Betrayal

The following is an excerpt from Betrayal:

Charles Xavier was completely exasperated. No matter what he asked or how he phrased the questions, there seemed to be an unlimited number of things the Witness simply would not talk about. And since he was dealing with a hologram that didn't even exist telepathically, he had no clue as to the rationale that drove that refusal. And to make matters worse, the Witness simply sat there and waited, unperterbed by anything Charles could say or do.

*Of course, it *is* a hologram* he chided himself. *It can't get frustrated.* Judging from his own emotional state, it was time to try something new.

"Can you tell me what happened *after* we were all killed?" he asked.

The Witness nodded. "Certainly".

*Hallelujah* Charles thought and was mortified to find the Witness chuckling at the expression that must have been on his face. This wasn't like dealing with Gambit, who was still young enough to miss a great deal. He was discovering that this "man", for lack of a better term, was an intellect of a caliber similar to his own. He had seen the potential in Gambit, of course, but it was well obscured by youth, ego and a dismaying lack of formal education.

"As you c'n prob'ly guess, de other X-teams were stunned by what happened." The Witness' expression was guarded, as if he were broaching a painful subject. Charles was again amazed at how realistic this projection was. Despite the fact that it couldn't really *feel* anything, it -- he?-- often gave the impression of suppressed emotions.

"De real problems started when folks went lookin' f' revenge. Mystique went ballistic. Y' c'n imagine what kind o' damage *she* did. Den Cable and his team hit de warpath and all de other teams followed. B'fore anyone knew it, we in de middle of a human-mutant war." The Witness' expression twisted. "An' all in your name, Professor."

Charles felt a chill creep up his spine. To be the rallying point of a war that he had spent his entire life trying to avert. . . .

"How can I stop it?"

"By stayin' alive, o'course."

"Is Bishop the key to changing the future?"

The Witness shook his head. "Non. He done his part."

"Is Gambit?"

The Witness gave him an approving nod. "Oui, Professor. Y' just got t' know how to ask de right questions."