Rei looked around once they were transported, he almost jump from the sudden change of setting. She thought about it for a moment and nodded to herself what is going on. So i'm part of the video game now? He said staring at the soldiers, who were probably the non-player characters of the danger rooms games. Then she stared at Gladiator. He thought this way because there shouldn't be a reason why she was taken to a real mission for the x-men, she never had training or even a x-men himself.
"No, child. This is bigger than me" Was all Emma had the chance to say before the group of people were pulled through space and appeared in front of the mysterious Gladiator and some lesser ones "One would initially think" She continued with and looked around herself. She was pleased to hear of Rahne. It was a comfort to know that not everyone that had touched the past of the White Queen had ended up dead. The death of the Hellions was something she never really had gotten over. Merely sensing Rahne brought a degree of serenity over Emma.
She turned to Jean then "Would you not say we have a responsibility, Mrs. Summers? Avoiding Vulcan might seem like a good idea at the time, but in the end he is one of ours. I understand finding this Lilandra should be our primary concern, but we should not filter away the pending threat that is the reason we need to find Lilandra in the first place" She turned to Gladiator and knelt in front of him "With all due respect, mighty Gladiator: I have a hard time believing you have not come to at least consider the possibility that Vulcan is the reason Lilandra is missing. Should the search prove inconclusive, our best hope would be to engage Vulcan and his followers" She paused then and stood back up, smirking and took a few steps backward "Then again, I lack knowledge in how your civilization work. I apologize, should my words be interpreted wrongly. I have meant no disrespect"
The truth however, was that Emma really did not mean much at all. She wanted to profile the situation, Gladiator himself and perhaps even her fellow X-Men. Emma was a fan of knowledge, for with knowledge comes power. She right now found herself in a world she had never before seen, among people she had not heard of and before an employer whose name and affection to the supposed ruler of this realm was all she knew. She could and would dig out some knowledge from those more experienced with the Shi'Ar, but in due time. She craved to dig into the mind of Gladiator, but she knew nothing about his telepathic defense or how he treated mental guests.
Jean looked back at Emma."Emma an fight with Vulcan wouldn't be the wisest action on our part.At least not yet.If we could take out the his followers first the we'd be able to focus an combined effort on stopping him.Finding Lilandra will help us rally the Shi'Ar forces if needed.If in fact we don't find Lilandra first Vulcan and Deathbird will take control of the throne and Gladiator will beig honor bounded to the throne will become one of their servents.So you see finding Lilandra is extreamly importain as of now.If they do have her then fighting him is just what we'd have to do.
Gladiator listened to both Rei and Emma's words, one tried his intelligence and the other assumed that all of this was a game which it surely was not. They were running out of time before any of her siblings had the chance to ascend the throne due to her absence. "Young man this is no game, that I assure you of, you should be prepared for a fight at any moment. You are an X-Man, act like one." Then he would address Emma who so boldly challenged his intelligence, but also knelt in respect to him although it was highly unneeded. "Never have I met someone so bold yet respectful at the same time. Rise for I am not the one you should bow to, I am Gladiator and I am but a simple servant to Lilandra. As for your question, we already know that Vulcan and the royal family is behind this. I am not allowed to harm any of the royal family or their guests while they are on Shi'ar territory. If I am to meet them outside of such barriers then Vulcan will be crushed by my very hands. Now Cyclops who are these three new members of your team and what can they do?" Scott was as focused as his body allowed him to be, he looked at the three that Kallark would be unused to and gave him their names and powers. "This is Rahne, she's able turn into a wolf or what is commonly known as a werewolf. This one right here is Rei, she's a shapeshifter. And the last woman is Emma Frost, she's a high level telepath. You know the rest now where should we start?" The only one he was interested in right now was the boy known as Rei. A shapeshifter would help keep them aware of what was going on in the royal court. "Your shapeshifter will become a royal knight of the Shi'ar and guard the court room which holds the throne and the M'Kraan crystal. He will then keep us up to date with what Vulcan and Lilandra's siblings are doing. Ms. Frost is it within your capabilities of establishing a mental link between you and your fellow X-Man? It is the only way to communicate back and forth between us without sending off any signals."
