My mind just continued to be muddled. Everything that Christin had told me, had been swirling up in my head for the past two days. This had to have been some sick joke. People couldn't be doing the things he told me about. People couldn't be letting this happen in the first place.

Well, except for Hydra; I could see them kidnapping people and experimenting on them. But, everyone else?

But this still couldn't be happening! Then again, I had seen a girl send a book flying over my head without touching it, and listened to a guy talk to plants. I should be able to understand that this is all real, and not some coma dream, or purgatory. It's just this is so sickening.

I hadn't been able to see Taiga the same way after the conversation. He was really nice to me. As the one who I usually woke up to working in the med-bay, he was one of the people I talked to the most. He often helped me learn more about the future. But to be honest everything he told me was really weird. The music was strange, at least the kind that Taiga liked was; I didn't really understand was 'dubstep violin' was. He tried to explain what it meant to go 'online' but I couldn't really wrap my head around it. And then…He would tell me about his home, and how he was raised at the main base; stories about him being the eldest of six, about his mom or the woman who became his mom, and the mishaps of his early years. He seemed so happy, it just didn't seem possible that someone like him, was born in such a horrible way. I didn't want to ask him about it.

I shook my head, and sighed, pulling myself from my thoughts. I was alone again, this morning… or afternoon. I still didn't have clock down here so I didn't know if it was day or night and the lights were, 'motion activated' as Taiga had said. So, as long as I shifted every now and again the lights wouldn't switch off. I kind of wanted to know how they worked, but when I asked, I got a bunch of random gobbledygook that I didn't understand.

When I was alone it was really boring in the med-bay. Taiga had brought me a few books, but it was really difficult to hold and turn the page with only one hand. Sure, my mobility had been improving but it was still really difficult to open up a book, much less read it.

The door opening drew my attention once more. I turned and saw Taiga walking in. He smiled at me, and pulled a wheelchair through the door. This was different.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"Oh, orders. Dad asked me to should you around the base, and explain a few things. There are some personnel that you haven't met yet and we need to get this out the way before we prep for leave."

"Whoa, wait prep for leave?"

"I did tell you that this wasn't our main base, didn't I? Or did I forget to relay this information?"

"No, you told me. I just thought you were posted here and received orders from there."

Taiga chuckled, "In some cases that is the situation, but for us it's a little different. We usually are posted at the main base; this outpost is only in use if an extraction team is on an out or return trip from a mission. Though sometimes these types of bases are repurposed as an active outpost. But that's beside the point. We have had to delay our return twice already, and we need to take our leave soon. Otherwise, Dad risks his spot as Clan Leader."

"Clan Leader?"

"Oh, wait that's right, you haven't been told yet. Alright, I might as well explain. In mutant culture there's something called a Counseling, that leads the mutant community in certain area. That area is split in to smaller territories, which are run by Clan Leaders. Clan Leaders are the members of the Counseling, and each hold equal power in it, as the resources that all the clans accumulate are pooled together and then distributed equally among the clans. Though, sometimes personal trades or agreements between certain Clan Leaders can be arranged."

"Okay, so a bunch of people are a part of a type council and they each rule over a smaller amount of people?"

"Yes."

"Okay, so if they can set up trades between each other then why are they pooling their resources together? Don't they need it for their own people?"

"Well, that would depend on the nature of each clans' territories. Say there are two different Clans in a Counseling. One Clan's territory, is located in a highly settled area, like a city, and has a high population. The other Clan, is in an area full of farmland and wide-open spaces, but has a really small population. So, one clan can produce the needed warriors to defend it, but it doesn't have the capacity to grow any other resource, like food. And the other clan, has the capacity to grow its own resources, but doesn't have the manpower to protect or work it. When a Counseling pools its resources, that includes not just the food and tech they produce, but also the warriors that they can train."

"So, when these two clans pool their resources, they each get what each clan is lacking."

