Title: A Friend in Need 09/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 9
An hour-and-a-half later, the four of them sat in the lounge, eyes fixed on Dr.
Knight. He had arrived and examined Jubilee, and was now giving them his
prognosis while a nurse sat with her.
"Let me start by saying that her awakening is a great leap forward in her
recovery. I am very pleased about that," he told them. "There appears to be no
major damage to her mental faculties. As you know, she is, however, experiencing
some short-term memory loss--for what appears to be the past couple of years.
This is not uncommon with concussion victims."
"Is that goin' t' be permanent?" Sean asked.
"In most cases, it is not. Her memory should return with time. She is going to
need counseling to deal with the trauma she's been through--both the attack and
the injuries she's sustained. This should also help her to regain her memories.
That, and being around familiar surroundings should do the trick. Just give it
time, and don't push her."
"What about her legs?" Jean asked. She felt Scott's grip on her hand tighten.
"I've done a thorough examination, and while she is unable to move her legs
completely, she does have sensation in her toes and feet. Again, this is not
unheard of in such cases. There appears to be no permanent nerve damage. She
will, however, have to relearn how to control her motor functions--particularly
the fine control--and hopefully bring them back to normal or near-normal levels.
And she will, of course, require a great deal of physical therapy. Which brings
me to another matter."
All eyes were once again on him. He cleared his throat, obviously a little
uncomfortable with what he had to say. "I have been contacted by a member of
social services. It seems that since Jubilation is an orphan, they have taken a
special interest in her case, and have asked me to keep them apprised of her
condition. Now, due to recent developments, I am placed in a very awkward
position. While I expect a full recovery, the fact remains that Jubilation is
quite ill. She will require a lengthy convalescence, both in and especially out
of the hospital. She will need months of therapy, both to help her to regain
full use of her legs, and in order for her memory to return and for her to deal
with the trauma she has faced. All of this will require a great deal of care,
and countless hours of patient attention." He stopped to clear his throat again.
Sean did not like the way this was headed. "Just what are ye sayin', Doctor?"
"What I'm saying, Mr. Cassidy, is that right now, Jubilation is not fit to
attend a private boarding school. She needs to be somewhere where she can
receive around-the-clock attention. Attention that I'm afraid she will not be
able to receive from you or her other instructor."
"Of course she will. We give each an' every one of our students the care they
need. We will make the time t' ensure that Jubilee gets the necessary--"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cassidy, but with over half-a-dozen other students, Jubilation
will not receive the care she requires in order to make a complete recovery.
There are special long-term care facilities for people with similar injuries,
where she can be attended to."
"She's not goin' to a blasted group home! We're her family!" Sean's face was
turning crimson. Jean reached up to place a reassuring hand on his arm.
"You would be able to visit her, of course. Perhaps even a foster family might--
"
"No one would take her," Scott said plainly. There was bitter sadness in his
voice. "Not if she's been injured." He had grown up in an orphanage, and was
passed over time and again for adoption because of the head injuries he had
received. He knew that no couple would want to shoulder the responsibility of a
"damaged" child, especially one as old as Jubilee.
"You don't understand, bub," Logan said, his voice low and guttural, his dark
eyes seemingly looking right through Dr. Knight. "The kid lost her parents a
couple of years ago. She don't have no blood relatives. We're all she's got. You
can't expect us to hand her over to some strangers or into some kind of
orphanage. We're the only family she's got."
"I'm sorry, really I am. I know how much you all care about her. But I think
this is in the best interest of the child. I will call social services tomorrow
morning to give them my recommendation. In the meantime, I suggest you all go
home and get some rest. This has been a very draining day, not just for Jubilee,
but for you as well. She'll be moved to a regular room tomorrow. Regular
visiting hours start at ten a.m. I will be in tomorrow to check on her. Good-
night." He hastily retreated from the lounge.
"I don't believe this shit!" Logan growled. "I'd like to give that doctor a
piece of my mind," he said, protracting his claws.
"I can't believe he wants them t' take Jubilee away, lock her up somewhere, away
from us, away from her friends," Sean said. "She was finally thrivin'--able t'
trust, able t' love. An' he wants t' take it all away! What right does he have
t' judge what's in her best interest!"
"Because he's a well-respected doctor, that's why," Scott said. "They don't care
that we know her best, that attending the school was the best thing that ever
happened to her. They just see two teachers, ten students, and think that
there's no way she can receive the necessary attention."
"Then I'll leave the teachin' t' Emma, an' I'll take care of her," Sean said.
"Don't be ridiculous, Sean," Scott said. "You've made a commitment to your
students--all of them. It wouldn't be fair to them if you abandoned them. What
kind of message would that send?"
