Xavier Institute For Higher Learning

[Ithica]

Storm

Storm looked over at Nori who was avidly listening and trying to suppress a grin.

"Nori, would you and Thad go check on how our guests are doing." Nori looked disappointed but grabbed Thad and went outside.

Storm turned to Rogue and Gambit and said,

"We need to talk about how we are going to prepare these students to defend themselves. We need to discuss Havok and how to get you two back here to stay as soon as possible, to name a couple of things that have come up."

 

[Vixandra]

Rogue

I smiled at Thad and Nori. "Not sure what I'll be teaching. I think maybe a history class and maybe an outdoor rec class, but not sure yet. Its up to Storm."

Storm came out of the elevator, looking harassed. I knew the feeling.

After the kids had left I gave my proposal on the Havok issue.

"We could always shove Havok in a barrel and..." I trailed off seeing the grin on Gambit's face. It was "that's a bad idea but I like it!" kind of grin. Which meant I was suggesting something morally wrong most the time. "Okay, no barrels. Seriously- maybe hunt Psylocke down and make her figure out what's wrong in his little universe?
"As for the kids, I'd like to do a preliminary danger room simulation to see where they all are. Then go from there to figure out what we're teaching them combat wise. Academically- that's another thing all together."

 

[dragonrazor]

Tai woke up, and stretched slowly, before getting out of bed. He almost forgot where he was, until his mind replayed the last night's events. He sighed, then walked over to the door, and looked out and around, before stepping out into the hallway. He made his way slowly downstairs, and started to explore, finding himself in earshot just as a rather fetching woman with a Southern drawl mentioned shoving someone in a barrel. He couldn't resist, and chuckled just loud enough for her to hear.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Babs started wandering the halls looking for someone who could help her out. She needed to take care of a few things before she could possibly go, and come to think of it even if she were to stay here these chores couldn't be neglected.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Sure, Ms Monroe, we can go check.....

~Nori pulled Thad away before he could finish and the two of them disappeared out the door. Thad grabbed Nori's hand with his free one and laughed.~

Hold on, geeze. You do realise that she is just sending us away so that she could talk to Rogue and Gambit alone. Slow down...

~He stopped and tried to hold still but as soon as Nori felt him resisting she gave him a small shock that made him jump.~

Hey no powers...

 

[Jeremy Davis]

~Gambit watched as the two students left, then looked at Rogue~

Getting Psylocke to go routing around in his head may be a good idea, but den again do we really want to torture her like dat?

~He winked at Rogue, then looked at Storm seeing she was on edge. He reached out and rubbed her upper arm.~

Well Stormy, Rogue and I have an idea about how to check da students and also how to teach Havok and Kitty a lesson about not to make judgements if you weren't there. We figured we could program da Danger Room to put da students and dose two in da same situations we faced in Germany. We can program Fantomex, Fatale, EVA and da Zombies to attack dem as we were and let dem see how dey would do. Da students get some experiance in da Danger Room and Havok and kitty get to see dat it isn't as easy as it looks.

 

[Ithica]

Surge

Nori grabbed Thad's arm and started to pull him away from the group of X-men. When they got around the corner Thad grabbed her and she tried to pull her hand away.

Hold on, geeze. You do realise that she is just sending us away so that she could talk to Rogue and Gambit alone. Slow down...

She felt her gauntlet power up and electrocute him.

Hey no powers...

She continued to try and pull her hand away until he let go of her.

"It's your own fault, you can't hold on to my gauntlet like that. I can't control my powers if you do."

 

[Ithica]

Storm

Storm smiled at the thought of shoving Havok into a barrel.

"I'm not sure if the danger room simulation will help out Kitty and Havok. Kitty's problem is with Wizard and Havok intercepted your message to me and wasn't impressed with what he heard. It would be good for the students though so if you two would like to get things going with your danger room project that would be good. And I'm serious about getting you two teaching classes. We are a little short on teachers and I have been thinking about checking out our contacts for new ones."

Storm then heard someone walking down the stairs and looked up to find out who it was. She saw Tai and asked him,

"Have you ever thought about a teaching job? Computers perhaps?"

