Part IV: Wherein the Mutants Have Some Fun
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was quiet. Two holes gaping with tangle of wiring proclaimed that work had begun on the perimeter when they passed the main gates. As Logan parked in the garage, Rogue suddenly yawned.
"We'll unpack you later," he said as they got out. "Go and get some sleep."
"Night!" she called softly when they reached the entrance hall and she fled upstairs. He watched her go, and then turned towards the common room, thinking to say hello to Scott before turning in.
"I'm back," he called –
– to an empty room. He glanced around, then wandered into the kitchen. No sign of the myopic mutant. Wolverine shrugged, and headed off to his own room.
For some reason, he felt strangely disappointed.
***
The next morning, Rogue almost tripped as she opened the door to her room and stubbed her toe and the three overstuffed boxes now relocated outside her door. She glanced up and down the hall but there was no sign of anyone. She shrugged and started dragging them in.
"Rogue! You're back!"
"Morning, Rogue!"
"Where were you yesterday?"
"Rogue!"
"Hey girl, where you been?"
Rogue walked through the halls, basking in the glow of acceptance. Being literally stoned by people she had grown up with wasn't her number one occurrence of the year, but her warm welcome was well on its way to making up for that. Especially when she walked into her first class and Bobby looked up from his desk.
Fifteen minutes later . . . "Excuse me!" Storm rapped. "If you two don't mind, I would like to begin the lesson."
***
Storm sighed an hour and a half later as the students filed out. They had been extra squirrelly today, for some reason. She rubbed her temples. The Professor told her she was a natural teacher, but today was one of those days she felt like a natural homicidal maniac.
*bampf* "Rough day?" A sympathetic German-accented voice said from behind her.
"Ugh," she said eloquently, turning around.
"Tea?" he asked, holding out a cup.
"How did we live without?" she breathed, a mixture of relief, thanks, and reverence.
"Probably quite easily," he replied seriously. "I was going to ask for your help with something, but you've had a rough class." He turned away. "I won't bother you."
"No!" Storm was surprised at her own vehemence. "No, of course I'll help. What did you need?"
"If you could look over my lesson plans . . ." he said hesitantly, holding out a folder.
Storm took it and leaned against her desk, taking a sip of tea. She flipped through them quickly. "These are good," she said after a moment. "Very detailed. Don't follow them too closely though," she turned around, her words trailing off as she found herself almost nose to nose with the blue mutant. They stared at each other for a long moment, until Kurt looked down and stammered,
"T-Thank you," and quickly *bampf*ed away. Storm was left standing there, mouth slightly open in surprise. She blinked and shook her head to clear it.
She took a sip of her tea. It had gone cold.
***
As night spread her velvety cloak over the school, Logan padded down the halls in his customary curfew patrol. Satisfied, he returned to his room and tried to sleep. It was futile. He didn't know why he even tried any more. With a groan, he rolled out of bed and landed squarely on his feet. When he was half-way down the main stairs, he paused. The memory of an empty kitchen and common room flickered through his mind, but he pushed it out of his thoughts. But as he stepped into the darkened common room, his heart inexplicably fell. He padded into the kitchen, thinking to grab a beer anyway. His heart jumped into his throat as the bent figure illuminated by the open fridge door stood and turned.
"Scott!"
"Logan!"
They took one involuntary step forward, and shared a Manly Hug Number Three in a Manly Fashion. Logan grabbed a beer without looking as Scott flicked on the light. Scott jumped up on the counter and sat there, swinging his legs slightly, as Logan leaned against the opposite counter and popped his beer, taking a long swig without taking his eyes off Scott.
Scott smirked as Logan spluttered suddenly. "Hey, this is good!" he looked at the bottle and rolled the green label to reveal a red logo and golden stag. "Huh." He snorted. "Keith's. Good Canadian beer."
Scott shrugged. "Hey, you're always complaining about the 'piss-poor quality of American beer.'"
"Thanks."
"So how was the trip?"
Logan snorted. "God, I'm glad I didn't grow up in that bigoted little town."
"Not good, then."
"No, we got the commendation," growled Logan. "But from her da. I think he's the only non-mutantphobe in that redneck pit."
