"Absolutely not," General Malcolm exclaimed, staring at the young doctor angrily. "Camp Demeter was created specifically for the abnormal children of military and political families. There is no other place for these children to go."

"That's true, but I see the budgeting for this project: when there is another place out there, that isn't government funded, that is willing to contribute to us, I don't see how you could possibly turn them down," Reyna argued.

"It isn't part of the military."

"Exactly. Meaning that whatever occurs inside the walls is not the responsibility of the United States government. You of all people should appreciate that fact. Besides, it would be better for the children. Right now, they are isolated from the rest of the mutant world, and the people that they come in contact with are limited to those in similar situations as themselves. They are stored in an out of the way place, where their families hardly ever visit, and they are guarded by the same security measures that the president has. They feel like they are unwanted and a threat to society."

"They are."

"General, that isn't fair. They cannot help what their DNA codes. Would you treat a mentally challenged person the way you treat those kids?"

"The retarded run a lower risk of robbing a bank or seriously injuring another person."

"They won't be if you teach them the right morals. If you continue to isolate these kids, you are going to end up with a handful of delinquents."

"Are you saying that just by putting them in places where they pose no risk to themselves or others, they are going to grow up to be criminals?"

"I'm saying that you're teaching them that they are different than everyone else, and that society has no place for them. They will grow to know that, and they could very well strike out when they are older. There are already plenty of mutant groups out there that despise 'normal' people, and I highly doubt that we want any of these children to join them, given their backgrounds."

The general fell silent, folding his large, pudgy hands in thought. The doctor, despite her youthful appearance, had been weathered and enlightened on the ways of the harsh world through pure experience. Her dark eyes had seen more in one expedition that the general's had in his lifetime. Trust should have been placed in her words without a second thought, but the man's thoughts drifted to the image of young teenager, attired in nothing but black, glaring hatefully with deep cerulean eyes. He felt the fear slowly creep into his solid heart.

"How is Jamie?" the man inquired quietly.

Reyna's eyes softened to chocolate, and her postured wilted slightly. "He's still angry, but he's getting better. It's hard to tell whether his rage is simply from an angst teen or from his deprivation from the world. If no one else does, he would greatly benefit from the move."

Silence raged through the spacious office, engulfing both in reflection. The doctor's gaze shifted from the aging man onto his mementos scattered lovingly across his desk. There were numerous photographs depicting a smiling, perfect couple, crowding two youth to their chests: male and female, the boy older than the other. The boy stared emotionlessly at the camera, ocean eyes narrowed distastefully, attempting desperately to remove himself from the claustrophobic embrace. Reyna instantly distinguished the rudimentary features of Jamie Worthington, son of Elizabeth and Joshua Worthington, grandson of General Malcolm. The general's eyes also rested upon the ripening photograph, a small sigh drawing his attention.

"You are sure that this is the best course of action?" he asked, still hopelessly staring at the picture.

"Yes. I would not have suggested it unless I was positive that it would benefit the children."

"What about the cure?"

"You'll never find a universal cure. Every mutant is different. What acts as an inhibitor for one actually is an enhancer for another. I'm no closer to fixing the genetic codes than others are to being able to choose which characteristics a child has or being able to prevent mental retardation. Mutation is the same as any other genetic abnormality."

"You're sure that these kids are going to be happy at this place?"

"Jamie will be more widely accepted because many of the children at this school know what it is like to have gifts so powerful that they are a danger to themselves and everyone around them. Plus, the head professor will be able to help Jamie control his gift and maybe even help him come out of his shell. It will be highly beneficial for the others as well."

He sighed heavily, turning to stare out his paned window. He allowed stillness to rape the atmosphere once more but only long enough to provoke doubts in Reyna's mind. "I will make a couple calls. I'll let you know what is happening by the end of the week."

"Thank you, sir," Reyna replied, saluting him formally. "You have made the right decision."

"One more thing, Doctor," he stated, halting the woman's progress to the door. "Jamie… does he ever ask about his parents or me?"

"Not since he realized how terrified you are of him," she bluntly responded, continuing her excursion to the door.

The general scrutinized her as she swaggered out the door. He shifted his inspection to the picture on his desk once more. He stared at the boy, who had always remained reclusive and mysterious, marveling at how the doctor had earned his confidence and respect in a time span much shorter than he had with his family. The boy had been in her care for over two years now, and he had no word of any delinquent actions. He collapsed in his homely chair, praying that she knew what she was doing.