The Professor answers Instinct's questions, mentally speaking to him alone.
I believe that we are on the verge of another stage of evolution as a species, that all mankind will be like us, if allowed. The exact nature of the timing of this stage is still something of a mystery, but it has to do with the advances we have made technologically. As Michael stated, our genes have been mutated from those of baseline humans. his voice softens considerably As to having to hurt people without abilities, it is my goal to help you find ways to avoid doing exactly that in any situation it may be avoided, and to minimize it when it may not be avoidable.
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Without raising her hands Alex responds "Ah man, 8 am? Normal school starts at 9. I hope we are allowed to attend class in our yammies because that is way too early. Wait, we don't have to wear those outfits all the time as school uniforms right?
So are we allowed to leave school grounds to go out and stuff? Watch a movie, go to a sports game and such? I also want to get my drivers license. My other method of transportation is a bit flashy and I still don't have it completely under control. "
Alex's face becomes a bit more sullen as she continues.
"Also, are we supposed to kill those people that are a danger to the society. Because that is not what I signed up for."
Given his prior experience with his mother's suicide due to the inability to cope with his unusual mutant birth, Jackson is pissed at Michael. He shoots him an awful glance and tries his hardest to maintain his composure.
Ooooow that is his problem, damn. Not going to let my parents found out. Ever.
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Michael is distracted by the memory to notice Jackson's death stare.
What the hell was that.
Alex's comments, however, turn his thought back to the moment.
Is that all she is thinking about? She's focusing on the stuff that doesn't matter! Getting up for classes? whether or nor she can drive a car? How shallow can you get? I guess that last part showed that she is thinking about someone else
Julia listens intently to the Professor's orientation speech, even jotting down a note every so often. As the flood of questions start from her fellow students, she sits back and thinks hard on what was said.
While I am ecstatic to have access to such a state of the art facility and training under an expert of our... condition, I'm not sure if I'm ready for this talk of being figureheads of our kind. You become a target when you take on such a role; a target for all the hate, fear and evil that others would throw you way merely for being different. Most of those here are still children. Do they even know the responsibility and cost associated with the position beyond the glitz, glammer and excitement of it all? Do I have the courage inside to make such a choice myself? Who will be the next to be burned from my decision?
Julia looks up at Xavier as she comes out of her quiet contemplation, "Professor, I am unsure if I have the conviction to join you all the way to the end of your journey but I would like to try and walk the path with you at least a ways to see if I have it in me to help produce such a future without fear, prejudice or hatred for any people of any creed."
She removes her glasses to cleanse the lenses with a scrap of fabric retrieved from her pocket, "And as Alex said, I will not choose to use my... abilities in the murder of anyone, regardless of affiliation or intent."
His face grows grim at the talk of killing and murder. I'm glad you both feel that way. In a sense, that is part of why I would hesitate to call you soldiers. To be perfectly clear: the X-Men do not kill. It is my intention to train you in ways of avoiding lethality during conflicts. Magneto and his ilk believe they are at war, we seek to avoid such a war. Blood will beget blood, and that is something we must actively and always avoid.
"Does this guy know what you're up to? That you're forming a team to fight back? If not...we could use the elements of surprise against him."
Leaning back in his seat, one hand behind his head, he points the other hand towards the projector
"This Magneto dude...I wanna stop him. I guess I've been pretty clear on my concerns of being exploited by regular people..."
He sits up straight and then leans forward, gesturing with his hand as he speaks.
"But what he's doin', it doesn't feel right. He's going about it the wrong way, and I can't stand for that."
He stands up from his desk with a serious look on his face
"I've spent half my life learning, training, conditioning...My father at first told me it was to defend myself against bullies...but it's like everything is starting to click now...he always said there'd be a day when it seemed the world was against me, and when that day came, that I'd be ready. He somehow knew this would happen...Professor, we need to put a stop to this guy's violence, before he makes it worse for everyone. When do I start training?"
