14965/When Plans Fall Through

When Plans Fall Through
Date of Scene:	20 April 2023
Location:	Library - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Jean touches base with Angelica about potential.
Cast of Characters:	Firestar, Phoenix

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Firestar has posed:\<br\> A library. How many kids run from these things in fear? Too much of that heavy thought inducing reading stuff. Angelica walks through the stacks slowly, touching things here and there. Her eyes pause on one section, a hand raises and pulls down the book,"Firestarter. The things I could tell you Charlie." \<br\>\<br\> Putting the book back in place, she wanders on. For now, she pauses at a window overlooking the campus. A wistful sigh escapes her throat softly,"I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey just happens to have a load of books to return to the library herself, and so she steps in with a small pile of books ranging in topic from biology, aliens and yetis. Oddly enough, or perhaps not so oddly, given recent events. After depositing the books, she peers around, stepping towards the non fiction science section and pauses as she spires Angelica.\<br\>\<br\>She smiles uncertainly at her for some reason, seeming..Tense for some reason. "Angelica, hello.."

Firestar has posed:\<br\> The sound of another moving from behind her brings Angelica out of her blind stare over the grounds. She blinks and turns towards the sound of Jean's voice. She manages a bit of a smile and replies,"Hello Ms. Grey. How are you today?" She settles into an easy posture. She is a special kind of awkward in her own way, but she tries.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods to Angelica, adjusting her own composure as she often does, subconsciously trying to put the other girl at ease. "I am alright, however, I do need to talk to you about something. Do you have a moment..?"

Firestar has posed:\<br\> There is a slight change in her expression, almost that uh oh look. She shrugs it off in a second though and nods,"Of course." She indicates a table nearby,"Do you want to have a seat so we are more comfortable?" Angelica doesn't really sweat much, but it is pretty clear she is a hint anxious about what could potentially be coming her way. \<br\>\<br\> Like a trooper though, she waits to see what Jean might have in mind. She manages a little bit of a real smile, but for the most part she is still enough awkward teenager that the grown woman can melt if she isn't mindful.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles more warmly and nods, leading her towards one of the nearby tables. "Here is fine, I won't be long. And don't worry, you are not in trouble or anything..I just need to tie some..Loose ends. How are you settling in, lately, have you had a chance to meet with Scott yet?"

Firestar has posed:\<br\> Once Jean is settled, Angelica takes a seat. She rests her arms on the table lightly,"No no. I'm glad to get to talk with you. I know you're busy." she assures her. She thinks for a moment and shakes her head,"I haven't seen him since I got back. I have been looking for him when I am here, but so far no luck." She seems to relax a little more as whatever she was tense about seems to not come to fruition.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods and sighs, "Yea, he can get pretty busy, managing the team and all.." her smile slips just a bit. "I'm afraid I must apologize. About our last meeting regarding finding a physics teaching mentor for you to shadow.." she seems to hesitate just a bit, but continues on. \<br\>\<br\>"Lets just say..Plans fell through and Mr. Banner will no longer be teaching at the school, for the foreseeable future.." her smile fades just a bit more as the words come out as if this troubles her to some degree, but she is doing her best to remain professional.

Firestar has posed:\<br\> A nod as she listens to Jean talk about Scott's schedule,"I can get that. Not necessarily managing the team, but I get busy...." she pauses and corrects,"...understand being busy." Yup, she has a way with words this one. \<br\>\<br\> The change in the subject and Jean's general presence seems to bring her more into focus,"Hey. I mean no problem. I wasn't sure how I would be able to keep up with him anyway you know?" She frowns a little and she asks,"Did something happen? I mean the mansion is standing still so not the worst that could happen, but something?" She tries to be less of a prying student and more of an understanding friend.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods, "Well yes, a lot of things to manage all the time, but things seem to have settled down for the most part.." well for now at least. As for Bruce, she shrugs, "Well he was a guest speaker to begin with, and not a permanent resident at the school. Eventually we would like to have our own permanent resident physics teacher, and we are currently looking for a mentor in that regard. Scott had suggested that I could possibly help out there too, depending on your needs.." she tilts her head, peering at her thoughtfully, "Are you wanting to learn more about physics or teaching?"

Firestar has posed:\<br\> Taking it in for a moment, Angelica finally nods,"Guest is a guest. When their taime is out, it's out." She doesn't dwell on it because Jean isn't too inclined to go into detail. A thoughtful look furrows her brow as she considers the question,"I hadn't really thought about teaching, but to be honest I am not against it either. I mean, what good am I if I don't help the next generation?" \<br\>\<br\> She finally touches the subject she was wary about earlier,"I guess maybe if I am going to sign on to teach, I should probably come clean about Emma's skyfall into the pool yeah?" She seems somewhat regretful, but not entirely. A hint of a smile touches her lips inspite of herself. A poker player she isn't.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods and smiles, "Well like I said, we could use a permanent physics teacher, and of course you be well compensated. Think about it.." that, and also, alums don't generally get to just live on campus unless they're either teaching or team members.\<br\>\<br\>With that settled, Jean looks ready to leave, but pauses as she mentions Emma, the name bringing a slight frown to her lips. "Hmm? What happened between you and Emma?"

