issue summaries

X-Men Unlimited (Vol 2) 11 Brother’s Keeper Writer: Chris Yost Penciler: Billy Dallas Patton Inkers: Cam Smith & Derek Friddles Colorist: Tony Avina Letterer: Dave Sharpe Assist. Editor: Michael O’Connor Editor: Warren Simons Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada Date: December 2005

Rachel stands outside of the Danger Room, waiting for Havok (Alex Summers), while he is running a training sequence against a Sentinel. Nervously, she offers to come back later. But he replies that he is almost finished.

Apprehensively, Rachel tells him that she doesn't want to bother him, but she needs someone to talk to. Alex replies that that’s what alternate timeline uncles are for and they can go out to dinner and catch up.

As he leaves the Danger Room, Alex fumes as the computer announces that Alex didn't beat Scott’s high score.

Later, they are seated in a booth at a restaurant. Rachel tells him who much she misses Jean while manipulating a candle flame into a Phoenix. Alex says they all miss Jean, but Rachel disagree and doesn't think Scott does.

Alex starts to defend his brother, but stops when he remembers that he promised not to.

He thinks he’s letting Rachel down, but Rachel can't understand why. Alex explains that he just realized that they are family, but they never have really talked.

He asks her if he was a lot older and wise when she knew him in her future, if they had a good relationship and if he was a good uncle.

She replies that he was the best, as she recalls her Hound days when she forced to track down other mutants - including her Uncle Alex.

Alex tells her that all that matters now is that they are together and are a family. He knows it must be hard for her, but she needs to cut Scott some slack. Rachel angrily fumes that she can't believe Alex can defend Scott on this.

Alex insists that he isn't. He knows it is messed up, but he kind of understands Scott. Rachel gets upset and says this was a mistake. Alex tries to explain. All of their family - himself, Rachel, Scott and even Cable. Rachel corrects him and says Nathan. Continuing, Alex says that they all have had their lives messed up and lost people they loved. But they all go pick up the pieces and move on.

Rachel isn't buying it. Angrily, she fumes that two seconds after her mom died, Scott decides to move on to the White Queen since he has had a rough time. Alex tries to argue, but Rachel continues to rant about Scott making Emma the headmistresses (emphasizing mistress).

Alex replies that she’s oversimplifying things. But she doesn't think so. What about grief, mourning and respect? She isn't even sure if Scott loved her mom.

Alex disagrees, saying that Scott would have given his life for Jean. He doesn't want to defend Scott, but they need to try to understand him. But Rachel doesn't think there is anything that can justify what Scott did.

Alex tries to explain about what Scott went through when he was possessed by Apocalypse and how that changed him. He doesn't think Scott has stopped grieving for Jean. He tells Rachel that she knows what it feels like to be possessed by evil and how that changes you.

Alex explains that he was gone for a long time and when he came back, a lot of people had changed. He knows it must be hard for her to see her father with another woman. But Rachel cuts him off, asking him what about Jean? She had a difficult time too and still went back to Scott. She demands to know why Scott couldn't come back to Jean.

Rachel starts to raise her voice and her eye starts glowing. Looking around the restaurant, Alex tell her to tone it down. But she doesn't. Getting more and more angry, she continues that she can't understand how this is happening and why everyone is just letting it happen.

Alex tries to explain that Jean always wanted Scott to be happy, and maybe Emma makes him happy.

Furious, Rachel shouts, "No!" in her shadow-form with energy surrounding her. But there isn't anyone left in the restaurant to notice.

She sits back down and returns to normal. Alex asks if she feels better. Rachel asks why Scott had to pick Emma and if people can truly change that much.

A team of police officers storm in, pistols drawn, shouting at them to freeze.

Alex chuckle and replies to Rachel's question sometimes yes and sometimes now.

The police officers abruptly forget why they are there and cannot see Alex and Rachel. Alex realizes that Rachel is cloaking them. and she explains that it is easier than breaking out of jail.

He tells her that Scott always tries to do the right thing and that usually causes him nothing but problems. And maybe right now, being with Emma is the right thing for him.

Rachel admits that what she really wanted was him to listen to her complain about his brother, not try to help the situation. Alex thinks maybe he is a crappy uncle.

A bit later, they return home to the X-Mansion. As they walk in, Scott and Emma are standing in the foyer. Emma snarks that's a family reunion, and Scott tries to stop her from aggravating things. Rachel ignores both of them, thanks her uncle for dinner and says she will think about what he said.

Once Rachel has left, Scott thanks Alex for trying to talk to Rachel. But Alex, frustrated, replies not to thank him, as Emma starts to make out with Scott.

Notes:

- The only other issue the Rachel and Allex both appear in together is X-Men 30 (Scott and Jean's wedding.