"It's better'n them seein' us just givin' up an' lettin' her go. If she goes
into one of those homes, she's just gonna slip through the cracks. She'll be
miserable. Plus the fact, she'll probably have no desire to do her therapy."
"To say nothing of the fact that she won't be trained in the use of her mutant
powers," Scott added.
"Screw the trainin', Cyke; she won't get the love she so desperately needs,"
Logan said.
"Believe me, Logan, I know that. Better than any of you."
Jean reached up to Scott and took his hand.
"You've been awfully quiet during all of this, Jeanie," Logan said. "An'
somethin' tells me there's gotta be a reason."
Jean nodded. "There's something strange going on here. I don't know if any of
you noticed it, but the doctor was quite on edge."
"Yeah," Logan agreed. "I could smell the fear on 'em."
"I did a psi-scan," Jean said. "He was definitely afraid. I noticed his fear was
strongest when he mentioned the person from social services."
"Do you think the person threatened him?" Scott asked. "He seemed awfully
uncomfortable with this entire situation--almost as if his hand were being
forced to recommend Jubilee be taken from Sean's custody."
"Are ye suggestin' blackmail?" Sean asked incredulously. "Why would anyone want
t' force Jubilee into an orphanage?"
"I can think of a good one--the same reason they'd want to hurt her and Everett
in the first place," Logan said. "To get back at Emma."
"You can't be serious," Scott said. "Do you mean to suggest that Shaw is behind
this?"
"I wouldn't put it past him," Jean stated. "He was once a powerful businessman.
I'm sure he still has connections. Why not take his revenge one step further?
Already, Everett's leaving. Now, by getting rid of Jubilee, another one of her
students would be removed. He's slowly whittling down the school."
"An' t' hell with the child's life he's ruinin'. . . ." Sean muttered. "I swear,
if I ever get me hands on that sonuva--"
"There's gotta be somethin' we can do to stop this," Logan said.
"Maybe Emma knows of some people," Sean suggested. "If Shaw's got connections,
she could, too. I just wish there were a better way. . . ."
"Listen, we're not getting very far now," Scott said. "It's late. We're all
tired. Jean here is dead on her feet, and can barely keep her eyes open. Why
don't we all get some sleep, and tomorrow morning, we'll talk it over and see
what else we can come up with?"
"Aye, Scott. Always the voice of reason, eh? Come back t' the school. We've got
a guest cottage f'r ye and Jean, an' another f'r Logan."
End Chapter 9
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 9
An hour-and-a-half later, the four of them sat in the lounge, eyes fixed on Dr.
Knight. He had arrived and examined Jubilee, and was now giving them his
prognosis while a nurse sat with her.
"Let me start by saying that her awakening is a great leap forward in her
recovery. I am very pleased about that," he told them. "There appears to be no
major damage to her mental faculties. As you know, she is, however, experiencing
some short-term memory loss--for what appears to be the past couple of years.
This is not uncommon with concussion victims."
"Is that goin' t' be permanent?" Sean asked.
"In most cases, it is not. Her memory should return with time. She is going to
need counseling to deal with the trauma she's been through--both the attack and
the injuries she's sustained. This should also help her to regain her memories.
That, and being around familiar surroundings should do the trick. Just give it
time, and don't push her."
"What about her legs?" Jean asked. She felt Scott's grip on her hand tighten.
"I've done a thorough examination, and while she is unable to move her legs
completely, she does have sensation in her toes and feet. Again, this is not
unheard of in such cases. There appears to be no permanent nerve damage. She
will, however, have to relearn how to control her motor functions--particularly
the fine control--and hopefully bring them back to normal or near-normal levels.
And she will, of course, require a great deal of physical therapy. Which brings
me to another matter."
All eyes were once again on him. He cleared his throat, obviously a little
uncomfortable with what he had to say. "I have been contacted by a member of
social services. It seems that since Jubilation is an orphan, they have taken a
special interest in her case, and have asked me to keep them apprised of her
condition. Now, due to recent developments, I am placed in a very awkward
position. While I expect a full recovery, the fact remains that Jubilation is
quite ill. She will require a lengthy convalescence, both in and especially out
of the hospital. She will need months of therapy, both to help her to regain
full use of her legs, and in order for her memory to return and for her to deal
with the trauma she has faced. All of this will require a great deal of care,
and countless hours of patient attention." He stopped to clear his throat again.
Sean did not like the way this was headed. "Just what are ye sayin', Doctor?"
"What I'm saying, Mr. Cassidy, is that right now, Jubilation is not fit to
attend a private boarding school. She needs to be somewhere where she can
receive around-the-clock attention. Attention that I'm afraid she will not be
able to receive from you or her other instructor."
"Of course she will. We give each an' every one of our students the care they
need. We will make the time t' ensure that Jubilee gets the necessary--"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cassidy, but with over half-a-dozen other students, Jubilation
will not receive the care she requires in order to make a complete recovery.
