A/N - Hello everyone. I'm back from my trip and, as promised, here's the next chapter. I managed to get one more chapter written while I was away so I now have three chapters ready to go after this one. Hence regular updates will be able to continue at least for a little while longer.
Disclaimer: The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and belong to Marvel Comics. Harry Potter was created by and belongs to J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this and the only thing that's mine are the original parts of the story.
14) CONSEQUENCES OF A DEBATE
"Normal Speech"
"Telepathy"
Quotes taken from X-Men #14
It was a few days after Halloween and Bolivar Trask was not happy. The news stories about mutants and magicals had gone out on schedule and by now Trask was expecting the normal world to be reacting very, very badly to it, demanding their governments "do something" to stop the potential threats from both groups. He even expected possible rioting. That would have given him the perfect excuse to activate the Sentinels project and step in looking like he was saving the world from the great menaces and restoring normality and safety.
It hadn't happened like that. Far from causing panic in the streets the governments of many of the world's countries had taken steps to reassure the public and urge them to stay calm. This hadn't been all of them of course. Some of the poorer countries had reacted as badly to the story as Trask had hoped but they were the minority rather than the norm. Even Communist China, the nation with the largest population in the world at that time hadn't reacted like that. Instead that country's leaders had told their people that mutants and magicals were Chinese citizens who owed the state the same service as everyone else. Naturally the government would try to use them for their own purposes to bolster their position in the world if possible and rioting in the streets wouldn't help that approach nor would it be tolerated.
Luckily for Trask he got his opportunity before November was very old and it came about in an unexpected way.
Ever since the story of mutants and magicals broke on Halloween Professor Xavier had been worried. Yes, the U. S. government and many other governments had come out in support of mutants and urged people not to be afraid of magicals but there were still many people out there who didn't agree. The debate over the issue was raging in the editorial pages and letters columns of many newspapers and on many news and talk shows with people on both sides of the issue. Xavier was afraid that the nation and even the world would become sharply polarized if things kept on this way.
"Even now" Xavier said to himself as he reached for his office telephone, "it may be too late to stop the wheels of persecution that have been set in motion – but I must make the attempt. The strange theories of Dr. Trask are a greater threat to my X-Men than any foe they have ever faced before. And that goes double or even triple for the magical world."
The professor quickly dialed a number and was connected to the program director's office of one of the national TV networks.
"Yes, that's right" he said after a few minutes, "I want to engage in a public televised debate with Dr. Bolivar Trask as soon as possible! I claim his theories are erroneous and potentially dangerous!"
"We'll arrange it immediately sir" was the response, "it will be a privilege to present a scientist of your stature on our network. We'll get in touch with Dr. Trask right away and if he agrees we'll let you know exactly when we can have the debate."
"Thank you" said the professor. He knew that he was one of the foremost experts on genetics and mutations on the planet and he knew his words would carry some weight. He was glad for the opportunity to speak out although part of him wondered if he might just be making things worse. He wasn't the only one to have such thoughts.
"Are you sure about this?" Scott asked him later in the day after the professor had told the team and the other students about what he was planning.
"I have to do what I can" said Xavier, "even with the president coming out in our favor it hasn't stopped a lot of people from becoming afraid anyway, and when a lot of people are afraid they can do unreasonable things, even get violent. Trask isn't stopping his campaign just because government leaders aren't backing him. I need to show people that he's wrong to do such fear mongering."
"We should be there with you when you debate him" said Scott.
"I doubt there will be much danger from a televised debate" said the professor, "and if you're there in uniform it could raise questions."
"Not in uniform sir" said Scott, "in our normal clothes. As your students it's perfectly natural for us to be in the audience. I'm sure you're right about there not being any danger but if something does go wrong we'll be there to help." The professor nodded.
"You're right" he said, "I'll arrange for the team to be there but the newer students will stay here."
