Rejoice in Remembering?
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: Rejoice in Remembering? Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 1:52 pm

Yes, I think it is definitely time for yet another ongoing drabble - as if I don't have enough going. But I've just finished one, so another is called. She alone will... oh, wait. Wrong genre. Anyway, this is a Chalet School/X-Men crossover. And, yes, I'm sure there have been weirder things.

The X-Men

These were originally a series of comics, recently made into two films. I've never read the comics, and have seen both films, though this is set between X1 and X2. The basic premise of the X-Men is that mutants are all around us, with groovy mutations which let them do stuff like read minds, walk through walls etc. There are two 'factions' of mutants. One, led by Magneto, believes that mutants are a step up from humans and are both different and better, and is quite happy to concoct evil plans to, say, convert the population of the earth into mutants. The other is led by Professor Charles Xavier, who runs a school for mutants, and came up with the 'X-Men', who run around doing good etc. As well as this, there is considerable opposition to mutants in normal society, with politicians trying to come up with solutions to the 'mutant problem', ie bringing in registration for all mutants etc.

This story is set in the present day.

Rejoice in Remembering?

Prologue

The staff and pupils of Xavier’s School for the Gifted lolled around in the scorching summer sun. Scott Summers had given up trying to interest anyone in a game of basketball, and instead watched with a minor degree of interest as some of the younger kids clustered round Bobby, begging him to “cool” them. Around the grounds of the school could be seen inert bodies, with varying degrees of clothing – even Rogue had stripped down to shorts and a strappy top. The warmth was making Scott drowsy, and he was just drifting off when he heard the Professor call him.

“I need the X-Men.” There was no-one there, of course. Charles Xavier was a telepath of uncharted power, and had no need to physically do much of anything, which was fortunate since he was bound to a wheelchair. Springing to his feet, Scott wended his way through the student body – or bodies – and, entering the house and sliding back an oak panel, descended into the bowels of the school, whence came the X-Men.

The Professor was already there, and Scott felt a spurt of alarm at the worried face of his mentor. Looking at the expressions of Jean and Orora, he could see that he was not alone.

“What’s happened?” he asked bluntly.

“There has been an attack,” replied the Professor. “A young boy, in Boston. You must go to him.”

“A mutant?” Jean asked hesitantly. It was hardly unusual for the Professor to request the X-Men to rescue a young mutant, often one who had just come into his or her powers, but never before had Jean seen him so disturbed. She was not surprised, therefore, when he shook his head.

“No. But he is in danger. You must hurry. Bring him back here.”

…

Gilly tried without success to revive her cousin, desperation growing as he failed to respond. As she knelt in the alley, she was oblivious to the cold ground under her knees, the worsening rain, the distinctive scrabbling that spoke of rats nearby. All she could think of was bringing Jack around, and cursing herself for refusing to join Guides when she was a child.

“I should have been,” she muttered to herself. “Fifteen to two – that’s right. That has to be right. Oh, come on, Jack, please. I should have joined, no matter how annoying Josie was about it. Please, please wake up, Jack. Wake up!” This last was shouted, but failed to elicit any response from the boy lying on the ground, blood seeping from the multitude of slashes on his torso.

So wrapped up in her efforts, Gilly didn’t notice the sound of approaching steps, and only realised that she was no longer alone when a she felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun round on her knees, lost her balance, and slid over onto her bottom, gazing in fear at the sight that met her eyes.

Last edited by Liss on Wed May 26, 2004 1:38 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#2:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 1:56 pm

Yay, another new drabble Very Happy But what a place to leave it!

 

#3:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 3:03 pm

Liss, this looks great!! More please!!!!!

 

#4:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 3:49 pm

Part One

Clad in skin-tight black leather body suits, which would have seemed bizarre in New York or LA, let alone Boston, three people loomed over her. Gilly didn’t speak for a moment, fear paralyzing her vocal chords. As a white-haired women bent over Jack, however, Gilly found her voice.

“Wh-what do you want?” The other woman, whose red hair flicked out at the ends in a way that was almost non-threatening, smiled at her.

“We’re not going to hurt you. Did you find him here?” Gilly nodded cautiously.

“Yes. Who are you?” Before the red-haired woman could answer, the other spoke.

“We have to get him out of here. He needs help.” Gilly scrambled to her feet.

“Yes! I tried to call an ambulance but my mobile doesn’t work here and I didn’t want to leave him to find a phone. Are you going to…” She trailed off as the man, who so far had said nothing, picked Jack up, and started walking towards the entrance of the alley. Gilly followed him doggedly. “Should you carry him? Shouldn’t you leave him where he was? You’re really not supposed to move people when they’ve been hurt, you know. I mean, I was never actually a Guide, but I do know that. Where are you…?” She fell silent again as, in the middle of an abandoned basketball court on the other side of the road, she saw a large plane. It was black and smooth, and looked awfully, awfully suspicious.

“You’re not taking him to the hospital, are you?” she asked slowly, taking a step back. The man ignored her, but Red Hair put a would-be comforting hand on her arm.

“We’ll take good care of him, don’t worry. We need to find out who did this. Now, you’d better go home. Your parents will be worried.” Gilly was so bewildered by this turn of events that the normal irritation she felt when people treated her like a child didn’t materialise.