Emma was quite entertained by both Jean and Gladiator. She did not have time or patience to argue with Jean and tell her just how flawed her way of thinking was, so instead she focused on the prime situation at hand, which revolved around Gladiator and the battle for the throne "Your loyalty to the royalty of this realm is vaguely amusing, Gladiator. As is your plan with the shapeshifter" Emma spoke as she rose and turned, gesturing towards Rei "That child may be a good shapeshifter, but it is quite the terrible impersonator. Sending it in there would not only end up risking its own life, but would also risk exposing us and our plans" She paused and looked back at Gladiator "The telepathic link on the other hand is a very simple matter for one such as myself"
Gladiator was like a machine. A minute and loyal royal guard, a powerhouse and determined. He would certainly not be the easiest to work with, given how he so firmly held onto his duties. Should things go bad, they would end up fighting him as well. Given his so far display in might, it was not an encouraging thought. Emma had however also realized that there was no current reason to fear him, or sugarcoat her dialogues in his presence. His primary concern was to get Lilandra back, and the White Queen was smart enough to tell that he was smart enough to know that they needed Emma. Jean was a telepath, sure, but truthfully not as powerful as Emma Frost. That would have to be the biggest truth of today. In addition, Jean was a liability. No one so concerned for the life and future of a loved one would place their trust in a liability, regardless of the friends that liability had.
"Since you feel she is no good Emma shouldn't a telepath such as yourself take her place?After all fooling the court with your powers shouldn't be that hard.One such as myself could pull an stun like that off.Wouldn't be wise for me to go since the M'Kraan Crystal is something the force guards with extreme intensity.In truth it's rather simple Emma.Rei come here if you would.Now I know you haven't trained as an x-men nor have you been on an mission such as this.If you would allow me I can help you with that training.With your permission I will download the very basic thoughts of the Shi'Ar guard into your mind.You'll still be you but you'd gain the knowledge on how to act as if you was one of them.Do this without messing it up and you'll be rewarded.Can you do this Rei?"As Jean spoke she made sure she was making eye contact with Rei since Miss.Frost thought she had all the answers and the know how.Truth she told what she felt but lacked the control to know when was the right time or the best way to say it.How would Rei even be able to help this team when the first words that came from this woman's mouth were all but positive.Then again maybe if she spent an bit more time out of her marriage and trying to build this young one up the mission might run an bit smoother
"Are you really willing to risk the life of that child, Jean? You can implement knowledge to her mind, but you can not alter her personality, nor can you grant her experience or training. You may not like me, but that does not give you any reason to think that the safety of the child is not my primary concern" Emma held her hands behind her back and turned to look away from Jean and over at Rei "These are dire circumstances, agreed, but that is no reason to risk the life of a child simply because it is the easiest way to do this. Your confidence and faith in Rei may protect its self-esteem, but my lack of faith may very well protect its life" Emma lifted her gaze from the shapeshifter and looked over at Scott. She did not speak any more on that particular matter, since she believed all she wanted said to already be said. In the end, it was not up to her, but up to Rei. Although chances were it ended up being up to Gladiator.
"It is not an unlikely option that I take the shapeshifters place at this, but there are a few obstacles that we would come across. The first would be that you lack some serious muscles, should I go on a rogue mission. Rahne is as physically strong as you get in that case. The second would be that you would have to rely on the telepathic powers of lady Phoenix over there. The third, would be that I have absolutely no idea how the Shi'Ar mind works. I lack knowledge in their mental defenses, in their various abilities and in their ways and traditions."
While Logan was pretty quiet during all the exchange he made a note to speak when Emma said Rahne was the only muscle they had. While he liked Rahne and cared alot for her, he knew that he was the most useful when it came to close range damage. "Ey, who needs strength when you can tear through your enemies like a thanksgiving turkey. So I wouldn't call us lacking muscle, anybody short of gladiator here, or someone on his level who gets cocky and gets to close -" His claws made a snikt sound as they extracted, and then they retracted after his point was made. "The sword I'm carrying is pretty useful too mind you."
