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Summary: After the assault on James' campground, and his rescue, Selene comes to see Emma about the issue at hand… which means to an interesting turn of topics.
Date: August 25, 2010
Log Title: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Rating: PG
Xavier Mansion - Emma Frost's Office
Miss Frost's office is not as white as one would expect, however it does present an overall theme in the room. Using a classic den/office style structure from the building, the hardwood floor has been mostly covered from entry to desk with a white carpet that has been decorative bordered in an ivy-pattern, with the center having a delicately done floral arrangement. Two plush white leather chairs sit slightly staggered and angled facing a white marble topped desk of dark-stained oak, the Xavier Academy logo in front emblazoned in a polished steel. Atop the desk is materials for physical writing as well as a dual-monitor computer system that seems keyboardless, instead having a single mouse-like interface device. To the right are a pair of striated white marble book-cases filled from top to bottom, in the center of the pair a marble fireplace that burns sedately despite the time or season.
The left wall has a series of file cabinets sitting next to another computer desk, this one with a standard keyboard and mouse with the academy logo floating sedately on the screen. Next to those is a table where mail seems to be laid out next to a carafe of what is either coffee or tea, and a small pile of cookies, which seems to vary day by day. Behind the carafe is a small containers for sugar, fresh cream, and honey.
Behind the desk is a bank of windows facing northwards, running practically from wall to wall, bordered on both sides by silver-embroidered sheer silk cloth, so even when drawn you can make out details outside, and so long as day is present, line pours in to give the room a sense of warmth. For the times when more light is required, it comes from the vaulted office ceiling from a tasteful-looking light and fan combination. Just behind the desk and on the right side is a second door with a hand-print scanner.
No rest for the wicked seems to be the motto of the day for one Emma Frost, taking her lunch in her office in the form of a club sandwich arrayed artfully on a plate, only one piece of it actually chewed on as she has multiple screens up, taxing her computer systems more than usual. Using a pair of touch-interface gloves and a set of HUD-eye glasses to assist in the work, instead of sitting at her desk, she is standing in the middle of the room… and for once only passively aware of the world around her. Until at least one of the screens high-lights itself, reminding her she has an appoinment. Pushing all of the data into the saved file section, she begins removing the VR augmentation equipment, and sends the mental command to the device to pop the lock on the door for Selene's inevitable entrance.
Arriving promptly, and dressed conservatively, Selene knocks on the door before trying the lock and entering. Looking more professional than usual, shes clad in a black, three-piece suit that would give her an air of maleness were it not for attributes that state the obvious differences. Stopping a short distance away from her former aggressor, Selene offers a polite-yet-short greeting, "Thank you for seeing me on short notice, Emma."
Moving back to her desk and putting the gloves and glasses away in a drawer, and taking a bite of the one bit of sandwich she's gotten to, Emma settles into her chair, and motions for Selene to sit as well, "You have appointed yourself nicely since you've been here, Selene. I've no cause to be cross with you or treat you any differently than I would any one of my other staff members or guests. What can I help you with?" Pressing a spot on the desk, the remaining computer screens retract, leaving the desk pristine and the view between the two plain. Her face remains placid, but there is just the slightest twitch in the side of her lips.
The facial twitch doesn't go unnoticed and gives the darker parts of Selene great joy as she plots ways to make Emma's mask of civility crumble. Taking a seat, she gathers her fingers together in a slight steeping of her hands, allowing Emma a moment to settle more. Or, more than likely, to promote uncomfortable silence. "It's come to my attention that I still have a minor connection to James," she starts, "I wasn't aware of it until Saturday morning—which I'm sure hasn't gone undetected. I've already researched ways to remove it."
"Given this is the one instance where it became useful for Mister Palmer, and Miss Vallon, I find myself inclined to thank you for rescuing them. Though how and why Wendigo ended up in that specific area is something to speculate on further later on. It is, so far as any of us know, a mystical being… and may have scented the latent magics of your passing from his form.", Emma states plainly, watching Selene's eyes for a moment before she continues, taking up another piece of her lunch, "But I digress… what do you intend to do to sever this remainder tie?"
Implied or not, Selene gauges the look to be one that somewhat assigns the blame to her. To which she responds, "Every cause has its effect. Should this particular one be traced to me, I will consider an apology—something Kenta has already suggested in a rather ham-fisted way." Shifting in her seat in a manner to which she can lean against the arm rest, she continues, "Were at my formal power level, I would have already done the deed. However, now I must find a way to defeat magic I cast at a more advanced state. So, my alternatives are transferring it to someone or something. Or having Strange remove it for us."
Emma actually frowns a bit and then taps the side of her temple with one hand while looking at Selene for several long moments, but then finally the stern look relents some as she replies, "Well… regardless of what happened, it's done. And pointing fingers is useless… however much some consider it deserved. Contacting Strange might be out of the question, however… I do know one other source that might assist. A young man by the callsign Wiccan might be able to do as you need. He is a current at Barnes Academy if I recall, and I am sure once the problem is explained, he should be more than happy to assist you."
