This was it. The moment of truth had arrived. "I have a request." Kyler held her breath as all eyes focused on her. "I believe I have mentioned earlier that I want to accompany the team." She paused long enough to look at each person individually trying to gauge his or her reactions. "I do not have the training or any mutant powers that could make me an asset. However, I can only offer you two things. My word that I will in no way hinder you and secondly, my heart's desire to see Sinister brought down."

"Darlin', that's well and good but I don't think you are considerin' all your limitations."

She knew exactly what Logan was implying. She didn't think he would use the knowledge of her pregnancy to force her to withdraw her request but she would be wise to tread cautiously. "I have considered everything. I don't see any of my limitations as relevant."

"I am certain Kyler will do nothing to endanger her health. You do realize how fragile good health can be, don't you?" Hank aimed a brief but pointed glance at the table's surface right in front of her.

Gads! Was the whole discussion going to contain innuendoes about the baby? She took a moment to assess everyone in the meeting as to who knew and who didn't. On one side they was Hank, Logan, Charles, and Jean and probably Scott armed with the knowledge that a wee Gambit was on the way. That left Rogue, Joseph, Ororo, Bobby and the most important one of all daddy Remy, in the dark.

Perhaps if she gained the compliance of the later the former would ease back a little. Nah, it wouldn't work. Remy was the only one on the clueless squad that she knew well enough to approach and he had told her often enough that he didn't want her involved. Where did that leave her?

She saw three immediate options. The first one didn't really appeal to her. Tell Remy now. She could drag him out of the room and tell him in private or drop it like a bomb in front of everyone. Somehow she doubted if that approach would achieve her goal.

The second option had a chance of working. However, Hank was much better with words than she. How long could they banter before someone put two and two together? It was workable but tricky.

The final option was to compromise. How far would she have to back off for them to feel comfortable enough to take her? Was that even possible?

"Kyler? Are you all right?"

She snapped out of her reverie and looked into Scott's concerned gaze. "I am fine. I was just trying to figure out how I could convince you to take me. Sinister violated me. In my mind, I have the right to justice. I shouldn't even have to explain this to any of you."

"Not dat simple, p'tite." Remy took hold of her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"It is to me."

"She's right. Would we deny any other member of the team a chance to set the record straight?"

"Go blow dry your hair, Joe. You don't know what you're talkin' about." Logan growled his warning to the white haired man next to Rogue.

"Arguing will not accomplish anything." Charles' quiet words commanded everyone's attention. "Kyler, you're contributions to the team thus far have been exemplary. I am sure you understand our concerns as we understand yours. If we relented and allowed you to accompany the team would you consider the role of spectator to participant?"

Kyler threw Charles a grateful smile. He saved her pride. She wouldn't have to weaken her standing by offering a compromise herself. "If that is the only way I will be allowed to go then yes." She hoped they understood the emphasis on the word allow was due to her vexation that she as a grown adult was forced into the position of asking for permission. Besides, she could always figure out later how to snag a more active role after they reached the desired destination.

"Then I see no reason to object to your request."

"No!" Remy stood up and banged his fist on the table. "Not good enough." He stabbed a finger in her direction. "T' dangerous for you."

"It is not for you to decide, Gambit." The tone was authoritative but the underlining question of challenge was there.

Remy unclenched his fists and regained his seat. There was a collective sigh of relief. Nerves were frayed enough; a temper tantrum would not have helped the situation.

"Scott, you and Ororo will need to schedule extra Danger Room sessions. I want everyone in optimum condition. Unless there are any other comments..." Charles voice trailed off giving anyone the opportunity to speak if he or she so desired. No one desired. "That will be all then."

Remy grabbed Kyler's hand and pulled her from her chair immediately after the dismissal. Tight lipped, he dragged her out of the conference leaving several bemused X-men in their wake. His long legged stride proved to be too much for her and she stumbled. He caught her around the waist and steadied her before resuming a slightly slower pace to his room.

He released her briefly to open his door. The anger radiating from him was enough to make her consider running back down the hall but before she could turn tail and run, Remy was pushing her none too gently into the room.

"Okay, Remy, you just embarrassed the hell out of me. What do you want?" That sounded like a good offensive line to her.

"Wan' t' take you cross my knees and beat sense int' you."

"Sounds kinda kinky."

His lips thinned into a straight line making the planes of his face look harsh. His hands clamped down on her shoulders and he gave her a slight shake. "You won' think so, p'tite."

The petite she heard was not used as an endearment this time. Instead it sounded more like a warning. He was really serious. She didn't think he would truly hurt her but there no sense taking chances. A wise woman knew when to placate the man in her life or said woman was going to wind up with a tanned hide.

"You're right. My humor was misplaced. I am sorry." She hoped he would recognize and accept the contrite expression she was trying to keep plastered to her face. It wasn't that hard of an effort. She didn't want to lose the ability to sit for the next week.

He shook her harder. "You don' understan'."

"I understand that I might have serve brain damage if you don't stop rattling my teeth!" Damn! Couldn't she keep her mouth shut? That wasn't going to calm him down. "Look." She took a deep breath and tried to get her thoughts together. "I made one compromise today. Offer me another." Where in the world had that come from?

"Stay here."

"Unacceptable!" She wanted to pull hair, hers and his.

"We try my way, neh?" He pulled over to the bed and sat down pulling her down into his lap.

"Wait!"

"Stop fightin'. Not goin' t' hurt you and you know it." He pushed her face into his chest and tightened his hold on her. "Ah cherie, what t' do with you?"

"Let me go."

"Don' quit, do you?"

"Not when it is this important. I need to see this done. Please, don't make us both miserable by fighting it."

"You stay out of de way?" He waited until she gave him her assent. "I don' like it but de Professor said you could go."

"Thank you. I know giving in was hard for you."

"You can make it up t' me. Explain de kinky."

To be continued