Restoration of a Soul

Jean beamed at Scott as they made their way to Professor Xavier's office and he squeezed her hand. She'd been waiting for this opportunity for a while. Ever since news broke about the recent genocide of mutants in North Africa, she'd been begging Hank to start taking in remaining mutants who had managed to escape, and to perhaps even attempt a rescue mission with the X-men to liberate African mutants. Hank had been more than willing to accept any mutant in need of aid into the institute, but he had told Jean more than once that this was not necessarily going to be the case with the refugees from Africa, especially with the Professor still in a comatose state. But Jean was set in her mind, and in no way would he refuse an attempt to open his doors to those who had no one and nowhere to turn to.

"I'll do what I can." He had said.

And now they were here. Beast had recovered six young mutants, ranging from ages seven to nineteen, who had been forced into one of the first of many NonHuman Protection Camps in Nigeria. Jean had been waiting eagerly to meet them for hours, since Hank had called from the airport, and now they were about to. Scott willingly volunteered his assistance as well, seeing how excited Jean was about helping. Seeing the two coming from down the hallway, Hank could not help but grin.

"Are they here?" Jean asked.

"Yes, Jean, and very excited to be given a tour," He chuckled, "You may introduce yourself if you like." He said, gesturing to the Professor's office, where the new students were waiting. She squealed before kissing Scott on his cheek and leaving quickly. They both watched after her, and Hank's smile faded as he turned back to the younger male.

"Scott, may I have a word?" He asked lowly. Scott grew concerned as he followed the blue mutant further down the massive hallway so no one would hear their discussion. "As much as I hate to say this, I'm afraid I'm growing concerned about some of the older mutants' transitioning to the institute."

"I don't understand?" Scott said, stepping alongside him. Hank came to an eventual stop and kept his gaze downcast for what seemed like an eternity.

"You see, Scott," he began lowly, "The facility that these mutants were rescued from was in fact a Labor Camp under the guise of a center for the correction of juvenile delinquents. But in addition to enforced labor, the Nigerian government used certain camps to experiment with mutant reeducation."

"Reeducation…"

"Yes." He responded, "It's a combination of certain torture methods and hypnosis. They use it to 'reprogram' the minds of young mutants while they're still fragile, you see."

"Reprogram them for what?"

"That's just it, it could be anything. They may train them hatred for mutants, self hatred, they may dehumanize them and devoid them of any emotions, even use the more dangerous ones and train them to track down and kill other mutants." His low voice became more and more anxious, but the doctor composed himself before he was noticed. Scott crossed his arms, sighing at his oncoming headache.

"Brainwashing kids." Scott could go right then and blast the bastards behind the Nigerian military who were responsible. "So you think they might've already gotten to the older ones?"

"We can only hope that isn't the case." Hank answered as honestly as he could. "You see our dilemma, though—"

"Yes, Hank I do." Cyclops sighed. "But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't at least give them a chance."

"Of course it doesn't. But never the less, I am responsible for the safety of every student present, please understand."

"I do. Anything you need me to do, I'm here to help."

"I thank you for that, Scott." Hank said through a strained grin. They both stood now in an increasingly tense silence, neither sure of what to say.

"When are you going to talk to Jean?" Scott asked, looking back to where they had left her earlier. He could hear Beast exhale deeply before he turned back to him.

"Naturally, I'd like to put it off as long as I can." Scott nodded, knowingly. The conversation would not go smoothly with her. "This evening I suppose." He said. Scott grinned at the silent "but" that hung in the air and patted Hank on his massive shoulder.

"You know, Hank, if you need a mediator or anything… I'd be glad to talk to her with you."

"Oh, thank heavens!" Beast breathed out. Scott laughed and excused himself, leaving Hank to his own business. It was a nice day outside. He'd have to enjoy it while he could.

break

"You can't be serious. A danger to students? That's ridiculous!"

"Honey, maybe—"

"No, Scott!" Jean snapped at Cyclops' attempted mediation. "Who are you trying to convince, Hank? Who could they possibly be a danger to?"

"Jean, please understand—"

"What do you want me to understand, Hank? That you'll take in these kids just to throw them out the second they don't fit in?"

"I cannot compromise the safety of anyone in this school, Jean, not only the other students, but the staff as well. That includes you, Scott and me. We have no idea what these children are capable of! We have no idea what they've experienced in these camps—they might not be ready for interaction with other children!"

"Really, and what if they're not, Hank," Jean interrupted again, "Are you going to ship them off to an… asylum for unstable mutants? Where will you send them?"

"I will be sure that they are placed in a reputable place that knows how to handle these sorts of situations!"

"They're not stray dogs, Hank!" Jean stood and was yelling by now, making Scott's headache grow even more, "You can't just drop them off in a kennel when they're not what you expected!"

"Jean, I am sorry you feel this way." Beast sighed, "But I am acting head of this institute…"

"And that might've been the worst decision Professor Xavier made."

"Jean." Scott stopped her, knowing from Hank's reaction that the words at cut him deeply.

"If you remove these kids, and uproot them from maybe the only place they'll ever be where people have actually cared about them and their wellbeing," She started lowly, "You will shatter any chance they'll ever have at emotional or psychological stability. Do what you want. I refuse to have anything to do with it."

They both sat silently as she exited his office area, slamming the door behind her.

"Sorry, Hank." Scott sighed, running a hand through his hair. He watched as the doctor stood and silently walked to the door.

"Forgive me, Scott." Hank replied, holding it open for him, "But I can't be." Cyclops stood, feeling the guilt beginning to surge through him, and exited quietly.

TBC

-"Loving yourself is healing the world."