“I’m twenty-five,” she said absently. “My parents are in South Africa. Look, you can’t just waltz in and kidnap Jack! I mean, who do you think you are?” At Jack’s name, Red Hair’s eyes sharpened, and even the man turned to look at Gilly, though any expression was obscured behind the reflective shades he wore.

“Jack? You know him?” The question was quick and demanding. Gilly shrugged.

“He’s my cousin. Well, second.” There was a moment of silent consultation between the three strangers, then Red Hair’s hand tightened on Gilly’s arm.

“I think you’d better come with us.” Gilly tried to pull away.

“What?! Go with a bunch of strangers who are trying to kidnap my cousin in their spooky black plane. Are you nuts?” Red Hair smiled, quickly and without humour.

“Look at it this way. We’re taking Jack. You can either stay here, or come with us.” Gilly scowled.

“Fine. Whatever. Sheesh, Clare will kill me if I let anything happen to him.” Her eyes wandered over Jack’s body, her annoyance at the situation fading as she looked at her young cousin. “Anything else, that is.”

 

#5:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 3:59 pm

More PLEEEEEEEEEASE Liss!!!!

 

#6:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:12 pm

Yay X-Men Very Happy

Intrigued as to why Xavier would want a non mutant and how the CS comes in at all but I suppose all shall become clear eventually. Hoping to see lots of Bobby and John... *hint hint hint* well and the rest of course Very Happy

*chants new drabble at her computer*

 

#7:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:27 pm

Drops a huge hint that more of this would be very welcome.

 

#8:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:29 pm

Oh see how I do no work...

------

There is something fantastically awful about waiting rooms, even ones as well-decorated and un-waiting-room-like as this one. Gilly took in the velvet curtains, shelves of books and panelled walls at her first glance and didn’t bother with them again. She had arrived at the house over two hours ago, and the three strangers in their kinky leather had borne Jack away, leaving her here in this study. A girl had come in a few minutes later with a tray bearing tea and sandwiches, and that had been the last Gilly had seen of anyone. It suddenly occurred to her that there wasn’t any conceivable reason why she should stay put, and she opened the door slowly.

Half-way up the hallway, Gilly found herself confronted by three teenagers: two boys and a girl.

“Who are you?” one of the boys asked.

“Gilly,” said Gilly.

“I guess you’re new here,” said the girl in a marked southern accent. She smiled. Gilly smiled back.

“You could say that. My cousin and I were just picked up by these three on a leather trip.” The girl laughed.

“Mr Summers, Miss Munroe and Dr Grey, I guess. They’re our teachers.”

“Teachers?” Gilly raised a disbelieving eyebrow. “They don’t look like any teachers I know. And trust me, I’ve known a few.” The girl shrugged.

“Well, they are. I’m Rogue, by the way. These guys are Bobby and John.” She indicated the boys beside her with a wave of her hand. Bobby gave her a little wave.

“Hi.”

“Hi. So, is this like a school, then?” Rogue stared at her.

“Well sure it’s a school. Didn’t they tell you?” Before Gilly could answer, a voice called to her.

“Gilly?” It was Red Hair. Rogue smiled at her.

“Hey, Dr Grey!” Dr Grey returned the greeting then focussed on Gilly.

“Jack’s awake, Gilly. Professor Xavier thought you might like to see him.” Gilly frowned, guiltily realising that for a moment she had forgotten her cousin.

“Is he all right?” she asked eagerly. Dr Grey nodded reassuringly.

“He’ll be fine. Come with me.”

“I seem to be hearing that a lot today,” muttered Gilly, following in the doctor’s wake.

 

#9:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:37 pm

thank you Liss! but you know what I'm going to say!
More soon please!!!!

 

#10:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:40 pm

Echoing Vikki's pleas for more

Your tactics for avoidance of RL work are greatly appreciated!

 

#11:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:41 pm

And she's being so obliging in posting more too, Vikki!!!

Not having seen either X-men film I am very slightly confused but interested nonetheless. May be another film I reallly should see!

 

#12:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:47 pm

Yes, I was wondering if maybe I ought to get around to seeing them sometime!

 

#13:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:48 pm

Jack was indeed awake, much to Gilly’s relief. She bent over his bed, patting him lightly on one arm, being careful to avoid the long red gash that ran from wrist to elbow.

“Hey there, enfant terrible,” she said gently. “Nice to see you all in one piece.”

“Hi, Gill,” Jack croaked at her. “I think I lost some hair.” Gilly made a show of inspecting his head, trying not to look too closely at the multitude of stitches.

“Well, maybe. Don’t worry, though, the half-bald thing really works for some people.”

“So I’ve found,” came an amused voice from behind, and Gilly turned to find a bald man in a wheelchair, whose dark eyes seemed to look right into her.

“Hi,” she said, almost nervous. “Are you the mysterious professor? You do know how weird that sounds, don’t you?”

“Saturday cartoons,” mused Jack, then coughed. Immediately Dr Grey was at his side and, after a moment, Gilly returned her attention to the latest arrival. He smiled at her, understandingly.

“I realise this has all been rather confusing for you,” he started. Gilly laughed sarcastically.

“Oh no, not at all. Oh, wait a moment. Yes, completely! I have no idea what’s going on! Who are you people? Did you have something to do with what happened to Jack? And if you didn’t, why on earth were you there? I mean, will someone please explain what’s going on!” The Professor just looked at her, and Gilly fell silent, but suddenly there was support from an unexpected corner.

