Richard observed the Blackbird circling above the forest, searching for a suitable landing spot. Rather than waiting, he activated Blinkstep and teleported directly into the aircraft's cabin.
The relatively compact space contained several occupants. Besides Jean Grey, he recognized Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Sabretooth, Clarice, and the mutant children rescued from the underground facility the previous night.
Jean Grey, Logan, Scott Summer, and Ororo Munroe all resembled the images from his memory. After briefly surveying everyone, he addressed Jean directly:
"I don't appreciate people using telepathy on me," he stated firmly. "Anyone who attempts to infiltrate into my mind will face lethal consequences."
Though Jean had merely tracked his location rather than invading his thoughts, Richard felt the warning necessary.
As soon as he finished speaking, Logan abruptly stood and approached him with an aggressive stance. "Kid, watch your tone," he growled. "Jean just needed to locate you!"
Though Scott—currently piloting the Blackbird—was Jean's romantic partner, Logan had immediately leapt to her defense as if he occupied that role.
"You were the first to show disrespect," Richard responded calmly, meeting Wolverine's hostile glare. "Creed and Clarice already informed you I had no desire for this meeting. Using telepathy to target someone who explicitly wishes to avoid you—is this the X-Men way?"
In terms of raw power, Wolverine significantly outmatched Sabretooth, but that advantage didn't extend to Richard. Even with his adamantium skeleton, Richard possessed dozens of strategies to defeat him. Killing him permanently would prove challenging but remained within his capabilities.
Logan, never known for his gentle demeanor, grew more aggressive upon hearing Richard's response. As he reached to seize Richard's collar for a final warning, Jean's voice cut through the tension.
"Logan, stop!"
At Jean's command, Wolverine immediately lowered his raised hands. After preventing the confrontation, Jean rose and approached Richard apologetically.
"I was wrong to use telepathy to track you without permission," she admitted. "I sincerely apologize. I'm sorry."
Observing her genuine contrition, Richard relented slightly. "I'll overlook it this time. Now tell me, what do you want?"
"If you're hoping I'll accompany you to Xavier's School, save your breath. I have no intention of traveling to New York at present."
Though Professor Xavier wasn't malevolent, Richard had no desire to engage with him currently. He could easily predict their conversation—given Xavier's personality, he would undoubtedly deliver the standard speech about advocating for mutant rights or using one's abilities to benefit others.
Jean and Scott chose to follow Xavier's guidance—that was their prerogative, and Richard wouldn't criticize them for it. But he had no inclination to join their cause.
Strictly speaking, as someone with knowledge from another universe, he had never aspired to be this world's savior—which, by most standards, made him morally neutral at worst.
"The Professor means no harm," Jean explained. "He simply wishes to meet and speak with you. We aren't here as enforcers or Department of Mutant Affairs allies."
She continued with greater assurance, "I can personally guarantee that even if the Department of Mutant Affairs learns you've visited our school, they wouldn't dare act against you. If you wish to have your wanted status removed, we can arrange for the S-class warrant to be withdrawn."
Unlike Wolverine, Jean recognized from Richard's comments about telepathy that he would respond to diplomatic approaches rather than intimidation. Moreover, she sensed he wasn't as intractable as initially feared—evidenced by his decision to sheathe the Masamune before teleporting.
"I don't believe Charles and I have anything to discuss at this moment," Richard replied. "As for your guarantee..."
He paused, gesturing toward the rescued children. "I extracted these kids from the Sentinel maintenance facility at the Los Angeles branch last night. Considering what they've endured, it's difficult to trust your assurances—whether you were aware of these conditions or not."
Though the X-Men weren't affiliated with the Department, their resources should have allowed them to discover the Department's treatment of captured mutants. If they truly remained ignorant, it merely demonstrated their indifference toward mutants beyond their immediate circle.
Jean fell silent after hearing his assessment.
"You're right—their inhumane treatment represents our negligence," she finally acknowledged. "I understand skepticism toward anything I might say now, but I still hope you—"
Before she could finish, a shrill alarm erupted throughout the cabin.
"Missile lock detected!" Storm announced urgently.
Jean and Wolverine exchanged alarmed glances. Their current location within United States airspace meant only one possibility—either the military or specialized agencies like the Department of Mutant Affairs or S.H.I.E.L.D. had targeted them.
The X-Men's Blackbird possessed proper registration and authorization, eliminating any chance of mistaken identity with foreign aircraft.
"Apparently, the X-Men's standing isn't as secure as you believed," Richard observed dryly.
Before Jean could respond, he turned to Clarice. "Open a portal immediately and evacuate these children. This aircraft may not withstand the incoming attack."
"On it!" Clarice responded without hesitation, generating a sphere of purple energy that expanded into a spatial portal connecting to the forest below.
As the gateway stabilized, Wolverine and Sabretooth gathered the mutant children and escorted them through the portal, evacuating the Blackbird.
Once Richard and the others departed, Storm and Cyclops initiated evasive maneuvers with the aircraft.
"They're targeting me," Richard declared. "If they weren't aware of my presence aboard, they wouldn't risk Xavier's wrath by launching a missile strike against you."
As he spoke, Richard withdrew the Masamune from his system space.
"What are you planning?" Wolverine demanded, warily extending his adamantium claws upon seeing the weapon.
"Relax. I have no quarrel with you," Richard assured him, raising the Masamune to indicate a point in the distant sky. "I need to address the individuals in that aircraft."
Following the sword's direction, Wolverine saw nothing but forest canopy.
Of course he couldn't see it—the trees obscured his view. Richard, however, with his newly acquired Enhanced Senses, could perceive objects at extreme distances and through solid barriers.
In the direction he indicated flew a black aircraft resembling S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Quinjet, but emblazoned with the Department of Mutant Affairs insignia. Inside sat three mutant agents wearing black tactical uniforms, their expressions grave and focused.
Undoubtedly elite operatives dispatched from other branches or the Department's headquarters.
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