X #28

Standing over a small pile of electronic devices with a duffle bag slung over my shoulder, I unscrewed the cap of a gas can and began pouring it over the bugs I'd found hidden throughout the mansion. The sharp, pungent smell of gasoline filled the air, stinging my nostrils.

Just as I was about to strike a match, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I turned around to see Dugan approaching, holding a handful of red berries.

He threw a couple into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "I see you're enjoying yourself," I said, nodding at the berries.

"There's something about these berries. They're like nothing I've ever tried before. "Dugan replied, his voice filled with genuine wonder. "What you got there?"

I gave a short, humorless laugh. "Nature's little surprises," I said, then gestured towards the electronics. "What you see here is the bugs I found in the mansion."

Dugan's eyes widened as I struck the match and dropped it onto the pile. The gasoline ignited instantly, flames roaring up and consuming the devices.

He winced, taking a step back from the sudden heat. "Why'd you go and do that for?" he asked, a mix of frustration and disbelief in his tone. "You've agreed to let me stay. I can report everything going on here just fine even without the bugs."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "I found some of them in the toilet, Dugan. I want to at least shit in peace without worrying about some spook watching me go about my business if I'm to live here...."

I watched the flames dance over the burning electronics, then turned my gaze back to him. "Other than that, it's to send a short, simple message; you people only get the information I allow you to get."

Dugan sighed, popping another berry into his mouth. "You know, you're making this harder than it needs to be."

I crossed my arms, meeting his gaze steadily. "Maybe. But I've spent too long looking over my shoulder, wondering when everything will go to shit. This island is supposed to be my fresh start. I won't have it any other way."

He chewed slowly, considering my words. "Fair enough," he finally said. "Just remember, trust is a two-way street. SHIELD's trying to help you. Don't make us regret it."

"SHIELD is trying to help itself, and trust is earned, not given..." I replied, my voice hard. "Right now, your people have a lot to prove whereas I've already demonstrated my worth...."

Dugan gave me a long, assessing look. "You do realize I can plant more bugs, right?"

I scoffed at him dismissively. "And I'll know you did. it would also tell me where you and I stand, so suit yourself..."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got it all figured out, don't you? Well, it's not my job to argue with you, so I won't bother. I'll just enjoy my time here and report whatever I think is worth reporting to my superiors."

"We'll get along just fine then," I said as the fire began to die down. I stomped on the remains of the bugs, grinding them into scrap with my boot before turning back to Dugan.

"But in the meantime, I'll be heading out. Oh, and by the way... I finished working the northern side of the island, so feel free to take a look if you want... it should give you something to report..." I added, turning around and walking away.

It had been two days since my arrival at the base. Besides fishing for bugs, I'd been busy re-establishing the facilities I'd dismantled in the warehouse. The work had been grueling but satisfying.

Starting with the Palbox, I rebuilt everything: the Pal beds, the berry plantations, the wooden storage chests, resource pits, and even the hot springs for the Pals.

I glanced at my wristwatch, scrolling through the newly unlocked blueprints. Some were instantly put to use, like the wheat plantation and the mill to turn wheat into flour. The new mega shield replaced my old personal energy shield, giving me a sense of security in this unfamiliar territory.

Other blueprints, like the advanced workbench, metallic storage chests, primitive furnace, and metallic tools and weapons, would have to wait until I could gather the necessary ore. That would mean a trip back to Palbagos Island, but that wasn't my current destination.

Dugan called out, snapping me out of my thoughts "I can call a chopper if you want to head out."

I chuckled as I reached the Palbox. "There will be no need for that," I said, touching the terminal. The familiar hum of the fast travel function filled the air, and in a flash of blue light, I disappeared right in front of Dugan.

When the light dissipated, I found myself standing beside the old Palbox in the warehouse. The sight of two men in lab coats examining the device made me grin. They flinched back in surprise, their eyes wide.

I patted the closest one on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work, boys," I said, heading for the exit.

Vito appeared behind me, trailing my steps. "Where are we going?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

I shot him a look, adjusting the duffle bag hanging on my shoulder. "Wait and see," I replied. "It'll be a real unpleasant surprise for you..."

...

The mansion loomed ahead, an imposing structure nestled amidst lush, manicured grounds. Vito disembarked the taxi that brought him here and approached the entrance, his duffle bag heavy on his shoulder, filled with the weight of his intent as he walked into the front yard.

As he made his way deeper into the yard, the grandeur of the X-Mansion became evident—its ivy-clad walls and intricate architecture speaking volumes about the history and power contained within.

Taking slow deliberate steps, he made sure to take in the enchanting scenery of the yard, the trees in the distance, the light green lawn, mawed to perfection, and the water fountain near the mansion.

Finally reaching the destination, he proceeded to knock, and yet there was no answer. After a good minute, he pushed the door open and stepped into the grand foyer. The atmosphere inside was almost serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had brought him here.

His eyes scanned the elegant interior, taking in the high ceilings and the ornate chandeliers. Before he could take another step, a figure appeared at the top of the staircase.

Kitty Pryde descended the steps, her movements fluid and confident. She eyed him curiously, a hint of suspicion in her gaze. "Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.

"I'm here to see Professor Charles Xavier," Vito replied, his voice steady.

Kitty's eyebrows rose slightly. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," he admitted, shifting the duffle bag on his shoulder. "But it's important."

Before Kitty could respond, another figure appeared—a stern-looking man with a powerful presence. It was Logan, his rugged demeanor making it clear he wasn't one to be trifled with. "What's going on here?" Logan asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in the newcomer.

"He wants to see the Professor," Kitty explained, her gaze flicking between the two men.

Logan crossed his arms over his chest, his stance firm. "Sorry, bub. The Professor's a busy man. He doesn't just see anyone who walks in off the street."

Vito sighed, realizing this wasn't going to be easy. "Look," he said, unzipping the duffle bag and revealing its contents. Stacks of cash, neatly bundled, glinted under the foyer lights. "I'm willing to donate all of this, in exchange for a meeting with Professor X."

Logan's eyes widened slightly, but he only seemed more suspicious at my words. "Look around, bub. We don't need your money... besides, you look like you're up to no good, so why the hell should I let you see the Professor?"

"Because I need his help," Vito said, his voice tinged with resignation. "And I'm willing to pay for it. This isn't just about money. It's about something bigger."

Kitty glanced at Logan, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Before Logan could respond, a calm, authoritative voice echoed in his mind.

"Let him in, Logan," Professor X's voice commanded telepathically. "I will see him."

Logan frowned but nodded, stepping aside reluctantly. "Fine. Follow me."

Vito couldn't help but frown, confused by the sudden change of heart. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself and trailed behind Logan, intent on convincing Professor X to help him.

...

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