Genosha's runway isn't like anything I've seen before. It glows with some kind of blue energy as our plane touches down, absorbing the impact like we're landing on a cloud instead of concrete. Through the window, I can see a city that looks like it was ripped straight out of a sci-fi movie, gleaming spires and impossible architecture stretching toward a perfect blue sky.
"Welcome to Hammer Bay," Emma says, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder as we begin our descent down the stairs.
"Hammer Bay?" I ask in confusion.
"The Capital of Genosha."
I'm still blinking against the bright sunlight when I spot him waiting for us on the tarmac. The green hair catches my eye first, vibrant emerald waves that seem to float around his head like they're caught in some invisible current. Then I notice the matching crown, thin and metallic.
"Who's that?"
"Polaris," Emma confirms quietly. "Magneta's son. Same powers, too."
He steps forward as we reach the bottom of the stairs, extending a hand toward Emma with practiced diplomatic grace. His entire outfit seems to shimmer with subtle metallic threads that catch the light as he moves.
"Welcome to Hammer Bay, Ms. Frost."
Emma takes his hand, her perfect posture somehow becoming even more regal. "Polaris," she replies with a slight tilt of her head. "Strange that we haven't met yet."
His smile widens, revealing perfect teeth against pale skin. "It seems we always just miss each other," he says with a casual shrug, "even when we were on opposing sides."
I can't quite get a read on this guy. His body language is open and welcoming, but there's something calculated behind those eyes, like he's constantly measuring every word before it leaves his mouth. I guess that's what happens when your mom is basically the mutant equivalent of a nuclear superpower.
Emma turns slightly, gesturing toward me. "This is Jack Crackwell," she says, "the newest man on the X-Women."
Polaris shifts his attention to me, those green eyes suddenly intense and curious. "Ah," he says, extending his hand toward me. "I was on the X-Women until I took my seat on the cabinet here."
His grip is firm as we shake hands, and I feel the slightest tingle of magnetic energy dancing across my skin.
"Nice to meet you," I manage, trying not to stare at the crown. "Cool headgear."
Polaris laughs, the sound surprisingly genuine. "A gift from my mother," he explains, one hand gesturing vaguely upward. "She has a flair for the dramatic."
Beyond him, I can see the city sprawling in the distance. Maglev train tracks weave between buildings like silver ribbons, with sleek pods zipping along. Everything looks clean, efficient, and distinctly non-human in its design.
"Your first time in Genosha?" Polaris asks, noticing my wide-eyed stare.
"Yeah," I admit, not bothering to hide my amazement anymore. "I didn't even know places like this existed."
Polaris smiles at my wide-eyed wonder. "Well over sixteen million mutants call this island home," he says with unmistakable pride. "The largest concentration of our kind anywhere on Earth."
"Sixteen million?" I can't keep the shock from my voice. "That's... wow." My eyes drift back to the gleaming cityscape, all those buildings stretching toward the clouds. "And it's all this futuristic?"
"Indeed," Polaris nods, his metallic crown catching the sunlight. "A true utopia for our people. We've built something here that humans could only dream of, a society where mutants don't just survive, we thrive."
As he gestures toward the waiting hover-car, Emma's voice suddenly slides into my mind, cool and precise.
'Don't let this perfect city fool you, Jack. It's fascism wrapped in chrome and glass. Magneta rules with an iron fist, literally. Any dissent lands you in a detention center faster than you can blink.'
I keep my expression neutral while my stomach drops. 'So no shit-talking the boss lady. Got it.'
'Smart boy,' Emma's mental voice approves.
The hover-car glides toward us, smooth and silent, no visible wheels or exhaust. It's like something straight out of the sci-fi movies my dad used to watch when he was too drunk to fight but not drunk enough to pass out.
Emma turns to Polaris, her posture shifting subtly into something more serious.
"Polaris, I need to speak with your mother about an urgent matter as soon as possible," she says, her voice cool and direct.
Polaris's smile fades slightly, one eyebrow arching upward. "My mother is a busy woman, Ms. Frost."
"This concerns the future of mutantkind," Emma counters without missing a beat. "And I'm here under Xavier's direct orders."
Concern flashes through Polaris's eyes. He sighs, running a hand through his green locks, then gives a resigned nod. "That bad, huh?"
"Yes," Emma replies simply.
"Alright," Polaris finally says. "I'll set up accommodations for you and then talk to my mother."
Emma's lips curve into that confident smile I know so well. "Don't bother with a hotel. I've already booked us a room atop the Chrome Spire."
Polaris's expression shifts to something knowing, almost amused. "I see. Your reputation precedes you." He gives a slight bow that somehow manages to be both respectful and slightly mocking. "I'll meet you at the Spire once I've set up a meeting for you with my mother."
"Thank you," Emma says with genuine gratitude in her voice.
Polaris gives us a quick salute, his fingers brushing against his metallic crown. "I'll contact you as soon as I've arranged the meeting." With a casual flick of his wrist, he lifts himself off the ground, then turns and soars toward the gleaming city.
I can't help but stare. "That's... efficient transportation."
Emma chuckles beside me as the hover-car's door slides open with a soft hiss.
We slide into the back the seats conforming to our bodies like memory foam on steroids. There's no driver, just a sleek dashboard with pulsing blue lights that Emma taps with practiced precision.
"So we're going to meet Magneta?" I ask as the vehicle glides silently away from the landing strip, the acceleration so smooth I barely feel it.
Emma shakes her head. "Just me. I'll set you up at the pool or something equally relaxing at the Chrome Spire."
"Why can't I go?" I frown, feeling like I'm being sidelined. "I'm part of this too."
Her ice-blue eyes lock onto mine, suddenly serious. "I'm not going to put you inside the jaw of one of the strongest mutants alive, Jack. Especially not when she's going to be upset by what I have to tell her."
"What are you even going to tell her?" I press, leaning forward in my seat.
"About Cassian Nova."