It didn't take long to arrange the debate. When Dr. Trask was contacted about it he was very willing, even eager to debate Professor Xavier. If he had been asked by a stranger why he was so eager to debate the professor he would have given the standard spiel about how the professor was a leader in his field and it would be a privilege to debate with someone like him. The real reason Trask accepted the invitation was because it gave him the perfect opportunity to take the next step in his master project and he wasn't going to waste it.
The debate was arranged for Sunday evening on November 12th. Professor Xavier, accompanied by all seven members of the team in their normal clothes, drove to the TV network headquarters in Manhattan where they were shown to one of the broadcast studios where the debate would take place. The studio was large enough to have an audience of a few hundred people and all of the seats were filled. Harry and his teammates stood on one side of the room near the stage to watch the proceedings rather than sit in the audience. Dr. Trask arrived not long after they did but he and the professor didn't speak to each other beyond a cursory greeting,
At 8 PM Eastern time both debaters took their places on either side of a news anchor who would moderate the debate.
"Good evening" said the moderator speaking directly to the camera, "we are here tonight to discuss an issue that has been occupying almost all of us for the past couple of weeks, that of mutants and magicals in our midst and what does it all mean for us. I'm joined by two speakers tonight, both eminent men in their fields. On my right is Professor Charles Xavier, one of the greatest authorities in the field of education and an articulate spokesman for America's intellectual community. On my left is the well known Anthropologist Dr. Bolivar Trask, who has been one of the main voices regarding the potential threat mutants and magicals may represent to the world.
"Gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight as we discuss the question of whether or not mutants and magicals are a threat to the rest of us. Professor Xavier, you may speak first."
"Thank you" said Professor Xavier as the cameras focused on him, "We've been hearing a lot in these last couple of weeks about mutants and magicals and whether or not they are a danger to normal people. The president himself has spoken to the nation and urged people not to be afraid. I agree with him.
"Before giving way to groundless fears we must first consider – what is a mutant or a magical? He is not a monster. He is not necessarily a menace. He is merely a person who was born with different power or ability than the average human. And, as the president said earlier this month mutants and magicals are people just like anyone else. Some are good, some are bad, some are neither. You must not let ignorance, rumor, or unreasoning fear stampede you.
"If you wish to discuss fear remember that the magicals have lived in hiding for centuries because they have been afraid of normal people like you and me. The witch hunts of centuries past are real history and they have feared being subjected to that again. And well they might fear it when there are so few of them compared to the number of normal people in the world."
The professor went on for a few more minutes emphasizing his point that mutants and magicals were people like everyone else who simply had extra talents. He also reminded everyone of how mutations played a fundamental role in the process of evolution and came down strongly on the president's side to remember that all people in the country were equal citizens, regardless of their genetic make-up, which was something individuals had no control over in the first place and shouldn't be punished for.
"Thank you Professor Xavier" said the moderator before turning to his other side, "and now we'll hear from Dr. Trask." Instead of staying in his seat to talk Dr. Trask got to his feet when his name was called.
"That's rude" murmured Warren to Harry as he watched Trask get up.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry.
"Standing up like that is gesture of disrespect" said Warren, "they're supposed to be equals in this debate so they should be on the same level. He knows the professor is in a wheelchair and by standing up like that – "
"– He's saying that he's better than the professor" said Harry with a scowl, "sounds like some people I used to know."
"The Dursleys?"
"Among others" said Harry who stopped talking as Dr. Trask had begun to speak.
"With all due respect to Professor Xavier" Dr. Trask began without any preamble, "he is blind to the terrible dangers around us. Or perhaps it is more than mere blindness? Perhaps the professor has an ulterior motive for his defense of mutants and magicals?"
"Dr. Trask" interrupted the moderator, "we are here to debate the issues, not make personal attacks. Please stick to the subject."
"My apologies" said Dr. Trask, "I was merely setting things up for my main point."
Dr. Trask reached into a pocket of his jacket and took out what looked like a small control box.
