Elizabeth Braddock dropped the shielding over her "public mind" to Xavier
and the others, sensing the man over the distance, an iridescent black-
light butterfly emerging from an invisible chrysalis in the Mindscape, and
the mind of another woman joining them--one she recognized as Emma Frost,
whose mind touch brought snow and ice to mind...
Maddie "piggybacked" on Jean, boosting her own lesser telepathic abilities with the unique gestalt they shared, the opalescent amber glow of their minds joining the others... The Mindscape was a purple void, all that could be seen were a set of "leather" Chairs, set across from Xavier, who stood in front of them.
[Ah Miss Phillips, I'm glad to see you're settling in, I'm sorry I'm not there in person, but a few things came up.]
[Greetings, Xavier,] Liz replied, [I trust you are doing well...]
[Yes Miss Phillips I'm fine. As i said, a few things came up. I'm over at Stark Plaza, talking to Tony Stark about outfitting the Muir Island facility with new equipment, Computers Etc. From what i hear you all know Emma, Currently working on this year's Business plan, but could take time out to be here, thank you for your time Emma.] In the Mindscape, Elisabeth took a seat in a regal fashion, as though she were the one granting Xavier an audience. Something about the way she moved was familiar to Emma.
[Well met, Charles,] the beautiful, ice-blonde telepath acknowledged, [And to all of you as well... I am eager to hear your report.] [To business as always Emma, It's good to see that hasn't changed.]
Liz nodded, [Well?]
[I'm just getting around to that. It's a new Term for our Students and us too. Miss Phillips, i trust you and your Sister are ready for that.]
[Aye, we're as ready as we can be...] she replied, [Bea is rather eager to begin her aspect of the curriculum.]
[Good. Jean and Emma will take care of Headmistress Jobs as normal. Liz, you and your Sister have your Teaching assignments from our last meeting. Madelyne, It's good to see you back at the school, I understand you have a few things to take care of. I've talked to Scott, he shouldn't give you any problems. I'll talk to Henry and Forge when i get back, which should be in about 3 hours time. Jack has the Student listings, along with their Gifts and personal status. Oh and to let you know, we have a Daily Bugle Reporter and Cameraman coming tomorrow, the Institute is getting a 6-page report, I know we've talked about this Jean, but we need to let the public eye know what's goes on within these walls, this is the perfect time to show humanity at large that we aren't building an Army here, which is what they think. We have to show them that we are teaching Students to control their powers, to live normal lives, that we're not all what they think... monsters.] Emma nodded crisply, [I have begun working with the Fantastic Four Foundation to begin an employment agency that can assist metahumans of all types in finding employment; temporary or permanent placement, that is well suited to their talents and interests. This should prove a very good opportunity. Tony has suggested using the Stark Foundation's PR firms to handle the Institute and the agency's publicity and advertising...]
[Thank you for following that up Emma. We live in an Age where Mutants are hunted down and killed. Due to recent increases in the Mutant population i believe it's time to "Show our Faces" to the world,]
Liz's glowing eyes flickered as the shimmering butterfly Aspect danced around her, [I believe ye are right, Frost. I should like to look over your proposal, and I also believe that Xavier is correct in educating the public about metahumans. Perhaps some sympathetic non-mutant students should be carefully considered?]
[As a matter of that, that idea has been looked into, it's also one of the ideas i was hoping to promote with this Bugle Interview. Humans are just as welcome as Metahumans, if we were to keep them out, we'd be as bad as humanity. I've told them that anyone who wants to be interviewed will be in the Library, any and all of you are welcome.] Liz nodded, [That might be a good start. I suppose it should also be featured that some of our students are not mutants, some are not human, or half-human, some are the "normal" siblings of mutants or other types of metahumans... I am not fond of the idea of identifying the students, for fear of endangering them, but there are a couple who are rather high profile that could help put an "ordinary" face on the student body... I am thinking that Princess Namorita of Atlantis, Robbie Baldwin--who's powers are due to a lab accident, and he is also the son of soap star Vanessa Baldwin... They are publicly known, and Robbie is about as "normal" as any one ye could ask fer here..." [Sounds like a very good idea Miss Phillips. Once we're done here, could you work with Jack and get the highest profile student you can find.]