"And what that suppose to mean Emma?Mind you I've been here before and my telepathic powers worked just find without you being here.As for your muscle has the thought of my telekinetic powers completly escaped your mind as with Logan here.We are perfectly able to do an mission such as this.I'll have you know that before you ever came on the scene as an x-men I was punishing the likes of our enemies left and right.I'm not fighting with you I'm just stating the point that before you think your powers are all that Emma don't forget who was here before you.Chances are anything we fight.I've delt with it before.Now back to the mission at hand."Jean focused back on Gladiator."Don't worry my friend.We'll get her back and stop Vulcan."
Within the court room stood D'Ken, the recently freed Deathbird and Vulcan. At their side in service were Terrax and Tempo. They patiently waited for the hours to run out until D'Ken could regain his throne due to his sister's absence. One of the guards came in and informed them of the unusual activity that revolved around one of their teleporters being used to transport something or someone from Earth. There was nothing on Earth that D'Ken or the others needed. D'Ken ordered them to go out and find the source. He had no idea that Gladiator was still in search of Lilandra. "Vulcan, Tempo and Terrax go out and search the source of this and find out who's been brought here and who's behind all of this. They must not find my sister, do not fail you three."
Vulcan took his leave with the other two and made their way out to go and search the coordinates, he was left in charge of the little expedition. "No doubt those still loyal to Lilandra have looked for aide from Earth and the only ones that are close enough to answer that call are the X-Men. We're going to kill them on sight."
Gladiator's super hearing kicked in and he heard both Vulcan and D'Ken all the way from their secret ship. He had enough of these women and their bickering. "SILENCE! I've had enough of you two arguing like children. I will not let your disdain for each other! One more word from either of you and I will handle your disputes personally." His eyes began glowing red as his heat vision was this close to going off. They were jeopardizing Lilandra's life and her rule over the Shi'ar empire. He looked at Jean and pointed at her. "You will assist your husband and his team in searching for Majestrix Lilandra." He then pointed at Rei and his voice remained commanding and authoritative. "If what Ms. Frost says is true about you then you WILL grow up and be a man, you will become a knight of the Shi'ar and play the role perfectly or die as an impostor! The last one to receive his orders were Emma herself. "You will join D'Ken and Deathbird as one of them in order to keep tabs on the shapeshifter. I will disclose how you are to achieve this later but now you must learn all that you can about the Shi'ar empire and it's history. I will tell you everything you need to know as quickly as possible but for right now we have to leave for Vulcan and the others are on their way to this very location. Cyclops heed my words, if you encounter Terrax then do not engage him, call my name and I shall be there. As we speak you are all being injected with nanites that will allow you to breathe freely in the atmosphere of space. Now Emma come with me, I don't have much time to talk before I have to leave you all."
Scott heard his orders and memorized them all but he wasn't fully there, his body was on it's last leg, but he did his best to not show it. "Understood Gladiator, we're on it." Gladiator took Rei and Emma to the side so they would be able to hear what he had to say and the plan he had for Emma.
Jean looked at Cyclops.There he was trying to hide an weakness again.Surly if Gladiator was to have noticed he's have something to say about it.Her hand ran across her head while gathering strands of hair which she placed behind her ear.She could focus on Cyclops an bit more out the corner of her eye.She gave him an thumbs up while smiling as she moved her hand up and down to signal if he needed an boost while they prepared to make they escape.He could have reached out to her but her didn't which caused her arm to fall down to her side.What was she doing wrong.She was trying to be the best wife she could be.What was it that Sue Storm was doing that she hadn't.Now wasn't the time for this.This kingdom was in great danger and she had to be focused.Cyclops could no longer be her husband but her teammate,her leader.If she hadn't changed her view of him she could endanger the team.
Emma stood amused and a little impressed as she listened to Jean, who succeeded in making Emma's attempt to protect the life of that child to a matter revolving herself and how competent Jean herself was. Emma intended to speak up on how pathetic Jean was for rather defending herself from Emma's supposed insults than talk about the fact that Rei's life was at stake. She loathed how arrogant Jean was, and how swift she was at making all this about her. Emma may be somewhat narcissistic, not even she could decline that, but Jean, she was just plainly pathetic.
