The X-League [IC]

[Sojobo]

Charles Xavier Institute of Higher Learning, Early Evening

Okay, so the dorms may be a little cramped. And the security cameras everywhere could be a little creepy. And the wood fired pizza ovens in Worthington never seem to get hot enough to get the crust really crispy. And Professor Kord's lectures could be really boring sometimes.

But there was one thing the Charles Xavier Institute could do in spades, and that was throw a party.

It was probably because President Wayne was not involved whatsoever in the Student Orientation Gala plans: he left that to the Dean of Students, Alfred Pennyworth, and the Master of Student Houses, Richard Greyson. In fact, he left almost all the day to day affairs of running the Institute in the hands of his staff - few ever saw him, and when they did it usually wasn't a pleasant experience.

Classes would start in a few days, and the campus would be abuzz with scholarly activity, but now, pavilion tents were set up all over East Campus, with multiple full stages hosting live bands and packed dance floors. Flameless holographic candles - far brighter than any normal candle, an invention of Professor Kord's - were everywhere, wreathing everything in a classy glow. The Colbert Auditorium's dome had opened up and another of Professor Kord's hologram machines projected an insanely mesmerizing laser light show into the night sky.

The Worthington Café had been completely transformed from a boring plain cafeteria into a crimson-silk bedraped French-style banquet hall, manned by a small army of efficient cooks and white jacked waiters. And the food, surprisingly, was actually good.

President Wayne demanded a strict no alcohol policy on campus, but after much prodding from the Dean and the MOSH, the booze ban was lifted for those of legal age. Flair bartenders performed their art, juggling countless bottles and chopping fruit garnishes in midair with small machetes, though everyone agreed the drinks themselves weren't as great as those made by the normal, less flashy bartenders.

The Queen Student Center multipurpose rooms were fully decked out and customized; one of them had been turned into an art gallery with work from last years' students on display, and another into a full arcade with the next room a giant foam ball pit.

For the new students, it was rather unlike any party you had ever been to, and for the returning students, this welcoming gala was definitely better than last year's inauguration ceremony, which was stuffy and boring. However, it was a little difficult to focus only on the festivities.

Because in your pocket was an envelope, and in that envelope was a plastic card and a note. The plastic card had an RFID chip imbedded in it, keyed to give you access to ... something. And on the note were written only a few words.

West Campus, Administrative Building. 1100 PM.
signed, BW

You have 2 hours left.

[Jallorn]

Logan stood surveying the crowds. His nose twitched, Teenagers, don't they ever bathe? he asks himself quietly. He lifts the bottle to his mouth and takes a long drink of the beer. He stops a moment to admire his new gloves. He got them especially for this occasion, a pair of white, padded, leather gloves, they go well with his suit, making him appear, as usual, out of place, overdressed. Still, it's better than scaring students with his claws, instead he gets to scare them just with his charming personality. He notices a kid drinking a beer, a kid who is clearly not 21, Hey bub, you got an ID? Logan shakes his head, holding in a smile as the kid drops the beer and runs like hell.

Spoiler

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Does that color work?

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister, East Campus

The Trailer-Park Titan was in attendance, as well. He'd first come here while the Institute was still in the early days, and it was a lot different than it is, today. Of course, all the credit went to Alfred (and Tim would have words with anyone who disagreed). This place was great. It was really the only home Tim had. Most of his friends were here, and he got the training he actually needed to be a good super-hero. Before he'd come here, he generally just threw punches around... now, he's actually a pretty skilled combatant! But, enough thinking about that. There is a party afoot!

At one of the concerts, with a popular hip-hop artist, Tim was bouncing with a group of students, new and old, shouting out the words to the song with the others. In between songs, he was telling the newcomers how great of a place this is. "Seriously ya'll, everybody's welcome here. Ya ain't got to worry about nobody judgin' you or anything. And hell, look at the party we got goin'? By the way, any of ya'll kids play football?" He asked with a grin and a twinkle in his eyes.

After hanging out with the kids for awhile, he stepped out of the tent and stopped to grab a drink. "None a' that fancy stuff. Just gimme a cold beer." He cracked it open and took a big drink as he walked over to where Professor Logan was standing. "Hey, don't be scarin' 'em off already," he teased. "How you likin' the shin-dig, here, Doc?"