[Agreed, but I'm afraid that Jack is... um... indisposed,] she replied with a slight smirk, knowing all to well how and why, [He and my sister were sparring... and well, ye could say that they're having some good, clean fun....] [Sparring? Why do i get the feeling there's more to it?] Jean asked. Liz had hinted towards something more, but didn't say so out loud.
Madelyne chimed in, from her silent corner, [I think I'm pretty "normal".. I'm serving my country in the military as a test pilot. I *earned* my captain's bars. I'd be willing for them to profile me... Hell, Jean and I are about as "girl next door" as you can get!]
[Maybe we could have them interview both Maddie and myself, With my past in the public eye we may be able to get some good press.]
Liz nodded, [That might work... ]
Emma apparently agreed, [Indeed. I would prefer to keep my particular gifts concealed for the time being. That would be very bad for business right now. Let them think that I'm a philanthropist who is interested in such things...]
[Scared of the world knowing who you are Emma? But i can see where you're coming from.] Jean chipped in, [I guess that's why Heroes wear the masks.] In front of her, images of various Superheroes appeared. Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Batman and The Scarlet Spider. The Scarlet Spider's mask started to pull back, while the others disappeared. Only Charles and Jean knew who was behind the Scarlet Spider's mask, The mask stopped, as if teasing the others into guessing who it was. [Wanna Guess?] Liz's violet eyes narrowed in amusement, [I'll take yer bet, and raise ye a bit of spandex... It be Jack Brea. ] [Nicely Guessed. The Unmasking was his idea. I'm sure you've all heard about the Scarlet Spider and wondered just who was under the Mask. This is his way of showing that What you see or think isn't always what's going on. Of course we won't be unmasking him in the interview, but that display amounts to the same thing. People thought it was just Spiderman in a new suit, traveling the world. A few people linked him to the X Men, but it was never proven. Masks are worn to hide from whatever's outside, For whatever reason. It's time we took off our mask's and Mr Brea here is showing us that, let the world see what is behind the mask and show them the face of the Institute.] Charles said. [No wonder Bea couldn't keep her hands off the lad. He's quite the dish!] Liz chuckled. [Don't tell me BOTH Phillips sisters are interested in him. He'd love this if he were here.] Jean said. [Oh, Vanna isn't interested in him "like that",] Liz commented with a faint smile, [He's a likable lad, but he's Bea's type--not mine. I have put such matters on the back burner fer quite some time!]
Charles nodded his head, Everyone was getting on nicely, talking as if they'd been friends for years. It was good to see these people would get on well together.
[Suffice to say, I was burnt rather badly by a lad I cared very much fer,] she added simply, [Let's just say that he and I parted ways and nursed broken hearts for quite some time....]
A brief flash of a reasonably attractive, lithe English man with black hair and sapphire eyes in a plain, well tailored black suit and tie with an ordinary white shirt, smoking a clove surfaced before the Englishwoman buried those memories back where they belonged...
Pete Wisdom was in her past... and his death had hit her hard, no matter how much distance she'd placed between herself , him and their time in SHIELD....
Sarah Grey-Bailey entered the library, sensing her younger sisters and a new comer.. her weak telepathy recognising their psi-signature with the ease of familiarity.
She joined them in a private room and took a seat, using the familiarity with her sisters to "tunnel through" their connection and join the conference in progress.
[Hullo, Charles,] she greeted the senior educator with a hint of a smile, [Sorry I'm late, all, but I ran into some problems getting Galyn and Joe situated. I'm sure Jeannie and Maddie can get me caught up....]
[Welcome Sarah, I wasn't expecting you for a few more days, but still...] Charles's astral image flickered for a few seconds, then returned to normal. [We'll have to cut this meeting short, One of Stark's receptionists is trying to wake me up. Until then, try and get a feel for the place Miss Phillips, any questions etc then feel free to ask Jean. I bid you good day.] [Will do...] Liz agreed, [I'll look forward to meeting ye in person later, then!] With that the astral meeting room disappeared, the members of the room returning to their normal states.
