelling to see so many
permutations. A Domino came by holding a baby and it took almost all of
his self-control not to go running over to have a look. Stay calm, he
thought. He turned to see if his Domino had noticed. She had, and was
staring at the maternal version with an unreadable expression.
<Dom?>
<It's nothing, Nate. Just thinking>
<Me too>
<Oh, yeah?>
<Yeah>
Domino smiled in her knowing way. She nodded at a group that had picked
up and was starting to leave. A young Domino was chatting animatedly
with an even younger Kane.
"I can't believe it. Was I really that young when I hooked up with
you?"
Cable sighed. "Yeah, you were. Makes me feel like a dirty old man
for chasing after you."
"You are a dirty old man." She remarked. "But you chase
slow, so I've had a lot of time to grow up."
"And you've filled out nicely, too." He smirked.
They realized they were being watched at the same time. Blurringly fast,
Cable brought out a gun and aimed it at the interlopers. It was his
personal favorite, roughly the size of a large dog. Domino had a pair of
handguns out and was ready to blow their guests into their next lives.
"Ooh, love." Wade gushed, oblivious to the firepower being
pointed his way. "Isn't it grand? Especially when it's two of the
most lovey-dovey merc retirees I know." They glared at him but he
didn't notice as he was busy pulling out a chair for Terry. The weapons
were tucked under the table again and a round of drinks was ordered.
"We've been wandering around for ages." Terry said as she took
a seat. "The streets here are so confusing. Did ye have any trouble
with the directions?"
"Nope. Just shook someone until their teeth rattled and they
pointed the way." Domino said casually. "How about you?"
Wade hesitated for a picosecond. "No problems here." Time to
change the subject, he thought, looking around. The décor was fancier
than he'd been expecting. "Nice place. Too bad we gotta share it
with so many of the X-Morons." A couple of Scott Summers turned and
cluster of Wolverines at a corner table growled in their direction.
"Wade!" Terry hissed. "Donnae be so loud. We're
surrounded by them!"
He shrugged. "So? All that means is our chances of picking up
communicable idiocy have increased one hundred percent."
Cable leaned forward. "We're not here to start trouble,
Wilson."
"We're not? What the hell are we doing here then?" Wade asked
with honest surprise. "I thought it was gonna be a little fun with
the fics or we stay home and lolled in our creature comforts. I didn't
come all this way just to goggle at a bunch of your sad-assed
relatives."
"I'm not related to all of them." He said a shade too quickly.
"That's a unpleasant, slanderous rumor."
***
Risque pulled up outside the Subreality Café. An instant later a woman
appeared in a burst of flame on the hood of the car. She didn't look
fully human and she was waving a glowing sword at them.
"AUGH!" Risque screamed.
"Illyana!" yelled Tabitha, Jimmy and Roberto in chorus.
Shatterstar was attempting to get a sword free without beheading Roberto
in the process.
"Yo, what's up guys?" Illyana smirked. Her hooves made tap-tap
sounds as she took a couple of steps closer to the windshield.
"What do you think you're doing?" Risque snapped. As bad as
New York traffic was, demons didn't show up on people's cars. Not often,
at any rate. My cool really took a hit, she thought.
"Saying hi to my friends, or reasonable facsimile thereof."
Illyana said amused. "You must be Risque."
"Yeah. How'd you know?"
"Julia mentioned that you'd be coming along."
Shatterstar gave up on his attack. "Where is she then?" He
asked. He sounded resigned to a completely horrible day.
"Right here." Julia breathed into his ear. He jumped in his
seat and turned around as much as possible. She was sitting on the trunk
and smiling at them. "Got the drop on you twice, 'Star." She
teased, hopping onto the sidewalk. He got out and pulled her closer.
Body armor didn't make her very huggable but he did it anyway. Illyana
smirked at his expression when Julia hugged him back.
"Hey, guys. What took so long?" Julia asked.
"We followed Wade's directions." Jimmy said climbing out of
the backseat in relief. "Total nonsense. We ended up at the wrong
Café."
Roberto grimaced as he stretched. "I hate sitting in the
middle." He groused. Illyana took a smidgen of pity on him and gave
him a hug. He brightened at the attention. "It's great to see you,
'Yana."
"Likewise." She smiled. She waved at Shatterstar, who was
studying the entrance to the Café. "Hey, 'Star. How's
things?"
"I don't think we have met yet." He said cautiously. "Are
you acquainted with an alternate version of me?"
"You bet." She grinned.
"Should I be concerned?" He asked, suppressing the feeling of
dread that was growing within him.
"Nah. Our version of you isn't likely to notice Julia. He's got
other interests." She hinted artlessly.
"As do I." Shatterstar stated, looking puzzled.
Jimmy and Roberto both started coughing suddenly. Risque and Tabitha
snickered.
Julia smiled. I'm so glad there's just one of me. "That isn't even
the tip of the iceberg. Come on, people. Let's dazzle the masses."
***
CREDITS
Julia de Santos joined X-Force in "Shockwave" by Sabre (me).
The Subreality Café belongs to Kielle. (All hail the mighty Kielle!)
The bunny slippers belong to Abyss.
The now-enthralled Bouncer was created by Falstaff.
The cuddlesome Shatterstar and Rictor are from "Mharie" by
Lady Amethyst.
Shatterstar and Windsong kissed at the end of "Shattered
Perceptions" by Tim Frankovich (Kudos to Jupiter 2 for letting me
know).
Betsy Braddock and Shatterstar got together in "Special
Training" by Steve (no last name).
Feral and her Shatterstar are from "Strange Currencies" by
Kender.
The large blond man passed out is Sabretooth. Pick one. He's had such a
lousy existence since the Sabretooth limited series that I think he's
entitled to a bender now and again. Say one for every issue of X-Factor.
The stoned Risque and Jimmy, the first Domino, the Cable who watches
People's Court, the Terry with a baby, and the Illyana who was/is a
table-dancer are from "X-Force: The New Breed" by Red Monster.
'A good vintage' is a term taken from the television show "Forever
Knight". I don't know who owns it. It's the expensive stuff at a
vampire bar.
The demonic Illyana, the Deadpool who's being admired by Feral and the
poker gang that includes a brown-haired Tabitha belong to the "In
the Shadows of the Future" set by Samy Merchi. (Thank you for
letting 'Yana come out and play)
"by the First" is a reference to the First of the Fallen from
Hellblazer owned by DC/Vertigo.
The Domino who hugs guns and her Cable are from "Just Lucky, I
guess" by DuAnn.
The official versions (mainstreams) belong to Marvel. May all the Gods
protect them but I think it's too late.
The Wild Pack with the young Domino is from "Friendly Fire" by
Alicia McKenzie.
The "... we all get some..." comment from Rictor is a
reference to the same story the Domino with a baby is from: "Herald
of Armageddon" by Dimitri. |
