.𝟎𝟓

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"The machine emits radiation that triggers mutation in ordinary human beings," Professor Xavier began, his voice a calm anchor amidst the rising tension. Lottie leaned forward, her attention sharpening. She'd heard whispers about Magneto's plans, but the full scope was only now beginning to dawn on her.

"But the mutation is unnatural," Jean added, her tone edged with concern. "Kelly's body couldn't handle it—his cells started to break down almost immediately."

Lottie felt a chill run through her. The thought of someone being forcibly mutated, their body rebelling against itself, was terrifying. She glanced over at Scott, who stood rigid, the tension evident in his posture despite his otherwise composed expression.

"What about mutants? What effects does this radiation have on us?" Scott asked, his voice steady, though the concern was unmistakable.

"There appears to be none," the Professor replied, but his eyes betrayed a deeper worry. "However, I fear it will cause serious harm to any normal person exposed to it."

Lottie's stomach twisted. "Normal people." That phrase gnawed at her. She wasn't sure if she fell into that category anymore, but the idea of anyone—human or mutant—being hurt by Magneto's machine was unsettling.

"So what does Magneto want with Rogue?" Logan's voice cut through the tension in the room. His frustration was evident as he paced, his movements sharp, like a caged animal ready to strike. Lottie watched him carefully, sensing the barely restrained anger simmering beneath the surface.

"I don't know," Xavier admitted, his gaze steady on Logan. But the uncertainty in his voice only seemed to fuel Logan's agitation.

Lottie's mind wandered for a moment as she took in the scene around her. Everyone here had a role—a purpose. Even Logan, with his rough edges, was a crucial part of the team. But where did she fit in? The senator's fate loomed in her thoughts, a reminder of how fragile life could be in their world.

Scott's voice pulled her back to the conversation. "Wait a second. You said this machine draws its power from Magneto, and that it weakened him."

"Yes," Xavier confirmed, a grave nod accompanying his words. "In fact, it nearly killed him."

Logan's eyes widened slightly as realization dawned on him. "He's gonna transfer his power to Rogue and use her to power the machine."

Lottie felt her heart skip a beat. The room seemed to close in on her as the full horror of Magneto's plan became clear. She looked around, seeing the same shock mirrored in everyone else's faces.

"We have to move quickly," Xavier said, urgency coloring his usually calm demeanor. "Cyclops, you and Storm get the jet ready. I'll locate Rogue. Jean, get Logan a uniform."

"Whoa, hold on," Scott interjected, a sharp edge to his voice. "He's coming with us?"

Lottie winced at the tension sparking between Scott and Logan.

"Yes," the Professor confirmed without hesitation.

Scott's frustration boiled over. "I'm sorry, Professor, but he'll endanger the mission. And if—"

"Hey, I wasn't the one who gave the train station a new sunroof, pal," Logan shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"No, but you were the one who stabbed Rogue through the chest," Scott retorted, his tone icy.

Logan's temper flared. "Why don't you take this little mission and shove it up your—"

 Storm burst into the room, her expression grim. "Senator Kelly is dead." 

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"Magneto's here—Liberty Island," Scott announced as a holographic map flickered to life on the table, casting an eerie glow across the room.

"His likely target is the U.N. summit on Ellis Island," he continued, his voice steady but laced with urgency.

"But he doesn't know his machine is lethal," Storm interjected, following Scott's train of thought. "From what the Professor saw, if Magneto channels enough power through Rogue..."

"He could wipe out everyone in New York City," Jean finished, her voice tinged with a somber realization that settled like a heavy weight over the group.

Scott quickly regained focus, tapping the map to highlight their approach. "We'll insert here, near the George Washington Bridge, then come around the bank just off Manhattan. We'll land on the far side of Liberty Island, here," he said, tracing the route with his finger.

Logan's voice cut through the brief silence, skepticism evident. "What about harbor patrol? Radar?"

Scott couldn't help but smirk at Logan's doubt. "If they've got anything that can track our jet, they deserve to catch us."

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As the team geared up for the mission, Lottie found herself in a small, dimly lit room, staring at the X-Men uniform laid out before her. The black leather was intimidating, a stark reminder of the reality she was about to face. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to touch it, the weight of her powers pressing down on her like never before.

Logan entered the room, his gaze softening when he saw her. "You alright, darlin'?" he asked, his gruff voice laced with concern.

Lottie forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Just...feelin' the pressure, I guess." Her voice wavered, the usual confidence in her Southern accent faltering.

He stepped closer, his presence grounding her. "Ain't nothin' wrong with that. This is big—bigger than anything we've done before."

"I keep thinkin' about what could happen out there," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I lose control? What if I can't handle it?"

Logan's hand rested on her shoulder, a steadying presence. "Listen, you've got more strength than you give yourself credit for. You've been through hell and back, and you're still standin'."

She met his gaze, the fear in her eyes clear. "But what if my powers hurt someone? What if I make things worse?"

He shook his head. "Your powers don't control you, Lottie. You control them. And you're not alone in this. We've got each other's backs out there."

Lottie took a deep breath, trying to steady the turmoil inside her. The fear, the doubt—it all felt overwhelming, like a tidal wave threatening to pull her under. But Logan's words, his confidence in her, were like a lifeline.

As she began to suit up, the leather feeling foreign and constricting, Logan stayed close, his presence a comforting anchor. She could feel the tendrils of fear creeping in, her powers amplifying the anxiety around her. It was like standing on the edge of a cliff, the wind howling in her ears, daring her to jump.

But then she looked at Logan, at the unwavering determination in his eyes, and she found a flicker of courage within herself.

"We're gonna stop him," Logan said, his voice firm. "And we're gonna bring Rogue home."

Lottie nodded, the weight on her chest easing just a bit as she followed the rest of the team to the blackbird.

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