Fan Fiction ❯ X3-Rise of the Phoenix ❯ Trouble in Paradise ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1- Trouble in Paradise

"You must understand Senators and Mr. President that William Striker was the person behind this attack. Not the X-Men or Professor Charles Xavier," explained Ororo Monroe.

"What you've said is touching Ms. Monroe, but your teacher almost killed the whole entire population of humans," replied the Vice-President.

"Yes, that's true, but it was Striker's creation and Erik Lensher who made that attack happen, not Xavier himself. You all must understand that he was not in control of his mind, but involved in a fantasy illusion created by Striker's son, Jason. Xavier is not at fault!" yelled Ororo.

"Oh, but he is, regardless of what the President says. Ms. Monroe, we shall be hearing from you all later in the week, as of right now…we are busy," said the Vice-President.

"Believe me, you will hear from me before you know it Mr. President," said Ororo.

Ororo then picked her suitcase and her coat, and exited out of the Senate. She was extremely upset at the way things were progressing after Striker's operation with them two months ago. After the President apologized to the X-Men, he was soon booted out of office, and a new President was elected. This President then asked the Senate and House to bring back the Mutant Registration Act, since Magneto, instead of destroying Cerebro II, turned it on humans almost wiping out the entire human race. Ever since the act was brought back onto the Senate and House floors, debates had been raging for weeks. No one could decide whether or not to bring the Act back. Ororo had been to Washington trying to sway the opinion of the Senate to reject the act, but so far she had no luck.

She exited the building, and looked at the sky. The sky suddenly got pitch black, and a fog settled over the entire city and near the Senate building. She then lifted her hands and the winds lifted her into the sky. Ororo then propelled herself back to the Xavier Mansion, and the sky around Washington then got brighter, filled with sunlight. She landed, and walked towards the door to her home. As she opened it, she saw her teacher and friend, Charles Xavier.

"Well, did you make any progress?" asked Xavier.

"Not much, two senators did change their mind, but the Vice-President still thinks you're a cold blooded murderer. Professor, things aren't getting any better. They may try and come and arrest you. I know we've been playing it low, but I'm starting to fear for your safety. They could just come and attack the mansion and capture you. Please we need to get you out of here," said Ororo.

"Storm, I'm not leaving. If they want to arrest me, then let them. I'll make it worth their while," Xavier said.

"Whatever floats your boat I guess," said Storm.

She then walked out to the elevator, and went down to the Ready Room, and then examined the current view of Alkali Lake. She started to cry, remembering that her friend, Jean Grey, was dead because of William Striker's idiotic move to try and destroy the mutant population. She then noticed that there was a signature in the lake, but then it disappeared. She then rewound the feed, and looked at the signature very carefully. It looked like a bird, she thought, but she couldn't really tell. Strom then exited the Ready Room, and went off to go and teach her class.

Alkali Lake was such a peaceful place, until William Striker and his Weapon X program literally tore up the land. Ever since his dam exploded, it has returned to its peaceful origins. Though it came with a price, the death of a person. The lake had then become a tourist attraction, and people certainly seemed to enjoy it. This day was no different. The lake glistened like a flower, but nobody was at its shores. Though, the day progressed on, and nothing out of the ordinary happened. Around noon, the waters began to churn, and waves started to pound the shore. All of a sudden, an energy surge rose from the water. Then, the lake exploded. Out of the water came a figure, a woman to be more exact. She was sleeping, but moving her hands. The energy surge the disappeared, and she dropped to the floor. She was coughing horribly, pulling up seawater that was in her lungs for about two months. She looked at her uniform, and saw it had changed. It was now green, and had a display of a phoenix. She then looked up and saw the sky again for the first time. She then disappeared.

At the White House, President Richard Winston was hard at work. He had been extremely hard at work ever since he entered office. His predecessor left him with a problem with mutants, such as the dangerous Magneto. He was pressured by the public to do something about it, but he wasn't quite sure on what he should do. He then accessed his computer and looked at US Weekly. As he was looking across the pages, he happened to come across an article about Dr. Bolivar Trask. He had heard about Trask from his war advisor, who commented that Trask had a way to capture mutants. Winston then picked up his telephone.

"Marcie, get me Dr. Bolivar Trask on the phone, I think he may have the answers to all my problems," he said.

"Right away Mr. President," Marcie replied.