[industrious]

Chenkov hovered around the edges of the party, close to the buffet table, far away from everybody else. He didn't know anybody, and after a lifetime of attempting to fade into the background, wasn't going to be able to shortly. Occasionally, he'd sip at his seltzer.

When approached by Time, Adrien mutely shakes his head, declining the offer. He doesn't even make eye contact.

[Jallorn]

Good beer, Logan says curtly.

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister, East Campus

Fair enough, Doc... fair enough." He says, drinking more of his beer. His brown eyes sweep through the festivities. He's on the look-out for anyone from his class who was returning. While talking to the new kids was fun, he kind of wants to cook up a good time with some of his old buddies.

[Bango Shank]

Franklin had never been good at social gatherings. Since loosing contact with everyone he'd ever known last year it had only gotten harder for him to make friends with anyone. This made the welcoming party something like a nightmare for the teenage orphan, and he did his best to drag his feet as he walked the halls with his 'guardian'

"You'll like it here Franklin. Mr. Wayne has done a lot for people who find themselves in bad places, and I think you'll find you have a lot in common with the other students here." Said the white haired older woman beside Franklin. She was, for lack of a better word, gorgeous. Wearing a white business suit and skirt, Miss Frost drew far too many stares from everyone they passed. Franklin felt under-dressed beside her, despite how she wasn't even wearing anything she didn't normally wear. Still, compared to her, his modest attire of black jeans and his favorite blue windbreaker seemed like not enough.

"Do I have to be here for this Miss Frost? Can't I just show up on the first day of classes?" Franklin asked for what must have been the tenth time.

"Now Franklin, this is the best way to get to know your fellow classmates before you're all braindead from lectures." She gave him a sly wink and smirk from the corner of her lips, but it did little to raise his spirits.

Far too soon they were at the entrance to the The Worthington Café, the place modestly filled with various mingling bodies and the sounds of music and chatter. Miss Frost rested a hand on Franklin's upper arm.

"You'll be fine." She said quietly, smiling at him and pushing something into his palm.

Franklin tried to say something back but when nothing came he just shut his mouth and nodded like it was true. His hand curled around the envelope he had received that Miss Frost had been hanging onto for him (most likely to keep him from throwing it away or loosing it). As his appointed legal guardian turned and walked away Franklin faced the crowd of people and tried to think of ways to start conversations without embarrasement. It didn't work. So instead he thought what he always did when he was stressed out and didn't want to ruin things.

Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire. Don't Catch Fire...

[FirebirdFlying]

The food really is good, but with several little napkins already in hand Rose feels a bit uncomfortable going for more. Besides, she's had enough of smiling and nodding and saying, "Rose Witherell. Nice to meet you. Yes, it's my first year. Junior. You? Oh, cool. Well, see you around." She's getting that not-quite-sick feeling in her neck and stomach that comes from too much unease and too many people.

The envelope in her pocket (stuffed indecorously in there and making the pocket - never designed to actually hold anything - bulge out oddly) only increases her unease. I should make sure I know how to get there. Don't want to be late.

She makes her way to the exit of the cafeteria, dodging people (although placing her napkins on a server's tray with a quick smile she hopes shows her appreciation). Nearly there, and in sidestepping an older, gorgeous but a bit severe looking lady she finds herself slipping on her heels (never got the hang of walking in the things, and she knew she was overdressed for this place) and crashing full on into some guy's legs.

The sick feeling redoubles, and she sits sprawled on the floor for a moment in utter shock before looking up at the boy. He's her age, blond, tall (compared to her, anyway), handsome, far from overdressed, and seems like he would have been entirely comfortable here a moment ago.

"Sh…I mean, I'm so sorry!" She feels her face turning red, eyes starting to tear up slightly (don't cry, you always cry, stupid girl) as she scrambles to her feet (probably flashed some people there, too, good going, Rose), palms going sweaty as people turn to stare.

Spoiler

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And that's Franklin she ran into, in case you couldn't tell.

[Bango Shank]

Franklin feels entirely uncomfortable here. With Miss Frost gone he's left to hold his own in the face of social interaction on a grand scale. As if that wasn't 'fun' enough, he knows that most of these people are returning students and no doubt already know quite a few people. Getting to know new people was hard enough without having to compete with existing social dynamics.