"Rogue got a tough time?" Scott asked sympathetically.
"Tough time, hell! We got stoned."
"What?!?"
Logan almost laughed at his reaction. "She went to her old school, and her 'classmates' threw rocks, sticks, whatever, at us." His expression darkened. "They would have killed her if they could."
"Oh my God." Scott looked shocked.
"So have you heard anything about this Humans First group?" Logan asked a moment later. To his surprise Scott burst out laughing. "What?" Logan demanded.
Scott gasped for breath. "Oh yes, we know about them," he said. "The day you left, a representative called the school. They've been going around to schools making presentations, and she wanted to do one here."
Logan blinked. "What did the professor say?"
"Yes!" Scott squeaked before laughing again.
"Why?"
"He wants to show her how mutants really are," Scott said when he had suitably recovered. "We'll listen to her presentation, then he'll invite her to tour the campus. We've already talked to the kids," he added. "No powers during the presentation, then show off."
Logan started to grin. "That's so evil." The grin broadened. "I like it."
***
The school was scrubbed, the perimeter alarms hidden, and all traces of extranormal life squirreled away. The HF representative was due three days after Logan and Rogue's return; a Friday. Professor X had cancelled morning classes for the presentation, and everyone in the school had been admonished to not debate the arguments presented, and do their best to show off to their visitor as soon as the presentation was over.
At nine o'clock that morning, Scott met her at the gate and directed her to the garage. He then showed her into what passed as the school's lecture hall. She had a slide show, so Storm helped her to set up the proxima. They were all perfectly cordial, and were having a hell of a time keeping straight faces. The professor, Storm, Scott, and Logan sat behind the podium as the students filed in, quiet and orderly and obviously making an effort. Logan caught Rogue's eyes as she walked in beside Bobby. She looked uneasy, but Logan gave her a little smile and a nod, which she returned.
When all the students – only about 30 of them – were seated and quiet the elegantly dressed and coiffed woman stepped up to the podium. "Good morning," she began. "My name is Katherine Libby. I am here to speak with you on behalf of the Humans First organization. Humans First is a group of concerned parents, teachers, business men, everyone, really, who are worried about the growing threat of mutants. I'm sure you've all heard of these abominations and the attacks by them on innocent humans. Mutants are unnatural, and action should be taken against them."
Interested smiles became frozen on faces, concealing disgust, as the woman reasonably encouraged her audience to irradicate the mutant populations. She used genetic blow-ups of DNA to compare human and mutant genes. She sited examples of 'mutant aggression', including the "gang of mutant freaks who attempted to assassinate the President" and, "a frightening recent example. Two mutants attacked a high school in a small town just four days ago. One of the mutants used to go to school with them. Do you see how mutanism can twist someone into attacking their own former friends?"
Logan and Rogue locked eyes, horrified, as she continued. "Luckily, the terrified students managed to repel the mutants with rocks and other projectiles, killing one." Logan's eyes hardened. "Always be on your guard, like they were!" her voice rang out. "Mutants are dangerous! Why, there's reports of some who can walk right through solid walls!"
The Professor glared as there was a wave of snickers and surreptitious glances at Kitty, who had a blandly interested look on her face. The presenter didn't notice, and barrelled right on. She wound down finally around 11:30, and opened the floor to questions. Xavier prayed his students would show sense, but didn't interfere when one little girl asked in a clear, ringing voice – that could go sonar at will – "Have you ever met a mutant?"
"Um, no, actually. Not personally," Ms. Libby said, smiling a bit uncertainly. "Anyone else? Yes?"
"Why was Humans First started?" another boy asked.
"Well, after the mutant attack on the UN meeting, someone decided something needed to be done," she replied. "And voila!" She looked around. "Anyone else? No? Well, then, it's been a pleasure speaking with you. You can ask your professor for information on joining the local faction. Thank you." She stepped away, and Professor X wheeled forward. "You're dismissed. Remember, classes begin, as usual, at one." he nodded. "Have a good lunch." He turned to face the activist. "Ms. Libby, would you care to join myself and the staff for lunch, and then perhaps a tour of the campus?"
