Disclaimer, etc. in first part…
3.
Jean was on her way to the sub-level infirmary when the Professor contacted her.
Jean, any luck with Rogue?
Jean sighed and shook her head. No, sorry. That girl is so closed off, I barely get anything from her. But what I do get disturbs me.
How so?
Jean stepped off the elevator and turned left down the brightly-lit passage. Rogue has pretty strong mental barriers for one so young. But even with those barriers, I can feel her fear. Professor, that girl is very frightened of something.
You've noticed how she shies away from touch of any kind…He let the thought trail off.
Again, Jean shook her head as she stopped in front of the large circular portal. I don't think it has to do with any history of abuse. I've felt that kind of fear from other children here. Rogue's fear is very different. Laying her hand over the panel beside the doors, she waited for her prints to be read.
You think it might be related to her mutation. It was a statement, not a question.
Jean smiled slightly as the semi-circular steel doors slid open. She could practically see Professor Xavier's thoughtful expression. Stepping inside the infirmary she thought, Yes, it did occur to me that her aversion to touch may have something to do with her power. But that's assuming…
That's assuming she is, in fact, a mutant.
Jean paused to turn on the infirmary computer and pull up a diagnostic program. Well, she has yet to manifest any special ability. Most young mutants can't go long before their control slips, but she's yet to expose anything about herself other than her name. And I doubt 'Rogue' is the name we'd find on her birth certificate. She could just be a human runaway who needed someplace to go.
She's a mutant, Jean. Of that I have no doubt. Keep trying to gain her trust. I have a feeling she needs someone to trust right now.
I'll try, Professor.