11950/As Seen On TV

As Seen On TV
Date of Scene:	08 August 2020
Location:	Rec Room - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Shocking new ideas, illuminating revelations, and couch burnings. Another night at Xavier's.
Cast of Characters:	Faraday, SpyderByte, Nightcrawler, Firefly (Barrows)

---

Faraday has posed:
Saturday evening. There's a plate of nuked chicken nuggets, a 2 liter of Coke, and a television with all of the channels. Except Indira, lounged on the couch with the plate resting on her abdomen and in easy range, can't settle on a channel. Click, click, click, click; she goes one channel to the next to the next. Sighing, she pauses briefly on the beaming facade of a saleswoman on QVC selling some kitchen gadget before *click* next channel. "Ugh, nine hundred channels and nothing on. No wonder people just stare at YouTube all day."

SpyderByte has posed:
Making his way into the Rec Room is Jeremy, who is bundled under his hoodie again, back into black pants and his dog collar around his throat. He squints over at the flickering screen, then back over towards Indi as he lifts a hand upwards. "Hi." He says as he settles into a chair next to her with a slow easing backwards. He looks over at the nuggets balancing on her stomach, then back towards the TV. He tilts his head slightly to the side, then says, "Do y-y-you wuh-w-want t-t-to waaa-wuh..waa-tch ssssomething I ffffound on the Int-t-t-ernet?"

Faraday has posed:
"They're 'chick'pea nuggets. Total lie and dry as the Mojave, but good when drowned in ranch." Remarks Indira as she holds up one of the lumps before popping it into her mouth. She hoists up the plate then and scoots herself upwards so she's just sitting at one end versus commandeering the entirely of the sofa. "Found on the net, huh? Is this potentially illegal pirated movies kind of thing, or cute cat videos kind of thing? Because I'm down for either, I'm not picky. Thirty second videos are the peak of my ability to focus on."

SpyderByte has posed:
There is a slow blink of Jeremy's eyes, followed by a small smile. He gives a motion of his hand to take control of the television. It only takes him a few seconds to focus, but he pulls up a grainy black and white video that appears to be in some type of lab. The language is possibly Korean, and there is a time stamp on the video that sets it in the seventies. Taking out his phone, he puts it down so that he can speak through it.

In the video, there is a man who is being fitted by a couple of bulky looking gauntlets by two doctors in labcoats. After they leave the room, he lifts his hands up and electrical arcs launch out of his hands wildly, electrocuting himself in the process as his body thumps to the side. Cooked. The video cuts out quickly in a static ripple from the amount of energy in the air.

<< I was curious about your powers and decided to dig deep into the dark web and I found this. Someone leaked a few videos of the Korean government trying to create super soldiers by using mutants and augmenting their powers. They did not really calibrate those correctly, but, it got me thinking about your own power set. >>

He tilts his head over towards her as he swipes the video off with a flick of his fingers. << Are you able to control the accuracy of your blasts and the power levels of them? The devices they created were designed to originally lower or strengthen the electrical powers he had and give a better range of ability. He was not immune to his own powers. I don't think they knew that going into it. >>

Nightcrawler has posed:
    A forked tail drifts down from the ceiling of the rec room, drawing slowly, sneakily down, and then curling into a loose O -- only to catch a bowl of popcorn.

    "You know, when someone mentioned watching things on the internet, I admittedly thought it was 'old tik tok' videos or dramatic animals." comes a familiar voice from above.

    Kurt looks mildly peturbed, but it isn't obvious in the shadows. He's wearing jeans, and a happy yellow T-shirt with a black outline of a cartoony submarine on it.

    "Since we do not currently have safety measures in place, may I reccomend against taking their approach?"

Faraday has posed:
Indira Bhandari sets her plate of nuggets aside so she can scooch forward to the end of the seat, hunching her with her arms on her knees. She squints at the screen and gives a dismissing hiss through her teeth. "Amateur. I never shocked myself once since getting these powers, and I accidentally dropped a lightning bolt on myself. Woke me up better than caffeine though! I don't think I stopped talking and pacing around the house for most of the day. I can get things zapping in a general direction, sort of influence how much punch they have. Not enough for me to trust chucking ball lightning at your face, tho--WOAH."