“I’ve got to say, Professor, I wouldn’t mind knowing what was going on myself.” It was Glasses, who, according to Gilly’s deductions also went by Mr Summers. The Professor sighed, and looked down.

“My name is Professor Charles Xavier,” he said eventually. “This is a school for…gifted children.”

“Yeah, so that Rogue girl said,” said Gilly impatiently. “But what has a school got to do with anything?”

“This is a school for mutants,” said Mr Summers, bluntly. Gilly’s eyes widened.

“Mutants? Really? Huh. Oh, wait a minute! Do you mean that Jack’s a…” She trailed off, surreptitiously glancing at her cousin, but Dr Grey shook her head.

“No, he’s not.” Gilly looked confused.

“Well, I don’t understand then. Why did you bring us here?”

 

#14:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:51 pm

Liss, you are extremely shiny (although sadly hairbrushless.... Wink ), but you really need to post more in order to put us, and Gilly, out of our collective misery!!! Wink

 

#15:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:56 pm

Thanks Liss for the new installments of the shiny drabble, and reminds her that this is her real work, not the other thing.

 

#16:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:01 pm

Professor Xavier met their gazes firmly. “I can’t say. Nevertheless, I think you are safest here. The attack on Jack was not random; it was intentional.” Gilly looked at him in disbelief.

“Intentional? How could it possibly be intentional? Look, Jack was just visiting. He’s been in the States – what, two days? He’s fourteen. He doesn’t know anybody. How could it be intentional?” She suddenly turned on Jack. “You haven’t been dealing drugs or anything, have you?” she asked. He shook his head, wide-eyed. Gilly nodded. “There you are, then. It couldn’t have been intentional.” A small smile played around the corner of the Professor’s lips, but he remained solemn.

“That is the case, however, Miss… I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know your name.” Gilly opened her mouth to continue her rant, then the good manners drilled into her as a child took over.

“My name is Gillian Lambert. I work for a publishing company in Boston.” At her words, the Professor, who had been watching her with mild interest, suddenly stared more intently.

“Lambert. Your father – he must be Robert Lambert.” Gilly nodded slowly.

“That’s right. Do you know him?” The Professor shook his head.

“Unfortunately not. He is an engineer, I believe?”

“Yes. He’s in South Africa at the moment, working on a dam. Look, Professor,” her voice softened, “please tell me what’s going on. Why would anyone want to hurt Jack? He’s just a kid.” Everyone ignored Jack’s muffled complaint that fourteen wasn’t much of a kid anymore, and watched to see what the Professor would say. After a minute, he shook his head.

“I’m sorry, Miss Lambert, I can’t tell you anything further. I’m sorry,” he said, raising a hand to forestall her objections, “but I can’t. Now, you must excuse me.” He backed up the wheelchair, and rolled away, leaving behind three very frustrated people and Jack, still complaining about being called a kid.

 

#17:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:05 pm

*chanting for more!!!!!!!*
Please Liss?

 

#18:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:08 pm

Sorry, that's it for today.

 

#19:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:09 pm

Awwwww!!!!
*pouts, sulks and has a tanny!*

 

#20:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:20 pm

Five shiny installments today, thank you, Liss.

 

#21:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 5:22 pm

I went away to work and look what was here as a reward when I finished. Of course if Liss says there will be no more tonight then there's my incentive to work all gone (guilt trip much Razz)

I think I'm with Gilly, Professor Xavier's being a little too mysterious on this one!

 

#22:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:39 pm

Please, Liss, will you finish this one? It's really good. Pretty please.

 

#23:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:45 pm

Wow oh shiny squeen may we have some mroe soon please Smile

 

#24:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 8:35 pm

Okay, I do intend to finish this one, mainly because I know where it's going (unlike the Buffy one). Just so you know. Very Happy Also, here's another part. I know I said I was done for today, but hey! I lied!

-----

Half an hour later, Charles Xavier was alone in his study, gazing absently out of the window, when a tap at the door brought him to his senses.

"Come in," he invited, consciously putting away the thoughts that had been occupying him." The door opened to reveal Scott Summers, Charles' right hand man when it came to both the X-Men and the school. "Hello, Scott." The younger man nodded in reply.

"Jack doesn't remember much about what happened," he said, sitting down in a chair opposite Charles. "'Large, hairy, with damn big claws' is about all he could come up with. Sounds something along the lines of our old friend Sabretooth." Charles looked pensive.

"Something of that ilk," he agreed. He said no more, and after a few moments' silence, Scott spoke again.

"Professor, I think I have a right to know what's going on here. Why did you ask us to bring him back here? Whoever it was that attacked Alex was long gone by the time we got there. He's not a mutant, and Jean reckons Gilly isn't either. So what--"

"It was a message," Charles interrupted quietly. "I'm just not sure what it means yet." Scott raised his arms in exasperation.

"A message? A message for whom? A message from whom?" Charles smiled wryly.

"Who do you think, Scott?" Scott stared for a moment, then grimaced.

"Magneto?" Charles nodded.

"He let me into his mind, just enough to know. But... I don't understand." Scott shook his head.

"Why pick a random kid? And what's it supposed to mean?Professor?" This last was uttered with dawning suspicion as Charles refused to meet Scott's eyes. "He is a random kid, isn't he?"

"No," Charles said, after a moment's thought. "No, there is nothing random about him. But I don't understand this, Scott. It's personal, deeply personal. I can't believe Eric would just do this. He must have a reason, but I can't imagine what it would be." Scott raised an eyebrow.