"Correct, though it can get a lot more complex in certain situations. Such as when a member from one clan comes to work or study in another clan's territory. But I don't think you want to get fully into that."

"Your right, so is trade all the Counseling does?"

"Oh, no. A Counseling, also make laws, and approves training programs. Though the duty of running programs falls upon the Clan Leader whose territory is hosting said program."

"Training programs? Does that tie back to all the Mask stuff?"

"Do you mean the Mask Code?"

I stared at him confused, "If that was what Arrow was talking about then yeah."

"I probably need to explain this further, don't I?"

I nodded.

"Well, the Mask Code is the oldest written set of mutant law; said to be originally created during the reign of the Lost Queen, actually. All Counselings and Clans must follow this code. If they don't, they are considered deserters of our kind and extremely dangerous. Those who do not follow it, can cause devastating destruction, as they have no limitations or standers.

"The Mask Code, in the most basic explanation, has two purposes. To set the standard morals of our society, and what powers the Counseling, and Clan Leaders hold."

"You mean the thing about not asking about someone's history?"

"Yes, that is one of our people's rules, as most of us have things in our pasts that…are not easy to talk about. But that is not the only standard to privacy, another example is the fact that when we find an unknown member, if for recovery or capture, we don't remove their masks."

"You don't? Why?"

"It's considered an invasion of privacy, basically assault, and as a symbol of a full member of a clan, it could also be considered as theft. Both of which could be seen as charges of war against said victim's clan."

I felt my mouth drop. Taking off some one's mask could start a war?! "What?"

"Hey don't look so surprised, we never took yours off."

I raised one of my eyebrows. My hand crept up to my face felt around my eyes. My fingers brush against the worn-out fabric. How did I not notice that I was still wearing this thing?

"But I'm not Mutant. Why didn't you take it off?"

"Well, we couldn't I.D you right away. While you aren't technically one of us, and haven't actually earned that mask, some of your work in WWII was something similar to what some of us do. Dad thought that it counted at least."

"So, you guys can't take off each other masks, and you don't ask about each other pasts?"

"Well yes, unless the situation demands it. Like if the mask was adding to a life threating condition, or if information from a past mission was needed in order to solve a current problem."

I nodded. It was nice to know that while these rules had exceptions, otherwise they were very privacy inclined. "So, the Counselings have to follow these rules, in order to keep peaceful relations."

Taiga nodded, "Well, there are more than just the ones we discussed, but yes. Clan Leaders had to follow them as well in order to keep the peace between each other."

"But you also said that it gives the Counseling certain powers, what are those?"

"The Counseling powers include the abilities to, accept new members, set up training courses and trials for the younglings to learn, and like I said to disperse the number of resources produce by the Clans."

"So, if someone wanted to join the Counseling, they would have to come to them?"

"Well, that would depend. Only Clan Leaders can become Counseling members, and for another clan to join a counseling it is technically possible as long as the follow certain formalities. But if you're talking about joining as an average clan civilian, you can't. You'd have to become a member of one of a clan in order to get the protection of their Counseling."

"Okay, so how to you join a clan?"

"There are only two ways. One is to be raised in a Clan, completing an approved training course, and the course's completion trial, basically earning your mask. After that you would go through your Clan's coming of age ceremony, hosted by the Clan Leader. Then you would be a full active member."

"So, when you completed your medic course, your dad gave you your mask, and the Counseling welcomed you to the Clan?"

"Pretty much, but the Counseling, other than approving of training programs, has little to do with raising the younglings. The duty of raising and completing their training falls upon the parents and handlers. Clan Leaders have the job of overseeing all the Clan; upholding laws, preform marriages, welcoming newborn babies, and is able to perform the masking ceremony. Though the details of these specialties can differ depending on the clan, and how involved the Clan Leader wishes to be."

"Wait, if Christin is the only one who can perform these types of welcoming ceremonies, as the Clan Leader then why is he out here and not back at the Main Base? Doesn't he need to be there?"

