4126/Catching Up

Catching Up
Date of Scene:	22 March 2018
Location:	Xavier's School, Westchester, New York
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Dazzler, Cyclops

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Dazzler has posed:
    The Teacher's Lounge is normally a place for peace and quiet; a place where teachers can unwind between classes. Today is not a normal day. Even before opening the door, the sound of guitar music can be heard outside.

    Alison has set up a large speaker right in front of the sofa, aimed at herself. Her feet are propped up on it and she's got a guitar resting on her lap. It's a Fender Strat overlaid with mirrors everywhere. And right now she's cranking on a bluesy number made popular by Stevie Ray Vaughn. Perhaps most unusually, Alison is dressed in her full, sparkly combat gear complete with the splash of blue over one eye.

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers walks towards the teacher's lounge with his hands full of stacked papers and an empty coffee cup. The muffled sound of music causes him to cant his head in curiosity. Placing the the papers underneath his left arm, he unleashes the smooth sound of jazz into the hallway as he opens the door with his free hand.

One eyebrow arches higher than the other as he notices Allison in her combat uniform. As he places the papers down and reaches for the coffee pot, his expression evens out. "When I heard the music, I figured it was you... but what's with the uniform today?"

Dazzler has posed:
Dazzler stops playing when Scott steps into the lounge, keeping her feet propped up all the same. She flashes him a smile. "Morning, Scott. Just wanted to charge up a bit before heading over to Mutant Town." Slowly she uncrosses her ankles, lowering her feet to the floor.

"Remember the recent mutant kidnappings over there? I've been sort of playing the role of active deterrent. It's one thing knowing that it's a mutant-friendly area. But before anybody decides to start something, I want them to be damned sure they know that there's an X-Man having coffee in the diner across the street, first. Maybe it'll help encourage good choices."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers fills his cup and takes a quick sip before placing it in the microwave. He nods as Allison explains her current situation. After pushing a few buttons, the machine hums into action and Scott turns to face the woman he knows as Dazzler. He crosses his arms as he leans back against the table.

"I understand that... but is that enough? Sure it means no one is getting kidnapped in the coffee shop and maybe nowhere within the block... but it's Mutant Town." He unfolds his arms. "Emphasis on town. We need eyes and ears above the occasional presence. We need active prevention." Passion begins boiling in his words before he cuts himself off. He turns away and places his hands on the table, his mind obviously grinding in thought. "I don't know, Allison. I'm just tired of being reactionary... but I want to be proactive in a way that means something tangible."

Dazzler has posed:
Dazzler shakes her head at that. "It's *not* enough, no. Just the same way that you can't put a uniformed cop on every street corner. But just maybe the locals will calm down a bit, knowing that help is just around the corner." She pauses to take a drink of coffee that's sitting within reach.

"I'm also trying to track down some of the ones who are missing. More than a few of these folks are very capable of taking care of themselves. And they're even capable of causing significant damage if cornered. I hate being reactionary as much as you do, Scott. But until we find something to go on, we don't even have a target to shoot at."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers looks towards Allison as she responds, but keeps his hands firmly placed on the table. "Right. I know. I know... but..." His brow furrows but is interrupted by the sudden long beep of the microwave. Leaving the table, he pulls on the magnetic door to retrieve his steaming cup. Suddenly, as if it just clicked, he searches for Allison's eyes. There's frustrated determination in his voice as his mouth barely moves. Cutting into the silence, he mutters one name... "Magneto."

Dazzler has posed:
Dazzler arches a brow at the mention of the name. "Excuse me?" she replies, then adds. "Oh. You think this is *his* doing, then? Isn't it more his thing to mess with humans rather than singling out mutants for abduction? I mean, what's the end-game in that?" She looks thoughtful for a moment. "Unless it's a distraction. Tactical maneuver."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers shakes his head. "No, no, no." He places his coffee down before he spills it and steps towards Dazzler. "No, he was here not too long ago. He came to claim a helmet." He runs his hand through his hair sweeping the few stray hairs back into their assigned place.

"But not just -any- helmet, Allison." He pauses for emphasis before continuing. "Cerebro."

Scott's jaw tightens after making that final statement but his frustration softens. "But if it's not him, we still need it back. We're missing mutants, Allison, and Magneto has the most powerful mutant detector we know of. Hard to believe it's coincidence but even if it is, Cerebro should still help us find the lost."

Dazzler has posed:
"Wait a minute. Magneto just walked into the mansion and took the controls to Cerebro?" Alison asks, looking dumbfounded at the thought. "It wasn't my call, but that's a helluva lot more than borrowing a cup of sugar." She sets the guitar aside and turns off the amp.

"I don't suppose anyone's just called him up to ask for it back? I know he and the Professor go way back, for better or for worse. And even if he doesn't want to give it back, maybe he'd be willing to help."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers dumps his coffee in the sink and quickly rinses it before placing it in the drying rack. He speaks hurriedly as he does so, "I wasn't here at the time, but I assure you I would have raised hell. I know he helped develop it and all but that doesn't change my response. Especially now."

He stuffs the stack of papers back under his arm. "We know our next step, Allison. It's tangible." He steps towards the door before pausing. "Even better is that it will make a difference. No time to waste."

Dazzler has posed:
Alison nods slowly. "I get what you're saying, Scott. But there are plenty of people out there who really hate us. And they don't need any encouragement from Magneto or anybody to abduct mutants, either. I'll be the last person to vouch for Magneto, but it's quite possible that this wasn't his work."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers pulls his hand off the door handle and adjusts the stack of papers. "You misunderstand me, Allison." Adjusting his ruby glasses, he guestures with his free hand. "I'm not saying it's Magneto." He rolls head to the side slightly. "I'm also not saying it's -not- Magneto."

"But what I -am- saying is that once again, he stands between us and our goal. I'm accusing him of nothing aside from keeping to himself the greatest tool we could have in recovering mutants in danger. Surely, that will speak to his sensitivities." He lets out a breath. "Surely that means he'll help." He pauses. "Unless he -is- the one at fault."

"Regardless, I'm going to task some X-men to find him and retrieve Cerebro if I don't do it myself."

Dazzler has posed:
Alison smirks at the clarification on Magneto. In a softer voice she offers. "Well he -does- have a knack for doing that, I must agree." She sets the guitar carefully aside. "And if you're looking for volunteers to go on your field trip, then color me interested."

Alison swings her feet down as well. "If this wasn't his doing, then he should want to help other mutants. Even if he won't return Cerebro, maybe we could work something out and -use- it. Or something."

Cyclops has posed:
Scott Summers allows a slight grin on his lips before offering his hand to help Alison to her feet. "Accepted, Dazzler."