Smoke and Mirrors

• Writer - Fabian Nicieza
• Penciler - Andy Kubert
• Inker - Matt Ryan
• Lettering - Bill Oakley
• Colorist - Kevin Somers
• Editor - Bob Harras
• Editor in Chief - Tom Defalco

Summary

  Xavier, Scott, and Jean inspect the new sign.

  Hank works in the lab, noting that the Legacy Virus is continuously mutating and has developed three strains. At least they're less deadly than feared at first. Bobby tries to get him to come to the pool, but he stays in the lab. Rogue climbs up to take a high dive, warning Bobby not to play tricks. He's still bummed over having Emma Frost in his head; she says she's had other people's voices in her head since she was 13. He ices over the pool; she crashes, threatens to kill him, and yells that if he has a problem, at least he can do something about it. He promises to, if she gets things straight with Remy.

  Jean works out with Betsy on the psychic plane; she has been hobbled since the Kwannon mix-up, and she has cut her hair short. She apologizes for trying to seduce Scott, but Jean has married him now.

  Scott monitors Sabretooth in the Danger Room, letting him get some aggressions out. Sabretooth tries to bait him, but Scott stays cool. Remy enters and says Jean wants Scott to rearrange furniture, so he takes over. It's a ruse: he disengages the safeties and gives Sabretooth a real workout.

  Adam visits Ryking in prison, asking about his father's associate Milbury. Ryking directs him to Xavier.

  Bishop cleans up Xavier's Ready Room; Xavier says Commcast has the mutant ability to monitor every data transmission on the planet, so he could restore the lost data files.

  Legion is in a mental hospital in Tel Aviv, thinking about Destiny, whom he killed, who gives him a cryptic message about his father, Xavier, and shattered dreams.

  Remy enters the Danger Room and beats on Sabretooth, tired from his workout and still shackled. Sabretooth threatens to reveal something sinister (see UXM 350); Remy says he won't kill him and lose his place on the team, the best way to defeat him is to make a happy life with Rogue. She arrives and says they both have to accept the things they've done (see Rogue limited series).

  Bobby listens to Hank ramble on about the Legacy Virus, then asks him if he thinks he's a loser (see UXM 318). Hank drops his lab work and takes him to Harry's for a chat.

  Xavier, Scott, and Jean gaze at the sign again. Xavier wonders if his dream stands a chance of being fulfilled. Jean says it has to, but then what will they do for jobs? Xavier plans to be a barber.