driftfleet | (no subject)

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[ The phrasing takes him a bit back. ]

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

[ 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.

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. ]

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.

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

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

Look at it this way. You might be super powered, disabled and queer, but you're white and male and you have superpowers, so the odds aren't all against you.

[ Apollo might be irrepressibly cheerful at times. ]

Don't forget wealthy.

[ It's weird to hear it like that. Granted, Charles has come a long way to realize his own privileges. ]

[ Apollo laughs. ]

Right, and wealthy, apparently! You're sounding like a better and better catch.

Oh, I'm well aware of what a catch I am.

[ But he's also very much taken at this point. ]

Apollo flirts. He flies, he glows, he flirts. Available, or gay, or even male isn't part of the equation.

Well, when he comes back, you remember that. You don't have to settle, any more than I do.

[ He huffs, briefly amused. ]

There's no need. He did that already. In fact, he's here.

Oh.

Oh.

I don't know if it's better or worse, if he left you and then he's here...

I think I may have led you astray a little. He left some time ago, but we . . . got a second chance and worked through it.

Maybe he might leave someday. It's entirely possible. But I'll still be here when he wants to come back.

Oh.

That's really fucking sweet.

[ And he means it, so sincerely. Someone else might be resentful at being misled about Charles having been left by everyone, but Apollo's just genuinely glad that young love found a way. ]

Be happy. For however long you can.

[ They're not young anymore, though. ]

That is the plan.

[ Hush. Young in Apollo's mind, hypocritical as it may be. ]

Good. That's good.

[ He hauls himself up onto his feet again. ]

I'm going to give you space. Maybe find a kitchen and exercise this new augment of mine.

You should take Hank with it. I'm sure he'd love to see more of the ship.

[ Mostly because Charles need to have a private conversation with Kitty and he needs to pay Hank back for the princess carry comment. And because Charles is a secret asshole. ]

I'll offer.

[ He won't take Hank if Hank doesn't want to go, but he doesn't mind company. And a guinea pig for his new culinary skills. ]

[ He grins. ]

Thank you.