Uncanny X-Men (Marvel Omega)

Black Womb, Part II

The Xavier Institute; Laboratory of Dr. Henry McCoy

The yellow, cat-like eyes of Hank McCoy scan over the findings on the monitor before him. His eyes move to the side, taking in the sight of the mutant known only as Ever.

"Hmm..." says Beast. "I assume you already know what I'm going to tell you."

"That after the stunt I pulled with Cassandra, my powers are growing beyond my capacity to control them," says Ever.

"Precisely," says Beast.

"In that case, what now?" asks Ever.

"Your... condition has been taking up what little spare time I have to myself as of late, so in that regard, I have good news and I have bad news."

"Bad news first," says Ever.

"The bad news is that I haven't found a way to halt the growth of your powers," says Beast.

"And the good?"

"The good is that I had the foresight to design something in the event that I wouldn't be able to find a way to stop this," says Beast. He stands from his chair and walks over to a small closet. He opens the door and pulls something out, a suit of some sort, and hands it to Ever.

"A uniform?" asks Ever.

"Containment suit, actually" replies Beast. "Psi-dampeners have been wired into the fabric. Not enough to prevent you from accessing your powers, but they dampen your powers just enough to grant you full control over them."

"Is this the solution?" asks Ever.

"No," replies Beast. "This is just a temporary solution until I'm able to find the cause. Think of it as a cast you wear before the bone is mended. I'll continue trying to find a way to reverse the process, or at least halt it."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," says Ever.

"Think nothing of it," says Beast. He sits back at the computer and strikes a series of keys. "With that said, I've just cleared you for field duty, you're back on the active roster. So no more of this lounging around."

"Fair enough," says Ever.

***

Black Womb Facility; Nevada

A squad composed of five X-Men explores the facility which not long ago was bustling with activity. Today, however, it is empty. The X-Men find themselves the lone occupants as they walk the corridors.

"I don't like this," says Bishop. "It's too quiet."

"They've abandoned," says Fantomex. "Their location's been compromised, there's no reason for them to remain."

"Makes sense," says Domino. "If we found them, the chance that someone else could is too great. These shadow organizations are more paranoid than conspiracy nuts."

"What are we looking for in here anyway?" asks Havok.

"We need to find some clue as to where we can find them," replies Domino.

"Organizations like this aren't known for leaving behind clues," says Bishop. "It's a miracle the base is still standing."

"Could be a reason for that," says Deathbird. "Maybe they want to be found."

"She has a point," says Fantomex. "Follow me."

Fantomex takes point. The other four X-Men exchange curious glances, but follow anyway as he leads the way. He turns at the next corridor, and pushes open the double doors at the end of it. The X-Men follow him inside, and they find a room lined with monitors.