"I don't want to hurt anyone either." Iz pipes up, "And I don't know anything about fighting. Not really. I don't want to get hurt myself either, come to that. I can see how my, um,... abilities might be pretty good in a fight though, if I can learn how to use 'em properly. But I'm not all that keen on being a soldier. What kind of things has this guy done? What kind of things do you want us to do? What kind of training would we have? And, like Alex says, are we still going to be able to do, like, normal stuff? You know, like go to the movies or the video arcade and things like that? Oh! And what kind of 'abilities' do Magneto's crew have? How much do you know about them?"
The disciplines of the martial arts should aid each of you in the control of your powers, as well as helping you with basic self defense. It will be part of the curriculum. As to free time activities, you will certainly be given time for such activities. Admittedly, not much time to begin with... we need to analyze your capabilities and measure your responses to stressful situations. The next few months will not be easy. But they should help prepare you for the challenges of the coming times.
He clicks another buttons and two more images appear.
Meet Andreas and Natasha Oglvinski. Codenamed Touchtone and Crosshairs. They have been involved in at least one incident with Magneto. Andreas is capable of generating immense amounts of a variety of energy wavelenths with his hands. Natasha can fly and generate twin beams of energy which are deadly when they intersect or are merged from their point of origin. Magneto rescued them from an anti-mutant militia group calling themselves The Friends of Humanity. Since that incident, suspected FoH compounds have been destroyed, their occupants killed or hospitalized. Survivors' statements indicate that Magneto was involved, and there is photographic evidence of the twins' involvement in one of the attacks, which had no survivors to provide statements. This was six months ago.
His anxiety getting the better of him, Jackson begins to pace.
He starts studying the images of both Touchtone and Crosshairs.
Wow...was this the last time they've been spotted? Aren't there any other mutants that could help out right now until we're ready?
"They sure sound pretty dangerous! But, professor, do they only attack these "Friends of Humanity"? I don't much like the sound of them either. Obviously I wouldn't want to kill anyone, but those guys, they hate us yes? I'm as keen as anyone to save, like, innocent people, but from what you're saying this other group kind of attacked mutants first. I'm not saying we shouldn't try to stop them being killed, but shouldn't we try to stop the 'friends' from hurting mutants too?" She drops into silence for a moment and then pipes up again. "so they've got code-names? Do we need codenames too? That'd be kind've rad!"
"They probably were able to design their own outfits. I think this Sue has no taste in fashion..."
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He stops pacing and turns to Alex, very annoyed
These guys are out there killin people, and you're concerned with our outfits? Really? Jesus @&$%in' Christ, lady! Let's be serious for once! We've gotta stop these guys, regardless of what we're wearing.
"They probably were able to design their own outfits. I think this Sue has no taste in fashion..."
When Jackson turns to Alex, Iz leans forward towards him.. "Hey! Back off bud! Me and Alex, we're going to help out, but we're going to look good doing it! And without any of your macho shit too! Sometimes Cindy Lauper's got right - Girls just gotta have fun! Isn't that right Al?"
What does waxing have to do with karate? Alex wonders
Iz, you'll look good regardless of...uh
Feeling a bit more bashful, Jackson finally takes a seat again, blushing at his slip up.
Vincenzo's right. A uniform is a uniform whether you like it or not. Let's just give it a shot for now and maybe later on we can think about personalizing? Trust me, girls, I would hate to have anyone recognize me while decked out in those threads, but soldiers don't get to pick out what camouflage they wear, yknow? Plus, it'll send them a message...it'll let them know that we're organized and that we mean business. We're not some ragtag bunch of low lives runnin' around tryna put a hurtin' on innocent people
He stops pacing and turns to Alex, very annoyed
These guys are out there killin people, and you're concerned with our outfits? Really? Jesus @&$%in' Christ, lady! Let's be serious for once! We've gotta stop these guys, regardless of what we're wearing.
Alex becomes very upset and she is doing her hardest to control her powers. A couple of the chairs that are unoccupied are hovering agitatedly.