"Another good question. The answer is because, our Clan Leader is also a father. His first and foremost duty is to raise those he takes underneath his care. Children are considered to be extremely important in Mutant culture, and the abandonment of a child without it being in the child's best interest, is considered shameful. If you have a child, blood or not, and have the means to raise them, you will."

"And since you're Christin's son he came here to support you?"

"Well, it was more for my sister as this her first mission, and he wanted to make sure she was going to be alright. But yes. Normally the Clan Leader can't leave the Clan territory, as others can try and take the position in his absence. Though, my family have been good Clan Leaders to our Clan, including my father, so I doubt someone would try and take his place. But you can never know."

"Your family? Are Clan Leaders like kings and queens?"

"You mean a monarchy? Uh sort of, the line of succession is a little different. Instead of the next blood relative taking over, a Clan Leader usually names a successor, to take their place if killed, or retired. Usually someone they had trained personally or knew well. In my Clan's case it was usually a one of the current Clan Leaders children, and the Clan doesn't really mind as my family has a very good track record.

"If a Clan Leader, for whatever reason, fails to choose a successor then a Niche Claim is held. A Niche Claim is a competition of ten qualified competitors that were elected by the citizens of the Clan. The competition consists of five trials, and in the first four trials two competitors are eliminated after each trial. The first four are usually random and set up by the Counseling, only the fifth trial is the same each time. The fifth Trial is a trial of combat, against the other Clan Leaders or their chosen successors in certain cases. If one of the final competitors can defeat all of the Clan Leaders or Chosen Successors, then they are named the new Clan Leader. If they both fail then the Niche Claim will start again from the beginning with new competitors."

I nodded taking this information, "So, what's the second way to get into a Clan?"

"What?"

"You, said there were two ways that someone could get into a Clan, but you only told me about one. What's the second way?"

Taiga looked at the floor, "Go, though the approved Initiation trials."

"What are those?"

Taiga, sighed, "They are extra trials, specialized for those who deserted their previous Counselings or have never been in one. You can either come to the Counseling on your own and request to go through the trials, or a Clan Leader could vouch for you. If you pass the trials, then which Clan you are placed with depends on your scores, or if vouched for then you are welcomed into that Clan. Though, most people do not survive with in these trials."

"Don't survive? How dangerous are these Trials?"

"These trials, are designed to squeeze years of training into a couple of days. Their intensity is a must, as this life is not for everyone, and only those who are truly dedicated will live through it or die trying. They have to be able to root out any sort of spies. Why are you asking of this, anyway?"

I look away from him, "No, reason just curious."


Unfortunately, my stalling didn't make Taiga forget the reason why he was sent to the med-bay. Now I was being carted around the base in a wheelchair. Even with Taiga constantly telling me that no one would judge me for being in a wheelchair, I still couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Sure, I had been injured before, but I never needed anyone to push me around in a wheelchair. I couldn't even work it by myself with only one hand.

To distract myself I paid very close attention to the tour that Taiga was giving me. The base was a little smaller than I previously thought, and much more…empty. After I asked Taiga where everyone was, I was shocked to hear that there were only thirteen people in the base, including myself. I was used to bases with busy halls where people rushed around completing their tasks and crowded barracks where privacy wasn't a word. But in this base. The halls were empty and quiet. Taiga's lone footsteps, seemed louder than the many at one time that I was used too. I wouldn't find any familiarity here.

We were just walking to the mess hall. The room wasn't all much bigger than the Med-bay. A kitchen, complete with a fridge, sink, stove, tons of cabinets, and counter space, sat on the left side of the room. One the right side of the room was three picnic tables, that looked like they were made of plastic that was trying to pass as wood. Taiga started showing me where they everything was, and explaining what tofu was.

"That can't be made of beans," I said.

"I assure you, tofu does not come from an animal's flesh, but it is made from soybeans," Taiga said.

I still didn't believe him.

"Taiga!"