Firestar has posed:\<br\> "I'll do it." she replies. Maybe she wasn't really thinking all that hard about it,"I would be glad to help. I tutored a lot of the New Warriors like I said. I have had a lot of practice teaching so I can probably get some sort of credentials if needed." \<br\>\<br\> Ahh yes. The Emma thing,"Well. There is a lot of history there between us." she admits,"Not all of it good. I thought I had put it behind me, but..." She sighs softly,"She baited me, I took the bait, grabbed her, and flew her up. I told her I was going to show her what she made of of by going into space and turning my power loose." She scratches her head a grimaces a little,"About a mile and a half into the air, she told me she would love to see it. It didn't concern her at all. So I...dropped her." \<br\>\<br\> She does accept it was somewhat out of line, but the memory clearly is a happy one,"It was the first time I ever saw her lose her composure, even for a second. I slowed her fall enough to not destroy the yard and guided her into the pool so she didn't damage it either. I prevented that much velocity. Physics is good for something."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods and smiles, "I appreciate it. I know you will do a good job of it, as your file suggests. You are perhaps more qualified than you realize.." her smile once again fades as Angelica describes her recent encounter with Emma.\<br\>\<br\>She does not look pleased at all.\<br\>\<br\>"Angelica. We do NOT threaten fellow faculty at this school. Whatever issues you have with Emma must remain in a professional capacity if you wish to teach and live here. She could have seriously got hurt after pulling a stunt like that..Do I make myself clear?"\<br\>\<br\>Her tone is stern, controlled anger.

Firestar has posed:\<br\> She nods at the first, knowing the second will follow. She nods as she listening to what Jean says. She also doesn't try to excuse the behavior. Their history is what it is,"I know. It won't happen again. Ever. There's a history and that's where it will be from now on. Nothing left between us." \<br\>\<br\> She knew when it happened it wouldn't be good later, but she is facing it as best she can,"I know she thought she was trying to make me better, her methods were...questionable. I won't let her affect me that way again. If anything, we probably cleared the air that day, but again sorry. Best behavior."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey narrows her eyes on the girl, shaking her head slowly, "You have only just started here and perhaps you don't know the rules that well. I also understand you have some history with Emma, however that is all in the past I trust. I know she was a strict headmistress wuth..Questionable methods back when she worked directly with the Hellfire club. However, she came to Xavier's hoping to turn over a new leaf, and Professor Xavier trusted her to keep her word."\<br\>\<br\>She focus her intense Jade eyes on Angelica, "I trust you to do the same. Now, given all that, I am afraid I am still going to have to give you a verbal warning, I hope this will not happen again. We are all expected to work as a team, to trust one another. Arguments and disagreements are to be expected, however, I will not be so forgiving if this ever happens again."

Firestar has posed:\<br\> She seems a little relieved despite the verbal warning. A quick nod and a hurried,"Absolutely Ms. Grey. It won't happen again. The little broken part of my brain is fixed." She meets the gaze, uncomfortable though it might be,"You have my word. I don't have much, literally it's all I have. If things get tense, I will remove myself from the situation. I understand the warning too. I had that coming, being the new kid and tossing someone that is established. I was half expecting you and Scott to oust me before I ever got started." \<br\>\<br\> Apologetic or not, she finds her way to uncomfortable again once everything seems more or less settled,"I will do my best to uphold the rules from now on."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey sighs, "Well that is my decision, Scott May have a different opinion on the matter and I will have to discuss it with him as it might impact any desire you might have to join the Xmen..However, I do have final say in terms of the school itself. I imagine he will not be so forgiving, but if you can give me more information on exactly happened between you and Emma in the past, it would greatly help your case."

Firestar has posed:\<br\>"My father didn't know how to deal with me after my grandmother died and then my power surfaced." she starts to explain. Might as well start at the beginning,"Emma came to the house just before Professor Xavier did. He was desperate to deal with my "problem" so he agreed to send me with her." she continues. \<br\>\<br\> "At first, it was good. She really seemed to be interested in my development and training, but eventually it became clear that she was using me, conditioning me, and preparing to use me against Selene, Black Queen of the Hellfire Club. Her lessons were just this side of brutal. Harsh. I will admit, it did forge a certain metal within me, but...I mean I was a kid. She had no regards for that." So the story begins.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey settles down in the chair opposite of Angelica as she listens to her story unfold. She had heard vague stories of Emma abusing her students in various subtle ways, but this causes her to frown deeply, shaking her head.\<br\>\<br\>"You must have been so young then..And I know Emma was known for being rather..Manipulative. But to condition you, to use you as a weapon against her nemesis? That's barbaric.."\<br\>\<br\>It makes her wonder how exactly Emma ended up in a place like Xavier's..But then, Jean has always been a forgiving sort.\<br\>\<br\> "Angelica, I understand your anger at Emma, I truly do. However, I hope you can begin with a fresh start here at Xavier's. I hope you both can. And I trust you can both let bygones be bygones. Do you need me to speak to Emma on the matter as well, or is everything good between you now?"

