Arrival of Arkady

[Omega Red]

There were two things in Omega Red's mind as he approached a very unfamiliar gate. One thought was obtaining a device called the Carbonadium Synthesizer. If he found the Carbonadium Synthesizer, he could use it to keep his deadly pheromones stable. Omega Red would no longer have to absorb the life forces of others to survive. Then again, sometimes it was fun seeing his terrified victims' wide eyes as they squirmed in his coils. The coils that enabled Omega Red to take what he needed.

The other mental image was of Wolverine's head on a silver platter. *Wolverine stole the Carbonadium Synthesizer years ago. I'll force him to reveal its location until I kill him slowly and painfully!* Omega Red thought during a grin. He continued to smile.

The Russian mutant's red eyes widened until he collapsed on his knees. The world seemed to spin around him. He scowled as his long hair framed his white face. *I have to absorb someone's life force as soon as possible. I could release my Death Spores for now.* Omega Red looked up, but he didn't see anyone.

[Beast]

OOC: NPCing Colossus for a bit. Mr. Rasputin is not one of my usual voices, so please forgive me if he sounds a bit odd...and yes, technically Wild Child is in X-Men custody in Cybercide's holding cells off-site.

IC:

Beast and Colossus made their way out of the Graymalkin base and into the visitors area, looking rather peeved that Omega Red had more or less wandered onto their doorstep. Once Cyclops found out, he'd likely pop a blood vessel over this little development, not to mention the scowl that would cause Emma Frost to worry about frown lines once more.

"What brings you to this place, Omega Red?" Colossus asked as he moved to block any attacks by his fellow countryman. "Your hatred of Wolverine makes you no friend of the X-Men!"

"San Francisco is under the protection of the X-Men," Beast said as he made his way in front of Colossus. "If you are here to cause havoc, then you have come to the wrong address."

Beast wondered in the back of his mind if Omega Red was there to collect Wild Child for Weapon X, but Gibney was not being held at this base.

[Omega Red]

Omega Red's jaw dropped in disbelief after he recognized Beast and Colossus. *Enemies from my past are here?* he thought. He proceeded to frown. He concentrated on Colossus for a few seconds.

''Are you aware of what Wolverine did to me years ago?''

Before Colossus could reply, Omega Red faced Beast. ''I'm weak and I desire shelter,'' he said. At least his words were sincere. Omega Red never expected the sudden collapse. He started to grin. *Interesting how Wolverine can steal something important to me and nobody bats an eye. I take the life forces of others to survive and I'm a super villain!*

Perhaps Omega Red could find the Carbonadium Synthesizer in the new home of the X-Men. Maybe he could take a few life forces along the way.

[Beast]

Beast looked at Omega Red, and as he did, he thought back to that incident with the Carbonadium Synthesizer that happened oh so long ago. He would bet dollars to donuts that the device was why Omega Red was here. "When you are weakened, you need to feed on life force. Why would we, under any circumstances, help you to do that?"

"Because we are X-Men," a voice said from behind her hulking Russian and blue-furred teammates. "In my world, as an Avenger, we were put in situations like this more often than not, Beast. Is it really so different here?"

Beast growled as Adaryn MacFeorais, known in many worlds by her office as the Celtica of her people, stood staring at the Russian visitor. "Celtica, this is something that will likely upset Wolverine..."

"What in this bloody world doesn't upset Wolverine?" Celtica asked as walked to Omega Red and tried to size him up. "Is Beast correct? Will a gesture of good will bring nothing but pain to those who might help you, Omega Red?" 

[Celtica]

Adaryn stood with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword as she waited for Omega Red's reply. She was familiar with the man because Kari, ever the efficient soul, had told her family about all of Logan's enemies. Sabretooth was one thing. So was Mystique. They were well known quantities to the Clan MacFeorais now. This man, on the other hand, was new. The Celtica remembered something about the man needing some piece of technology to keep himself alive if he didn't want to sup on life forces for all of eternity. Maybe that lunatic Doctor Nemesis could be of help in this situation?

[Omega Red]

Omega Red glowered at Beast after the latter asked why he should help him feed on the life forces of others. His expression turned to one of curiosity after a woman appeared. He wasn't familiar with her at all. He grinned at Celtica's question about Wolverine.

''You are correct about everything upsetting Wolverine,'' Omega Red said to Celtica. He began to frown after her other questions. ''If I had the Carbonadium Synthesizer, I wouldn't have to harm others.'' What Omega Red didn't tell Celtica was how he also enjoyed hurting others as he stole their life forces.

''Besides, I'm a bit too weak to hurt people I can't stand,'' Omega Red said. Although he was able to release his Death Spores, he also needed life energy. ''Put me in a room so that I can release my Death Spores. Solitude doesn't bother me.'' Omega Red also wished to see Wolverine's expression if he crossed paths with him. It was going to be fun tormenting his enemy.  