 

[dragonrazor]

Tai blinked, hearing Storm's question, then shrugged. He had never actually used computers, not before being merged with Xeno. Most of what he knew came from Xeno's databases, so he told her as much. He also told her that Chihiro was a genius at computers, and had designed Xeno's Artificial Intelligence system. He smiled, then shrugged again.

"The best I could manage is either combat and meditation, or hacking."

 

[GentLi]

Jamie Madrox

As usual, Jamie's thoughts were everywhere. Luckily, so was he. Dupes had been letting themselves in and out of the Institute for some time now, practically since Jamie first arrived. Several Madrox vehicles now sat in the spacious garage. They'd brought with them items Jamie'd forgotten or hadn't expected he'd need. The room he'd chosen to settle in was now completely redecorated, the bed and furniture moved around to make way for more desks and computer equipment. He wasn't going to waste time reaquainting himself with the school's systems or emailing his personal files when he could bring all his X-F.I. gear with him. With it, Havok's little request was nothing.

"Alex. The Vasseuers check out all right. Both of 'em. I don't see them being any more trouble than usual. I've forwarded all the info to your computer, including a couple tabloid articles written after their mutation took itself public.
If you need me I'll be in the dining hall. Middle Eastern's the theme of the day. Invitation's open." A tap of the X that was his belt buckle ended the transmission. X-F.I. operated on a different frequency, but it only took a moment to adjust that.

Madrox took the seldom-used back stairs. He supposed it was the grand nature of the front foyer that made people frequent that staircase, but once in a while he found himself longing for simpler things. Perhaps he'd visit the old Madrox homestead in Kansas once he got settled in here. Jonathan Madrox, the resident dupe, had started a family there with a low-level mutant girl. It'd be nice to hear what that was like.

In the kitchen, several Madrox were already hard at work. Already in the dining hall sat dishes of hommus, tabbouli, and several Arabic entrees. Inhaling deeply, he couldn't help but relax his body. His shoulders slumped as he gave in to the aroma.

"Looks like you've out done myself again."

"You say that every time, boss," the dupe apparently in charge of the kitchen laughed as he took off his apron and threw it on the kitchen table. "You care for some company while ya eat?"

"Not necessary, thanks. I don't think I'll have any trouble finding someone to share this feast with."

Without ado, the kitchen dupes rejoined the Core. Pouring himself a glass of water, Jamie settled himself in the dining hall and took a moment to appreciate the food and thank whatever Powers existed for it.

 

[Screech]

Amanda had parted ways with Bryn shortly after Rogue and Gambit had returned. She was feeling so flustered that she just had to be alone for a moment, so she had dashed into the school and straight into her room. There she sat, cross-legged on the floor, running through some medatative excersises she had read about last year. They nearly always worked too!

Once she felt she was calm enough again, and had regained her composure, Amanda put on some of her trademark baggy clothes and left, heading for the library. Hopefully there would be a good book on western civilisations, or maybe even the Andes. Either way, she wanted something to read.

That was, until she passed by the kitchen, and the smells of cooking reminded her that all she'd had to eat today was an apple. Walking over, she pshed the door open a rack and peeked inside. "Ummmm... H-hello?"

 

[GentLi]

Jamie Madrox

"Ummmm... H-hello?"

Before Jamie even had a chance to dig in, he heard the sounds of uncertain company. Cracking a single eye open, he immediately recognized the fuzzy girl from earlier and recalled her awkward interactions with a bit of amusement.

"Hey, Timid-Girl-From-the-Foyer, how was your walk?" A gentle smile countered his teasing. "If you're looking for a snack, you're welcome to the table... plenty of vegan options, if you swing that way."

 

[Screech]

"Hey, Timid-Girl-From-the-Foyer, how was your walk?" A gentle smile countered his teasing. "If you're looking for a snack, you're welcome to the table... plenty of vegan options, if you swing that way."

Amanda blushed out of embarrasment before stepping into the room. Turnes out it was that Madrox guy from earlier today who had made the feast. It kinda looked like alot for one person to eat. Her stomach growled. Loudly. Amanda couldn't think of anything to do other than grin nervously.