Firestar has posed:\<br\> Listening to Jean she shakes her head and says,"So when I saw her at the pool, she informed me that she might have been rough, but wanted to make sure I was capable. That would have been when we went for a flight together and I told her I would take her out of the atmosphere and show her what I had learned from her. I never intended to harm her, I just wanted to humble her for a moment." \<br\>\<br\> A shake of her head and then,"I am good. I think she is good. There is nothing between us as far as I am concerned. Receipt delivered." She does sound like there is no anger in her voice, just a mild satisfaction for a little payback that was overdue. No clear indication of intent to go any furthur.

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods slowly, thoughtfully, "I am uncertain of the limits of Emma's secondary ability..Perhaps she could have survived in a thinner atmosphere in her diamond form. I am sure she was confident the whole time, wasn't she?"\<br\>\<br\>She doesn't seem entirely convinced that they have worked out their differences, however. "I see, well, these things take time all the same. If you ever need to talk about things, please let me know. You are just as much a part of this school as Emma and there may be times when you will have to trust each other or work together, depending on what your future goals at the school might be."

Firestar has posed:\<br\>"It's a fine line, the one between confidence and arrogance." she replies to the comment,"She did say she could survive, but honestly I never intended to break the atmostphere. I know I can for a time, but I don't know about her. I didn't intend to kill her, just put a little fear in her." \<br\>\<br\> She takes a deep breath and exhales,"I give you my word I will not try to engage her in anyway. I will give her the respect any member of this team deserves and if it falls to us to work together..." she shrugs,"...I know as well or better than anyone what she is capable of and have a little insight that some of you might lack. I will stand with whomever you and Scott and deem necessary. If the day comes that I can't, we'll cross that bridge. I won't put your team at risk regardless."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey hmms, "It's understandable, and of course Emma is a very confident, and arrogant woman. She would probably be proud of your taking initiative and pushing *her* to her limits." she smiles, "She certainly has her own unique way of teaching. I'll give her that."\<br\>\<br\>Jean nods again thoughtfully, "You have a lot of potential, I think you could be a very helpful teammate, not only because of your abilities, but because of your intelligence and self control. You could have done a lot worse. You could have outright attacked her, rather than pushing her to the limits. I respect that. It shows integrity."

Firestar has posed:\<br\> Angelica smiles a little once more and nods,"There are few in the world like her." she agrees. Taking a moment to consider she quietly admits,"Ms. Grey. I am a walking, talking nuclear weapon waiting to be detonated. I have to be in control. Not just for the sake of the people around me, but for the planetary eco system as well." \<br\>\<br\> There is a heavy feeling of responsibility hanging over her shoulders and she shrugs a little,"Even at my maddest, I have to reign things in. I will strive to not disappoint you or Mr. Summers again. If things go sideways in a battle you will have everything I bring to the table, but please understand that can be as potentially dangerous to the team as it is to the enemy if I don't keep it controlled. I knew what I planned to do to Emma before I ever left the ground. Mac Hudson helped un-program a lot of what was put in place."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey nods. "Yes, of course you do, but not a lot of people in your situation would react the same way. I am glad that you have found a way to control you emotions, and your abilities. For someone so young, it is quite impressive."\<br\>\<br\> She smiles, "Not everyone with abilities similar to yours would react the same way. Initially I believed you reckless for pulling that stunt with emma, but clearly you had everything under control.."\<br\>\<br\>Reference to 'programming' does cause her frown to deepen. "I am still curious, why you chose to come to Xavier's, even knowing she might be here."

Firestar has posed:\<br\> "In honesty. When I came here I didn't figure you would invite me for more than a reserve member if things got bad." she admits softly,"I really didn't think you would have me around for much more than a reserve for the reserves the way the New Warriors are for Alpha Flight." she admits. \<br\>\<br\> Another hint of a forced smile this time and she admits,"I try really hard to control it all. Sometimes I want to fly up out of the atmosphere and let things just fly, but I manage to resist that urge too." A thoughtful pause and she adds,"I honestly missed the fact that Emma had come to join with the team. We have files on each member, but they are...a bit outdated. Yourself, Cyclops, Wolverine of course, Collossus, Kitty Pryde, and a handful of others. Emma wasn't on there and most of the younger ones he is unaware of. It was sort of a way to know others like us down here. Admittedly Emma was on the list, but not on the friendly side. I will talk to Mac about it next time we speak so that he knows she is walking this side of the line now."

Phoenix has posed:\<br\>Jean Grey smiles, "You have a lot of potential, not just as a future Xman, reserve or regular, but as a teacher. I am really sorry that you were unaware of Emma being at this school, but hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out. And Hopefully you can touch base with Scott soon too, he is always happy to test out new mutants." she winks at her, "Cant promise he's as gentle with them as myself, however."