"I guess the fact that he's in prison because of you couldn't have anything to do with it?"

Last edited by Liss on Tue May 18, 2004 8:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#25:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 8:39 pm

Thank you shiny Liss!!!!

 

#26:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 8:43 pm

Scott considered the Professor for a moment, then spoke hesitantly.

"Jack... he's not your son, is he?"

 

#27:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 9:42 pm

Yay, lots of drabble today.

*hopes for similar amount tomorrow*

Should I be able to work out how this family relate to the Lamberts from the CS? Can anyone enlighten me?

 

#28:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 10:23 pm

Two more bits (even if the second one was very short)
Very Happy
Curiouser and curiouser. So Jack is known to Xavier and Magneto in some way but not a mutant... I'm totally intrigued!

 

#29:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 10:32 am

Charles stared for a moment, then laughed.

“No, Scott. All my children are here in this school. And no, I’m not including either Jack or Gilly in that.” Scott relaxed slightly, but still eyed Charles warily.

“Then who is he? Professor, please!” But Charles remained adamant.

“I can’t tell you. Not yet, anyway.” He manoeuvred his chair towards the door. I need to speak to Gilly again.” Scott followed him, fully aware that he would be told nothing more while the Professor was in this mood.

They found Gilly in the kitchen with Rogue and Bobby, eating pancakes, while Gilly regaled the two students with Jack’s story. She broke off as she saw the two men enter the room.

“Hey. Have you decided to let me in on what’s going on yet?” she asked sweetly. The Professor ignored her.

“Have you spoken to your family?” he said abruptly. Gilly looked guilty.

“Well, nooo. Not as such. I know, I completely should have done. But Clare – Jack’s mother – is so going to kill me.”

“Jack is English, I believe. His parents, are they in England now?” Gilly shook her head.

“Nope, Austria. Visiting family. Jack told them he’d rather die a horrible death than go with them. Well, guess that worked out – almost.” The Professor nodded decisively.

“We’ll take him to them. Scott, speak to Jean and find out how soon Jack can travel. The sooner we go, the better. Gilly, we can take you back to Boston if you like, but I would advise you to come with us. You may be in danger if you stay here.”

“Danger! What sort of danger? Professor, will you please tell me what’s—” But she was speaking to thin air. The Professor had rolled out of the kitchen. “What is with that guy?” she groaned. Scott smiled sympathetically.

“I don’t know, but he’s certainly embracing the cryptic at the moment.”

 

#30:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 10:51 am

*agrees with Scott!*

 

#31:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 11:48 am

A day later saw Professor Xavier, Scott and Jean preparing to take Jack and Gilly to Austria. Jean had declared Jack fit to travel – more or less – and Jack himself was highly entertained by the prospect of flying to Europe in a big black spy plane. Gilly was considerably more dubious about the proceedings, but welcomed anything that would take Jack’s mind off what had happened. She watched as Jean and Scott got him onto the plane, then turned her attention to what the Professor was saying to Orora Munroe.

“I hope we won’t be more than a day or so,” he said, “but I can’t guarantee it, I’m afraid. There is something more going on here, and it may take a while to find out what it is. Look after the children, Orora.” She nodded.

“Of course. But aren’t you afraid that Magneto – if it is Magneto – will come after them? Or rather, send someone here?” The Professor shook his head.

“I don’t think so. This is aimed at something else entirely; I don’t think the school is any danger. Neither do I think that Eric would attack other mutants. You should all be safe here, but you only need to ask if there are any problems.”

“I know. I hope you don’t run into any problems.” The Professor smiled.

“I hope so too.” He turned to Gilly. “Are you ready?”

“I still don’t know why I’m coming,” she said grumpily, climbing aboard the plane. “Apart from anything else, I would rather have the Atlantic between us when Clare sees the state that Jack’s in.”

“Mum’ll be OK,” offered Jack airily. “She’s used to me getting banged up. She hardly said a word when I broke my leg last summer.”

“Oh, didn’t she!” exclaimed Gilly as she fastened herself into one of the seats. “Not to you, maybe, but Alex heard all about it!”

“Alex is my cousin,” explained Jack. “Cousin cousin, I mean, not a second.”

“I’m sure Mrs Whittaker won’t blame you too much, Gilly,” offered the Professor as he too strapped in. “After all, you could hardly have done anything to stop it.”

“Try telling her that,” muttered Gilly darkly. “This is a woman who got Alex grounded because he took Jack out and his – Jack’s, I mean – jeans got ripped. The tiniest little rip, Professor. What do you think she’s going to do to me when she sees Jack now?” They all looked at Jack. He waved a bandage-swathed arm at them. Gilly sighed.

 

#32:  Author: Lindsay, Location: Sunny Kidderminster (or Sunny Sheffield in term-time) PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 2:39 pm

A CS/X-men crossover - absolutely inspired! Now if someone could write a CS/Thunderbirds crossover my life would be complete (Can't you picture the scenario? CS girls trapped on the edge of a precipice? Sounds like a job for international rescue!...okay, I'll shut up now.)

 

#33:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 2:56 pm

I'm trying to work out if Jack's mum is going to be a CS girl we know, that's the only conclusion I can come to with the Austria link.

