"We all know something of what happened," Cyclops began. "Jubilee had an...encounter with a young man and came out of it changed."
He was trying not to sound cold as he talked, aware that Jubilee was in the room, but it was a time for business. He paused for a moment and pointed to the 3-d display table that was rapidly forming into a map of a section of Japan.
"That encounter happened here," he said. "About a week ago. Jubilee sensed another encounter this morning but we do not know where that might be. We know the name Saotome and suspect this can be traced to this man."
A holographic display rose up showing Genma Saotome rotating in the air along with a scrolling file on the martial-artist scientist.
"He is an awknowledged expert in the field of human enhancement research, but considered too unethical by most standards," Cyclops informed them. That said a lot, actually, considering the ethics involved in many human enhancement programs. "He is also a master of a form of martial arts known as Musabetsu Kakuto."
Wolverine groaned at that.
"Something to add, Wolverine?" Cyclops asked.
"I know that Art," Wolverine said. "It's a tough style to fight. Had a run-in once with the founder a few years back. Came out of it undecided, but I remember he had a pair of students. Add a few years, this could be one of them." He gestured to the image of Genma.
"Do you know the other student's name?" Cyclops asked.
"Tendo," Wolverine said gruffly.
Cyclops nodded and made a note of that before continuing with the briefing.
"We believe the person responsible for this is Genma's son," Cyclops said. "Ranma Saotome, age thirteen, new pictures on record. If it is him, then apparently he has physical matured faster than human. Emma Frost reports that the individual responsible seemed closer to sixteen or seventeen years old."
Had the situation not been so serious, one or more of the Generation X crowd probably would have quipped about Jubilee liking younger guys, but they held their tounges.
"There was a Ranma Saotome registered a school local to the area of the incident," Cyclops continued. "But the boy has since not attended classes. He's virtually dropped off the face of the Earth."
"The people I remember were fairly big on travelling the roads for training," Wolverine said. "They'd stay off the grid mostly."
"That is what we thought," Cyclops agreed. "We have, however, found Genma's wife's address in Tokyo. Emma, Sean, the Professor expects you to speak to her about the situation. Shadowcat will accompany you, try to get her access to this Genma's computers if possible."
"How much of the situation are we allowed to make clear to Mrs. Saotome," Emma asked.
"As much as you think will be helpful to finding her husband and son," Cyclops said. "Logan and Psylocke, we'll need you to search for and speak to this other Masubetsu Kakuto master. Perhaps he can shed some light on the subject."
Psylocke nodded at that, it made sense with her and Logan being the most in tune with both martial artists and the Japanese.
"And then who's tracking the boy?" Logan asked grimmly. Jubilee winced and looked at him pleadingly, but he pretended not to notice.
"Jean, Chamber, Iceman, Penance and myself will be tracking the target," Cyclops said. "This is the way the Professor has assigned us."
Wolverine looked to the continuously silent Penance as she blinked back at him. Obviously she was to supply the enhanced senses for the group. He understood what was happening, really, the Professor had decided that he wouldn't behave very rationally.
"Why not find him with Cerebro?" Paige asked then.
"As matters stand it won't work," Xavier said at that point. "Cerebro can only barely find Jubilee now, and we do not believe that this Ranma was ever a mutant. However, we may have a solution. If Jubilee is willing."
"Me?" Jubilee asked.
"You're going to let Jubilee try Cerebro?" Wolverine growled, sitting up.
"No," the Professor said firmly. "But perhaps she can help me guide Cerebro to the right...frequency to find this boy and contain him before this situation worsens."
See other episodes by Thrythlind
(Posted Tue, 06 May 2003 07:25)
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