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been focusing on her at that moment. But after a second, she knew she wouldn't run. It was the story. Sadly, her job defined her life, and getting the story would define her job. But there was more to it than that. She couldn't run from such malevolent actions.
    "You'll have to bear with me, Magneto," she said, lifting her chin. ''I'm afraid I'm not really used to dealing with tyrants whose thugs murder innocent civilians before my eyes. Maybe that's par for the course for international war correspondents, but it's just not been part of my experience up to now. I suppose I'll have to get used to witnessing atrocities."
    Magneto's right eye twitched with barely controlled fury and he seemed about to scream, or strike out at her. Then he let out a long breath, half sigh and half deflation, and nodded pensively.
    "You shame me, Ms. Tilby," Magneto admitted, and Trish didn't know whether to be stunned or incredulous.
    "What do you know of my history?" he asked.
    It took her a moment to realize what Magneto was referring to, and then it hit her. He was a Jew. As a child, Magneto had seen his entire family destroyed by the Holocaust. She remembered that from Magneto's abortive appearance before the World Court.
    "I've read your dossier," she answered. "Your past gives me even greater reason to be—"
    "I have seen more atrocity in my life than anyone man should ever have to endure," he said. "When I was but a child, my family was murdered, because we were Jews. Throughout my adult life, I have been persecuted because I am a mutant.
    "I will not allow it to continue," he said, leaning forward and staring at her with those intense slate eyes.
    "I do not condone murder," he said, more calmly. "Even in self defense, or in the pursuit of greater justice, the taking of life, even human life, sickens me."
    Magneto laid a fatherly hand on Amelia Voght's shoulder, though the woman did not look at him. For a moment, Trish wondered whether the gesture was as paternal as she'd thought, or if there was some romantic involvement there.
    "But this is war, Ms. Tilby," he continued. "There are casualties in war. I believe I have been more than fair in my edicts. No one who conforms to my law will be harmed in any way. In point of fact, the quality of life for those who remain within the city will likely improve. Those who do not want to live under my rule are free to leave."
    Magneto took his hand from Voght's shoulder and leaned his head back, looking regally down on Trish. She could almost feel the arrogance that emanated from him, and yet, she also sensed that there was every reason for him to be arrogant.
    "You are free to leave as well," Magneto said. "Or, you may stay and get the 'scoop' of your career. You and your cameraman may record anything you wish, and I will see that it is taken by courier to your employers for broadcast."
    Trish looked at Kevin, trying to gauge what was going through his head. The cameraman had never been as career-oriented as she, but surely he could see the possibilities. At the same time, they both had to recognize the dangers involved.
    "How about it, Kev?" she asked, and he did a double take, as if he was startled she would even ask.
    "Trish, if you think for a moment I'm gonna back your action here, you've gotta be—" Kevin began.
    "Before you continue," Magneto interrupted, "I should mention that, if you decide to leave, you will not be allowed to do so the same way you came. For humans, Manhattan is a no-fly zone. That you were able to get past the Sentinels' perimeter at all is a minor miracle. No, if you're leaving, you'll be on foot like all the other human emigrants."
    Magneto raised a hand and looked past them, then. Trish followed his gestures, turning to see that their helicopter had lifted above the trees of the. park several hundred yards north and was now moving slowly toward them. It was not in flight. It was being moved by Magneto's power.
    "No!" Kevin said suddenly, and Trish held up a hand to