14801/School Blues

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School Blues
Date of Scene: 15 March 2023
Location: Main Foyer - Xavier's School
Synopsis: Jean is reunited with an old friend who offers to take up teaching at the school once more.
Cast of Characters: Phoenix, Hulk




Phoenix has posed:\<br\>The winter school term started a couple of months ago, but they seem to be a bit short on teachers all the same. Perhaps it was simply that many Xmen were scattered throughout the country, working on other missions or perhaps many chose to give up their teaching careers, devoted primarily to being superheroes.\<br\>\<br\>Whatever the case, the school is in dire need of new teachers, and so Jean had contacted an old acquaintance and former teacher at the school.\<br\>\<br\>She trusts he already knows his way in and so she agreed to meet him in her office, a plain but homely looking place with warm oak walls and flooring and a comfy looking rug on the floor. She sits in her chair, waiting for him to arrive.
Hulk has posed:\<br\>A cure. \<br\>\<br\> He has to find a cure. \<br\>\<br\> Banner was at Avengers Mansion, surrounded by science equipment for his next radical idea on how to treat his condition, to attempt a shot at a normal life. All previous attempts to do much as mitigate the Hulk's presence has completely failed. He had taken a blood sample and added some extract of yew wood, as it has some herbal medication qualities...only for his cells to exothermically react, breaking his microscope lenses. \<br\>\<br\> "Dammit." \<br\>\<br\> Then he gets a phone call from the lovely Jean Grey, an old friend whom he hasn't seen in some time. \<br\>\<br\> It's some time later in the day that Bruce arrives at the Institute, dressed in a suit with a purple bow tie. His face has some scruff on it, some facial hair he's left unshaven for the moment, his hair just slightly longer as brown eyes observe the well-maintained halls. \<br\>\<br\> When he makes it to her office, he knocks the the door frame and adjusts his glasses before he enters, assuming she approves his entry.
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey is glancing down at some documents, rather concerning really all things given..Or perhaps she is just very paranoid lately, given recent events. At any rate, she is grateful for the interruption, an interruption that she is in fact expecting. And perhaps he can be of use in more ways than one.\<br\>\<br\>"Please, come in.." And he will find the door is open. She was expecting him, afterall.\<br\>\<br\>Upon seeing Bruce, she smiles warmly, climbing to her feet and stepping towards him, arms open as if to give him a hug. "Bruce! It's been so very long. It is good to see you again. How have you been?"
Hulk has posed:\<br\>If there have been pressing events that Bruce was aware of, surely he would give his condolences for them? Nonetheless, being permitted entry, Bruce walks into the office and closes the door behind him, turning his eyes to Jean as she wishes him well and greets him so warmly. A big smile crosses his face as he gladly accepts her hug, wrapping his arms around her and giving a friendly squeeze of his arms. \<br\>\<br\> "It's good to see you too, Jeannie." He chuckles, pulling back enough after a moment to look at her. "I've been...well, about the same. Getting older, while it feels like you're getting younger. More radiant every day." He chuckles, yet compliments her all the same. "I appreciate you inviting me today."
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey chuckles, "Can't say I'm getting any younger myself, although it's a nice thought..I appreciate the compliment." she steps back, holding him at arm's length. "You are looking well, I imagine things have been busy with the Avengers?"\<br\>\<br\>As for the invitation, Jean nods again, stepping back to her desk. "Please, have a seat, we have much to discuss. I appreciate your willing to come back here to teach again as we are rather short staffed on teachers at the moment. I trust you will be picking up physics once again as before..?" she starts making some notes, preparing to add him back to the teaching roster..
Hulk has posed:\<br\>"You sure? I'm pretty sure I'm gaining wrinkles and you're losing them." Bruce let's that rumble sit in his throat. "Well enough. Could probably use a haircut but what can you do." He shrugs with a soft smile. \<br\>\<br\> He follows her over to the desk, taking a seat in front of it and clasping his hands in front of him. "Of course. You have helped me in my trying days and...well, it'd be a crime not to return the favor. Physics will do, yes. I figure basic science is already well-covered and I tend to...communicate physics better." \<br\>\<br\> Because when Bruce talks science? It takes Reed Richards or Tony Stark to follow along.
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey chuckles, "You're too kind, Bruce. Can I offer you some tea?" she has a large jug of iced tea and glasses in a tray on her desk for just such an occasion.\<br\>\<br\>Listening to him explain, she nods thoughtfully, "Yes, one of the best I hear. Of course I know you have taught physics classes here in the past although it has been a while..But I have every faith that you can pick up where you left off, and of course we would be honoured to have such a prominent physicst work for us." she peers at him thoughtfully, "Are there any other sciences that you are well-versed in..? Genetics perhaps?"