In an effort to convince himself to be somewhere else, Franklin absently runs his fingers over the envelope, reminding himself what's inside. He convinces himself that it's best to learn his way around the school and find "West Campus, Administrative Building" rather than attend the party. A shame...

Of course it's right before he turns to leave that someone bumps into his leg, nearly knocking him off his feet. After steadying himself with as much grace as a floundering duck, Franklin turns his attention to the young woman apologizing to him.

"Don't worry about..." Franklin starts, but finds himself staring with no words coming out instead. The girl is REALLY cute, and his complete lack of charm and grace really shines as he stands there staring at her for maybe just a second too long. Finally he shakes his head and gets it together enough to lean down and offer her a hand up. "It's alright, no harm done. You ok?"

[Sojobo]

Logan, Tim, Adrien

"Ah, thats our Doc Wolverine for you," came a voice from the crowd.

A man in a rather mishmashed houndstooth suit, sporting a wild tangle of hair and beard to match, detached himself from a nearby bar with a Manhattan in hand, already half finished. His clothes and his unkempt appearance made him look like a stereotypical eccentric professor - however, his fit physique was obvious even under his ill-sized suit. He had a friendly grin on his face. Both Logan and Tim recognize him to be Theodore Kord, Professor of Engineering and the man who had invented the heatless candle flame generators that were lighting up much of the Gala - rumor had it he did his best work when he was drunk.

"Always the great rapport with students. How are you doing, Logan? You know, you still have the rest of Orientation week to scare the crap out of them, you should save some of the juice for later. Oh, and you keep blowing me off for racquetball... you scared or something?"

He turned to Tim. "And Mr. College-Boy, how are you enjoying yourself? Ready for another year here? Have you decided on what you'll be majoring in? We could always use another skilled engineer, you know..." His good natured chuckling was quickly muffled from behind his cocktail glass.

At some point during this conversation, something in Professor Kord's jacket began emitting small clicking noises, almost like a Geiger counter. Fumbling with his second Manhattan (which he also went to get at some point during this conversation), he removes a small device from his pocket and scrutinizes its screen.

"'Anamolous spatia'... what in the world?" Waving the device about with one hand, sloshing his drink about with the other (getting a little bit on Logan's nice new gloves, too), he follows the device's chirps until he ends up standing in front of Adrien Chenkov. Looking up from the device's screen, Kord quirks a brow in his direction until he recognizes the boy's face.

"Ahhh, you must be Mr. Chenkov! Mr. Wayne told me tons about you and your interesting... uh, gifts you possess," he adds with a "subtle" wink (as subtle as a hard elbow jab to the ribs) and a chuckle. "Always interesting to meet a new face and especially a new possibility to, you know, completely violate the known rules of the universe and get published as a result!" Professor Kord's face exploded into raucous laughter at that last bit.

Rose, Franklin

In the corner of Franklin's eye, he can see a young handsome man in a nice shirt and loosened tie chatting with Miss Frost in the crowd. They seem to be looking in your direction, as if you were the topic of discussion. Or, maybe it was Rose.

Meanwhile, another teenaged boy, with strawberry blonde hair, noticed Rose's pratfall and literally swooped in past Franklin like a bird of prey, going down on one knee to offer her a hand.

"Wow, are you alright?" he asks her. He has his back to Franklin and doesn't seem at all interested in his existence.

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister, East Campus

Tim grins when he heard Professor Kord's voice. He's a tough-guy engineer who invents while drunk! What's not to like about that? Tim downs the rest of his beer, then steps forward and gives Kord a big ol' handshake. "Professor Kord! How the hell are ya? I'm havin' a great time. Alfred has set the golden standard of parties with this one."

In response to the talk of picking a major, Tim laughs with an equally good-nature. "Now I know ya ain't serious. Do ya really want me messin' with delicate instruments? My major'll end up either bein' Physical Education, Diggin' Ditches, or 'Interpersonal Relationships' cause a' my great skills in workin' out personal conflicts." He grins a bit more and punches his fists together-- lightly, so as not to induce a shockwave.

Tim follows Kord with his eyes, and watches the conversation with Adrien. He hasn't seen that guy before, but this talk of violating the known universe is making that guy seem kind of interesting.