Liz shook out her limbs lightly, looking at the Grey sisters-- a pair of nearly identical twins and an elder sister who barely looked older than they were... [So ye three are all psi-talents, eh?] she asked, looking them over, [I can see that Madelyne and Sarah will benefit from what I can offer, as ye already know ye can, Jean....] [Very True Liz. Seems we have a nice little Advanced class growing here.] Jean Replied. Sarah looked at the violet maned woman, her eyes widening, slightly as the blind woman moved as if it weren't even an issue....she recognised the look of sightless eyes from her years as an educator, dealing with all kinds... [You're not any ordinary woman, Ms. Phillips,] she commented, [I don't suppose a barely functional telepath like me can learn much more than what I've already got... I never had anything really worth bothering with, according to Charles...] Liz cut her off with a stern glare, [Never. Ever. Call any degree of psi- talent "worthless". Even a low- level psi like yerself can exert a great deal of influence, if used with subtlety and care! I may lack the raw range and power of the likes of Jean and Emma, but what I lack in raw power I make up for with guile, cunning, versitility and finesse that your "Uncle" Charles couldn't even imagine.... I could have flown in under his radar while in that Mindscape and he'd have never known what hit him, ladies. Ye Grey sisters have a great deal of *un-learning* to do before yer really going to achieve yer potential... all three of ye also have excellent empathic ratings, and yer wide open, believe me....] [With only Charles to teach us, i guess we've missed out on a lot of information regarding our powers.] [I learned my tricks from Baroness Braddock, Emma's mentor,] she explained, [And she was one of the best MI6 had... along with yer English cousin, Sibyl--Countess Grey--who died when Princess Dee did in that horrible crash!] [Yes... I remember the funeral. I only met Sibyl once in my whole life, but i still miss her from time to time.] [Look at this way, ladies, ] Liz concluded, her sightless eyes glowing slightly, [Once ye make it through what I can teach ye, ye'll be SHIELD rated and certified, which is a mark of trust in the public eye...] [That'll be a welcome change... i wonder what that'll feel like. To be trusted, if only a little, by humans at large.] [Now, any of ye lot up fer something to eat and maybe a "girl's night" sort of thing?] she asked, changing the subject, as she wanted to get to know her advanced class a little better. [I'm sure we have the stuff need for a girls night in. Just as long as i don't find anyone going through my underwear drawer.] Jean said, laughing. [So do you have any plans for this little get together?] [As a matter of fact, I do...] Liz replied with a grin, [Ye lot go get changed into something comfortable and meet me in the Day Room upstairs in say... 20 minutes.... Last one there has t'tell about her kinkiest sexual experience....]
Maddie "piggybacked" on Jean, boosting her own lesser telepathic abilities with the unique gestalt they shared, the opalescent amber glow of their minds joining the others... The Mindscape was a purple void, all that could be seen were a set of "leather" Chairs, set across from Xavier, who stood in front of them.
[Ah Miss Phillips, I'm glad to see you're settling in, I'm sorry I'm not there in person, but a few things came up.]
[Greetings, Xavier,] Liz replied, [I trust you are doing well...]
[Yes Miss Phillips I'm fine. As i said, a few things came up. I'm over at Stark Plaza, talking to Tony Stark about outfitting the Muir Island facility with new equipment, Computers Etc. From what i hear you all know Emma, Currently working on this year's Business plan, but could take time out to be here, thank you for your time Emma.] In the Mindscape, Elisabeth took a seat in a regal fashion, as though she were the one granting Xavier an audience. Something about the way she moved was familiar to Emma.
[Well met, Charles,] the beautiful, ice-blonde telepath acknowledged, [And to all of you as well... I am eager to hear your report.] [To business as always Emma, It's good to see that hasn't changed.]
Liz nodded, [Well?]
[I'm just getting around to that. It's a new Term for our Students and us too. Miss Phillips, i trust you and your Sister are ready for that.]
[Aye, we're as ready as we can be...] she replied, [Bea is rather eager to begin her aspect of the curriculum.]
[Good. Jean and Emma will take care of Headmistress Jobs as normal. Liz, you and your Sister have your Teaching assignments from our last meeting. Madelyne, It's good to see you back at the school, I understand you have a few things to take care of. I've talked to Scott, he shouldn't give you any problems. I'll talk to Henry and Forge when i get back, which should be in about 3 hours time. Jack has the Student listings, along with their Gifts and personal status. Oh and to let you know, we have a Daily Bugle Reporter and Cameraman coming tomorrow, the Institute is getting a 6-page report, I know we've talked about this Jean, but we need to let the public eye know what's goes on within these walls, this is the perfect time to show humanity at large that we aren't building an Army here, which is what they think. We have to show them that we are teaching Students to control their powers, to live normal lives, that we're not all what they think... monsters.] Emma nodded crisply, [I have begun working with the Fantastic Four Foundation to begin an employment agency that can assist metahumans of all types in finding employment; temporary or permanent placement, that is well suited to their talents and interests. This should prove a very good opportunity. Tony has suggested using the Stark Foundation's PR firms to handle the Institute and the agency's publicity and advertising...]
