New Place

Ensuring Sonya and Lauren were in good spirits, Max guided them to Xavier Institute. Returning to the familiar surroundings, Katie's expression carried a nostalgic weight. As Max led them underground to observe the Sentinels patrolling, Katie's face betrayed a hint of anger.

She still harbored feelings for this school.

Deserted as it was, it remained preferable to being occupied by Sentinels.

Max, after brief remarks about the brainwave machine and Rogue's confinement, headed straight to a nearby laboratory. Sentinel handled security and inspections, with only a handful of human researchers remaining. Inside the lab, three individuals were engrossed in their work at the computers.

A door materialized behind their heads, emitting a pink cloud of smoke that enveloped them.

After a while, Sonia emerged from the entry, reporting, "It's done. We now have the highest authority here. Our luck is exceptional – Sentinels are upgrading due to genetic testing, and we managed to include a command preventing them from attacking anyone in the academy, Mutants included!"

"What about the time?" Max inquired.

Sonya replied, "As long as the main program controlling these whistle-ping robots doesn't give out mandatory orders or anyone interferes, it can keep going, but that's unlikely. From what I gathered from their memory, there haven't been any incidents. I'd estimate about three months."

"Is there a chance to control all the Sentinels?" Max queried.

Sonya shook her head. "Unlikely. They don't possess that capability."

"Well, can't complain about three months," Max remarked with a grin. "Since we've got some time, Katie, could you head back and bring everyone over?"

"Sure thing," Katie agreed with a nod.

This place served as a research hub for studying mutant abilities, making it a safe haven from external Sentinel threats.

Max arranged for Katie to shuttle people back and forth safely between spaces.

Once the program was set up, Max, Sonya, and Lauren left the alternate space without incident. The experimenters showed no surprise at their arrival, instead offering their respect.

"Sonia, your job is to ensure there are no memory mishaps. Lauren, tidy up our living quarters so they stay neat," Max instructed, nodding to each in turn. Then he turned to Sonya for updates on Rogue before heading to her room.

Encountering Sentinels along the way, Max noted their lack of aggression, dutifully carrying out their tasks. Sonya's earlier mention of Sentinel genetic testing upgrades likely explained this change, a response to previous incidents.

But would this upgrade lead to Sentinels detecting human genetic variations? Max pondered the potential ramifications with curiosity.

As he reached Rogue's room, the door chimed open.

Rogue, still restrained on the bed, looked up nervously at the sound of the door.

"It's me," Max said, stepping in with a reassuring smile as the door closed behind him.

Rogue stared at Max, her expression blank as she processed the situation. She had spent countless hours pondering Max's identity, his abilities, and even considering what sacrifices she might have to make to secure her own safety. But never had she imagined Max would saunter in like this.

"You're one of them!" she accused, her voice laced with frustration. "That door has specific instructions, only those authorized can open it."

"Why are you toying with me?" Rogue's anger boiled over as she shouted at Max. "You've captured me, so why play games?"

Max, unfazed by Rogue's outburst, chuckled. "Do you intend to offer me something in exchange for your freedom?" he teased, ignoring Rogue's directives.

Rogue realized Max was going to toy with her once more. She huffed and turned her head away, refusing to engage with him.

....

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