The X-Corp Chronicles:

Part 1: A Matter of Dual Perspective

It's been 2 weeks since the school-wide announcement regarding X-Corp and the new teachers, and Cecil paced… or rather wheeled back and forth in his new quarters at the mansion.

Do please settle yourself, Cecil. You're going to start to make us dizzy.

"Honestly, do you think we get dizzy? We're above such lapses in equilibrium."

Nevertheless, it doesn't help to worry a tread path around the room. You might cut a hole in the floor.

"Yes, yes, I know how it strains your mind to have me worry so, but there are many students here with many personal problems. If we can't help them work through their daily dramas, they'll be of no use whatsoever."

You mustn't think this way of all the students…after all, most are quite well adjusted.

"Yes…I suppose you think this of Bobby Drake? Sure he's polite, but his surface thoughts were screaming at me. He screams at any change he sees. It pains me to see him- no- hear him like this. sigh That Marie only made things worse by going off to get that 'cure'. I suppose it came as quite a shock to Bobby when he found himself gasping for air as his life-force was being sucked out by that little vampiric harpy… for a second time."

DO NOT speak of Rogue that way. She did what she felt was best. For her and for Bobby.

"Please. Spare me the martyr speech. She did what she did for the same reason any teenager goes out and does something rash. Because she hated herself, because she could, and because… She. Was. Horny. I've seen her out in the courtyard, giving Kitty Pryde the cold glare of death every chance she got. And after she nearly killed Bobby, she must have realized the truth that she had long denied. His heart didn't and never will truly belong to her. That's the fun part about such a mutation. It's like a Trill on Star Trek, with the lives and experiences of every host always there, always speaking." Cecil chuckled to himself.

Such a thing is not funny, Cecil. Yes Bobby was hurt, but it wasn't Rogue's fault. She had no idea that the 'cure' would wear off after her body fully rejected the serum.

"Yes, forgive me. I was a bit out of line. But you have to admit… it's a bit amusing to know that the answer to Bobby's problems is in the hospital wing down below."

Yes…I suppose such a secret had to be kept. Has he revived?

"Nearly. Emma works tirelessly everyday after her classes… massive trauma to the forebrain and a crack to the skull… well no one can accuse him ofnot attempting to use his head… Anyways I don't see why you have to keep asking me questions, after all, you're up here too. If you'd wake up from your psychic naps, you'd see for yourself."

After the entire incident, I find it much better to merely sleep for my own mental health…so to speak. After all, you're doing quite a job counseling students and staff alike. It's quite admirable.

"Thank you. Jubilee has finally managed to maintain control and focus over her powers so that they don't cause any more undue devastation. I hardly think it's practical to have to replace the DVD player in the Rec room for a third time this month…or the karaoke machine."

It may be time to let Bobby and Rogue know about him.

"Yes, I suppose so. But we should wait for Emma to fully revive him. After all, it does no one any good while he's unconscious…unless Bobby is into that kind of thing…"

Cecil!Mental Slap Focus!

"Yes, yes, Charles, I haven't forgotten the new lease on life you've given me. And trust me, the favor will be returned as soon as X-Corp finishes the project."

Regardless, we must continue to further the student's development. Erik may have regained his powers as well and we must be on guard.

"Of course, Charles… but he's not the real threat, is he? We have bigger fish to fry."

Don't remind me. The focus should be on the students now.

"Yes, them and their drab soap opera-esque lives."

You know, I truly disapprove of your use of my psychic abilities to scan everyone's minds without their consent.

"Charles, now is not the time for petty moral squabbling. I'm here to help them solve their problems. If it means hearing their mental cries for help, then so be it. It's not like anyone can't hear their cries for help anyway what with their behavior."

Well some people aren't as empathetic... or empathic.

"Touché, Charles. Nevertheless-"

"Cecil, Charles. Will you please confine your bickering to inside your head? Half the school could probably hear you." Announced Emma. "In any case, he's awake."

"Excellent"