Oh never mind. I'm sure Liss will post more and stop being cryptic soon Very Happy

(Thank you for this btw I'm really enjoying it)

 

#34:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 3:33 pm

The Blackbird landed in a meadow that was, according to Gilly, never used at this time of the year. They were about two miles from the northern shore of the Tiernsee, one of the largest of the Austrian lakes and, according to the information Scott had looked up prior to the journey, the most beautiful.

“You know, I haven’t been to Austria for years,” said the Professor pensively as Scott helped him out of the plane. “It hardly seems to have changed.”

“Well, we are in the middle of a big field,” remarked Gilly. “There’s a limit to how much a field can change, traditionally.” She breathed in deeply. “It is something special though. Usually I find the whole Austria thing quite boring – my cousin Josie is nuts about the place – but when I’m here… I don’t know, there’s something amazing about this place.” But with a shake of her head she dismissed the thought, and went to help Jean and Scott get Jack off the plane. Next Scott unloaded a small space-buggy type contraption that Gilly regarded with a certain amount of disdain, and they all piled into it, while Jack waved his unbandaged arm in the direction of the chalet where his parents were staying.

“It’s over there,” he said helpfully.

“Who else will be there?” asked the Professor. Jack shrugged.

“Just Mum and Dad and my sister, and Auntie Mary and Uncle David. And Alice. Alex and Steve said they weren’t going either.”

“You know,” said Gilly idly, “some people might say you used the word ‘and’ too much there.”

“Some people,” Jack said viciously, “should mind their own bloody business. And stop channelling Josie, Gill, it doesn’t suit you.”

“Fair enough,” Gill replied, leaning back as far as she could. “God, it’s gorgeous here. Why don’t I come more often?” She and Jack exchanged knowing glances, and chorused, “Josie!”

“OK, I give,” interrupted Scott suddenly. “Who the hell is Josie?”

“Ah, you don’t know her,” said Gilly. “Be thankful.” Scott raised an eyebrow, just visible over the ubiquitous shades. Gilly grinned. “She’s our cousin. Josephine Mansell, Maths teacher extraordinaire.”

“I mean, it would be Maths, wouldn’t it?” interjected Jack. Gilly ignored him.

“Josie works for the school here, and is the most annoying, hide-bound, tradition-driven person in the world. Plus, how blatantly was it nepotism that got her the job? Her mum’s on the Board of Governers, but no, Josie insists on telling us what a great teacher she is.”

“I’ve heard they loathe her,” Jack added. “That’s what Helen – my sister – says, anyway, and she should know.” Gilly nodded.

“I know, Alice says the same. Alice is Alex’s kid sister,” she added for the benefit of their companions. “She and Helen are both at the school. It’s a family tradition. I was always amazed,” she mused, “that Mum didn’t try and make me go.”

“Too much sense,” said Jack. “You’d probably have been expelled.”

 

#35:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 3:40 pm

so i'm guessing that the School would be The School and this is where the connection arises...

 

#36:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 3:51 pm

The rest of Pt 8...

-----

“Probably,” she agreed. “Especially since Josie would have been there as well. And she was a Prefect. I mean, why? What were they thinking? She’s such a pain.” Fortunately, since it seemed that Gilly was capable of going on in this vein for some considerable time, Jack let out a yell.

“Oh, turn here, turn here! There it is,” and he pointed to a large wooden chalet that stood about half a mile from the lakeside. “Oh, look! There’s Helen!” Jack waved energetically at the young girl who was standing by a low wooden fence surrounding the chalet. After a moment, she waved back, and came racing over to meet the space-buggy thing as it drove along.

“Jack! What are you doing here? What happened to you? Gilly, what happened to him?” Gilly jumped out of the buggy and gave the girl a quick hug.

“Long story, Hel. Are your mum and dad around?” Helen nodded, her expression plainly curious.

“Yep. They’re in the salon with Auntie Mary. The others are down at the lake. What’s going on, Gill?” Gilly rolled her eyes.

“I’ve been asking the same question a lot recently.”

 

#37:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 3:56 pm

Liss wrote:
What’s going on, Gill?” Gilly rolled her eyes.

“I’ve been asking the same question a lot recently.”


I think that says it all!!! Please may we have some more of this O shiny squeen!

 

#38:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 4:09 pm

*sucked in, in spite of herself*

*needs to know what happens next*

 

#39:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 6:04 pm

*pokes Liss in a friendly manner, in hopes of getting more drabble!*

 

#40:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 6:37 pm

So Helen is Jack's sister Their mother is Clare. And Alice and Alex are H and J's cousins, presumably the children of Mary and David. And Josie is also a cousin. Can you just explain where Gilly fits? I'm afraid that'll mean more writing.

 

#41:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 6:54 pm

Oh wow we have such a shiny squeen to give us so much more, but i'd still like more soon please Smile

 

#42:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 7:51 pm

Thanks for the updates Liss and thanks to Alex for the attempt at summarising the family, I'm getting quite confused I have to admit. And still no names I can certainly pinpoint... David could be David Russell I suppose.

You have no idea how much I want to go and find a copy of X Men 2 to watch right now... *sigh*

 

#43:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 1:49 am

*Joins the guesing game* Josie sounds suspiciously as if she's name after CS Jo - but maybe that's too obvious.

there's only one way to find out.




LISS! more please

 

#44:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 9:48 am

David isn't David Russell. Just so you know. Twisted Evil

 

#45:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 10:18 am

Liss!!!! I thought you'd posted some more!!