[Jallorn]

I'm not the one who missed the last four games we scheduled bub, Logan looks only slightly irritated by Kord, that is, until he spills beer on Logan's gloves, Chto za huy! he swears in Russian.

[kpenguin]

"Look at this. The highest concentration of masks in months and I don't even have a notepad. Maybe if I got a couple of napkins..."

A lightly built man with brown hair and blue eyes walks through the festivities. On his arm is a vivacious red-headed woman dressed in tight blue dress.

"I thought we agreed no reporting, MJ"

"I'm just teasing you, tiger. Relax, enjoy the party. Isn't that Logan over there?"

Peter Parker adjusts his glasses as he peers out onto the party, his eyes searching for familiar faces. He lets Mary Jane guide him over to the small group, an exasperated smile on his lips.

[Sojobo]

Logan, Tim, Adrien, and Peter; near the Worthington

"Tim, Tim, call me Ted, I'm only Professor Kord in the classroom... and only when we remember!"

Kord downs his cocktail and pats Logan on the shoulder.

"Now, now, Doctor, you can't hold it against me if the last four times we had to -," he pauses, glances at Tim and Adrien, "-well, they'll find out soon enough, eh?". He lowers his voice to a theatrical whisper, shading his mouth with his hand for good measure. His breath reeks of rye whiskey and vermouth. "Meeting with Mr. Scary Wheels, huh?" He breaks into laughter once again, but stops when he spots Peter Parker and MJ heading over.

"Wow, look at you! Peter Parker! Our number 1... well, only, alum come back for a visit? Looking great, four eyes! Doesn't he look great, Logan? And Mary Jane, you look absolutely stun-"

He stops suddenly, the booze-driven boisterousness gone from his face in a flash. Instead, a look of intense concentration overtook his brow.

"-stunning. Huh. Visually. Stunning. Visual stunning via shock field generation... I can get the shock field to induce neural hit/miss firing if I use adaptive proton methodologies in ADDITION to unified low-energy cache coherence... that should clear any aniline subatomic particles accreting from ... YES!"

He grabs MJ's hand and pumps it briefly, then turns and does the same to Peter's, Tim's, Logan's, and Adrien's. "Always a pleasure, everyone, but an idea just struck me... no rest for the wicked and all, that, eh? Enjoy the party!"

Kord flashes everyone a smile, then jogs off briskly toward his lab in West Campus, empty cocktail glass still in his hand.

Spoiler

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Logan, you notice that shortly after Kord rushes off, someone you recognize as Jaime Reyes, one of Kord's lab assistants, breaks off from a group of people he was chatting with to run off after him.

Everyone except Franklin notices a strange tingling sensation at the base of their skulls. It fades quickly. The sensation didn't seem threatening or alarming, just... tingly.

[Jallorn]

Why do I get the feeling that that's going to turn out rather poorly? Logan growls, And what makes me think that he intends to test it on me again?

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister, Near The Worthington

"You got it, Ted," Tim replies. He again marvels at how good this place has been to him. They've given him all kinds of opportunities he would have never had otherwise. Hell, he'd still be out there living in the streets and trying to do small time hero stuff. Now here he is, a college student. Nobody in his (biological) family had ever gone to college. Thinking about that last bit makes his grin falter for a moment, but he shakes it off.

Then he sees Peter Parker. His face lights up. "Yo, Pete! What up, my man?" He said, going in for another big ol' handshake. "How's life out in the big city, brotha'?"

Tim feels the tingling at the base of his skull. He wonders what's going on this time. A psychic maybe? That would make sense. He shrugs it off, for now, too excited to see old faces.

[industrious]

Adrien Chenkov, The Party

"Umm...excuse me..."

Chenkov timidly steps forward after Kord leaves. His shoulders are hunched, and his face is constantly twitching from left to right. He gives the impression of a trapped mouse.

"Are all the professors here like that?"

[Jallorn]

Well I'm not. Logan pauses a moment, then turns to Peter, Am I?

[FirebirdFlying]

Rose, Worthington Café

Rose smiles shakily. "I'm fine, thank you," she says, dithering slightly before taking the (much closer) hand of the strawberry-blonde and standing. "I'm really sorry, I'm not usually this clumsy - I hope - um. You're sure you're all right?" she asks Franklin.