"You think I am not serious in this? Baldy just told us we would be fighting other people with superpowers. You expect us to jump at that opportunity? Who made you the leader anyway?! I could toss you away like a crumbled piece of paper if you don't...get..out...of...my...FACE!"As she yells that last word two of the chairs crash against the wall, into a lot of pieces.
The sounds alarms her that she was using her powers and the other chairs drop immediately. She had no idea of what she was doing, or that she was standing all of a sudden. "I'm sorry" She says in a panicked voice.
Taking a few breaths she continues in a calmer tone of voice and says
"Look there's more to a uniform then just a piece of clothing. A good costume inspires people. A bad one and people will think you are some kind of freak. You clearly have no idea that the way we will show ourselves to the world will influence how they think about and view us. Just look at Captain America's uniform. sure it was a little over the top, but it inspired people."
Iz, you'll look good regardless of...uh
At Jackson's words Iz is immediately silenced and turns bright red." oh god, oh god, oh god,...what did he say?
Julia flinches as chairs go flying into the walls and turn into so much kindling. After Alex seems to calm down for a moment, she coughs loudly, "Please, let us all calm down for a moment and let cool heads prevail. We are no where close to being ready to stop a pack of angry alley cats much less other people with similar conditions so let's cut the machismo chest pumping. As the Professor made clear, there is going to be a lot of training and studying on our abilities and how to make them do what we want when we want long before we'll have to face the real thing. Even then the goal sounds like more to act as mediators between the two sides then to go in guns blazing and add more bodies to the death toll."
Giving Alex a moment to calm down, Jackson addresses her in an apologetic, non-confrontational voice
you're right, Alex. I completely acknowledge that. These outfits will make or break us in the eyes of others, but we haven't even begun to train yet. How about we just keep these as practice suits, and as a "graduation" gift, we get some better threads?
Leader? Pft...that's Xavier's job.
He then turns to face Julia
I understand where you're coming from, but these guys don't seem to be the ones lookin' for mediation.
He catches a glimpse of Iz blushing
Damn, why'd I say that... She probably thinks I'm even more of an idiot now.
Alex concedes the point. "Fine, fine. Let's start with training first. Outfits and defeating chrome dome and his minions comes later. We all need to learn to control and train our powers.
Unless the professor has an endless amount of chairs I can destroy when I lose my temper." Alex jokes, hoping to lighten the mood somewhat.
Looks I'm not the only one with "anger" issues. We are all going to need a lot of training.
Speaking of training, I've been wondering something. This "Danger Room" we are to train in. You said it simulates environments and situations, but how good is it? Will it be like facing real foes, or is this more like fancy training dummies? Can we program it with the information we know or can gather on Magneto and his allies?
Tagging along to Mike's question
Yeah, that'd be real useful. Can we check it out soon? Get a little run-thru on how it operates?
Xavier has been calm through the whole exchange. Finally, it seems he has something to say. Now that you've had some time to assimilate the information I've given you, it is indeed time you were introduced to some of the School's restricted areas. If you'll follow me down to the computer lab.
He wheels out of the room, giving the distinct impression that, though worded as a request, it was definitely an order.
Once in the computer room, he has each of you place your hand (yes including Julia=it seems resistant to your secretions) on a pad similar to the ones at the secured doors. As you do, he asks you to state your name and if you have a preference, your code-name. (If you can't decide, he assigns you the code-name you as players have chosen.) After you do this, he speaks to the computer, saying that you have been granted "Beta Level" Access.
Once everyone has been scanned in, Xavier announces I'm afraid I'm not quite done surprising you for today. Come with me to the infirmary.
He wheels out into the hall and down to the Infirmary, where he places his hand on the pad by the door. The exotic female voice the boys had heard in the elevator announces Xavier, Charles Francis, Alpha Level Clearance granted. and the door opens.
The medical bay is all white, sterile-looking, with extremely advanced-looking scanners hovering over ten beds.
Come, children. I'd like to... introduce you to a... friend.
Suddenly, something you thought was just another piece of equipment moves...
X-Men, this is Sikorsky. He will be providing for our medical needs.