She jerks back in her seat at the appearance of the tail and she squints over towards Kurt. "Oh, uh, hi. Yeah. Well, probably not a good idea to do anything North Korea is doing. Oppressing people, mass cover ups, nuclear testing - yeah, not my idea of a fun weekend."

SpyderByte has posed:
At the sound of Kurt's voice, Jeremy jolts visibly, nearly out of his skin as he pulls his phone tighter against him. The TV cuts out in a quick blip and a hiss of static.

<< I was not suggesting anything. I was curious what her control was. >>

AKA: I don't want to get electrocuted in the DR.

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    Josiah makes his way into the rec room. He often comes in here to study or read his favorite book and he smiles as he sees others. "Mr. Wagner, always a pleasure to see you. Did you hear, his holiness has said that those who follow him on twitter you will spend less time in purgatory." He says with a smile as he turns to the others and he straightens his jacket. "Hello. I am Josiah Barrows." He says with a friendly smile.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Generally, if North Korea is doing it, it is probably a bad idea, ja. Their leadership does not have a very good track record of sucsess or personal rights..." Kurt remarks quietly, and then he pauses as another voice comes in. "Ah! Good afternoon, Josiah. What is a Twitter?" the older mutant inquires good naturedly as he crouches, upside-down on the ceiling.

    "Have you had the chance to meet Indira yet? She will be attending in the autumn."

Faraday has posed:
"An excellent source of bad news and professional internet know-it-alls." Indira says over to Kurt with a barked laugh before she plucks up another nugget and pops it in her mouth.

It's then someone new comes in, and she turns her head to give Josiah a quick up and down once over looksie before bobbing her chin upwards in a nod. "Yo. Good to meetcha, Josiah. Yeup, I'm the new kid. Hooray for me."

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    "Do not feel so bad, Indira. Befoe you I was the new kid." Josiah says with a grin. He then looks to Kurt. "Yes I feel the same way about twitter." He says cheerfully. "I am hoping to convince the staff here after I attend college about letting me teach religious studies. Too many people use the bible for their own end."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "That would be a hard sell to the professors, Josiah, because religious studies tend to focus on the religion one knows best -- the one we are born to -- oooor adopt most strongly." Kurt replies to Josiah, "It is easy to turn a religions course into prothelizing and evangicalism, neither of which are appropriate for the school's student body." he gives a toothy smile.

    "After I attended the seminary, I considered the same; there was a discussion. Perhaps you will have better luck, ja? But don't be disappointed if Jean requests you take a few years beyond the scope of your studies here to pursue outside the school, and travel to learn about the religions of the world from not only the learned who study, but the layman who practice. Often, you find the salt of the Earth not on the pulpit, but in the field."

    "And have you met Jeremy? He is also new, and will be attending in the autumn. He helped me pick up Indira."

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    Josiah nods to Kurt. "You are probably right, Mr. Wagner. I do know of other religions but mostly to compare how inferier they were to christianity. Still maybe after I have more studies under my belt after school Miss Grey may consider it." Josiah says with a shrug as he turns to Jeremy and smiles. "A pleasure to meet you both. I am afraid I been away from the school for a while. My parents runs a mobile church and I am their faith healer and one of their preachers." He says as he offers a hand to Jeremy and then to Indira.

Faraday has posed:
"Considering the supposed real Norse God of Thunder rolls through New York City on occasion smacking around evildoers and making the potholes worse, I'd figure if other gods were out there they'd either be helping or avoiding all of this insanity." Indira remarks with an indifferent shrug. "Kind of wacky to think who all may be out there, and what they really are, but thinking too long on that just hurts my brain. I ain't planning on sitting down to dinner with any deities anytime soon."

"Whole classes on religion are tough, at least to keep it fair to everyone. Maybe you can set up a private student study group-club sorta thing?" She says as she takes up the offered hand. "Schools always have those, right?"

SpyderByte has posed:
<< I am Jeremy. >> The phone's speakers speak for the young Goth as he holds it in his hands.

Jeremy shifts a bit in his chair, reaching out to take his hand in a frail grasp. One would notice a number of scars along his hand, as if a razor was taken to him at one point. Old scars.

