Issue 1 Downtime

Roland's Trabant rumbled up the drive, into the front of Braddock Manor.

"And here we are."

"And the place is still in one piece." Simon said as he got out of the car somewhat awkwardly, his long legs looking almost comical before he pulled himself out of the passenger seat. "Things have quieted down since I've been gone."

Just then Sara bursts out of Dower House in her uniform, looking around as if looking for someone until she spots Simon and runs over to him and Roland.

"Simon!"

"Hey there rock-biter! You didn't have to get all dressed up just to welcome me back." Simon grinned, holding his arms out for a hug.

She gives him a hug, but it's a very hurried and distracted one. "It's good to see you. Will needs our help."

Simon's smile faded. "... what? Again?"

"Yeah... I think he was kidnapped. Maddie should be on his way with a scanner and we're going after him."

Roland sighed and turned the Trabant back on.

"... again!?" Simon rubbed his face with both hands, stretching his mouth agape as he pulled them down it's length. "... I've been back in this country for a little over an hour and everything has gone to shit already."

"Welcome back to Xaviers?" she says, forcing a crooked smile.

Madrox appeared, running down the paved path with the aforementioned equipment in hand.

"Got it!"

"Okay, let's go then. Simon... I know this is terrible timing but we could really use your help..."

Simon was already pulling his trunk off the roof of the car when Sarah asked him to help. He popped open the lid and turned it upside down to dump a pile of formerly clean and freshly-pressed clothing onto the driveway.

"You know, I probably haven't been given proper clearance again. I could get in trouble for this." He said, pulling the false bottom out of the case to reveal his uniform and other paraphernalia.

"Don't wait for me, I'll catch up."

"It's good to have you back." she smiles briefly before turning to Madrox. "Okay, lets if we can pick up the trail."

Madrox activated the freshly calibrated device and began to sweep the grounds.

"C'mon... show us a trail..."

There was a blip on the screen, in the location of the church in downtown Maldon.

Well, that's where it would be after cross-referencing, but we'll assume Maddie did that instantaneously.

"I've got something!" he announced.

"Let's go then. Where to?"

" St. Peter's Church, in Maldon."

She nods and runs off to the garage to jump behind the wheel of one of the X-Team cars. A minute or two later she stops next to Maddie and Simon.

"Alright, let's go."

Madrox climbed in quickly, vainly hoping Will was just having a major spiritual crisis.

Simon had his uniform half on over his suit, gloves and headset already on and a collapsable staff on a utility belt. He climbed into the back of the car, trying to dress inside. It was kind of like watching a spider on it's back.