"At any rate" he continued holding up his box, "I have created a defense for mankind. Whether I win or lose this debate does not matter. For the mutants and magicals will never take over the human race now. Not while my new army of Sentinels live."
"What are you talking about?" said the moderator again interrupting Trask, "what are Sentinels and why do you have any army of them? Just what are you up to Dr. Trask?"
"That's a very good question" said the professor, "Dr. Trask did you come here tonight to debate me? Or do you have some other agenda for tonight?"
Dr. Trask gave both Professor Xavier and the moderator looks of disdain.
"I'm glad you asked" he said "I shall now demonstrate. Suppose, for the sake of illustration that Professor Xavier is a mutant – " Trask brought the box up near to his mouth and spoke into it, "Sentinel! Take the Professor into custody! Do not permit him to use his power!"
"Good heavens!" exclaimed the moderator, at the same time that everyone in the audience gasped with shock and surprise at what happened now.
There was a curtain that hung behind the debate platform and now, as everyone watched, that curtain was thrust aside and from behind it came what could only be described as a giant humanoid robot. It was at least ten feet tall and solidly built. Harry's first impression of it was that it reminded him of a metallic troll. The whole thing was designed for strength while the robotic face was frozen in a stern, frowning expression. Despite how big it was it was able to move quickly and before anyone could react the robot had grabbed Professor Xavier by both arms and was holding him prisoner.
"What is that thing?" asked Bobby from where he and the others were standing, "and don't tell me it's a Sentinel or a robot. I can see that. But what is it?"
"I don't know my younger bosom companion" said Hank, "but it has taken the professor prisoner. It behooves us to rescue him."
"Not yet" said Scott raising a hand to stop Hank, Bobby or any of the others from making a move, "the professor hasn't called on us to act and none of us should do anything until he does. Remember he knows we're here. He'll let us know when he wants us to act."
None of the other members of the team liked what Scott said but they knew he was right. It would be foolish to attack an enemy about which they knew so little, especially since it wasn't making any hostile moves beyond holding the professor prisoner with its grip. As if he knew what his students were saying to each other (which he probably did) the professor telepathically told them not to get involved just yet.
"We need to know more about all of this before we act" the professor told the team, "and I don't want you all giving away your identities unless it's absolutely necessary and completely unavoidable."
"Do not be alarmed" Trask was speaking again, "my Sentinel is completely submissive to me. He will injure no one – unless I command him to."
"Yeah?" yelled an audience member, "but how long until that happens Dr. Frankenstein?"
"He's right" called another audience member, "that thing is a menace. It should be destroyed before it causes anymore trouble."
"Wow" said Harry to Warren, "the audience is on our side."
"Is that really surprising?" said Warren, "how would you feel in their place?"
"You are obviously a mutant lover" shot back Trask, "but destroying my Sentinel won't help you. He is but one of many such Sentinels I have created – each powerful enough to defeat any mutant or magical under any set of circumstances."
"I don't like where this is going" muttered Bobby. His fear was immediately confirmed when Trask called for more Sentinels to come out from behind the curtain and several more did. The only thing that stopped the shocked audience from stampeding away in a panic was Professor Xavier and Jean combining their telepathic powers to send out a broad low calming wave throughout the crowd. It didn't make them less frightened but it did keep them calm.
"You see" said Trask, "it would be quite foolish to attempt to destroy my Sentinels. They are equipped with the most complex mechanical thinking apparatus ever constructed. And they possess in addition to their own incalculable strength many hidden weapons with which to serve mankind."
Trask now looked out front into the audience and the cameras.
"For the moment" he said, "I am their commander and they obey me."
"What do you mean 'for the moment?'" yelled another audience member.
"Just what I said" replied Trask, "I have designed the Sentinels to be stronger and smarter than people in every way. It has to be this way if they are to keep humanity safe. Eventually they will be entirely self-sufficient and they won't need me to command them anymore."