Winston then looked at the pictures that were on the site. He was amazed how sophisticated these robots looked. He was very eager to meet Dr. Trask and see the doctor's creation.

"Rotate that Sentinel's axis. Make it turn and have it fire its forward cannons!" yelled Dr. Trask.

The engineers then had a Sentinel, or also known as a mutant assassin, turn and extend its arm and fire it's laser cannons. There had been a number of test phases with the Sentinels, and NASA's Kennedy Space Center turned out to be the perfect place for the Sentinel testing. Dr. Trask, who had been a former top NASA engineer, had designed and built the Sentinel. He was now testing to see whether the Sentinel could operate on it's own. This would show whether or not the Sentinel could be ready for production.

"Okay, great job. Now engage protocol brain, and everyone take a step back and let the Sentinel have lots of room. It may stumble here and there, but it should be able to think on it's own. Now!" he yelled.

All the staff stepped away, as the bolts on the Sentinel were released. The Sentinel came online and started to walk.

"Now, lets see if it can remember it's prime mission," said Trask, to himself.

The Sentinel looked around and stared at Trask. It took a moment, and looked directly into Trask's pupils.

"Sentinel ready for Mutant hunting, commander," it said.

"Perfect. It's able to work on it's own. This is truly a great day," thought Trask.

The Sentinel was then put back into it's holding and it's protocol brain was turned off.

"Bolivar Trask!!" yelled someone.

"Yes, this is…" started Trask.

He then turned and saw President Winston himself standing there with his secret agents, and his Vice-President.

"Mr. President, my this is a surprise," said Trask.

"Trask, we need to talk about these robots of yours," the President said.

Inside of Mission Control, Trask took his seat behind his desk, as the President took his seat in front of him.

"I must say Mr. President, I thought the American government didn't want Mutant Hunters such as the Sentinels," Trask began.

"Well, lets just say the administration has evolved. The Alkali Lake incident and the Liberty Island attack has shown that there are mutants ready to murder the people of the US and the world. My predecessor thought that a mutant was wrongfully charged with this crime, and in return started to pull out all of these Mutant Hunting programs, and tried to put a bridge between mutants and humans. Sadly, my philosophy is quite different. That's why I have come here requesting a viewing of these mutant hunting robots you have built," explained President Winston.

"Mr. President I think you got a viewing of what my Sentinels can do right when you came. Unfortunately, their real power cannot be shown unless they are put to the real test and sent across America and annihilate the mutants that inhabit our cities. That's the only way you can really see their power," replied Trask.

"Dr. Trask, I don't want any mutant killed, all I want is to see them detained. They should not be allowed to roam free around this country. It creates the possibility that they may attack again," said President Winston.

"Well, then I must say, there is no safe way to show you the tremendous power of these hunters. When you're ready to allow them to do their real job of killing mutants, come and give me a call," said Trask.

"If things escalate, then I will call you. Though, I don't want to see a massacre of mutants on the six-o-clock news a month from now. If there is one thing you could downgrade, it's their prime objective. I want them to capture mutants, no killing. See if you can accomplish this doctor," said President Winston.

"I'll see if I can Mr. President, but I can't promise you anything," replied Trask.

The President then left the room, and Trask turned to look at his fleet of Sentinels. Even though they were beta versions, they were still very powerful. 10 had already passed the testing phase and certified ready for fieldwork, and more were on the way. By the end of this month alone, Trask would soon have 40 Sentinels ready for the fieldwork. To change their prime objective would put a lot of the Sentinels back though the testing phase again. He had faith though, that things would turn around. He knew Magneto all too well, Magneto would attack soon and then the Sentinels would soon be put into service.

It was still daytime in the Pacific Ocean when Magneto's helicopter reached his island that had been deserted since he had been arrested. Magneto hoped that no one had been in it since he left, also hoping that if there were people they didn't discover his ultimate plans for domination. He turned and looked at Mystique who was concentrating on landing without killing them all. As the helicopter came to a stop on the pad, he escorted his new protégé, Pyro, to his new home.

"See Pyro, even mutants like me have a home just like Xavier," said Magneto.

"So, what's up on the agenda Magneto?" asked Pyro.

"To correct the mistake Xavier caused me. Mystique?" asked Magneto.

"Yes Eric?" asked Mystique.

"Bring me my papers on my allies. I think its time we show the world that Magneto is not powerless," said Magneto.