Please can you post some more, the sooner the better, other wise I will have to do some proper work.

I have the feeling the name Lambert may pop up at some point with all these Gilly and Jack's around the place, mind you I may be wrong!!

 

#46:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:00 am

On page 1, Gilly's surname is given as Lambert. Her father is Robert Lambert - not sure if we should recognise that name.

More, please!

 

#47:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:06 am

Clare Whittaker was a tall, slender woman with dark hair that was only just starting to gray. She had always prided herself on her sangfroid, a rather necessary quality when one is a well-respected barrister, but even she was a trifle taken aback, not to say alarmed, when she discovered her son and cousin, who should have been safely tucked away in Boston, there in the chalet with a collection of complete strangers. Moreover, her son seemed distinctly the worse for wear.

“Hello, darling,” she said, bending to kiss Jack. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“No, well…” began Gilly, before subsiding in the face of Clare’s expression. “Hello, Clare.” Clare greeted Gilly with a kiss as well, then glanced at the three people ranged behind her.

“Are you going to introduce me?” she asked pointedly. Gilly did so. “How do you do,” said Clare calmly, shaking hands. “It’s very nice to meet you, though I confess I am none the wiser as to why you’re all here. And would someone please explain what happened to Jack.” Before Jack could launch into his death-defying tale of how he took on an enormous clawed monster, a tale perfected over countless re-tellings at Xavier’s school, the Professor himself gave a brief explanation of what had happened.

“We thought, under the circumstances, that we had better bring Jack straight to his parents,” he concluded. Clare found herself somewhat bewildered.

“That’s very kind of you, Professor Xavier, but I really don’t see why—”

“The Professor thinks that the attack on Jack wasn’t accidental. Well, obviously not accidental, but not random. He thinks someone meant to hurt Jack.” Clare stared.

“What on earth for? I’m sorry, I’m at a complete loss here. Jack, have you been dealing drugs?” Jack groaned.

“People keep asking me that! No, of course I haven’t. I don’t know why someone would want to kill me.”

“Maybe they met you,” said Helen, who had been standing in the doorway, and didn’t see why Jack should get all the attention.

“Yeah, maybe Helen hired someone to do me in!” Jack said enthusiastically. “You should check her savings account, Mum, it’s probably empty. Then you could give her over to the police.” Helen stuck her tongue out. Clare rolled her eyes.

“How I love my children,” she said to no-one in particular. “Professor, I really think that it’s unlikely that…”

“Is your mother here?” the Professor demanded suddenly. Clare looked at him blankly, then irritation crept in.

“My mother? What has my mother got to do with anything? Really, Professor Xavier, I am very grateful that you helped Jack and brought him here, but frankly I think you had better either leave or do some explaining – quickly!”

 

#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 12:16 pm

I agree with Mrs Whittaker. Please, Liss, dear shiny Squeen, post a lot more that will explain all this.

 

#49:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 2:16 pm

The time had come, so Charles Xavier thought, for some explanations. He was a powerful telepath who could control people’s thoughts and behaviour, yes, and could make Clare Whittaker as docile as a baby, but his ethics meant that it was impossible and he needed her co-operation.

“I maintain a school for mutant children,” he said slowly. “I’m not sure how familiar you are with mutants.” Clare looked interested.

“I know there’s a great deal of political activity surrounding the issue in the States; less so in Europe at the moment. There’s talk of a Mutant Registration Bill, I think?” The Professor nodded. “I thought so. I’ve seen one or two cases in the courts at home where police have apparently been infringing civil rights of mutants, but to be honest I haven’t been monitoring too closely; it’s not really my area. It’s interesting, though.”

“We’re not a legal conundrum to be solved,” said Scott Summers harshly, and Clare looked at him in surprise.

“I didn’t think that. I’m sorry if it sounded that way. Anyway, you were saying, Professor?”

“An old friend of mine has developed some views on mutants with which I do not entirely agree. He is a mutant himself, and has come to believe that mutants are superior to humans. His attempts to do something about it led to his incarceration. He is still in prison. A few days ago he…contacted me to let me know that Jack had been attacked. This was not a random attack, but as yet I cannot find out why he has chosen this family to target.” Clare paled.

“This family? You-you think he could do this to one of us – to Helen?” The Professor looked solemn.

“I know this is a shock, Mrs Whittaker. And I mean your whole family.” Clare sat down suddenly and put her head in her hands.

“I don’t know what to say,” she said, her voice muffled. Then she looked up. “Are you sure about this, Professor?” He nodded.

“Quite sure. Tell me, have you ever heard of someone called Eric Lenscherr?” She concentrated for a moment, then shook her head.

“No, I don’t think so. Is that your friend?” Her tone took on an acid note, which came as no surprise to the Professor under the circumstances.

“Please understand, Mrs Whittaker, that I do not agree with either Eric’s beliefs or his actions. We have fought over it more than one occasion, and I doubt either of us would call each other friend. But we have so much history that it is hard to be truly inimical. It is no excuse for him, but Eric did not have an easy childhood. During the war he was in a concentration camp; his parents were killed there.” Clare waved a peremptory hand.

