Inside the water tank, Gabriela and Isa had witnessed the entire battle through surveillance feeds. Seeing Logan and George's combat capabilities firsthand—combined with Professor X's counsel—had reshaped their perspective.
The Professor had laid out the harsh reality: attempting to reach New York within six days, locate Tony Stark's whereabouts, and mount a rescue mission in the Middle East was nearly impossible. Even if successful, the risks were astronomical. They'd essentially be gambling Logan and George's lives.
Moreover, the well-traveled Professor strongly advised against surrendering the children to Canadian government care. After careful deliberation, they'd decided to abandon their original plan entirely—no more heading to the North Dakota border. Instead, they'd find a safe haven first, then strategize Stark's rescue properly.
Even if that plan ultimately failed, their recent victory proved something crucial: together, they could stand against forces that once seemed invincible. The mighty Alkali-Transigen strike team had just fled in disarray, hadn't they?
"Charles Xavier truly lives up to his reputation," George mused, impressed. "Even without his powers, his persuasion skills are peerless."
Gabriela's decision aligned perfectly with his own concerns. While his meta-knowledge gave him an edge—he recalled Stark being imprisoned for three months in the movies—rushing blindly into New York's political quagmire remained reckless.
With more time to hone his abilities—perhaps mastering bullet-curving or additional spells at Hogwarts—their odds would improve dramatically. Alternatively, if he could acquire funds to invest in Stark Industries stock, rescuing Tony might become unnecessary altogether.
Partnering with Stark meant attracting S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention... which inevitably meant HYDRA's scrutiny. Best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
"Six days is indeed too tight," George agreed. "Let's relocate somewhere secure first, then reassess."
They scavenged weapons from the fallen soldiers—SMGs, grenades—before fleeing the derelict factory. Distance was their ally now; Alkali-Transigen's influence waned beyond border towns where bribes couldn't buy every official.
Without X-24 or Caliban's tracking (now firmly on their side), their pursuers stood little chance. This hard-won respite might last months—time they desperately needed.
Highway En Route
Inside the truck's cargo hold, the group debated their next move while Isa drove. Their criteria crystallized:
Not urban centers (too exposed)
Not remote wilderness (impractical for education, medicine, and fundraising)
Proximity to New York (for monitoring Stark's situation and future events)
As options dwindled, Professor X dropped his bombshell:
"We should return home. To Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters."
Logan's adamantium claws unsheathed reflexively. "Absolutely not. You're still wanted. It's a death sentence."
His real fear went unspoken: Westchester held graves—ones Charles had dug himself during a psychotic break.
Tears streaked the Professor's weathered cheeks. "I remembered everything during your fight, Logan. The massacre... my sins." His voice broke. "I don't deserve life. But these children do. That basement cerebro chamber—Hank designed failsafes. We can cage my mind if it fractures again."
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