He withdraws his hand quickly, tucking it back into his sleeve as he gives a look over towards Indira and Kurt, slumping his shoulders a bit. He looks anxious and fidgety.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "And there, Josiah, you have the rub. I would love to invite Thor to one of the discussions, but ah -- his brother makes things difficult whenever the two are on similar planes for too long." Kurt states, scratching the back of his neck. "And then you contemplate our allies from other worlds, their beliefs, and the idea that some religions are still very concerned with appearances --" Kurt motions to himself, "I made quite a stir in some places." he adds dryly.

    "And there is a religion group. I know many students pray before their finals."

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    Josiah. "The lord loves all life, from the mouse to humans. WE are his children. Aliens from other worlds are also created by his grace." Josiah says as he nods. "I understand your point, Mr. Wagner." He says as he watches the people present before he nods to Indira. "I was forming a study group, about studying the bible and comparing it to actual history texts, to try and figure out how old the bible is. But most dont want to give it a try." He says as he watches them.

Faraday has posed:
The grasp of Indira's hand brings with it a tingle, like touching something electrified. It's not painful, but the staticky numb sensation is likely weird. "My ancestors would disown me, I still can't name all of the devi and deva. So, I ain't judging anyone on who brings them purpose, long as they're not telling you to be a dick to anyone. Er, sorry, Mr. Kurt." Swears in front of mentor-types.

She leans back in her seat to shove another ranched up faux nugget in her mouth, though they're no doubt cold. She drapes an arm over the back of the sofa as she looks over to Jeremy, "So, when's the next round of practice? You brought up a good point. I really should focus on accuracy and pulling my punches. Frying electronics is old, but I'd rather not fry someone. ...unless they're a di--... jerk."

SpyderByte has posed:
As he listens to them, Jeremy continues to tuck his way into his hoodie. He gives a visible frown, spinning his phone slowly about in his hands. He looks over to Indi, then gives a slow blink of his eyes as a message shows up on her phone. For now, the speakers are quiet.

*Ping* << Here is the schedule from Mister Guthrie and Mister McCoy. >>

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Ach. Such language from the mouths of the students!" Kurt bemoans from the ceiling, and then he gives a small shrug.

    "I've already had issues with my own relatives, I really shouldn't speak of others so poorly." he remarks quietly, then looks to the room from the ceiling, looking 'up' at the students below.

    "You will find that is a belief that is not universally shared, Josiah, and I would be very wary of voicing such beliefs should you have the opportunity to leave Earth." Kurt gives out a little warning, and his ears give a slight wiggle.

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    Josiah just smiles. "So you two are a part of the new mutants? I am afraid my powers are tricky to use in combat." He says as he raises a hand and makes it glow blindingly bright. the light seems to have a calming effect on those it touches and any injuries they havem even muscle fatique and tiredness seems to melt away in the warmth the light produces. He then looks to the others to see their reactions to his powers.

Faraday has posed:
"I'll eat soap after I finish these to wash out my bad words." Indira jokes upwards to Kurt with a grin before pulling out her phone to look at the schedule. "Oh cool, thanks, Jer. That was fun last time, it's nice to cut loose."

There's a nod of her head towards Josiah to confirm team membership before she squints her eyes against the light of his powers. "Ooh, shiny." She raises up her hand and flexes out her fingers. Her eyes brighten with a silver-violet light that reflects the arcs of electricity that jump from finger to finger. Except one leaps free in a sharp crack and singes a hold in the couch. Swallowing, she quickly stifles her power and shoves the offending hand under her rump while gingerly reaching out with her other to smother the tiny curls of smoke that come up from the scorched spot. "....ooooh.... sorry. Uh, yah, my bad."

SpyderByte has posed:
As everyone shows off their powers, Jeremy just sits there in the chair, twirling his phone about a bit, looking fidgety. He glances up at Josiah, then over towards Indi. He gives his phone another bit of a squeeze He's quiet. He's always quiet.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    There is the sound of teleporting, the rapid displacement of air a little further away. He is still very, very wary of any sort of angelic appearing powers.

    "Jeremy has a rather remarkable technopath! One of the strongest that I've ever encountered. Such incredible potential. You should challenge him to the Smash Brothers."

    The tail drops again, with the bowl in it.

    "I have popcorn."