[Celtica]

Adaryn looked back at Hank and Piotr and shook her head. She was almost ready to quip about the room she was sure they'd want to put this man in, but she kept that thought to herself. "Beast, would there be a safe place to help Omega Red that would not lead to an all-out panic?"

"We do have medical quarantine areas that could be of help, but I am not sure Cyclops will be thrilled with this," Beast replied as he kept looking between the others there as he seemed to weigh the situation over and over again in his mind.

"Like he was not thrilled to keep the lad with the demon in the holding cells?" Adaryn asked, knowing full well that her nephew Niall had caused a lot of harm when his possession took full hold, nearly killing several people in the brig. "Or like he does not want to buy the White Queen new shoes?"

"I still wish to know how you found this place, Omega Red?" Colossus asked as he stayed close to the X-Men's enemy. "It is no secret the X-Men protect San Francisco now, but coming to this exact spot seems a bit too convenient."

[Omega Red]

''What Cyclops doesn't know won't hurt him,'' Omega Red said. He was certain about the X-Men's new home being big enough so that not everyone noticed him. He turned to Colossus. ''I assure you that I had no idea that this was the new home of the X-Men. Perhaps fate brought me to this place. You don't have anything to worry about.''

[Beast]

"Keeping you a secret from Cyclops is not going to happen," Beast huffed as he looked at Omega Red. "With the telepaths alone, we would risk you being discovered almost immediately. Toss in our feral brethren, and the risk only increases."

"But we can't let the man die," Adaryn said as she gave Hank an odd look. "I know. Others do not feel the same way, but you took an oath to do no harm, Beast. But...since Omega Red needs a very particular diet to survive, the rooming seems to be the least of our concerns."

"Yes...how do you propose we keep body and soul together, Omega Red, if we don't give you people to snack on?" Beast asked as Colossus shook his head. "We can't exactly bag you people for dinner!"

[Omega Red]

Omega Red started to glower again after Beast informed him about Cyclops. After glancing at Adaryn, he smiled. Perhaps he would absorb her life force last. His smile disappeared after he turned to Beast. ''You can gather criminals for me. Not one person will notice they are gone.''

[Emma Frost]

"Oh, isn't this just a lovely scene!" Emma sputtered as she and Scott ran into the gardens. "And when were you going to actually call us, Beast?"

"I figured you already knew what was going on before I even thought of calling you," Hank replied as Cyclops moved to the front of the group.

"I'm not sure how you got here or who sent you, but I want answers, Omega Red," Cyclops said as he stood, his right hand at the side of his visor in case the Russian made any sudden moves.

"And what was this suggestion about draining the life of criminals? Do you expect us to call the local constabulary and put in an order like they are running Pizza Hut or something?" Emma asked, the scowl returning to her face. "You are a very complex man, Omega Red, and frankly I'm sure you already know how this will play out."

{{Henry, I can call Nemesis and get our visitor here a nice stasis tube next to Wild Child}} Emma said telepathically to Beast. {{But i think we need answers on how he got here first}}

[Omega Red]

Omega Red began to gasp after he saw Emma and Cyclops. He wasn't sure if he remembered Emma, but he was quite familiar with Cyclops. Their paths crossed quite a bit. Frowning another time, he concentrated on Cyclops.

Omega Red's sudden grin was one of cruelty. ''You may not like the answers,'' he said to Cyclops. He started to shrug. ''Criminals. Anyone's life force will do,'' Omega Red said. He tilted his head to one side. ''I could just release my Death Spores in a chamber, but I still crave someone's life force.'' 

[Emma Frost]

Emma's scowl got even worse as she noticed Adaryn standing there. Kari was a pain, but Adaryn was even worse in some ways. She was not the diplomat Kari was, and that was a lot for Emma to admit, even to herself. "Don't tell me. You suggested this unusual snack idea to Omega Red, Celtica?"

"Do you really think I'm that insane!" Adaryn snapped as she glared at Emma. "I may be immortal, and my morals at times have come into question, but I would never suggest such a thing!"

"What about immortals? Can you drain life force from them and not kill them?" Emma asked as she turned back to Omega Red. "And Cyclops, I am not saying that as a joke. And I don't mean to let Wolverine anywhere near him. I know your sister would remove my head from my neck for that, Celtica."

[Omega Red]

Omega Red's eyes became bigger during a frown. He shrugged very slowly. ''I'm not sure. I never tried to take the life force of someone able to live for eternity.'' Omega Red started to tilt his head another time. ''Where are you going to find immortals?''

[Emma Frost]

"Oh, never you mind that," Emma said with a wicked grin as she looked at Omega Red. "It was more wishful thinking than anything else."

"Enough!" Cyclops shouted as he looked at Beast. "What about that chamber Dr. Nemesis is working on with Box? Would it at least allow Omega Red to release his death spores safely?"

"As far as I know, it would indeed," Hank replied as he looked at Scott. "But the issue of sustenance is another matter."