She moved over and sat down at the table, looking at the great veriety of things to eat. Spotting something that seemed to be meat, she grabbed it with lightning quick reflexes, but paused before biting into it. She'd forgotten her manners!

She shakilly held out her hand. "Oh, erm, s-sorry. I'm, ummmmm, Amanda"

 

[Vixandra]

Bryn

I spent a good portion of the evening reworking my closet into a weapons rack area that could also support hangers, though it looked funny to see my "little black dress" hanging next to a small battle ax. But hey, it worked.

After I finished, I took a step off the balcony and floated down, wings mostly there to keep me from falling like a rock. I landed daintily ( a rarity for me) and walked over to a koi pond, stretching my body and wings as I looked over it. The fish glided under the water gracefully, with an ease I could not match in the air. Yet, at least.

Giving my wings a final flex, I laid down in the soft grass next to the pond, letting thoughts of the day run over me as I processed them all.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

The young Frenchwoman eventually made her way to the kitchen where she was surprised to see an old aquaintence, or rather a duplicate of his, though she couldn't have known.

"Jaime? Jaime Madrox?" she continued speaking in French, "This is what, the third time we met? First in Prauge, then in Miami during the Winter Music Conference. I didn't know you are a mutant."

 

[GentLi]

Jamie Madrox

If he ignored the obscene rumbling of her stomach, the enthusiasm to with which she'd snatched the lamb was flattering. Not a bad way to start off. Jamie quickly accepted the offered hand. "It's a pleasure, Amanda. Good to see you don't mind finger food. It's much more intimate eating with your hands and sharing plates. I'm..."

"Jaime? Jaime Madrox?" she continued speaking in French, "This is what, the third time we met? First in Prauge, then in Miami during the Winter Music Conference. I didn't know you are a mutant."

Jamie quirked a brow at his name, caught off guard by the third presence. It took him only a moment to realize it was the Vasseuer twins, however that worked. He responded without any further hesitation, standing to meet her with a hug he could only hope was natural for their relationship.

"Babette! Welcome! I'm not the only one with a few secrets, eh? Don't worry. There's no such thing as bad publicity, right?" His French was fluent. Even his laugh came from lower in his belly than usual. He settled himself back down in his seat. "Please, sit and eat! Would you feel comfortable speaking English for our friend? Or shall I play go-between?

"I don't suppose you listen to techno, Amanda? This Babette Vasseuer. She had a bit of a career going before she got outed." He spoke in English now, and would continue to do so. He was fairly certain Babette spoke some English. At the very least she'd be able to understand it and the only translating he'd have to do would be French to English.

"And Babette, this is Amanda... She's... a student here?" He looked to the anthro girl for clarification.

Quickly Jamie toar some pita bread in quarters, using one to pinch at the chicken ghallaba, an inviting bowl of sauteed vegetables a chicken. The garlic wafted pleasantly across the table until Jamie shoved the parcel into his mouth, trying to get a couple bites in before anyone else showed up.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

She gregariously hugged Jaime"Secrets? Yes well, I suppose that's what it was. I would appreciate it if you didn't go on about it too much. It's a very difficult issue for us, it brings up confusing issues that we do not know how to address..."

She nodded when she was requested to switch to English, "I will do my best." She nodded at Amanda, having previously met her in another part of the manor.

 

[Vixandra]

Rogue

I left Gambit with Stormy after kissing my fingertips and pressing them to his lips. "I'll catch back up with you in just a bit, sugah. Going to go to up to my room and make that phone call we talked about."

I flew upstairs, leaving them open for students and darted into the wing reserved for X-team members- we had an alarm system that linked to each room aside from the general alert systems that ran into each room in the Institute.

Sucked when the board operator hit the wrong button and woke one up for a team mission that one wasn't even assigned to. Nothing like a 3 am wake up call.

I unlocked my room with a key I pulled from a pocket on my shoulder and slipped inside. It was cool and dark, the curtains drawn, though a thin band of sunlight split the room in two, illuminating a picture of Remy and I at Scott and Jean's wedding. Me with the boquet, him with the garter, both of us with "we rock!" grins.

I smiled at the photo before flicking on the ceiling lights above my computer desk. I plopped into the seat and booted up the system, making sure the camera was working.

