26 Facing the Facts #26

Having concluded his briefing with the young mutants, Evan emerged from the immersive environment of the Danger Room. The artificial tension that had filled the space during the training session seemed to dissipate as he stepped into the corridor, where natural light filtered through the tall windows. His keen senses caught the a familiar presence, and he turned to find Professor Charles Xavier awaiting him with an unmistakable air of concern.

Evan's lips curled into a warm smile as he greeted the distinguished figure before him. "I was just on my way to find you," he remarked, his voice a soothing timbre that resonated in the tranquil hallway. The sight of Xavier's furrowed brow prompted Evan to address the unspoken question. "But since you're here, I assume you heard what I told the students..."

Xavier's response was measured, his expression guarded yet attentive. His nod carried an air of confirmation, his eyes locking onto Evan's with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. "I felt a shift in the students' emotions, so I came to investigate," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience in navigating the intricate landscape of mutant minds.

The inquiry that followed was direct, Xavier's gaze unwavering as he sought clarity. "What is this weapon you speak of?" His tone, while composed, hinted at a subtle undercurrent of expectation. It was evident that Xavier sensed there was more to the story than what had been shared with the students.

Evan's response was swift, his own demeanor composed as he met Xavier's probing gaze. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, an unspoken acknowledgment of Xavier's keen perception. While Xavier's telepathic abilities didn't extend to Evan, his astute understanding of human psychology and behavior was undeniable.

Charles Xavier had studied the human mind for so long and delved into its mysteries so many times he could tell whether someone was lying or hiding something solely based on their tone and the most subtle shifts in their body language.

Evan quickly recalibrated his thoughts, a nod of agreement punctuating his words. "Then this conversation won't take long, but let's head somewhere more secluded first..."

With a mutual understanding, Xavier's wheelchair turned, and Evan fell into step beside him as they navigated the corridors of the mansion. The familiar surroundings seemed to blur as they moved, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air between them.

As they reached a quiet study tucked away from the bustling activity of the mansion, Xavier positioned himself comfortably, his gaze fixed on Evan with a sense of unwavering focus. "Please, continue," he invited, his tone inviting Evan to divulge the information he had withheld.

Evan's exhale carried a weight of resignation, his words tinged with candor as he addressed Xavier's inquiry. "I wasn't lying when I said I didn't know much about this so-called weapon," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

The lines etched across his forehead deepened as he delved into the heart of the matter. "How far they progressed, who is the lead developer, the project's name, and how soon it will be finished..." His voice trailed off, a shake of his head punctuating the uncertainties he was grappling with. "I don't know any of that..."

Xavier's reaction was palpable, his brows knitting together in a contemplative frown. The silence hung for a moment, punctuated by the faint hum of the room's ambient electronics. Then, Xavier's voice broke through, the timbre steady yet insistent. "Then what do you know?"

Evan's response was measured, his gaze meeting Xavier's with a blend of determination and resolve. "All I know is that it's a continuation of a project that started in San Francisco in 1906..." The words held a gravity that seemed to stretch back through the annals of history, connecting the present to a past shrouded in shadows.

As the narrative continued to unfurl, Evan's voice remained unwavering. "According to the fragments of intel I've gathered, it's some sort of a battle droid designed for the sole purpose of identifying and hunting down mutants, or over-men as the people back then called them..." The implications were as clear as they were chilling, casting a pall over the room as the truth settled upon them.

Xavier's exhale carried a hint of resignation, his voice tinged with a mixture of contemplation and concern. "That hardly seems worse than anything we've encountered so far, but..." His sentence drifted off, the unfinished thought hanging in the air like a question mark seeking resolution. Before he could formulate his words, however, Evan's voice interjected, a nonchalant shrug accompanying his response.

"If the US government assumed this weapon would be the final solution to the mutant problem, then that should tell you enough about its potential threat..." Evan's words were measured, each syllable carrying a weight of pragmatic analysis.

His tone, while composed, hinted at a depth of understanding that had been honed through years of experience navigating the intricate landscapes of human politics and power dynamics. A shake of his head followed, a cascade of dark hair brushing against his forehead as he continued to elucidate the concerns that had spurred him into action.

"And with the advancement of science and the US government getting their hands on alien technology, then this weapon will be even more dangerous..." The words were punctuated with a note of caution, a reflection of the ever-evolving capabilities that humanity was unlocking, both through its ingenuity and its collaborations with extraterrestrial forces.

Xavier's agreement was swift, his expression reflecting the weight of the realization. "Indeed. Nothing good will come out of such a weapon," he conceded, his voice a steady undercurrent of shared understanding. "But how did you know they've resumed work on this project?" The question hung in the air, a thread waiting to be woven into the tapestry of information they were piecing together.

Evan's response was concise, his voice carrying a trace of reminiscence as he delved into the past. "Back when I was in active service," he began, his words carrying the weight of years spent on the frontlines of conflict, "I heard rumors about Robert Kelly trying to revive an old project that would solve the mutant menace..." His tone held a mix of irony and skepticism, a reflection of the inherent complexities embedded within such endeavors.

A pause followed, the room seemingly immersed in a shroud of silence as Evan continued to recount the fragments of knowledge he had unearthed. "I looked into it and found out about the old prototype..." The sentence held a note of certainty, a testament to Evan's resourcefulness and determination in uncovering hidden truths.

A dismissive gesture punctuated his narrative, his final words imbued with a sense of conviction. "With Kelly running for president and his sudden partnership with Sebastian Shaw, it can only mean one thing..."

The lines etched on Xavier's forehead deepened, his brows furrowing in response to the intricate web of information Evan had just woven. With a sigh that carried the weight of their shared concern. "And I don't suppose you have evidence to prove your theory?"

Evan's response was candid, a hint of regret coloring his words. "That, I don't..." His admission hung in the air, a stark acknowledgment of the limitations that often accompanied the pursuit of truth.

"But the attack that will shortly occur on Warren's father should be all the proof you need..." Evan's words carried a note of foreboding, each syllable dripping with a sense of impending danger.

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locked onto Xavier's with a knowing intensity. "Besides, even if you can't read my mind, you should know that I believe every word that I spoke..."

Xavier's lips curved into a thoughtful smile, a glint of approval dancing in his eyes. His response carried a sense of validation. "Indeed... while that is not enough to warrant direct action, I'll have the X-Men look into it..." His tone was resolute, a reflection of his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of mutantkind.

The gravity of their conversation settled over them, a shared understanding of the potential ramifications of Evan's discoveries. Xavier's voice held a somber note as he added, the weight of responsibility underscored by the seriousness of his words. "When and if we find the evidence to back your claims, then we'll have no choice but to act to ensure our survival..."

"Of that, you can rest assured..."

...

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