Designation:Sikorsky is pleased to meet the Children of the Atom Designated:X-Men. it drones out with a buzzing voice.
Alex places her hand on the machinery and says her name, but not a code-name (Xavier fills that in). A little awkward being given a code name, she likes the sound of it and repeats it to the machine.
Alex walks up to the flying machinery and knocks on it with her knuckle.
"What the, it can talk, but it has no mind. How is that possible professor?"
Julia makes sure she goes last to touch the device and with great reluctance removes the glove from one of her hands. The skin of the hand shimmers slightly as if she had just gotten out of a bath and was still wet. She quickly presses it against the pad long enough for the device to register her bio-metrics before donning the glove again and wiping off any residue from the pad with a thick rag she produces from a pocket.
Inside the medical bay, Julia's mouth drops at the introduction to Sikorsky, "Professor, is this an AI? I didn't think outside of movies that technology was advanced enough to produce such a thing." She collects herself from the shock long enough to remember her manners, "Hello, Sikorsky. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."
Iz loiters until second last and then places her hand on the pad and then announces her name. Iz, umm.... Isabelle White. she glances at the Professor for a code-name, um... Wisp, but with an 'h', that looks cooler. Yeah, Whisp. " when they're introduced to the robot! Iz just stares and lets the others ask the questions as she peers around.
Jackson steps up first, rubbing his gold necklace in his left hand. He begins to grin as he places his right hand on the pad.
Codename? This is a no-brainer. Gonna make Poppa proud.
"Jackson Luther Marlette. Code name: Kid Wonder."
After being introduced to Sikorsky, Jack looks around at first to see if there are any wires that keep it up.
Nice to meet ya Sikorsky, though we probably won't be hangin' out much.
Designate: Sikorsky Species: Chr'Ylite. Not artificial, very intelligent. Primitive homo sapiens superior mental capacity incapable of penetrating Psychic Defenses without prior approval. Designate: Stewart, Julia; alias Catalyst. It is Designate:Sikorsky pleasure to make your acquaintance. Designate:Sikorsky will examine females first, Designate: Xavier, Charles, Emissary of Earth.
As you wish, Sikorsky. Ladies, the doctor will be giving you a brief examine. Please choose your examination table. Gentlemen, we should give the ladies some privacy. This way, if you please.
Michael takes a while to think of a codename, hemming and hawing over the name.
There's just too many possibilities. Predator, Werewold, Wolf, Razor, Jager, Beast. There's simply too many.
Eventually, Xavier supplies the name Instinct, stating that it is the core of what his powers are.
Wait, are you an alien? What planet are you from? Where is it? How does the environment compare to earth? How did your species develop"
He seems very excited and has to be practically dragged out so the girls can be examined.
Leaning against the wall outside of the examination room with his arms folded, Jackson speaks up, eyes wide and mind-boggled
"This is just...wow... way beyond what I thought...This is just.. This is really happening, isn't it? How cool. Yesterday this was science fiction, and now... this is really happening. It's like all those movies and books, and now we're becoming superheroes... This is AWESOME."
Iz waits for the boys and the professor to leave before walking over to the closest table and vaulting up to sit in it. "Alright girls, you want to see what the dragonfly has to say? I'll go first if you want? What do you need me to do Sikorsky?"
When the drone mentions examination, Alex panics and says "Wait what? Examined by an alien? What gender does it have, I don't like to be prodded and poked by males or something that enjoys it. We don't have to strip right?" She has seen too many horror movies to be relaxed about this.
I know! This is insane! I mean,yes, we barely know this guy who we are about to let train us. And we are putting ourselves in the midst of a mutant civil war, where who is right and wrong are unclear. And the chances of dying are pretty high. But holy crap, all this is awesome.
"I know, right? It's like we're in Star Wars. Think he's got any lightsabers in the closet?"
" Vinny... You are a GENIUS! If he's got all this hi-tech stuff, he's gotta be able to hook it up with a light saber"
He initiates a light saber duel with Vincenzo, complete with whooshing sounds.