I recorded and emailed a quick message to Lifeguard, the encryption on the email making impossible to track or decipher without the code. With any luck, Lifeguard would give me a call back on my communicator, or even better, just show up with the part I wanted.

After checking my emails and finding nothing too important, I logged off and shut down the system.

Rising from my chair, I stretched, working out the kinks in my back with a sigh. I secured my room, locking the door behind me and tucking the key back into the shoulder pocket I'd pulled it from.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

~He held up his hand and showed her that she was holding onto him.~

No, It was your fault.

~He looked around outside and didnt see any of the new students. Only the ones that, like them, had been at the school for at least a year.~

I wonder where the new students went to. I l;ast saw them out here in the yard sword fighting... They must have went inside to get settled in their rooms. So do we go and make a good impression or should we just leave them to their rooms?

~He looked between Nori and the other students in the yard behind her.~

 

[Jeremy Davis]

~Gambit listened as Stormy talked about getting Members of the Team to help teach the students. He had no clue what he could teach the kids about that would better their lives or make them smarter. All he knew was what he picked up on the streets as a thief. He was sure that Storm would definatly not want them to be learing those things.~

Well Stormy, I don't know what you t'ink I could teach dem unless you want me to show dem how to pick-pocket, break security systems and pick locks open.

~He turned his attention to the guy with Storm and listened as he said about what he could teach. He looked at Rogue and smiled as she gave him a kiss in their new way.~

Alright, P'tite, Im going to have dat talk with Storm and I'll meet you in a few. Don't get too comfortable in your room, we are heading back to da cabin.

~He watched as Rogue headed upstairs bypassing the steps, then looked at Storm.~

Im ready for dat talk you wanted to have whenever you are ready, Stormy.

 

[Ithica]

Surge

Nori looked at Thad and frowned. She looked around the corner at the X-men gathered by the elevator and saw Tai walk down the stairs. She was sure that Thad had grabbed her hand. She turned back to him and put her hands on her hips and said,

"Well, I'm not going to argue about. It wasn't me and if it wasn't you, then there is something wrong with my guantlet. But seeing how the lights aren't flickering then it hasn't been broken long. Maybe we should go back and see if the new guy can see if anything is wrong with it. He said he fell in a vat with computer something or others, maybe he can help.

 

[Ithica]

Storm

"I think it depends upon what combat skills you have to offer. Gambit and Rogue are planning a danger room session, so I think you should attend." Storm told Tai and smiled, "Meditation is good but I don't think hacking is a direction we want to take with the student."

After Rogue left Storm said to Gambit, "If we are going to have that talk, we should probably go back to the War room."

 

[Screech]

Amanda nervously nodded first at Jamie to confirm that she was indeed a student, and then again at Babette in greeting. She saw that these two had some sort of history together, and decided it would be best if she made herself seem small. So, she took a couple more items of food and sat quietly eating, watching the other two

 

[Jeremy Davis]

~He smiled seeing her hands goto her hips and her tossing attitude his way. He then nodded hearing her seuugestion of talking to the guy with all of the computer hardware attatched to him.~

If you think he can help. Maybe we could go down and see what Forge is upto. If he isn't busy he'll look at it for you. Unless you can turn off his equipment then he'll have to look at it. Then if he doesn't mind I can show you the musical chamber we're working on. It's up to you though.

~Thad then looked out at the group of people by the elevators and half wondered what Gambit, Rogue and Storm were talking about. He watched as Rogue lifted off of the floor and heded up the steps leaving Gambit, Storm and Xeno alone.~

 

[Jeremy Davis]

~Gambit hit the button for the elevator, then waited for it to return to their floor. He had a pretty good idea what Storm was going to ask him about, and since he had come clean with Rogue about his involvement with Sinister it was time that he let Storm know as well.

Storm at one time was the leader of the Morloks, and she had a right to know what really had happened other than what she had heard second hand. His story was a hard one to listen to, but it had to be told for Gambit and the Xmen to move on. He only hoped Storm was as understanding as Rogue was.

The elevator doors parted and a few students curried like scared mice down the hall. Gambit then stepped in and held the door for Strom as she finished up with the new guy.~