[Sojobo]

Rose, Franklin; the Worthington

"Yeah, I'm sure its hard to walk in ... those," the strawberry-blonde says, glancing at Rose's heels - and legs - as he helped her up. His gaze drifted up slowly back to her face. From Franklin's view, it was pretty obvious the guy was checking her out. "I don't recognize you, are you a new student? I'm Jason."

He cocked his head to the side and looked at Rose again, grinning rather lopsidedly. "I have to say, though, you look really freaking gorge-"

"Jason," came a voice from behind you all. Franklin turned around to see the man who had been talking to Miss Frost standing right beside him... crazy, considering you didn't hear him come near.

The boy Jason stopped but didn't turn around. Rose could see the corner of his grin twitch, then grow wider. He rolled his eyes.

"I thought I heard you creeping up...," Jason said, turning around to face the man. "...DlCK."

He spat the last word. The other man's neutral expression didn't change. He removed his hands from his pockets and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "That's Mr. Greyson, Jason. And if I recall correctly, you shouldn't be here. You're on probation."

Jason's eyes widened in mock surprise."Oh, I am? I completely forgot, you know me, I always lose track."

The two stared at each other for a few moments. Rose, almost unbidden your ability to detect surface thoughts kicks in, and you can sense a great amount of emotion radiating from Jason - hostility, frustration... envy. Not that you'd need superpowers to notice the tension between them; you could cut it with a knife and serve it on toast.

Finally, Jason flashed Mr. Greyson another lopsided smile. He turned to Rose and tapped a finger to his forehead in lieu of a gentleman taking off his hat, "Be seeing you, Cutey," he said, winking. Then he sauntered off, knocking brusquely into Franklin as he left. He kept quite a bit of distance between himself and Mr. Greyson.

Mr. Greyson watched him leave silently until he was no longer in sight. His expression softened immediately, and he turned to Franklin and Rose with a smile that easily touched his eyes. "I'm sorry about Jason, he's... he's something else. My name is Richard Greyson, I'm the Master of Student Houses here, so its sorta my job to look out after the students, especially the new ones like yourselves. Anyway, its almost 11:00... don't you two have somewhere you need to be going?"

[kpenguin]

Pete stops for a moment.

That was weird. It was like a super-sense was tingling.

He clears his head and shakes Tim's hand

"The people are rude, the noise is too loud, and the air's worse than Pa's old stable.

Suits me just fine. How's life on campus, college boy?"


He turns at Logan's question.

"I don't think so, Prof. There aren't many like Ted...

[Jallorn]

Logan glances at his watch, nothing fancy, aside from his clothes, he tends to avoid expensive things, says they attract crows. There's a thing I'm supposed to be at, Wayne says it's important. I should get going.

[Bango Shank]

Franklin, The Worthington

It's decided. Franklin doesn't like this guy. His dislike only gets worse at the not-so-subtle play for dominance in the form of the shoulder bump past Franklin. There's a very brief moment where Franklin see's lots of fire and a very injured jerk, but it passes and leaves him with just the Master of Student Houses introducing himself. It's a relief to see that 'Jason' was a pain in the ass to more people than just Franklin.

Mr. Grayson's words finally register though, and before he can think about how odd it is that the Head of Student Houses knows about a secret invite-only meeting, Franklin realizes that there is now a distinct possibility he will be late for the meeting.

"Oh well... I guess... Yeah, we should go." Franklin manages to get out in a rush, turning and making his way towards the meeting. As he walks he does his best to mentally picture the layout of the school and where he's pretty sure the meeting is going to be... hopefully.

[kpenguin]

"Really, well I-"

Pete glances at his watch. 1100 hours, the note said. Which, if one took it to mean 11:00 PM, was right now. It seemed like Bruce Wayne had yet to grasp military time.

"Actually, I need to be going as well."

"We just got here Pete!"

"I'm so sorry, duty calls. I'll see you later tonight"

Pete gives his wife a peck and begin runs off toward the administrative building.