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    "My abilities is the ability to heal anything living with my light. It purifies toxins and drug addiction as well as mental disorders. I can create weapons or objects with this light, like wings to fly, but when used offensively makes a person's life force flicker. The toughest I can create is something along the lines of steel but with no weight." He says as he makes a staff of light and offers it around for people to handle it. upon touching it they will feel restored and healed, an intense warmth radiating from the staff.

Faraday has posed:
"Fancy. That's a lot to wrangle, but it sounds like it really makes a difference. I just... electrocute things, maybe supercharge a storm, electrocute more things. I'm a simple girl." Indira says with a shrug of her shoulders. She looks over towards Jeremy then and flashes him a wide grin. "You can do some pretty neat things, from what I've seen. Tech is like... learning a new alien language everyone is still figuring out. Sure people can make a computer and punch in commands, but you actually talk to it."

SpyderByte has posed:
There is a slight shrug of the shoulders at the praise. Jeremy stares at his phone for a moment, then glances back up to Kurt. He gives him a quick, guarded smile before he draws his hoodie over his head a bit tighter. The light casted by the staff causes him to blink a few times. He gives a slight frown to himself, then curls up a bit on his side in the chair.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    Kurt gives a slight pause, looking to Jeremy for a moment, and he takes a deep breath, and rubs the back of his head.

    "Well, Josiah, if you are so inclined, perhaps I should revive the study group. I've not had any since I left teaching full-time, but it seems it may be something to revive with the new school year." he considers, and then snaps his fingers. "Ah! Yes -- if you were to draft a proposal, it could be student lead -- we could go tot he Library and see if any of the computers there are available." Kurt states, attempting a distract, as he drops down from the ceiling, doing a nimble flip, and lands in a crouch, between Josiah and Jeremy, and offers the bowl of popcorn to Indi and Jer.

Firefly (Barrows) has posed:
    Josiah smiles as he turns to kurt. "Cant hurt to revive it." He says as he watches the blue man. He then looks about then back to them. "Well I better get back to my own studies. I wish you two better luck in the danger room then me." He says as he grins at them and begins to head out.

Faraday has posed:
"Ugh that smells so good, but... butter." Indira sighs longingly as she looks to the bowl, but ultimately gestures it towards Jeremy. "I hate my stupid heart. I grabbed the short straw there."

As Josiah moves to depart, she raises up a hand to sent a parting wave in his direction. "Haven't been there yet, but it sounds like a blast. Literally. Have a good night."

SpyderByte has posed:
Giving another glance to Indi, Jeremy lets out a soft breath to himself as he reaches up into his hood to rub at the back of his neck. The robotic voice comes through the speakers of his phone that he clutches in his hands.

<< Good night. Nice to meet you. >>

The phone's tone always has a soft, comforting lull to it. It almost sounds like him. He's still working on it. As the popcorn is offered, he reaches out to take a few, popping them into his mouth for a quick chew and swallow.

<< Yum. >>

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Oh, no, I stole this from one of the teachers. Olive oil, salt, pepper. I'm sure she won't mind." Kurt states wryly.

    "Take care, Josiah, goodnight!" he calls, and then pauses, and looks over his shoulder at Jer, and gives a gentle smile.

    "Is there something I can do if that situation occurs again, Jeremy?" he questions gently to the lad.

Faraday has posed:
"Oh sweet!" Indira says as she inches closer to the bowl again to grab herself a handful of the popcorn. "Not like I'm going to outright die, but I do try and stick to it for a few reasons." She settles back on the couch then to let the two of them chat with her chin propped up in her hand. "Well that guy is, hm. Something."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< I feel bad for him. >>

Is Jeremy's response as he taps the volume down on his phone a bit. It's almost like whispering. Even if the tone is the same and unchanged. He reaches for another bit of popcorn and pours it into his lap to settle.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "American Christianity is a different creature than what I am used to where I am from. I worry, sometimes, that students who come from strict backgrounds, as he has, will suffer for it in many ways. There are many here who somewhat share his beleifs, but we have under our own roof a woman revered as a Goddess in her home village. I have had the pleasure of working with many who would be considered icons, and if the Professor did want a religion class... there are better teachers who are more nuanced. I do run a Sunday prayer group, and one of the other instructors volunteer to take others to Mass or to services if they so wish." Kurt admits, "... but there is nothing so structured as a class. At this point, after leaving the seminary, I doubt even I would feel comfortable teaching such a course. Hank could perhaps teach it objectively."