“I don’t believe in that Freudian nonsense of blaming a person’s actions on their childhood,” she said firmly. “Each person makes his own decisions. But… our family has considerable links with this part of the world. My grandparents were in Austria when the Nazis marched in and some of their friends were in concentration camps.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “You asked after my mother – she’s here. Well, at the Kron Prinz Karl – the hotel across the lake. She and Dad say they had enough of us as kids without staying in the same house with us now we’re adults. There’s not room for us all here, anyway. And I’m sorry, I’m babbling. I’m – it’s just rather a shock, as you said.” The Professor nodded understandingly.

“Just so. But I think if you could get your mother here, she may have a better idea.”

 

#50:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 2:54 pm

Clare went off to telephone the Kron Prinz Karl. Helen remembered her manners and invited Scott and Jean to sit down. There was a minute’s silence, broken by Gilly.

“Well, she took all that pretty well,” she said brightly. Jack grinned.

“That’s Mum for you. She always—” Before Jack could expand, there was the sound of the front door banging, and a voice could be heard down the corridor.

“Who on earth does that contraption belong to? Clare? Are you here?” The expressions on Gilly, Jack and Helen’s faces made the latest arrival’s identity all too easy to guess, and was confirmed for the X-Men by Jack mouthing ‘Josie’ at them with a grimace. They turned with interest as the salon door swung open to reveal their nemesis. As a matter of fact, the inimitable Josie came as something of a surprise. She was medium height and slim, with what could only be described as a mop of pale blond curls. There was a distinctive family resemblance between her and Gilly, though the prissiness of her frilled white blouse was a marked contrast to Gilly’s t-shirt, which bore the legend ‘Barbie is a Slut’. The large blue eyes widened at the sight that met them

“Gilly! What are you doing here?” Gilly waved, unenthusiastically.

“Hey, Josie.”

“What happened to Jack? Why didn’t you take better care, Gilly? You know, if you developed a little more responsibility, I’m sure it would be such a relief for the family. You’re twenty-five now, you know.” Gilly smiled seraphically.

“I know – it’s amazing how the years fly by. Why, I can’t believe you’ll be thirty on your next birthday!” Josie turned an unattractive shade of pink, and hurried on.

“Well, I can’t hang around, I’m afraid. We’re awfully busy at the school right now, of course.”

“Oh, awfully!” agreed Gilly. Helen – rather unsuccessfully – tried to suppress a snigger. Josie ignored them.

“I’d better go, anyway. Please tell Clare I dropped by. Must dash. You know, I really can’t imagine what Miss Carter would do without me!”

“Probably throw a party,” muttered Jack with a malevolent stare as Josie skipped out of the room. “Honestly, who does she think she is?”

“She thinks she’s upholding family tradition,” said Helen, with surprising perception. “We’re all a dead loss, apparently. Gill didn’t even go to the school. Josie thinks it shocking.”

“Josie would,” said Gilly. “Talk about ancien regime. It’s such crap.” The door opened again, and Clare came back in.

“I’ve called my mother. Was that Josie I heard?” She saw her children’s faces change. “I take it that’s a yes. Please don’t go overboard, you two. She is a teacher of yours, Helen.”

“But she’s so…” Helen broke off in the face of an admonishing finger, and sighed. “Well, she is, Mum, you know it.” Clare very sensibly ignored this, and turned to the visitors. “Mother should be here in half an hour or so. Would you like lunch?”

 

#51:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 4:44 pm

The plot thickens. Please dear Squeen, post more so that we may understand.

 

#52:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 5:51 pm

Oh Lissieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....

may we have some more please, oh beloved squeen???

 

#53:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 7:29 pm

Is Claire Marie-Claire de Mabillon or whatever she was called? Who Joey adopted? If she was born in the 1950s then she'd be about the right age. Then Josie might be a daughter of one of the other Maynard girls (as her surname is not Maynard)?

 

#54:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 10:31 pm

Huh. I hadn't thought of Marie Claire. It isn't her, though. Mr. Green

 

#55:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 1:10 am

So basically we are all still in the dark. Completely. And all our guesses are wrong.

Well you've certainly got me hooked Liss!

 

#56:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:35 am

Well I have no more guesses so you'll just have to post us some more please oh shiny Liss!

 

#57:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 12:56 pm

Oh, no more story yet!

Please your Squeeniness is there any chance of the next bit sometime soon? Pretty please??

 

#58:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 1:08 pm

Well, well, I've just read this and I have to say it's all very confoosing so far. Please elucidate, Liss, oh mighty Squeen...

 

#59:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 2:25 pm

Perhaps she's trying to torment us and make us beg for more.

 

#60:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 5:22 pm

What do you mean 'Perhaps', Jennie?????? Wink

 

#61:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 1:44 pm

I was trying to be polite, Vikki, instead of writing what I really meant.

 

#62:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 2:04 pm

Oooh Ive just read this and its lovely and shiny (and Ive even watched one X-Men film)

Is Robert Lambert Gay's brother Bobby???

 

#63:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 2:38 pm

Isn't he Jack's brtoher? Anne's twin? I seem to think that Gay's brother was called Michael.

 

#64:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 2:54 pm

Ooh yes, it is Jack's older brother, but I don't think he's Anne's twin

 

#65:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 3:42 pm

Gay's Brother was Michael, Anne & Jack's brother was Bobby!!

Love this Liss, haven't seen the X-Men but that does not spoil the enjoyment of a good story.

 

#66:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 5:20 pm

Robert Lambert is indeed Jack and Anne's brother. The rest are fairly predictable, as you'll see from the next part...when I post it.

 

#67:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 5:22 pm

Thought this would be another episode, finds out that it isn't and goes into a corner to sulk.

