Chapter 2: Those Fabled Halls of Jericho

"Sir, I think the perfect candidate for that little project has just thrown himself into our laps."

"Explain."

"His name is Nathaniel Essex the fourth. His great-great grandfather was the one who discovered the X factor. He's been studying mutations for years. All he needs is money."

"Give it to him. Set him up someplace secure. And, Jimmy?"

"Yes, sir."

"He doesn't exist."

"Yes, sir."

*****

"Mama, this is just crazy. How do they expect a body ta get anythin' done with all these soldiers roamin' around?" Rogue muttered in complaint. Mystique chuckled from the van where she was monitoring her daughter's progress through the base. It wasn't a particularly large base, or particularly active. It was just a good place to start. First, they would take out the supply room. Then, Avalanche would destroy the buildings while Pyro burnt what was left to the ground. Mystique was monitoring each of them. When the time was just right, she was going to bag herself a general.

*****

"The first family has arrived, Skipper." Magneto shook his head with a benevolent smile. "Their things are on the ship in the harbor. I don't think that's a wise idea. There's been a lot of rioting lately."

"Yes, but I have a strong contract with the underworld there. No one will be getting near my ship. Are the rooms set up?"

"Yes. We break ground on the housing tract tomorrow." Magneto nodded.

"Good. I want this to be as painless as possible. Well, let's go meet the happy couple, shall we?"

"Of course."

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