"I'd be honoured," she said brightly. Scott and Logan led the way silently, hiding twin smirks, the Professor and Ms. Libby just behind. Storm left with an apology, saying she would get Kurt to bring up some lunch to the Professor's study for all of them.
"Kurt?" the activist inquired when Storm was gone.
"A recent addition to the staff," Professor X replied. "Kurt Wagner. He will be our new German teacher and provide some religious instruction to the children. He's also a wonderful cook."
"I would love to meet him," she bubbled, and Logan almost cracked up. "It's important for children to have a good religious education, especially in a small school like this."
Storm hurried up behind them, and Logan saw a stray wisp of blue smoke dissipate from her hair. "Lunch will be about half an hour," she said demurely. "Maybe a bit longer." She looked meaningfully at the Professor. "Kurt suggested you take a walk around the grounds. He'll lay it out on the patio."
"That sounds lovely, Storm," Professor X said, face perfectly straight. "Ms. Libby?"
"Oh, that sounds wonderful!"
Logan pitied her. So young, so perky, so horribly prejudiced. He couldn't to see those prejudices collapse on her. He didn't have to wait long.
"Professo~or!" Kitty's voice rang out as she burst into the corridor ahead of them – through a solid wall. "Slinky's sparking me!"
A door opened and a little boy with static-y hair came sliding out into the hall. He had a wicked little grin on his face and was tossing a pillar of crackling energy between his hands like a slinky.
"Karl!" The Professor snapped as Kitty squeaked and ducked behind his chair. "Leave Kitty alone."
"Yes, sir." The energy disappeared, but not the grin. Karl remained there until they had passed, Kitty clinging to Scott's hand. As soon as she passed, Slinky flicked a small ball of energy. She shrieked and turned, phasing through Scott – and Ms. Libby – to get at him. As they disappeared around the far corner, Kitty chasing Slinky, the adults were careful to keep bland expressions on their faces
The activist blinked a few times in shock. "Did they just –"
"Oh yes," the Professor said. "Karl is quite the little prankster. I'm afraid Kitty only provokes him."
Logan held open the door to the garden, and grinned at the sight. Everyone was outside. The first thing they passed was the basketball court, and the traditional 'no powers' was most definitely suspended. Ms. Libby stopped dead, open-mouthed, as superspeed, levitation, extra-long tongues, and the occasional earthquake gave unfair advantage. Following the lead of the Professor, Logan and Scott made no mention of the powers, only their human traits. Scott also took her by the arm and, under the guise of civility, forcibly propelled her along. As they continued, their walk, Logan watched as students ran across their path, powers on full display. Scott really did pity her. She really had no ideas of what mutants were truly like – human.
The patio came in sight and Rogue and Bobby were laying out plates and accoutrements. Scott steered her to a chair and she sat down, unconsciously crossing her legs and trying to regain her composure.
"Something to drink?" the Professor asked cordially.
"Yes, thank you," she said faintly. Rogue poured a glass of fruit juice and handed it to her.
"Oh, let me give you a hand," Bobby said, reaching over and nicely chilling it. She stared, wide-eyed with horror, first at the glass, and then at the serenely smiling teenager, and back at the glass. She blinked, shook her head, and took a cautious sip.
"Kurt says it's almost done," Rogue said softly. "We've already eaten."
"Enjoy!" Bobby trilled as they walked away, hand in hand.
The activist took a long drink, cleared her throat, and said, "Professor, I'm not sure I –"
*bampf* "Perfect timing!" Kurt declared, depositing his tray on the table. *bampf!* He reappeared by her chair, took her hand, bowed deeply, and said, "Kurt Wagner, at your service."
She promptly fainted.
***
Kurt had stretched the unconscious activist on one of the common room sofas and was patting a damp cloth on her forehead when her eyes fluttered open. They stretched wide in shock as Kurt ginned toothily at her. "Guten tag, frauline," he said pleasantly.
She tried to bolt upright, but Logan's hands on her shoulders restrained her. "Easy there," he grunted. "Stop tauntin' the lady, Kurt," he said pointedly.