We both froze at the unfamiliar voice, that came from behind. Well, it was unfamiliar to me.

"Uncle Nico? Is something the matter."

Uncle? I gripped the only wheel I could reach and gently tugged on its grip rail. Slowly and a little jerkily, I managed to shift myself enough to see who had snuck up on us. Standing in the entre way of to the Mess Hall, was large man, who was somewhere in his late 40s. His skin was like Christin's just more scars and less moles. His hair was brown that was heavy dusted with silvery grey, and his eyes were just like Christin's, only colder. A small scar cut through the corner of his right eyebrow, and a scruff was painted on his chin.

The man, Nico? Crooked up an eyebrow, "What are you doing, nephew?" he shot me a cold stoic stare, "I thought that the boy wasn't allowed to exit the medical bay until he was well?"

"Orders, Uncle Nico. Dad wanted me to tour him around the base, before we take leave," Taiga, said.

I took note of Taiga's poster, he was standing straight, and speaking formally. No, colorful speech, other than his normal dialect. Only information, cold hard facts. Clearly this Nico, wasn't as casual as the others.

"Did, Amelia authorize this?" Nico asked.

"No, but I did," Taiga said.

"Clearance for a patient with long recovery ahead of them have to be given permission to leave their care facility, by a medic. You, and your father should be aware of this."

"In case you have forgotten, Uncle, even though that I have not yet completed my shadowing term, I am still a medic. Aunt Amelia, wanted me to be the one to officially give him clearance in order to gain the experience. I didn't say that she was unaware of this development."

Nico hummed. Raising his scarred brow, he shot me an unreadable look. I couldn't tell if it was one of concern or disgust. I tried to smile at him and waved. He narrowed his eyes, before turning back to Taiga, as if I wasn't there.

"You father has requested your presence in the training room. But considering your current situation, I recommend cutting this outing short," Nico turned and stalked out of the room.

After a moment of silence, Taiga, walked back to my wheelchair and began to push me again.

"Did I do something?" I asked.

Taiga sighed, "No, Uncle Nico, just doesn't trust…Uhm…non-mutants."

"So, that's includes me?"

"I'm afraid so."

"So, the only thing I did wrong to him is exist?"

"I'm afraid so. It really is ironic actually. Our society is built on the idea of equality, and we uphold that fact. Well, most of us do," he sighed, "There are just a lot of us you don't have very good experience with the outside world, my uncle being one of them. So, that equality can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to those who are not our kin."

"I guess the mask code doesn't allow you to tell me happened to him?"

"That would be correct, you're catching on. If you want that story, he'll have to tell you on his own accord, or get into a life-threatening situation where that information is needed."

"I'd rather not. I think I've had my fill of life-threatening situations for a while."

"I believe that Dad will allow you that."

"Because, he's a nice guy?"

"Because you weren't the only here who has been blown up."

I raised my eyebrow, "Let me guess I won't get that story either."

"Depends on which story you want, but yes, you would not get any from me. Though, you might get something if you ask Dad."

"I thought that was against the mask code."

"The mask code applies to all mutants. But you aren't a mutant, are you?"

I raised my brow and looked up at him. That was the most mischievous thing I had heard him say. It almost caught me off guard, he was always so polite and proper.

"So, I guess your taking me back to the med-bay?" I asked.

"Not unless you want to."

"Doesn't your father need you?"

"He asked to see me. If it was something that he needed my immediate attention for, he would have contacted me himself. So, I don't think he'll mind you tagging along. Besides you need to meet the others at some point."

I nodded, "So, you don't have to bring me back?"

"Like I had said, not unless you want to."

"I think I'll pass."

"Alright."

"So, where's this training room?"


A/N:

So, you know how in cartoons that the villains never take off the hero's mask to find who they are when they have them captured. Yeah, I wanted to give them some reason to not be idiots, so that's where the whole not removing the mask thing came from.

Anyway read! Review! See you next time!