There are special long-term care facilities for people with similar injuries,
where she can be attended to."
"She's not goin' to a blasted group home! We're her family!" Sean's face was
turning crimson. Jean reached up to place a reassuring hand on his arm.
"You would be able to visit her, of course. Perhaps even a foster family might--
"
"No one would take her," Scott said plainly. There was bitter sadness in his
voice. "Not if she's been injured." He had grown up in an orphanage, and was
passed over time and again for adoption because of the head injuries he had
received. He knew that no couple would want to shoulder the responsibility of a
"damaged" child, especially one as old as Jubilee.
"You don't understand, bub," Logan said, his voice low and guttural, his dark
eyes seemingly looking right through Dr. Knight. "The kid lost her parents a
couple of years ago. She don't have no blood relatives. We're all she's got. You
can't expect us to hand her over to some strangers or into some kind of
orphanage. We're the only family she's got."
"I'm sorry, really I am. I know how much you all care about her. But I think
this is in the best interest of the child. I will call social services tomorrow
morning to give them my recommendation. In the meantime, I suggest you all go
home and get some rest. This has been a very draining day, not just for Jubilee,
but for you as well. She'll be moved to a regular room tomorrow. Regular
visiting hours start at ten a.m. I will be in tomorrow to check on her. Good-
night." He hastily retreated from the lounge.
"I don't believe this shit!" Logan growled. "I'd like to give that doctor a
piece of my mind," he said, protracting his claws.
"I can't believe he wants them t' take Jubilee away, lock her up somewhere, away
from us, away from her friends," Sean said. "She was finally thrivin'--able t'
trust, able t' love. An' he wants t' take it all away! What right does he have
t' judge what's in her best interest!"
"Because he's a well-respected doctor, that's why," Scott said. "They don't care
that we know her best, that attending the school was the best thing that ever
happened to her. They just see two teachers, ten students, and think that
there's no way she can receive the necessary attention."
"Then I'll leave the teachin' t' Emma, an' I'll take care of her," Sean said.
"Don't be ridiculous, Sean," Scott said. "You've made a commitment to your
students--all of them. It wouldn't be fair to them if you abandoned them. What
kind of message would that send?"
"It's better'n them seein' us just givin' up an' lettin' her go. If she goes
into one of those homes, she's just gonna slip through the cracks. She'll be
miserable. Plus the fact, she'll probably have no desire to do her therapy."
"To say nothing of the fact that she won't be trained in the use of her mutant
powers," Scott added.
"Screw the trainin', Cyke; she won't get the love she so desperately needs,"
Logan said.
"Believe me, Logan, I know that. Better than any of you."
Jean reached up to Scott and took his hand.
"You've been awfully quiet during all of this, Jeanie," Logan said. "An'
somethin' tells me there's gotta be a reason."
Jean nodded. "There's something strange going on here. I don't know if any of
you noticed it, but the doctor was quite on edge."
"Yeah," Logan agreed. "I could smell the fear on 'em."
"I did a psi-scan," Jean said. "He was definitely afraid. I noticed his fear was
strongest when he mentioned the person from social services."
"Do you think the person threatened him?" Scott asked. "He seemed awfully
uncomfortable with this entire situation--almost as if his hand were being
forced to recommend Jubilee be taken from Sean's custody."
"Are ye suggestin' blackmail?" Sean asked incredulously. "Why would anyone want
t' force Jubilee into an orphanage?"
"I can think of a good one--the same reason they'd want to hurt her and Everett
in the first place," Logan said. "To get back at Emma."
"You can't be serious," Scott said. "Do you mean to suggest that Shaw is behind
this?"
"I wouldn't put it past him," Jean stated. "He was once a powerful businessman.
I'm sure he still has connections. Why not take his revenge one step further?
Already, Everett's leaving. Now, by getting rid of Jubilee, another one of her
students would be removed. He's slowly whittling down the school."
"An' t' hell with the child's life he's ruinin'. . . ." Sean muttered. "I swear,
if I ever get me hands on that sonuva--"
"There's gotta be somethin' we can do to stop this," Logan said.
"Maybe Emma knows of some people," Sean suggested. "If Shaw's got connections,
she could, too. I just wish there were a better way. . . ."
"Listen, we're not getting very far now," Scott said. "It's late. We're all
tired. Jean here is dead on her feet, and can barely keep her eyes open. Why
don't we all get some sleep, and tomorrow morning, we'll talk it over and see
what else we can come up with?"
"Aye, Scott. Always the voice of reason, eh? Come back t' the school. We've got
a guest cottage f'r ye and Jean, an' another f'r Logan."
End Chapter 9
*****