"A thousand apologies, Miss," he said, perfectly cordial, and stepped away.
Professor X rolled up beside her and leaned over, steepling his fingers. "Feeling better? I hope we haven't given you too much of a shock."
"What are you?" she said asked weakly.
"I should think that would be obvious, my dear." She sat up slowly as he leaned forward. We're mutants, his voice whispered in her mind. She looked around at the adults and two teenagers in the room. Her eyes lighted on the two men who had escorted her through the school, and overlayed on her thoughts were images of a beam of dangerous light blasting through a door and slashing claws and rapid-healing wounds. She glanced at the black woman, and saw tornados ripping through the sky. She gave a whimper and buried her face in her hands.
"It's all right, my dear," Professor X said kindly. "Do we look like dangerous murderers to you?"
"No!" she burst out, suddenly looking much younger. "But you're supposed to!"
"Not all mutants are baddies," Storm said, moving smoothly to sit beside her and put a comforting hand on her arm. "Just like humans."
The woman sniffed. "I-I've never met a mutant. Not really. I saw the Experiment once, but just a glance . . ."
"The Experiment?" Professor X asked sharply?
"A-a mutant. The board keeps it. I don't know why." Her eyes widened. "My god! That poor thing. I never realized . . ."
"That it was a person, like you?" The Professor finished gently, but inside his mind was racing as he wondered who it was, what their power was, why they were there, and why Cerebro hadn't alerted him. But her thoughts fluttered on the edge of his awareness. Her mind was racing as she fought to reconcile what she had been told and taught about mutants and the children of the school. The monsters of the attacks, and the (not very good) basketball players.
"So . . . all the stories, are wrong?" she said hesitantly. "The UN meeting, the White House thing, that attack on the high school . . ."
"The UN summit was the work of a mutant," Professor X clarified. "A man called Magneto. He was stopped."
Kurt bampfed into view at his side, and she gave an involuntary start. "I'm afraid the White House was my little escapade," he said apologetically. "A little warning." He blinked. "I think."
"The high school . . .?" she blushed suddenly. "I'm sorry, I have to know."
"They started it," Logan snarled.
"You –" she gasped.
"Logan . . ." Rogue said, a bit plaintively.
"Rogue was sittin' there," he continued, oblivious to the girl's increasing agitation, "In front of her old high school. Sitting. Quietly. Then those kids come out and start chucking rocks at us. She didn't fight back, just kept talkin' to her friends -"
"Logan, stop it!" Rogue cried.
"- and they they almost killed her," he continued over her protests. "A chunk of concrete and glass, sticking out her spinal column as she walked. Not because she's a mutant. Because those teenage kids have been molded by the likes of you."
Rogue had collapsed in on herself, wrapping her arms around her stomach as she hunched over against the wall. The HF representative looked sickened, and there were varying degrees of shock on the faces in the room. Logan snarled finally and turned away from the activist.
"I'm sorry, Rogue," he said softly as he moved to stand beside her, "But she had to see." He patted her gently on the shoulder, squeezing it comfortingly, and after a moment she slowly nodded assent.
There was silence in the room for a long moment. Then Professor X rolled forward. "Please forgive your rather rude shock, Ms. Libby," he said gravely. "But we felt it was neccessary. Scott will escort you out."
Shakily, she nodded. "Y-you were very hospitable. I - you gave me something to think about. Lots to think about, actually." She stood slowly, then wavered. Scott hurried forward and offered his arm. She stared at it for a moment, hesitating, then reached out and took it, as if she wasn't sure it wouldn't suddenly turn into a nest of writhing snakes. Scott smiled at her, turning on every ounce of charm he had, and she smiled back a little timidly.
When they were gone, Xavier sighed. "To think how many poor men and women were brainwashed like this one was. This is why we're fighting a losing battle." He shook his head, as if to banish melancholy thoughts. "Oh well. The memory of this place's location will fade from her mind in an hour, but she'll remember what she saw here, and hopefully that will start some change."
"Professor," Storm said from the sofa, "Who is this Experiment? Why haven't you found him or her on Cerebro?"
"I don't know, Storm," Xavier said. "I don't know." To be continued . . .