"Go get 'em tiger"

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister, Near the Worthington

Tim grins at Peter's description of city life. Yep, just like Tim remembered it. "Sounds like ya did good for yourself, brother. College is good, man. I kinda have to work harder at some a' these classes. I ain't sure what I'm gonna major in, either. Kinda wish I could run around and punch bad guys for a livin'. But I guess that skill ain't exactly marketable in the real world. They don't let mutants box, last time I checked."

It was then that Professor Howlett and Peter made note of the time. "Aw hell. Already? Time flies when you're havin' fun, I guess." Tim grabbed another beer and popped the cap before starting to take off.

"Nice to meet ya, by the way!" He said to MJL as he passed, heading for the meeting spot.

[Sojobo]

Charles Xavier Institute, Worthington

At the bar, Peter and Tim catch up while Mary Jane chats with Logan, a bit to the gruff professor's discomfort. She had a way of chatting that was so easygoing and good natured, and yet at the same time calculating, that you always simultaneously felt like you were being interviewed and also guilty for even thinking that. Meanwhile, Adrien Chenkov sort of... drifted back into the background, just watching everyone else quietly and thinking his own thoughts. However, he seemed to catch the eye of a thin girl with an extraordinarily pretty face and purple and blue mohawk, dressed all in black and steel studs. She offered to buy him a beer, but his rather apathetic non-response sent her chasing after another student, this one in skinny jeans and a too tight pink baby T, his face perforated with metal jewelry and his eye sockets smudged with black makeup.

After a while, Logan gruffly cleared his throat and made a point of noting the time: fifteen till eleven. Even Adrien seemed a little interested in this last bit. After a short moment of awkwardness, during which time everyone gave some excuse to also steal away to make the mysterious 11:00 PM meeting, Logan simply makes an irritated noise.

"I know you are all going too, thats why I brought it up. Was I being too subtle?"

Shaking his head, Logan turned and began heading toward the main Administrative Building over in West Campus. Exchanging amused glances, Peter and Tim followed closely by, with Adrien trailing closely behind. The holographic candle flames flickered briefly when Adrien walked near.

****

Meanwhile, as Franklin begins rushing off to West Campus, Mr. Greyson calls his name. There is an amused look on his face. "I believe Miss Witherel is heading that way too... you should head over together. There's a shortcut if you cut across the North Lawn and use the gate there... you can't miss it. Normally, we don't like students running across the Lawn, messes up the grass, but I'm giving you special permission this one time."

He winks at Franklin, then nods to each of them before heading back out into the party.

Administrative Building, West Campus

The group runs into Franklin and Rose, who were walking together in only slight awkward silence, just outside the Stearn Building on their way to West Campus. Logan nods at them in recognition, and together you set off toward the Administrative Building.

Technically it was the Administrative Annex, since most of the administrative and support staff worked in East Campus; it was a small, unassuming building housing the Institute's legal department.

"Lawyers are good at lying about what they see," Peter explained enigmatically. Logan grunted.

The doors were locked, but Logan had a key and he ushered everyone into the empty, but still lit, building. Leading the way, Logan lead them to a small conference room with a long mahogany table lined with Aeron chairs.

Bruce Wayne, President of the Charles Xavier Institute, was at the head of the table. Ice blue eyes seemed to be tracking each of you over steepled fingers as you hustled silently into the room. They narrowed slightly when he saw Peter enter, but quickly retained their iceberg featurelessness. His handsome face was devoid of any noticeable emotion.

"Sit. You're late." His voice was a deadpan that brooked no insolence. You all sat. Glancing at your watch, Peter, you notice it is exactly 11:01 PM. You hide a smirk.

The crisp silence was broken as Alfred Pennyworth, Dean of Students came hustling in, dressed neatly as ever, and carrying a silver tray of small snacks and refreshments. He smiled warmly at Tim and set the food down on the table before taking his own seat at the opposite end of Bruce.

"Hello, everyone. I am Alfred Pennyworth, Dean of Students, and that over there, as you no doubt surmised, is Bruce Wayne, President of the Charles Xavier Institute of Higher Learning. Its a pleasure to see some familiar faces here, and equally a pleasure to meet some new ones. I must say that it is an honor to be privy to such a great mee-"

Bruce Wayne cleared his throat, loudly. It sounded like a jungle cat growling. Alfred glanced at him and smoothly continued.

