What could Bradley possibly do when facing a powerful mutant like Eric—someone who could kill Zero with his bare hands—and a companion who had just decapitated the saber-toothed tiger with a dinner knife?
Even if he was reluctant, what choice did he really have?
Besides, with both Victor and Zero dead, there was no doubt Stryker would come looking for answers. Bradley's life was already on the run. Whether he liked it or not, this incident had thrown him onto a path of escape.
From that perspective, being "captured" by another mutant faction might not be the worst outcome.
At least Stryker wouldn't find him easily.
With that thought, Bradley quietly gave in. He didn't resist or cause trouble, and obediently followed Eric and Rorschach to the entrance of their secret base.
Outside the base.
Agent Moira MacTaggert, having received word in advance, was already waiting by the entrance with a team of CIA operatives—and Charles Xavier at her side.
"Eric, is this the guy?" Moira asked, eyeing Bradley with skepticism.
Eric had mentioned capturing someone connected to the Hellfire Club, but this guy didn't exactly look the part.
"He's not," Charles answered before Eric could respond.
He had already scanned Bradley's mind and could confirm—this man wasn't one of Shaw's.
"Are you sure?" Eric asked, walking over, frustration evident in his voice. "Did you use your ability?"
"I did," Charles said with a nod. "He's not working with Shaw."
Eric's expression darkened. He looked down and kicked a loose pebble out of frustration.
He had been chasing Shaw for years. His one shot came two months ago on a cruise ship, when he nearly killed him—but Shaw escaped, and Eric nearly drowned in the process.
If Charles hadn't been there, that would've been the end.
The only reason Eric had stayed with the CIA these last two months was to use their resources to track Shaw down.
And now, after finally catching someone, it turned out to be the wrong guy.
How could he not be frustrated?
Moira sighed softly. Shaw wasn't just Eric's enemy—he was a high-priority target for the CIA too. Their collaboration with Charles began because of this shared goal.
"I've been saying it from the start—whatever you think I am, you've got it wrong," Bradley grumbled. "You caught the wrong guy!"
"We did," Charles admitted. "And if my friend and I caused you any trouble, I sincerely apologize."
"Save it," Bradley said, waving him off. "I'm guessing I'm not allowed to leave either, right?"
He wasn't naïve. No matter what kind of organization this was, once someone knew the location of a secret base, there was no way they'd be let go so easily.
He had worked with Stryker long enough to know how this stuff worked.
"It's more complicated than that," Charles replied, not denying it. He glanced at Moira and Eric. "Actually… we might be in some trouble."
"Let's talk inside," Moira said, exchanging a look with Charles. Once the area was secure, the group headed into the base.
In the briefing room.
After Bradley was taken to a holding area, Charles, Moira, and Eric gathered in the office for a private discussion.
"What's going on, Charles?" Moira asked, her tone sharp.
"Wait," Eric interrupted. "Before we continue… let's bring Rorschach in."
"Isn't it a bit early for that?" Charles hesitated. He'd intended to brief Eric later on Rorschach's performance in the field and then decide how much to reveal.
"Charles, he's already involved. There's no turning back," Eric said firmly. "And he's ready."
Charles blinked, surprised by Eric's sudden confidence in Rorschach after just one mission. Still, he trusted Eric's judgment.
He turned to Moira. "If you're okay with it…"
Moira MacTaggert—top-level CIA agent and key contact in the agency's collaboration with mutants—had played a vital role in all of this. It was her investigation into Shaw that led her to Charles in the first place.
Since then, they'd fought side by side. She had become not only a close ally—but something more to Charles, despite the ups and downs between them.
"Rorschach?" Moira asked, recalling the name. "The young man who went out with Eric yesterday? Is he the one you two picked?"
"He's the only one—for now," Charles replied. "But I don't think that'll be the case for long."
"Alright," Moira nodded after a moment of thought. "He's part of this now. Bring him in."
"I'm afraid… I can't." Charles gave a sheepish smile. "My abilities don't work on Rorschach. You'll have to send someone."
"Wait, what? They don't work?" Moira raised an eyebrow. "Isn't he a power-type?"
"That's what I thought at first," Charles said, "but he's unlike any psychic I've encountered. I can't sense his mind at all."
Charles had faced off against the White Queen before—her psychic abilities were powerful, yes, but at least he could detect them. With Rorschach, there was nothing. A complete void.
"Interesting," Moira murmured, clearly intrigued. "He sounds… fascinating."
She signaled an agent to bring Rorschach in.
Moments later, Rorschach stepped into the room.
"Rorschach, this is Agent Moira MacTaggert," Charles introduced. "I'm sure you've heard of her."
Rorschach offered a polite smile. "Agent Moira. It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure's mine," she replied, nodding.
With greetings out of the way, everyone took their seats.
"Alright," Charles said, tapping the table to get their attention. "Now that we're all here—let's begin."
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