[Thank you for following that up Emma. We live in an Age where Mutants are hunted down and killed. Due to recent increases in the Mutant population i believe it's time to "Show our Faces" to the world,]
Liz's glowing eyes flickered as the shimmering butterfly Aspect danced around her, [I believe ye are right, Frost. I should like to look over your proposal, and I also believe that Xavier is correct in educating the public about metahumans. Perhaps some sympathetic non-mutant students should be carefully considered?]
[As a matter of that, that idea has been looked into, it's also one of the ideas i was hoping to promote with this Bugle Interview. Humans are just as welcome as Metahumans, if we were to keep them out, we'd be as bad as humanity. I've told them that anyone who wants to be interviewed will be in the Library, any and all of you are welcome.] Liz nodded, [That might be a good start. I suppose it should also be featured that some of our students are not mutants, some are not human, or half-human, some are the "normal" siblings of mutants or other types of metahumans... I am not fond of the idea of identifying the students, for fear of endangering them, but there are a couple who are rather high profile that could help put an "ordinary" face on the student body... I am thinking that Princess Namorita of Atlantis, Robbie Baldwin--who's powers are due to a lab accident, and he is also the son of soap star Vanessa Baldwin... They are publicly known, and Robbie is about as "normal" as any one ye could ask fer here..." [Sounds like a very good idea Miss Phillips. Once we're done here, could you work with Jack and get the highest profile student you can find.]
[Agreed, but I'm afraid that Jack is... um... indisposed,] she replied with a slight smirk, knowing all to well how and why, [He and my sister were sparring... and well, ye could say that they're having some good, clean fun....] [Sparring? Why do i get the feeling there's more to it?] Jean asked. Liz had hinted towards something more, but didn't say so out loud.
Madelyne chimed in, from her silent corner, [I think I'm pretty "normal".. I'm serving my country in the military as a test pilot. I *earned* my captain's bars. I'd be willing for them to profile me... Hell, Jean and I are about as "girl next door" as you can get!]
[Maybe we could have them interview both Maddie and myself, With my past in the public eye we may be able to get some good press.]
Liz nodded, [That might work... ]
Emma apparently agreed, [Indeed. I would prefer to keep my particular gifts concealed for the time being. That would be very bad for business right now. Let them think that I'm a philanthropist who is interested in such things...]
[Scared of the world knowing who you are Emma? But i can see where you're coming from.] Jean chipped in, [I guess that's why Heroes wear the masks.] In front of her, images of various Superheroes appeared. Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Batman and The Scarlet Spider. The Scarlet Spider's mask started to pull back, while the others disappeared. Only Charles and Jean knew who was behind the Scarlet Spider's mask, The mask stopped, as if teasing the others into guessing who it was. [Wanna Guess?] Liz's violet eyes narrowed in amusement, [I'll take yer bet, and raise ye a bit of spandex... It be Jack Brea. ] [Nicely Guessed. The Unmasking was his idea. I'm sure you've all heard about the Scarlet Spider and wondered just who was under the Mask. This is his way of showing that What you see or think isn't always what's going on. Of course we won't be unmasking him in the interview, but that display amounts to the same thing. People thought it was just Spiderman in a new suit, traveling the world. A few people linked him to the X Men, but it was never proven. Masks are worn to hide from whatever's outside, For whatever reason. It's time we took off our mask's and Mr Brea here is showing us that, let the world see what is behind the mask and show them the face of the Institute.] Charles said. [No wonder Bea couldn't keep her hands off the lad. He's quite the dish!] Liz chuckled. [Don't tell me BOTH Phillips sisters are interested in him. He'd love this if he were here.] Jean said. [Oh, Vanna isn't interested in him "like that",] Liz commented with a faint smile, [He's a likable lad, but he's Bea's type--not mine. I have put such matters on the back burner fer quite some time!]