It was around four in the afternoon in New York City, and the forecast was predicted to be hot, but beautiful. The hot temperatures had been achieved, as well as the beautifulness. The United Nations building had not been phased by this weather; it still stood powerful and symbolized the prospect of world peace. Senator Bob Hune had just come out of his meeting with Prime Minister Faraka about the Mutant problem facing the world. He was extremely tired, and appreciated the warmness of the sun. All of a sudden, an explosion pushed him down. He looked up to see the feared mutant terrorist, Magneto, floating over him.

"Magneto? It can't be!" said Senator Hune.

"Ahh…Mr. Hune, it can't be. The same person who tried to put me in prison? It can't be, but it is. Truly this is turning out to be a great day," said Magneto.

Hune was then whisked away and thrown. He looked to see a man in a green spandex suit with white hair.

"I have him father," said Quicksilver.

"Good, Wanda do your thing," Magneto said.

A woman in red then approached him, and extended her hand. Hune's mind then began to burn, as out of the woman's hand came red surges that were circling around his head.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT LENSHER???" yelled Hune.

"Oh my dear senator, you know exactly what I want. You're the reason this bill is back, and I am here to persuade you out of making a deadly decision," said Magneto.

"It's not my fault Eric, it's the President's fault! He wants you dead for some reason!" yelled Hune, whose body felt like it was on fire.

"Who is the President, Hune? Don't make me ask it again. You do seem to have a high amount of iron, that can be easily pulled out!" said Magneto.

"Its Hilton, recognize the name?" asked Hune.

"Oh it can't be! My dear old friend Hilton, another admirer of the late William Striker! My, my, my, how I'm starting to really miss President Williamson," laughed Magneto.

"Believe me whatever you call yourself now bastard, I will see you dead, dead and buried! You killed my family, and I will surely get you sentenced to death as well!" Hune cried out.

"I know you'd probably would love to see that, but you will never get to see that day Hune! I must be off, must go and meet the new President!" Magneto chuckled.

He started to walk away, but then turned and looked at Hune. Magneto then walked so close, that they were looking eye to eye. Hune squirmed to get out of the Witch's hex grip, but all of his attempts were useless.

"I think you'll thank me, for now you'll get to see your family every day. In death HUNE!!!" screamed Magneto.

With the outreach of his hand, Magneto pulled every little ounce of iron out of Hune's body. Hune gushed out a cry every time this occurred. Soon, he collapsed with blood trickling down the holes made by the iron being pulled out of his body. Around Magneto's hands, swirls of iron circled and formed huge orbs.

"I love that trick," joked Magneto.

Soon, the orbs started to crash into the United Nations building. People went into a state of panic, trying to avoid getting hit by the orbs. Quicksilver whipped everyone into a tornado of his own speed, while Scarlet Witch threw people left and right into walls cracking their bones and injuring them. Pyro torched the carcass of the United Nations Building, and as it burned, Mystique fended off the security forces. Magneto, during this state of battle, watched from the sky and admired the view. He then flew off to Washington D.C. to face off with President Winston.

"Madison, please get my wife and tell her I need to see her about this pro-mutant rally she decided to help out with?" asked Winston.

"She's on her way sir, along with your daughter," said Madison.

"Oh lord," he said.

Winston then took out his folders of the mutant program bill and looked through it. He couldn't believe that they couldn't snag Magneto. Once they snagged him and locked him up permanently this time, then this whole program would end. That was his goal. All of a sudden, his pen wouldn't come off his desk. Next his watch went haywire and the clocks started to flicker on and off. Winston soon felt strongly secured to his chair, and he couldn't get out of it.

"SECRET SERVICE!!!!" he yelled, but no one came. He yelled for the secret service again, but still no one came. The window soon flew off and glass shattered and just floated. Then, Magneto flew in. Winston's eyes soon became very larger.

"Mag…ne…to?" he uttered.

"Yes Winston, the one who you called oh what was it, Master of Magnetism? Yes that's it. Well, this master is back!" said Magneto.

Magneto outreached his hand, and Winston was lifted off the ground and flew towards Magneto.

"Remember the last time we met? Lets say I haven't forgotten that moment. You had a gun to my head, and pressed it harder and harder and were about to pull the trigger. You do remember don't you? I think you were a Nazi, was that what you were?" asked Magneto.

"What are you talking about Magneto?" asked Winston.