"That sounds like you intend for them to take over the world" said a shocked moderator.
"Why not?" asked Trask, "their mission is to keep humanity safe and if the most effective way for them to do it is for them to rule the Earth why shouldn't they do so?"
"Impossible" yelled a cameraman this time, "good as your Sentinels are you couldn't begin to take over so much as this city without a lot more of them."
"You're right" said Trask with a smirk, "and there are a lot more of them. Did you really think the Sentinels here are the only ones I have? No. I've been working on this project for a very long time and I discovered a way to make many of them quickly and get them put in places where they will do the most good in the shortest possible time. Even as I speak there are Sentinels all over the world who are moving to take control of everything. They will be unstoppable."
"We are the Borg" muttered Harry to Warren, "you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."
"That's not funny" said Warren.
"It's not meant to be" said Harry.
Trask now touched another control on his box. The lead Sentinel reached down, picked him up, and put him on his shoulder.
"Come Sentinels" commanded Trask, "we must return to our headquarters. We have a lot to do and the Master Mold is waiting."
"We obey" said the first Sentinel who turned and began marching toward the exit followed in lock step by the other Sentinels.
'They're perfectly disciplined' thought Xavier who had been released by the Sentinel that had been holding him, 'completely emotionless. And yet they're more than mere robots.'
In much less time than you would have thought possible the Sentinels with Dr. Trask had left the building and were on their way to wherever their headquarters was. With them gone Xavier began to relax his telepathic calming field on the audience and crew members. The audience seemed to calm down naturally now that the immediate danger was gone but most of the people were in some sort of daze as they left to go to their homes. The technical crew seemed to be in a similar state as they went about cleaning up the studio. The moderator turned to Professor Xavier.
"Did you expect any of that?" he asked.
"No" said the professor, "I didn't know Dr. Trask was planning anything beyond coming here to debate me tonight."
"Do you have any idea what Trask meant by the 'Master Mold?'" the moderator also asked.
"No" said Xavier, "and I have a feeling that I wouldn't like it if I did."
"What happens now?"
"I think we'll just have to wait and see."
Soon after that the professor and the team departed the station and headed back to the school. It was a silent trip as everyone tried to process what had happened. When they got back to the school they found the newer students waiting for them. They'd watched the debate on television and all of them seemed to want to talk about it. The professor raised his hands to quiet everyone down.
"I know we're all wondering what tonight means for the future" he said, "the only answer I can give you is that I don't know. The next move is theirs' but we have to be ready to meet it and defend ourselves, whatever happens."
In the Sentinel base in an unknown location Severus Snape was recovering on the floor of his magically resistant cell. He didn't know how long he'd been here since he'd been kidnapped. He might have been able to keep track of the days by the "lights on / lights off" cycle if it wasn't for the fact that fairly frequently the cell was flooded with some kind of gas that knocked him out for an unknown length of time. He would wake up later in his cell seemingly no worse than before except that he began to notice new scars appearing on various parts of his body. The scars were like the ones a person would get after healing from surgery. While he was unconscious someone was cutting him open and healing him up again like he was some sort of lab rat. He had no idea why this was happening or who could be behind it.
When he first woke up in his cell he'd tried to apparate out but quickly discovered that something was blocking his magic. He wasn't wearing any magical suppressing cuffs but his magic was blocked. He didn't have his wand with him but he didn't need it to apparate or do the small amount of wandless magic that he knew. But it was all blocked from him. He was powerless. All he could do was see what (if anything) the future held and hope that somehow, some way, he would either escape from this place or be rescued.
(To Be Continued)
A/N - That's all for this week. The Sentinels have finally arrived. Next week is a chapter I call "March of the Sentinels" and I hope you all come back for it. Meanwhile please take a moment to leave me some feedback. Constructive comments are always welcome but no flames or trolls please. Stay safe and well everyone.