Charles nodded his head, Everyone was getting on nicely, talking as if they'd been friends for years. It was good to see these people would get on well together.
[Suffice to say, I was burnt rather badly by a lad I cared very much fer,] she added simply, [Let's just say that he and I parted ways and nursed broken hearts for quite some time....]
A brief flash of a reasonably attractive, lithe English man with black hair and sapphire eyes in a plain, well tailored black suit and tie with an ordinary white shirt, smoking a clove surfaced before the Englishwoman buried those memories back where they belonged...
Pete Wisdom was in her past... and his death had hit her hard, no matter how much distance she'd placed between herself , him and their time in SHIELD....
Sarah Grey-Bailey entered the library, sensing her younger sisters and a new comer.. her weak telepathy recognising their psi-signature with the ease of familiarity.
She joined them in a private room and took a seat, using the familiarity with her sisters to "tunnel through" their connection and join the conference in progress.
[Hullo, Charles,] she greeted the senior educator with a hint of a smile, [Sorry I'm late, all, but I ran into some problems getting Galyn and Joe situated. I'm sure Jeannie and Maddie can get me caught up....]
[Welcome Sarah, I wasn't expecting you for a few more days, but still...] Charles's astral image flickered for a few seconds, then returned to normal. [We'll have to cut this meeting short, One of Stark's receptionists is trying to wake me up. Until then, try and get a feel for the place Miss Phillips, any questions etc then feel free to ask Jean. I bid you good day.] [Will do...] Liz agreed, [I'll look forward to meeting ye in person later, then!] With that the astral meeting room disappeared, the members of the room returning to their normal states.
Liz shook out her limbs lightly, looking at the Grey sisters-- a pair of nearly identical twins and an elder sister who barely looked older than they were... [So ye three are all psi-talents, eh?] she asked, looking them over, [I can see that Madelyne and Sarah will benefit from what I can offer, as ye already know ye can, Jean....] [Very True Liz. Seems we have a nice little Advanced class growing here.] Jean Replied. Sarah looked at the violet maned woman, her eyes widening, slightly as the blind woman moved as if it weren't even an issue....she recognised the look of sightless eyes from her years as an educator, dealing with all kinds... [You're not any ordinary woman, Ms. Phillips,] she commented, [I don't suppose a barely functional telepath like me can learn much more than what I've already got... I never had anything really worth bothering with, according to Charles...] Liz cut her off with a stern glare, [Never. Ever. Call any degree of psi- talent "worthless". Even a low- level psi like yerself can exert a great deal of influence, if used with subtlety and care! I may lack the raw range and power of the likes of Jean and Emma, but what I lack in raw power I make up for with guile, cunning, versitility and finesse that your "Uncle" Charles couldn't even imagine.... I could have flown in under his radar while in that Mindscape and he'd have never known what hit him, ladies. Ye Grey sisters have a great deal of *un-learning* to do before yer really going to achieve yer potential... all three of ye also have excellent empathic ratings, and yer wide open, believe me....] [With only Charles to teach us, i guess we've missed out on a lot of information regarding our powers.] [I learned my tricks from Baroness Braddock, Emma's mentor,] she explained, [And she was one of the best MI6 had... along with yer English cousin, Sibyl--Countess Grey--who died when Princess Dee did in that horrible crash!] [Yes... I remember the funeral. I only met Sibyl once in my whole life, but i still miss her from time to time.] [Look at this way, ladies, ] Liz concluded, her sightless eyes glowing slightly, [Once ye make it through what I can teach ye, ye'll be SHIELD rated and certified, which is a mark of trust in the public eye...] [That'll be a welcome change... i wonder what that'll feel like. To be trusted, if only a little, by humans at large.] [Now, any of ye lot up fer something to eat and maybe a "girl's night" sort of thing?] she asked, changing the subject, as she wanted to get to know her advanced class a little better. [I'm sure we have the stuff need for a girls night in. Just as long as i don't find anyone going through my underwear drawer.] Jean said, laughing. [So do you have any plans for this little get together?] [As a matter of fact, I do...] Liz replied with a grin, [Ye lot go get changed into something comfortable and meet me in the Day Room upstairs in say... 20 minutes.... Last one there has t'tell about her kinkiest sexual experience....]