Emma turned and looked with concerned eyes at Rei. While she abhor weakness, Rei was still just a child, regardless of the powers it possessed. Emma had seen a good amount of those die in her days and she was not overly excited at watching another one do the same, regardless how useful her talents were "Let the child go with the team, Gladiator. You are throwing a lamb to the wolves. I have seen her in work. She stumble over words, she panic, she overdo it and rapidly fall out of character. She may be a shapeshifter, but she has the mind of a child and she sweat like a pig when things get hot. Please reconsider. She did not last one minute before she was busted during her last act, there is no way she can endure this entire mission"
Emma was not happy to say it, or even comfortable, but it was now or never. Rei had no training at all, and should the child get busted, not only would her life hang on a thread, but she would also never stand interrogation. A child shapeshifter in a Shi'Ar body was still just a child. Emma looked over at Gladiator. Ever since she realized just how intelligent he was, she had began in secrecy dig around in the most shallow regions of his mind. It did not take a lot of effort, or time, to unravel how he felt about Lilandra and that he looked at her as more than just an employer.
"I am perfectly capable of both spying and infiltrating. Just give me the relevant information. I know just how badly you want Lilandra back, both reasons" She paused briefly "but using this child inside the maw of the beast will not only risk its life, but mine as well. It is not trained against interrogation, or torture. Everything is safer with just me inside"
* * *
"X-Men! What if Gladiator is helping them, Vulcan?" Tempo raced forth and back in place impatiently. She then raced up next to Vulcan and slowed down to human speed as she walked beside him "Want me to scout them and see who they have brought?"
Vulcan smiled at the thought of Gladiator working with the X-Men. If this was true then he'd be able to kill two birds with one stone. His brother and the man that embarrassed him in the past. "Gladiator wouldn't dare raise his hand against a member of the royal family, but we're not a part of that family so we should be careful. He is unaware of your powers so you'll prove a nice surprise when he faces Terrax and I in battle but sure thing, tell me who's with them. I already know Cyclops is there. They made their way outside and flew towards the location with Terrax by their side. Tempo was able to breathe due to the nanites she's been injected with.
Gladiator listened Emma and her thoughts that questioned his decision. She did not serve with unwavering devotion, she voiced her opinion when she did not agree with what the plans were. This in Gladiator's eyes made her a weak and liable warrior. However he would allow her to speak her opinion. She somewhat called him out on his feelings for Lilandra but paid no attention to them nor give her the satisfaction of proving her right. "Very well, the young one shall stay with the X-Men but now I do not have the time to talk with you over the entire history of the Shi'Ar that I have learned over the years. Go, take this ship as your vessel and I will return to the Shi'Ar empire. Make sure you do your part well Emma. I will not tolerate failure. You are hereby temporary honorary members of the Imperial Guard."
Rei listened to everyone thoughts on her being on the mission. Jean thinks with her support, Rei can do it. Emma believes he's not capable enough and in fact will get killed. Although Rei appreciates their concerns and support, he believes she can do it, besides what's the worst that can happen, it's only a virtual game! Rei nodded and pointed his own chest with her tumb and a face of confidence towards Jean, smirking. Don't worry I can do it on my own! So i don't need your help, thanks!. He gave her a smile then Rei crossed her hands, and looked to side towards Emma. She remembers Emma from when he first entered the mansion, spying on her along the way to the cafeteria. Your under estimating me, I'm the best Shapeshifter in the world. You weren't there but, I disguised as you and made many of the x-men think I was the Frost. She may have failed here and there, but he won't let the others think she is weak. Not at a time like this. I once tricked a whole nation to think I was it's leader for a few days. Rei will get the highest score in this game, so she decided to insert a lie to help everyone be confident in him and let her be an important role.
Rei then looked at Gladiator, had a fist up and held it towards Gladiator. As Rei stared at his eyes she quickly morphed in to Gladiator and then quickly in to one of the Shi'Ar soldiers. He gives him a firm salute and then a smirk.
Jean was starting to have second thoughts about Rei.Maybe this more of an job for Kevin.Still Kevin wasn't here and Rei felt bold about himself.Still he would need the basics of the Shi'ar."Rei this isn't an game.Without me or Emma's help you'd be caught easy.Your going to have to know who is who and what is what.Rei know I know you like games but trust me there is no coming back from this if you fail.They will surly kill you if your cought.Please just allow me to help you before Vulcan gets here."