Hulk has posed:\<br\>A smile crosses Bruce's face as he regards Jean Grey fondly. "I would love some, thank you." He tilts his head. "Is it Earl Grey?" He's on good enough terms with the Professor to know his favorite kind of tea. "I don't know if I'm still the best. Lots of competition these days." \<br\>\<br\> But no one on earth knows and understands Radiation better than he does. \<br\>\<br\> "The honor's mine." And considering NO ONE WOULD DARE try to unleash the Hulk in a school...he's in a great place. "Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology, Anatomy and physiology...I know a bit of medicine." He has numerous PhDs. "I can carry a large load of it would be helpful."
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey chuckles, "I just have iced tea here, but there's plenty of other flavors in the teachers' lounge. I'm sure you know your way around the school but I'm happy to give you a refresher tour if need be."\<br\>\<br\>Her smile widens at the admission, nodding, "Good, I suspected as much..Not that I plan to exploit all of your skills, but..." her smile fades just a bit, a hint of concern in her eyes.\<br\>\<br\>"To be honest, we've been having some..Interesting events happening around here lately, and we could really use your expertise."\<br\>\<br\>Jean draws a deep breath, pausing for a moment to pour herself and Bruce a glass of iced tea, and takes a moment to sip her's.
Hulk has posed:\<br\>"Oh?" \<br\>\<br\> Concerns? That's not great news at all. Though hearing they may need his expertise and Bruce clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably. "You can exploit as many as you like. It's what friends are for." He tells her warmly, but he looks down for a second. \<br\>\<br\> "Which begs the question...do you need my expertise?" \<br\>\<br\> A gulp. \<br\>\<br\> "...or his?" His being the Hulk. But some problems can't be punched until it goes away. Honestly, Bruce wants to avoid turning into the Hulk at all times.
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey shakes her head. "Sorry to put you on the spot. I appreciate whatever help I can get, and we seem to be short on scientists right at the moment with Beast busy with other duties.."\<br\>\<br\>She smiles a bit more at his offer of assistance. "Hm, I need the scientist, not the muscle. You see..A few weeks ago, a number of our students went missing in the mountains of Westchester County. We eventually found them, but it has openned a bunch of new questions. For instance, a mysterious alien pod was found half-buried in the snow nearby a cavern inhabited by...Yeti."\<br\>\<br\>Yes. Yeti. Plural.\<br\>\<br\>Jean maintains a serious composure as she says that as well. "First of all, I'm no expert on Abominable Snowmen but I thought they were mostly herbivorous so why were they dragging kids into their home for presumably sustenance? Secondly, the alien pod..And thirdly.."\<br\>\<br\>She frowns again, leaning back in her chair, checking her papers for confirmation on something. "Those three mutants that went missing were pretty young, an eleven year old, and two twelve year olds. The two eldest have fully recovered, however their powers seem...Much more advanced than before they left. The youngest, Jane is still in the med bay recovering and seems to be in some sort of deep sleep or coma, I am not sure which."
Hulk has posed:\<br\>"It's okay. Really, Jean. Don't make me make you read my mind to make sure it's okay." Bruce playfully, slightly, smiled at Jean, amused. "Hank's a busy guy. And this would help take things off of his plate too." \<br\>\<br\> A friend in need is a friend indeed. \<br\>\<br\> Her smile was radiant and infectious, often causing him to do the same. Her wish for his kind to be put to work rather than his rage is met with a sigh of relief. "Then I'm happy to help however I can." \<br\>\<br\> Hearing Yeti should shock him. Honestly, very few things do these days. Perhaps it's Jean's serious composure that ensures Bruce doesn't reply with skepticism, but hearing that they only drug away children - children who's powers became more advanced. \<br\>\<br\> "Well....if I'm not mistaken, the X-gene can be activated in times of stress and trauma. Perhaps their mutations advanced quicker because of what they experienced?" Hearing one of them is in comatose? \<br\>\<br\> "how long has she been in this state? Timesise?"
Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey hmmms and nods, still looking worried. "It could be..But, I've never seen such a rapid progression. And their personalities seem..More mature as well. I would really feel better if you could take a look over them at your earliest convenience. It's probably nothing, just an over cautious headmistress, however..."\<br\>\<br\>She shrugs, staring down at her amber tea, biting her lip. "I suppose I just cannot shake this feeling." As for the other child, she nods, looking back to him. "It has been nearly a week since she was comatose. I have not had time to look her over although I intend to scan her mind, make sure she is alright. we have been rather busy with..Other matters."
Hulk has posed:\<br\>"Their personalities?" \<br\>\<br\> Bruce brings a hand to his chin in deep thought. It's almost like the Gamma Bomb that gave him the curse that is the Hulk. But instead...this advanced what was already there. "Was there anything strange in the cave? Anything reportedly out of place? It sounds like someone was experimenting in them...or if Yetis are like some other monsters, could've been trying to make them like the Yetis." \<br\>\<br\> A dark thought. \<br\>\<br\> "Then I'll examine them at first convenience. I won't let these kids suffer under my watch." He frowns deeply then. "A week? Alright, I'll examine her first. A telepath would be great in case science fails. It's possible she's in a strange stage of her mutation and her body just...tried to adapt."