-You talked to her? With all my respect, Sir, talking is not going to change anything.
Scott Summers sincerely believed problems should be solved as peacefully as possible. The fact that he managed to co-exist with Wolverine had proved that more than enough. Right now though he felt he was seriously wrong to think no one could possibly irritate him than Wolverine did. 'Talking' was clearly not an option when dealing with Emma Frost.
-And what other options did I have, Scott? Taking her mind under my control? What would the difference between us be then? Besides, I'm afraid our talk included blackmail as well. One would think that was bound to work.
Blackmail? All right, may be talking could be effective. Then again, Scott was pretty sure there should be more enthusiasm in Xavier's voice. He was not sure if Professor had heard his thoughts or if his face expression was that obvious. Anyway his unspoken question was answered.
- I should probably specify that blackmailing was done by the both sides. I guess that is called a draw.
Now that was something completely unexpected. Scott had no doubt Xavier had every opportunity to blackmail Emma Frost. But what could she possibly reply with?
- Both sides? You don't want to say that she knows something she can blackmail you with, do you?
Xavier's smile caught Scott completely off guard. It looked like he himself managed to overlook any humour in his question.
-It's more like I know something. You see, according to Cerebro Emma Frost is probably the most powerful telepath on Earth, excluding me. She might not know that, but she knows just how much I want her here.
Scott didn't know if he wanted to laugh or to cry out in frustration. That woman told she would go away and Xavier was more that ready to forgive her everything? Now that was absolutely bizarre. If that were for him to decide, he'd gladly show her exactly where the exit was.
-So she threatened you with going away? She took control over two students only because they were playing. And you are afraid she won't stay?
-Yes, something like that. I do agree with you that she more than overreacted today, but try to look at this and at her from the different point of view.
That was becoming more and more complicated. And he liked it less and less with every second. What was there to look at? They had psycho in the school and a powerful one. As if Wolverine alone wasn't enough.
-And what shall I see?
-That, I don't know. What I do know though is that I founded this school to help those who needed help. All of them.
Was that supposed to mean Emma Frost needed help? This time Scott did laugh. He really should have known better than to even start this conversation. From the first day Professor Xavier showed quite clearly he wanted that woman here. And ever since he did everything to achieve that wish of his. Obviously what others thought didn't count.
-I shall go now, Professor.
It wasthe second time in less thana monthScott Summers wanted to slam Charles Xavier's office door.
---
Scott knew that being the telepath it was natural for her to sense him coming. Still that was unnerving for him. Almost every time he entered the room she was in, she looked like she was waiting and he was dangerously late. And if she wasn't, that meant he was too insignificant to pay attention to. Not that it mattered to him, but wasn't that a bit too much? Right now Emma was sited behind her teacher's desk, looking at him expectantly.
-What do I owe the pleasure, Scott?
-I wouldn't actually call it 'pleasure', Emma. But I do believe we have a conversation to finish.
Aside from the fact that she was telepath, did she really think he would just brush the recent incident aside? Or that anyone could talk him out of not liking Emma Frost.
- You might. The only unfinished business I have with you is getting to know your 'teaching methods'. I'd prefer to have them in writing though.
Right. She never walked away in the middle of the discussion. Either that or one of them was hallucinating. And as if he really was going to write down anything just to amuse her.
-Does that mean you still feel taking mental-control over students is perfectly normal?
-They were going to kill each other.
Scott breathed out sharply. There we go again. Did she really believe that or was she just trying to justify her actions? Either was he didn't like it.
-They were not 'going to kill each other'. They were breaking school rules, but nothing of that sort of things. Believe me, they are quite capable of handling their powers that much.
-Robert might actually be. But Jubilation still thinks her power is almost absolutely harmless. And that it is not. Hitted by it, I doubt Robert would be able to keep the necessary control level. Even if they managed to stay alive, they would still be severely injured. And we still don't have a doctor here.
Presented like that, her logic did make sense. Not that he was ever going to admit that to anyone, especially to her. So Scott pushed unwanted thought aside and concentrated on Emma's last sentence instead. Indeed, they somehow managed to live without medical personnel ever since … Alkali Lake.
-No, we don't. Actually I think I should advise Professor to find someone qualified enough to fill that position. Best part of it being, we won't have you around anymore.
Emma's expression was almost curious. Was that because he didn't start arguing over her theory or because he actually agreed with her, Scott wasn't sure. Nor did it matter much.
-Are you trying to say Charles doesn't have enough money to pay both of us? Somehow, I seriously doubt that. And that means, I absolutely agree with the first part of your suggestion. See, we don't necessary have to be enemies, Scott dear.
That was something Scott found very hard to believe. Right now he was pondering over some things he could do to never have to deal with the woman in front of him ever again. Too late had he remembered he was talking with telepath.
- As much as I appreciate the initiative, darling, I'd prefer something that doesn't involve optic blast of yours. Hope you don't mid too much?
Now Scott was pretty sure she had influenced his mind somehow. Either she or Xavier. That was the only way Emma Frost would be able to survive for so long with him around.