"Yes, well, perhaps we should begin with introductions to break the, um, ice. We are all friends here; so no need hiding any 'special talents' you may have." He winked at Tim and Peter.

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Way to all ninja my post by leaving before I could railroad you guys! Haha, just need a quick edit then.

Also, d'oh on the messed up military time! Haha, I wrote that really late at night before I went on my trip... going to edit my original post so I don't seem like an idiot to posterity.

Go ahead and properly introduce yourselves, I'll be back from work tonight probably at 11:00 pm (2300 hours!) pacific time.

[Jallorn]

Logan remains standing, casting a somewhat imposing shadow against... the wall. He remains silent, waiting for his boss, and friend, to talk.

[SuperCracker]

Tim McAllister; Administrative Building, West Campus

Tim throws his beer away before he makes it into the Administrative Building. He doesn't want give Bruce Wayne ammunition to yell at him. Mr. Wayne can easily come up with the ammunition on his own.

As Tim files in, he takes a seat, relaxing into the comfortable chair. He always got a kick out of things like this. Here he is, a kid from the trailer park, sitting at a nice mahogany table at a meeting with Bruce Wayne.

His parents were probably eating pork and beans and watching Jerry Springer. Suck on that!

When Alfred comes in, Tim smiles and gives him a nod. The man practically raised Tim. He certainly wouldn't be where he is right now were it not for Alfred Pennyworth. Tim realized it, and he appreciated it.

He grabs a snack from the tray and munches on it while Alfred gets the ball rolling. When its time for introductions, and Alfred gives that knowing wink, Tim nods and stands, volunteering himself.

"Hey ya'll. My name's Tim McAllister. I'm 22, and I've been livin' here for 8 years now. I'm enrolled in the collegiate program, here-- General Studies," he gives a bit of a sheepish grin at that part, then gets serious, "And I'm a mutant. My body absorbs energy, kinetic and otherwise, and transfers it into my muscles, causing me to grow stronger and faster. I look forward to meetin' and gettin' to know ya'll new guys."

As Tim speaks, he has a way about him that isn't intimidating. He's warm, approachable, and down to earth. For a mutant, he's definitely not self-hating. That's what being here has done for him. He appreciates his abilities, and doesn't lament being what he is. He's clearly well-adjusted.

[Bango Shank]

Franklin Jones, Administrative Building

After finding the place and sliding into a seat with as little disturbance to the overbearing atmosphere as possible, Franklin waits out the entrance of the others (most of whom he saw mingling together earlier). To say that the president is an intimidating figure would be the greatest understatement ever conceived. Despite being in a wheelchair the man was imposing, to the point where Franklin nearly flinched when he felt the man's eyes on him for even a moment. It was enough to keep him from being the first from speaking up as prompted, or even speaking up at all.

Someone else spoke first, an older boy introducing himself as Tim. When Tim describes his powers Franklin's mind wanders with the possibilities of being able to absorb kinetic energy. The most basic scenarios ran though his head in a flash (being invulnerable to physical blows and projectiles, able to fall great distances without injury) and quickly jumped to the hypothetical (what about other forms of energy? how much could his body contain? could that reserve be tapped by an outside source?). Before he wandered so far he got lost, Franklin decides it's time to step up a bit and announce himself (it doesn't hurt that he's sitting next to the cute girl that ran into him).

"I'm Franklin Jones." He starts, trying for confidence but falling just short of it. "This is my first year here and while I'm not a mutant... Not that there's anything wrong with that!" He desperately tries to cover up the possible discomforting remark, realizing a bit too late that he already knew at least one mutant in the room and for all he knew they could all be mutants. He had nothing at all against mutants, but it always seems like every time someone talks about them tempers get flares. "I do have powers though. Um, Strength. Flight. I'm kinda invulnerable. I can turn invisible and create force fields of energy. I can stretch parts of my body, throw fire from my hand..." He suddenly realizes how ridiculous it is to have this list of powers and tries not to make eye contact with anyone as he finishes. "Just not all at once."

[Jallorn]

Logan, Administrative Building

Well if yer not a mutant, then what are ye? Logan leans forward, causing a shadow to make his features seem sharper, and more dangerous. Somehow, this normally proper professor manages to take on an animalistic look, almost feral, without changing his facial features at all.