Back on earth Jubilee was going to get into an bit of trouble.Without Logan there she became bored rather easy.Who knows where Storm had ran off to and beast was in his lab.Maybe this was the time to have an bit of fun.So as long as she worked out her plan before the x-men came back they'd know nothing had happened."Oh great I forgot Cable is here.So is Angelus,and Professor.Geez how am I gonna get these old people out the house."
Angelus made her way down stairs and looked around, it seemed that no one apart from the students where wandering around and with that she decided that more relaxation time would definitely be a good idea, so she made her way into the kitchen and decided to get out a few cans of soda along with a big bag of chips. Making her way into the lounge, she set up a DVD and popped onto the lounge and sat on her side, making sure her wings weren't uncomfortable in any way.
"Child, the X-Men are imbeciles. If they are unable to tell you apart from me, that says more about them than it does about you. This is not a game and I will not let your belief that it is endanger your, or my life. Furthermore, if anything should go wrong, I can manage. You would not. The moment things did not go according to plans for you, you began stuttering and hesitating. You are not trained for this no matter who you have impersonated, and lying about past accomplishes will get you nowhere. I am a telepath, remember?" Emma frowned and looked over at her. Vulcan was no idiot and in combination with Tempo and Terrax, should the child so much as slip once, it would be over for it. It had no way of managing after that. This child was no Mystique.
And after the events on Genosha and the fall of the Hellions, Emma really was not intrigued by the thought of witnessing another mere child die. Emma wanted to play this one safe, even should it mean that the mission end up a little harder. A child would always be a child, even when it is a member of the X-Men "Now return to Scott and Jean. As an honorary members of the Imperial Guard, as your elder and as the most powerful of you and I, I decline your request to have any part of this infiltration" Emma spoke and walked onto the vessel. As she did this, she sweeped through the minds of the X-Men as well as Gladiator for relevant information of the Shi'Ar and siphoned it over to herself. She was not completely certain of the role she was supposed to play, but if there was something she could do, it was to improvise and talk her way out of situations.
* * *
Tempo nodded and took a deep breath. She began vibrating and in a yellow blur she vanished. She raced in the direction they were heading, to see if she could scout the X-Men and their location, and with her flight in combination with her impressive speed, it did not take her very long before she looked down at a small group of people. She took a deep breath and extended her arms and legs wide-spread. She expanded her powers reach and slowed time at the camp of the X-Men into a crawl.
Slowing time to a mere portion of its normal speed, Tempo raced through the camp and past every single individual that existed inside it. Before a second had passed, she exited it and was alreay heading back to Vulcan. As she arrived once more at his side, she stopped and bent forward, hands on knees and panted heavily. The one flaw with her powers, was that because they were so very potent, they inflicted a massive amount of strain whenever used to more than just slowing and speeding up an individual. She while panting heavily spoke up "Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Rahne Sinclair, Emma Frost and some young girl I have never before seen. In addition, Gladiator and some generic followers of his"
Gladiator didn't notice Tempo's presence mainly due to the fact that she slowed time to a simple crawl. Provided she was there for more than a second then he may have caught her presence but even his hyper-senses failed to track her as would everyone else in the party. He also didn't notice Emma scanning his mind for his knowledge of the Shi'ar. His mind was basically a second library of Shi'ar information. His thoughts about Lilandra were so strong and frequent that Emma would know the feeling of Lilandra's mind herself.
He listened to Emma's words and the further breakdown of who this Rei was and Gladiator saw that he made a grave mistake bringing him. He assumed that he would be a competent mutant seeing as he was in their Danger Room. Emma had a somewhat disrespectful mouth but it was clear that her intentions were truly for the best so he would look past the disrespect he felt from her earlier. Kal did wonder why Scott wasn't doing much of the talking. "Forgive me Ms. Frost, if I had known the mutant was useless then I would've left him back at your home. I know she that he is just a child, and he has a sense of silliness to him that would for sure blow his cover. I hereby give you permission to read my thoughts and understand what you are to do when the time is right. You ahve a strong one here Cyclops, she's more than worthy of the role of an Imperial Guardsmen."