"It was in the 70s, during the time when I found out your daughter was a mutant. We were neighbors, respected people in the community, and in that moment you turned on me. You began to change, and soon the Nazi flag was seen flying from your roof. You hated your daughter for what she could do. You scorned her and you blamed me, and when I tried to come and save her, you almost killed me. You remember all of this; it's just that a President couldn't be a Nazi. Though it is the truth isn't it Richard? By the way, how is your daughter Richard? I haven't seen her for a long time," Magneto stated.

"And you never will, you mutant freak! I swore that day I would never let you near her!!!" yelled Richard.

"Mr. Lensher?" said a voice.

Magneto turned and saw a very grown up Maria Winston; the little girl he discovered was a mutant.

"Maria? Can it be?" asked Magneto.

"What are you doing? Please don't hurt my Dad, pleased don't!" she cried.

She then outstretched her hand, and a Psi Bolt (A concentrated telekinetic energy blast) hit Magneto. He fell to the floor, as Maria approached him.

"Why did you come back?" she asked.

"To get back at your father, little one. I am so sorry about that. How are you, Psylocke?" he asked.

She looked at him, and she started to cry.

"That's not my name anymore Magneto, it's Astra. This other girl, Betsy, has that name. Have you come to take me and help me?" she asked.

"NO DON'T YOU DARE MAGNETO!!!!! Maria, come back to me sweetie! Come back to Daddy," Winston pleaded.

"No, you're the reason for that Striker guy! You know he almost killed me! Your own daughter, almost killed by that madman! And you didn't even flinch! I think man kind needs a wake up call," Astra said.

"No, please, don't leave me Maria!" Winston yelled.

"Sorry, but you did this to yourself!" Astra yelled.

Astra then propelled herself out of the room, and into the sky. Magneto then turned towards Winston, who was crying hysterically.

"Well, it seems my revenge was done for me. Now hear this Winston, bring that bill into reality and believe me, what I'll do is worse that she has done to you!" Magneto threatened.

"Go ahead Magneto, you've already rid me of my precious daughter! Go ahead, do whatever you got left to make even more miserable!" Winston cried out.

"Well, since you asked so politely Richard…. Pyro set this office ablaze," Magneto commanded.

"What?" Winston said.

Magneto then exited the office, and in came his protégé Pyro. Pyro then extended both of his hands, and turned on his burners. Fire soon oozed out and Pyro created a fireball. Winston crouched in fear, anticipating what Pyro might do with that fireball. Instead of throwing the fireball at Winston, Pyro turned and ignited the painting of George Washington.

"Let the one who started this whole war melt in agony Mr. President!" cried Pyro.

He then unleashed the fury of his power and scorched the entire oval office. Winston watched in horror as his joy and pride disappeared into ashes. Winston then was lifted off the ground and was thrown outside of the oval office. He was then grabbed again by the collar, and then raised above the ground. Winston turned and saw what he perceived as a blue naked woman holding him with her arm.

"You know, I remember you when I was a little girl. Today, I spit in your face for all the times you spat at me," she said.

Winston the felt extremely warm, and he looked below to see a scorcher beginning below his feet. He cried out as the flames inched ever closer, and he could feel the soles of his shoes start to melt.

"Mark this day, President Winston. The day that mutants proved to you that they are superior to humans, every time," the blue woman stated.

Winston then was dropped, but wasn't burned or anything. He felt rain and the sunlight went away. He looked up to see a black girl with the eyes of the clouds, standing over him and looking at him.

"President Winston? It's Ororo Munroe, I'm here to save you," said Storm.

"Ms. Munroe…is that you?" he asked.

Winston got up to see if his attackers were still around. To his surprise, they had fled. He got up, dried himself, and went up to Storm.

"Thanks, but you do know this means war now Ms. Munroe. Your ally just committed a capital crime," Winston said, with the hint of anger in his voice.

Lightning then flashed, followed along with a loud burst of thunder.

"First off Mr. President, the X-Men and Professor Xavier have no ties with Magneto. Second, I welcome any war you have in mind. I, for one, am not afraid of beating a couple of armies," Storm stated.

Storm then reached out her hands, and in a flash she was lifted to the heavens. Soon the sun pierced through the black sky. Winston looked at his oval office, and started to cry. He knew now that the Sentinels were needed, for his protection and the protection of the world.