 

#68:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 5:25 pm

Liss wrote:
The rest are fairly predictable, as you'll see from the next part...when I post it.


*assumes that this means the next part is written*

*wonders idly when it might be posted*

 

#69:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 9:38 pm

Delioberately decides not to ask for more Wink

 

#70:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 12:03 pm

Reads Dawns post and decides to deliberately ask for more...more please oh shiny luminescent squeen

 

#71:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 1:15 pm

Wasn't that I didn't want more, cos I desperately do, just thought I'd try reverse pyschology

so mega apologies if it came accros that I wasn't interested Embarassed

 

#72:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 1:20 pm

oh no it wasn't that I just didn't think reverse psychology would work on her sqeeniness...so thought I'd be blatent though that probably won't work until shje's ready either!!! Rolling Eyes

 

#73:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 5:23 pm

So where is this mysterious shimmery rose-besprinkled post???

*looks lost*

 

#74:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:10 pm

Liss, I thought you said you were actually going to finish this drabble?!

 

#75:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 12:16 am

Mutters about people who are far too busy playing around with auto censors when they should be posting drabble Rolling Eyes

 

#76:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 11:41 am

Liss wrote:
Robert Lambert is indeed Jack and Anne's brother. The rest are fairly predictable, as you'll see from the next part...when I post it.


which will be when my dear Squeenie?

 

#77:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 11:42 am

*debates whether to beg for more or not and decides to try the I-don't-really-care-whether-we-get-more-or-not approach* Is it convincing?

 

#78:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 1:37 pm

See how everything is explained...

-----

No sooner had the remains of lunch been cleared away than a knock sounded on the door. Helen let out a squeak of “Gran!” and shot towards the door. Clare grinned.

“That’s Mother for you – punctual as ever!”

“Pride of princes, and all that,” came an airy voice from the hallway. “Now, Clare, tell me what all the fuss is about!” As she spoke, Clare’s mother entered the salon. Jean and Scott inspected her interested, their curiosity whetted by the Professor’s urgency. They saw a tall, slim woman, very like her daughter, with white hair still showing clear signs of chestnut. She was an attractive woman without being beautiful, with violet eyes dancing behind stylish spectacles.

“Thanks for coming over,” said Clare, moving forward to kiss her mother on the cheek.

“Quite O.K.” returned the visitor. “Hello, Jack, dear. I see you’ve been in the wars, rather. Gilly, darling, it’s lovely to see you. Nobody said you were over from the States. How are Bob and Cecil?”

“Fine thanks, Auntie Len,” replied Gilly, submitting to a kiss in her turn. “Mum’s floating around being all volunteer-work-y, and Dad’s having fun with the dam. There’s been some weird stuff going on, which is why we’re here.”

“So I gathered,” remarked Len drily. “Introduce me, will you?”

“Scott Summers, Dr Jean Grey and Professor Charles Xavier,” Gilly rattled off, pointing most reprehensible to each person in turn. “This is my aunt, Mrs Entwistle.”

“How do you do?” asked Len politely. She shook hands, pausing for a moment in front of the Professor, a frown suddenly appearing.

“Xavier… Have we met before? The name doesn’t ring a bell, but I’m quite sure…” she trailed off, her confusion clear. The Professor gazed at her intently, but shook his head.

“I’m sure you would remember,” he said quietly. Before she could ask any further questions, he explained what had happened to Jack, and produced his theory that it was a deliberate attack on their family. Len looked bewildered.

“But why on earth?” she exclaimed. “We’re not exactly angels on earth, I’d be the first to admit it, but I can’t see anyone having a violent hate against us.”

“And the name Eric Lenscherr doesn’t mean anything to you?” persisted the Professor. Len shook her head. “I don’t think so. I don’t know. If he was in Germany during the war, I suppose we could have come across him – or the school could – but I wouldn’t really know, I’m afraid. I was only a kid when the war was over. The person to ask would be my mother, I would think.”

“No!” said the Professor hurriedly. The others stared at him suddenly.

“All right,” said Len slowly, eying him up again. “But she really would be the best person.”

 

#79:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 1:53 pm

Oh heavens above - now it all makes sense!!!

(Well, I say *all* but you know...more to read would be good!)

 

#80:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 3:42 pm

Liss how does that maek it all clear i'm more confused than ever! Teh only way to solve my confusion is for you to post some extra drabble Smile please!

Last edited by Chloë on Wed May 26, 2004 6:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#81:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 4:05 pm

Thank you for the new post. (is it too soon to ask for m ore?)

 

#82:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 5:59 pm

Well it makes some sense anyway, though I wonder why Xavier doesn't want to talk to Joey? Sounds like he's come across her before!

Looking forward to the next installment Liss.

 

#83:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 6:40 pm

Oh great porridge eating squeen, may we have more please?

 

#84:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:15 pm

Please elucidate, oh gracious one!

 

#85:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:47 pm

Also still baffled, please reveal the next installment to help us understand Very Happy

 

#86:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:54 pm

Why are we baffled that Xavier doesn't want to talk to Jo? he's obviously heard about the way she addresses people, and doesn't want to be called 'my lamb'.

Anyone got any better ideas?

 

#87:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 8:23 am

No, but this porridge thing is really annoying me!

 

#88:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 8:40 am

I agree; I'm definitely not using the m word for quite some time to come.

 

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