I. ( video )

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles turns on the device and it defaults to video. He has cleaned up, found his room, and slipped on the blue sweater he found in the locker. He has taken seat near a desk, where he has piled his belongings. He appears to be thinking, as the disorientation has worn off, but it seemed to be the time to ask questions. ]

I've gathered a bit of information about this place, but more can always be useful. How secure is this?

[ His expression softens and he smiles a bit. It's weird asking questions, but he has founded that his ability is not quite up to par with what it was at home. ]

I could use a better idea of the locations of this place outside of the passenger quarters. Is there a map of this place? I have not yet had a chance to explore this ship, but I would prefer to avoid getting lost if at all possible. [ He barely skips a beat before he continues. ] And is there a library?

[ He pauses for a moment, considering his next few questions. He really needs to talk to - well, people from home. Sort out what had happened completely. And be caught up on anything that he may be missing, since he is certain there is something. That is best left for private and one-on-one conversations, and he isn't certain how secure it is yet. ]

I think I will pick up a book, if they are here; however, I would prefer to know what people do here to occupy their time. Or what it is that needs to be done.

[ He reaches up to turn off the device. ]

I'm Charles Xavier, by the way, if you need to reach me.

[ ooc: Charles is on 008-095, and I am open to action if anyone would prefer. ]

Comments

[helpmeguideit]

You work for the government?

[ He tried that, and from everything he's witnessed, it is not going well. He won't do it again. He agrees, in part, though. Charles is confident when he speaks. Far more confident than it seems Thomas was. ]

It is a gift, but it is a gift that requires training and practice. People like me are not the most loved by anyone.

[heartbreaking]

[ The government. No, not that. The words stick in his throat and he shakes his head numbly. ]

We form a group that seeks to control those that run our nation's interests. We - are known to no-one save ourselves.

[ Durham spreads his hands helplessly. ]

There would be an uproar, you see. We are not an elected body, we suffer no regulation or rules except those that we seek to apply to ourselves. [ Words tinged with bitterness, he adds softly: ] The Order is a most undemocratic entity.

[helpmeguideit]

[ That's not really more settling. He would argue it, but since this is a first conversation, he won't start debates. ]

Well, naturally there does need to be rules. Are there many of you?

[heartbreaking]

[ Nope, quite unsettling indeed. With his mortified expression and his downcast gaze, Durham looks just as annoyed and upset at his own description of the Order's terrible history as he sounds. ]

In my own world? Less than four score. [ A soft laugh, as he adds: ] On board? There are at least two others, both from more advanced times than my own. One is a mnemokinetic such as myself, another is a telepath whose codename is Oxford... [ He lifts his gaze to meet Charles's with a rueful smile. ] You can see where my confusion stemmed from, can you not?

[helpmeguideit]

I would understand. I can only tell you that not all people, like myself, are telepathic. Some have other sets of skills. [ He won't say for certain, nor will he say who they are. He wants his students, and Erik, to have their privacy if they should desire it. ]

So there aren't many. [ He guesses that makes sense, considering that they're 'gifted' with it, rather than born. ]

[heartbreaking]

How curious, [ He murmurs in response, intrigued to say the least but quite aware that the other man would have elaborated further if he'd wanted to. Despite the sudden, intense desire to push the question Durham reigns in his curiosity; there was time for questions yet, he supposes, and he wasn't quite ready to pitch his own powers against a telepath in favour of finding the answer out by his own means.

Instead he smiles blithely, forgetting his own annoyance with his background and quite happy to focus on Charles's instead. ]

Are there many in your world who are born with such gifts, then?

[helpmeguideit]

Quite a few of us.

[ And for his lack of prodding and pursuing the train of thought, Charles is relieved. He's made the mistake of outing someone as a mutant before, and didn't want to do it again. He would feel it, and is more likely to let you get the information when it is asked directly versus when his mind is invaded. ]

Of all ages, too, really.

[heartbreaking]

Ages? [ Durham looks surprised by the reply, shaking his head briefly as his brow creases once more in confusion. ] What, you mean to say there are children who possess such talents?

[helpmeguideit]

Yes, there are children. [ Charles chuckles, thinking of how when he was twelve his skill was already nicely developed. Of course, he knew not everyone's experiences were the same. ]

[heartbreaking]

But - how on earth are children to cope with such powers? [ Durham shakes his head again, looking for all the world as if Xavier had informed him that they had wings and tails as well. ] Indeed, I know fully-grown men who have buckled under their inability to wield their gifts... I cannot imagine that mere children would fare much better.

[helpmeguideit]

I was fine, but children now have so many people who are older than them from whom they can learn. [ He smiles a little bit and nods. He knew that it was different for Erik. ] Some children just naturally have control, some learn to cope with it. It is a part of our genetics. If it cripples us, then there is nothing we can do about it except learn.