The Price We Pay For Peace
Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men and Marvel
Author's Note: One-shot companion to 'Gen-P'. Scott Summers (aka Cyclops) decides on a new beginning for the world in 2012.
Scott Summers knew true peace came at a price.
The question was how big it will be. For the case of establishing a peace pact with humans, it certainly cost a lot.
In exchange for total peace and ceasefire, the mutants have to agree not to hurt the humans with their powers. They can integrate themselves but any display of powers cannot go beyond learning or research purposes.
They can proclaim their heritage to the world but they also have to hide their abilities.
This rule, however, will not apply in mutant-exclusive areas such as the Academy for Gifted Students (or simply Academy). You can only show your powers among your own kind, the humans said.
It was written in the treaty, now available to the public via internet, and it was law.
When Scott read the first draft, he was insulted at the very thought of it. It seemed very inconsiderate on the humans' part.
"Almost patronizing," he said then.
The headmaster of Academy, previously Xavier's Institute for Higher Learning, could not help but wonder that the treaty seemed to favor the humans more.
This was a no win-win situation, Scott thought that time.
So, he started a series of negotiations with the American government, CIA and other relevant authorities. The humans were stubborn but they were no match for Scott's iron will.
In the end, they agreed that the mutants should be accorded to the same privileges the humans had in the treaty – the humans agreed not to hurt the mutants physically or verbally too.
But the condition in the treaty for mutants to lay low with their powers remained.
"Should any harm come upon us, the humans will also be punished accordingly. So, do we have our treaty?" Scott said before a group of skeptical humans.
The President was there, observing Scott silently. Then he stood up and extended his hand towards Scott.
"You have your treaty, Mr. Summers," the President said.
Scott did not answer immediately for a second as he tried to understand the implication of the handshake.
At present, he was about to make history. But he was not sure it could lead to a better future.
Still, he had come this far. Even the Professor can only dream of creating a peace pact with the humans when he was alive.
Scott has achieved what the legendary Professor X cannot do in his lifetime. But Scott will definitely give credit to the good Professor for paving the way to brighter future.
With that, he looked up at the President and smile. He took the other's hand and give a firm shake.
"Thanks, Mr. President," Scott said.
A new era has begun.
ENDS.