A waving of a hand follows the suggestion, as Selene smiles slightly, "Know that I won't take responsibility for any traps of mine that he may spring as a result of his ineptitude That being said, your suggestion out rules mine." She sits straight once more, smoothing out her clothes, "Until that time, however, I will continue my research." She's not about to be undone by someone else.
"Selene…" Emma says after a great and heavy pause, "Thank you for rescuing them. My personal thanks… James Palmer and Imogen Vallon are a few of the students that make connections to others, that help keep the students together in a sense. Had it not been for you… I do honestly dread to think what would happen. Several students who are their friends might have lost hope in this facility, and left during very critical times in their education."
Thank you? A thin eyebrow arches as Selene offers Emma a look as if Thunderfrog had just hopped out of her cleavage. It takes her a moment to respond, her expression only changing before she responds with, "You're welcome? " It's phrased as an unintentional question. She leans back into the chair, one leg sliding over another, "Benign is in my nature. " A pause. "When it suits me. " With a preternatural stillness, she finally offers, "IF, and only IF the attack was a result of my doing, then I will apologize. " It's a step forward, even if a small, perhaps unprecedented one. "It is not my intention to abuse my welcome. " Yet?
"Compassion can also be in your nature… though it would neither be demanded of, or asked of you. That is one of the few rare instances where it can only be proven in the doing, Selene. Something Charles taught among many other things instilled here in these walls." And as Emma speaks, she pushes the club across the desk towards the former Black Queen, "How would you like the chance to pass on some of what you have learned? Not many here are fully aware of your nature… and it behooves me to not allow you to sit and stew on your issues indefinately…"
Selene holds up a hand at the offering. She doubts it will offend. Emma knows she rarely eats outside of another's life force. And given her youthful appearance, she has survived well on the ration the school is providing from those with Elixir-like abilities. "It depends," she responds, "Aside from repaying your charity, what is in it for me?" The statement is neither unkind nor unexpected. It's just the nature of the beast. And anything to the contrary would be suspect.
Emma takes the food back, but there is the ever so slight incline of her head in the motion, and she resumes nibbling on what she has before her. Taking up a napkin and dabbing the sides of her lips clear of sightless specks, the blonde woman replies, "Purpose. A sense of fulfillment. A chance to see through the window of the world from the perspective of the new generation. That, and it will restore some routine to your day. Don't deny, but we're both creatures of habit, Selene. And despite all attempts to the contrary, you've been feeling a bit like a cat in a cage."
A narrowing of her eyes is the only indirect response Selene offers to Emma's statement. Instead, she skits the topic by asking, "How do you do it, Emma? Offer them help knowing the moment your back is turned that they neither listen nor have respect for what you said?" Leaning forward, she continues with, "Kenta tracked me down to learn what I knew of James and why. In response to my disclosure, I was called names. If not for our standing agreement, it would have ended with more than me leaving the conversations." There's probably more to it, but from the Black Queen's perspective, she was the one slighted.
Emma actually chuckles a bit, but it settles after a bare moment, and then a nod comes in understanding, "While I would fight tooth and nail to earn every ounce of respect I can get? I do not NEED their approval. I was asked to be here. First by Charles Xavier himself, and then by Scott… after our parting of ways." She actually leans in a bit, almost looming in her old self once more, "I let them make their digs, because I enjoy more than anything proving them wrong once more… and continue to prove them wrong. As they will never let me forget who I was? I will never allow them for a moment to not see who I am now. Success is always the best revenge on petty minds."
The words used to describe the situation to Selene are part of a language she can understand. Steeping her hands in front of her face, she offers a simple, "Hmmm." A sound that can be translated to an agreement of sorts. "And what of my eldritch powers?" she asks, giving Emma a quick reminds that her counterpart is still looking to return herself to her former glory, "I've been to the library. I've seen the books on the shelves. I'm sure the useful ones are probably are kept out of reach. I want access to those." Right or wrong, it sounds like Selene may be agreeing to what Emma is offering and is already in the negotiation stage.
Sitting back once more, Emma checks her winter nailpolish for a moment on one hand, holding it up so the light catches off of them for a moment, and then brings them down, all done with the careful consideration of thought in the matter. Tilting her head to one side allows some of her hair to cascade down along her shoulder, only to be swept back up by the same hand, "Faculty have full access to check out any materials as they see fit, Selene… no… Miss Gallio. Instructional materials as well as private research. Laboratory space also goes through channels with full requests and requirements submitted beforehand. Normally this is handed by Henry, but the dear has taken a sabbatical this year, and so it's just one more pleasure for me to fill the hours."
Canting her head slightly to one side, Selene smiles in just the right manner to expose a slender, pointed canine that may have very well once inspired (or caused) the vampire mythos, "And my responsibilities?" Obviously the possibility of unrestricted access to the school has helped changed her tune somewhat.