"If you need a volunteer for this experiment, I'll offer myself," Celtica said as Emma grinned at her again. "I've endured far worse and bounced back well enough over time. And do not ask me what I have endured. Any of you."

"Well, we can't exactly let Omega Red keep snacking on everyone," Beast said as Colossus moved up closer to Celtica. "Perhaps Nemesis can help us figure out a way around that."

"Then, down to the holding cells we go?" Emma asked as she kept looking at Omega Red. "I'll get Nemesis to join us," Emma added as she sent a telepathic message to James Bradley.


 

[Omega Red]

Omega Red frowned at the thought of not seeing his horrified human victims' expressions as he took their life forces. A chamber where he was able to release his Death Spores to his black heart's content seemed good to him. He gasped after he heard Celtica's offer. He couldn't remember any willing victims of his Death Spores and coils.

Omega Red's shrug happened to be casual. ''If Wolverine confronts me...'' Omega Red's nasty grin started to return. ''I will not be held responsible.'' He shrugged again. ''Self defense?''

[Doctor Nemesis]

Dr. Nemesis, muttering under his breath, made his way into the garden to see the group gathered around Omega Red. "I've already spoken to Box and Forge about the damned security breach!" he spouted as he marched past everyone and stood looking at Omega Red. "Yes, we have a lovely little room where you can go release your Death Spores. And if you tell me about this synthesizer you're looking for, maybe we can fabricate something that will fill in until you find it."

Nemesis looked back at Celtica and wanted to scream. "And you, madame. Emma filled me in on your offer. Do you really have a death wish?" He then looked back at Omega Red. "I don't trust you as far as I can throw a pebble, but if helping fix you up gets you on the road, well then let's get this started...but if you go after me, you'll get one of my special toys to deal with. I'm a man of science, and I'm not exactly shy about getting rid of problems."

"There will not be any problems," Colossus said as he moved closer to Omega Red. "Will there?"

[Omega Red]

Omega Red stood at a snail's pace after Doctor Nemesis appeared. His legs trembled for six seconds. He began to focus on Doctor Nemesis. ''I will thank you for the chamber by not draining your life force,'' Omega Red stated. His frown came back. ''The Carbonadium Synthesizer keeps my deadly pheromones stable.''

The Russian smiled again. ''You have absolutely nothing to worry about from me,'' he said to Doctor Nemesis. He turned to Colossus. ''The same goes for you, my fellow Russian mutant.''

Although Omega Red was with those he loathed, he seemed willing to do anything to keep his own life. He approached Doctor Nemesis. His sadistic smile never disappeared on his face. ''Shall we go inside?''  

[Doctor Nemesis]

"Inside? Ha!" Nemesis said as he pulled out a small disc and placed it on Omega Red's shirt. "No walking in your condition. Cyclops, I'm going to borrow Beast and Colossus and head for the bunker, as it were...gentlemen," he said as he motioned for his compatriots to come closer. He pulled a small handheld device out of his pocket, punched in a few codes, and a bubble formed around the four men. "Beast, no mumbling. I know you are not a fan of getting your molecules scrambled, but it works!"

There was a flash of light, and the four men vanished.

TBC Omega Red, Nemesis, Beast and NPC Colossus in the Alcatraz forum--Postcards from your own private cell

TBC everyone else here for the moment  

[Omega Red]

Omega Red's eyes became wide after a disc was placed on him. He smiled again. ''If I can battle Wolverine for hours without collapsing from exhaustion, I can walk.'' Omega Red saw a handheld device that Doctor Nemesis held. He gasped after a bubble formed. That was when he disappeared in a flash of light.

TBC - Omega Red in Postcards from your own private cell 

[Celtica]

"And with that, my services are no longer needed," Adaryn muttered as she started to walk away from Scott and Emma.

"What in the name of God were you thinking!" Emma shrieked as Adaryn slowly turned on her heel. "Do you really have a death wish? Your whole family is insane!"

"Nothing happened, so don't fret, Emma dearest," Adaryn smirked as she shook her head and opened a portal behind her. "I need to go get Jackson and Niamh before Stark enrolls them in that Young Avengers training program back in Stamford."

"Why did you let them go there anyway?" Scott asked as he crossed his arms. "He doesn't exactly want to be a father to them, does he?"

"I thought Jackson could benefit from a bit of male bonding time with a like-minded, scientifically-inclined father figure, even if this Stark is not anything like his father," Adaryn said as she hung her head at the thought of her Tony. He died for his children. "But this distance is enough to make me insane. I doubt anyone will miss me, but I'll be at Avengers Tower for the time being."

As Adaryn walked into the portal, she thought about her stint with Earth's Mightiest Heroes. They seemed so much less complicated than the X-Men. She glanced back to see Scott and Emma walking away before the portal closed.

TBC Adaryn in the Fembot thread at Avengers Tower

TBC Scott and Emma elsewhere (TBD)