(no subject)

[beathach]

Who: two nerds and you
Broadcast: fleetwide
Action: Marsiva
When: now!

[ The audio comes on sharply, but everything is still dark as two people discuss their situation.]

Is that the camera? Can you get it to work?

I - think so? Here, push this --

I am pushing it, Hank. I thought you knew about these from that show you keep watching. Space Trek?

It's Star Trek and that isn't exactly - you know, the same thing as this.

Right. . . . Wait, I think I see something on the side.

[ And the video flickers on, the red light glowing softly. It focuses on two men. One in a wheelchair and the other right next to him, peering curiously at the camera before they step back satisfied. ]

Well, that’s over and done with. Hello to anyone who might be out there. My name is Charles Xavier and this is Hank McCoy. Apparently we’ve been kidnapped again, by an unknown force again for some mysterious reason.

[muttered:] Again. [and louder] So if anyone would be kind enough to explain exactly what's going on, we'd appreciate it. You have our thanks in advance.

But do keep it pertinent.

Comments

[axiomed]

[ Charles goes quiet for a while. How often had he thought of that before? ]

I find that leaving is only final if both parties believe it. If there is space in your life for him to come back . . . then maybe he will.

[neversets]

I don't think I could trust him. He left. No explanation. Not even excuses. Just left.

[ He'd scream and hit and cry and knows he'd probably still end up taking him back, which he hates about himself right now. He's only just started to learn how to define himself as Apollo, not Apollo-and-Midnighter. ]

[axiomed]

Then that's your decision.

[ But Charles can see where it might lead. And it might never lead down a road where his lover comes back.

Charles compromised. And learned. ]

[neversets]

[ Apollo watches him for a moment, then decides to ask anyway. ]

Who left you?

[axiomed]

[ Charles doesn't respond. Then with a sigh. ]

Everyone did.

[neversets]

I'm so sorry.

[ He is. Losing people is hard. Having them leave is worse. ]

[axiomed]

[ He shrugs. It was some time ago and he's learned to cope better. ]

I learned that closing myself off means I never let them back in. And I rather have them back than to know I might never have them again.

[neversets]

... are you a hugging sort of person? Because you really look like you need a hug, but I don't want to ambush one on you.

[axiomed]

[ He blinks before flashing a smile. ]

I assure you, I'm all right. Though the sentiment is appreciated.

[neversets]

You're not, but okay.

[ He can accept the need to be okay, even when you're not. He lived like that for the first two months. ]

You ever think you need a hug, give me a shout. I give mean hugs.

[axiomed]

[ He's vaguely glad Erik can't hear that. ]

I'll keep that in mind, but I'm sure I'll survive.

[neversets]

[ Apollo shrugs slightly. He likes hugging people, but he gets that a lot of people don't feel the same. ]

Tell me about your Earth?

[axiomed]

There isn't much to say. Mutants are slowly emerging in the world and they're often faced with a lot of prejudice. Hopefully, that will cease to be an issue in the future.

[ Not yet. Maybe not ever, but Charles knows things can change for the better. He's seen it happen. ]

[neversets]

So... powered people aren't accepted? Or liked? Are they all from this x-gene? What year is it? How do you deal with aliens?

[axiomed]

Aliens?

[ That felt like a non sequitur. ]

It's 1973. I wouldn't say they're not accepted, just that they're not that well known yet.

[neversets]

Hm. Okay, bit behind where my world is.

Aliens. Post-humans fight alien invasions. Some post-humans are aliens. Or alien made.

[axiomed]

I certainly don't think we've had any dealings with aliens.

[ Their lives were complicated enough. ]

[neversets]

Mm. Well, lucky. A lot of them are hostile bastards.

[axiomed]

Well. I can't say we're much better.

[neversets]

No. But in my world? That's why the Authority exist. To remind bullies that there's bigger, meaner bullies who will stop them if they try stomping on people.

His gaze is distant for a while.

Our ship, Carrier, she's huge. Something like a mile long and much deeper. We homed refugees for a long time while we sorted out getting them rehomed in other countries, and the way everyone helped everyone else... it was so good to be part of helping, caring. When we have to get involved in a bust up, we help after with the clean up and rescue and rebuild.

People suck sometimes. But they can be amazing as well.

[axiomed]

[ The phrasing takes him a bit back. ]

Yes, well. We have time on our hands. I'm sure things will change.

[neversets]

[ Apollo looks at Charles and smiles again. There's hints in him that maybe, when he was made Apollo, he wasn't young then, even if he doesn't visibly age anymore. He's not a young, vulnerable soul. He's a hardened soldier of super powered wars. He was born in betrayal and death. ]

They will. If people want to change them, they will. I mean, it wasn't so long ago that I couldn't have married my husband. Legally, couldn't. And not that long since they decriminalised being gay.

[axiomed]

That is rather impressive. I'm afraid we haven't come that far yet.

[ Erik and Charles has never discussed anything like that. It was hard enough just to convince Erik to stay - and even then, it's up in the air. ]

[neversets]

No, neither had we in the 1970's. Honestly? We still get a lot of shit flung out way by homophobes and red necks. Had- things done to me, because of it.

[ He doesn't remember all of it. He's grateful for that. More grateful for Midnighter and his jack hammer exacting revenge. ]

You will. You'll get there.

[axiomed]

[ He shrugs. Being recognized that way wasn't his concern or priority. ]

I'm sure we will. I have no doubts.