Emma holds up a finger to pause Selene's thought processes for a moment, "One to two classes, a minimum of two periods a day, plus following the standard syllabus all teachers are required to meet. Duties to students, to parents, offering assistance to students who show necessary talents or have issues that need to be addressed. This is an occupation. Thankfully, as a private school we do not need to vet you as a public system would, and your fields of expertise are limited, but still useful." A brief pause, "But understand… even the staff's usage of all material, with the exception of private material… is monitored. By security, and by myself. I am not offering you carte blanche, Miss Gallio. Along with this you will be provided with a stipend to cover expenses, and the mansion's insurance policy for covering medical and dental outside of school grounds."
Selene narrows her eyes at the use of the word 'limited.' To everything else she offers her standard, uninterested response of a simple hand wave. "History and linguistics," are the next words spoken, "As I'm sure your current teachers are probably lacking in the experience I have to offer." That thin eyebrow raises as if to challenge her 'limited' expertise, "Is that all?" It sounds easy enough.
Emma replies softly, "Yes… though this one will be more difficult than others. I need your particular talents to help a student. One who you have wronged recently. Robyn Larkin. One of the stumbling blocks in his training is his inability to vary his degree of psychic feeding from another. Irony being… if you chose to, you could do the same, and probably have in the past. If he is going to be able to function within a family unit, or off-campus at all… this kind of skill is critical for him." Eyes that seemed downcast return to Selene's gaze, "First I would like you to write up how this ability works, and things that I may present to him. This is not something that will be easy for the boy, not after all you have already done to him. But unlike before, this will be for him."
"I wronged a lot of your students, if I recall Emma," Selene states, "What ranks this precious snowflake above the others?" A thin smile forms on her lips. The type that speaks little of the need to know. "But…if this is to be part of my duties, than so be it. His issues are easily fixed and would need little input from anyone but myself." Of course. She tilts her head back a little, and gives Emma a long look, "As it is, I have little value for a student who squanders their abilities."
The attitude earns Selene something of a flat look from Emma as she moves to stand up from her seat, and comes around in front of the desk to look down on the other woman for a long moment, "Now… this is where we come to an impass. These are children… children who fail to truly comprehend the passing of ages you've faced, nor the politics you've waged. Children who have and are of no part of those games or that world. I will politely remind you to respect them for what they are, and what they can be. Which is a force for great change in this world, if the proper steps are taken now to prepare them. There has already been discussion of a training team that Mister Larkin would be a part of. Many of them are friends, but the are also powerful. I am tempted to put them in your hands simply to show you exactly what you are dealing with."
There's a long pause in which Selene considers her next few words carefully, offensively. "Interesting parable, Emma," she says with a smugness that's sure to earn her more than another look, "But then again, you speak from experience, if I recall right. What was the name of that team…? Oh, no matter. I'm sure you've forgotten yourself." There's a dismissing wave of a hand, "Teaching Robyn proper use of his powers will not be a problem. Nor would the same detail to any other group. After all, they are 'only children.'"
The thin line of that familiar White Queen smirk appears on Emma's lips as she continues to look down towards Selene, watching that smug intonation, and then tilting her head in consideration, "That stick is poking a proverbial bear neither one of us wishes to see stir from it's winter, Miss Gallio. Very well… since you seem so smug in your abilities, let's test this. Robyn Larkin, Imogen Vallon, Lucas Heathe, and Connor Blake. All were to become part of this special training. And now all are your responsibility to teach more advanced techniques to." She pauses, the smirk growing richer and colder at the same time as the room cools, "Remember those names? Oh… no matter. I'm sure you've forgotten, yourself." Mimicking the exact inflection.
Selene smiles, tilting her head, "Who?" She smoothes out her pants and stands, "Fine, I accept on the grounds, as always, that the finer details need to remain flexible." The latter being something she already asked of Lucas at one point. Standing near the front of the desk she looks down at Emma and asks, "If there is nothing else, I will take leave before our communal generosity is too thin to share."
Emma narrows her eyes, and then moves back around behind her desk, "It's amazing how you… Selene Gallio… are the one person on earth who makes me miss the fact that I had my diamond form removed. Pity that. But I digress, and you will receive all your clearances and passes in the morning. Do understand, that Danger Room access is not the same as War Room and Cerebro access. You are still denied both for the time being. That much I cannot change, as those and the hangar, are the Summers realm… and I will not see fit to cross that sleeping bear either. You'd be surprised the temper and ability that man has when he puts his mind to it."
"Fair enough," Selene offers in regards to the security clearance, "I'll just have to earn your trustand hiswon't I?" Unlikely. She's familiar with Scott enough to know she's here only by Emma's graces. Not his. "it would be rude of me not to thank you again for your hospitality. So, thank you." She nods her head a little before making her way towards the door, "Tell me the truth, Emma…doesn't this strangely almost feel like old times? Odd thing that."
Emma mumbles back before she can help herself, "Yes, but Brutus never wore Diane Von Furstenburg…" Stopping herself before the slight can go any farther, the woman takes a deep breath and settles to say, "I'm inclined to agree, however this time the politics are not for power, but for something that matter so much more. I think we've both learned that power is easily gotten, and easily lost. For all my vanity, Selene… I've discovered something far greater worth fighting for. And perhaps… God willing… you will too."
