4538/An important appointment.

An important appointment.
Date of Scene:	29 May 2018
Location:	Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Andrea got to meet the faculty and a fellow student. Hank and Emma also gets along (They don't.)
Cast of Characters:	Rage, Psylocke, Beast, Speed, Emma Frost

---

Rage has posed:
It's late in the afternoon, technically early evening now, perhaps an hour after rush hour has died down. A black BMW is ushered through the gate and up the long driveway with black tinted windows and NY license plates. Once the car pulls to a stop out front, a large man in a suit slips out of the driver's seat and makes a round to the back door to let the popstarlet out. Andrea is wearing a pair of snug skinny jeans and a baggy NYU sweater that hangs off of one shoulder to reveal a hot pink top beneath. Her hair is pulled up into a bit of a messy bun with her bangs framing her fame, complete with a pair of thin glasses over her nose. She doesn't look much like the popstar on TV with all the glitz and glam. She looks like any other teenage girl.

Nervously, she makes her way up the driveway as she tucks some hair behind an ear as the large ape of a man follows after her, muttering into his watch as he holds his free hand up against his ear to listen to the radio. All clear here.

Psylocke has posed:
There is lots of security at the school. As soon as the car arrived at the gates, the system triggered. Before they reach the front steps, Betsy has stepped out the double doors and is waiting at the bottom of the steps for their arrival.

The meeting had been arranged ahead of time. With the revelation of her status, a message had been sent through to the starlet. Of course, it took some time for the message to reach someone in her entourage that could get the information to Andrea herself. It had been a simple invitation. There was a school that was for those who had special challenges in their life. If she were interested in such a place, she could come for a visit. They'd even try to keep the students falling over themselves and screaming to a minimum. In fact, there were none to be seen at the moment anywhere in the area.

As Andrea walked toward her, Betsy gave a bright smile. She was dressed in a simple black business suit but the discerning eye might be able to pick up the high level designer who had created the ensemble. She offered her hand. "A pleasure to see you, Miss. Jackson. My name is Betsy Braddock. I'm a teacher here at Xavier's."

Rage has posed:
"Hi there! Miss Jackson is my mother, and my grandmother .. and my Aunt. You can call me Andrea, or Andy." The popstar says with a smile as she reaches out to take her hand for a firm shake, the bangles on her wrist jingling about. "It's nice to meet you Miss Braddock." She did say she is a teacher, right? So she gets to use the last name. "Thank you for reaching out to me with this invitation. This is a beautiful place. Did you guys buy one of Oprah's homes and turn it into an academy?"

Beast has posed:
Security. Yes, there /is/ lots of it at the school. A large share of it extremely high tech and designed by a certain resident genius. Cameras that see in many spectrums, some of them not even realised by many world renowned scientists. Sensors that can read all the usual statistics and a few that are not quite /as/ usual. Analysis programs that slice through more government databases, both public and not so public (or even acknowledged)..

But, alas, The inventor of most of these systems isn't even paying attention to them, nor is he aware of the incoming visitor, or the person meeting them. The blue furry mutant lopes around from the back of the school with a cellphone tucked between a pointed feline-like ear and his massive shoulder, talking (nay, arguing) with whomever is on the other side.

"No. Not your word is /not/ good enough. That was /my/ research and I could do with it as I damned well /pleased/..." he growls in a husky, deep, yet somewhat refined baritone.. somewhat since there is an almost.. feral edge to it. "Yes, that includes /erasing/ it... I do not care what /you/ think, 'old friend', that avenue of experimentation was dead-ended for a bloody reason and if I find out you had anything to do with it being reinstated I will personally rip off your..." he stops as he realizes that someone, and their pet ape, is approaching the front doors and the familiar figure of one of his oldest friends... "We'll talk later.." he growls, more lowly, and then thumbs off the phe and after tucking it into his Oxford Tweeds he slowly lopes over.

Psylocke has posed:
"Andrea then," Psylocke says as she laughs softly from the question. "No, I believe the Professor has had this home for quite some time. I don't know all the details of it myself." Hearing the voice approaching, she glances that direction and spots the good doctor. That smile is given to him as well before she looks back to their visitor and her bodyguard.

"Xavier's School for the Gifted was created long ago by Professor Xavier to offer a haven to mutants, so they had the same opportunities for education that any human student would. With your revelation of your personal status, we wanted to offer you that same chance. We have some of the best teachers in the field and also help mutants learn to control their powers, to better blend into society." She motions to Hank as he approaches. "This is Doctor McCoy, one of the most brilliant minds on the planet." And she's not just being nice. "Doctor, this is Andrea Jackson. I had extended an invitation to her to visit the school, see if she might be interested in coming here as a student."

Beast has posed:
Beast moves with that half feline, half sapien grace of his in a knuckle-walk as he comes up to the pair of women. He offers Betsy a smile that seems oddly.. restrained. Something that anyone who has known the mutant whom is also called The Beast is something that is more and more common then his more sincere smiles that he used to have. "Yes yes. Flattery will get you every where Ms. Braddock." he says. At least his voice is tinged with a bit of humour.

He then turns to face the younger woman and her shadow.. He regards them from behind the small spectacles that are perched on his snout. All the better to help him see with, of course. That and they are also heads up displays to the school's security sensors. Of the bodyguard, he doesn't look very impressed. The younger lady, however, gets offered his well manicured paw. Claws retracted, of course. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss. Jackson.... You do, however, realize that we do not allow pets at this school." he quips, motioning to Mister Muscles behind her. "We are not Hogwarts."

Rage has posed:
The sight of the angry Beast loping around the side of the house venting into his phone causes Andrea to pause, eyes widening at the sight of him. The large man in the suit takes a cautious step forward, reaching out to place a hand on the back of her shoulder to steady her, to let her know that he is still there. Good old Jamison. The popstar takes in a deep breath, then reaches out with her hand to take his paw for a shake, marveling at the feel of pads and fur. The large man lets out a grunt, narrowing his eyes at the Professor when he is called a pet.

"... This is Jamison. He's my long time bodyguard. He's not a pet. He's family." She says with a smile over her shoulder to the man in the suit before she looks back to them. "But I'm very glad to have the chance to visit. I've lived with being a mutant for the last three years, having to keep it from the world when I was rising up in the celebrity ranks. When I saw what Allison Blaire did, and what her label did to her in return, I felt like I couldn't hide anymore. I want to show young mutants that it's okay to be who you are and you should be proud of yourself. My label is cool with the situation and they're supporting me a hundred percent."

Psylocke has posed:
At the pet comment, Betsy manages not to give a look at Hank. She just keeps that pleasant smile in place as she watches the interplay and Andrea's reaction. The smoothing over and moving forward is well handled. Being a starlet has taught the young woman some finesse in dealing with people at least.

"I'm glad they are being supportive. It is unfortunate when bias comes into play, such as what happened to Alison." She motions toward the door, starting to walk that direction. "We can all move inside if you would like? Mr. Jamison can relax for a bit and sit while you take a tour. Or we can all simply sit and talk, answering any questions you might have." She opens the froot door, holding it in offering for everyone go to in or remain outdoors if they prefer. "It took a lot of courage for you to go public. I am sure it will inspire others to do the same, to be more accepting of who they are. You are a role model to many. It will help our cause of acceptance."

Speed has posed:
Tommy had only been at the school since September and in that time he'd seen a students come and go, but never in a big black SUV complete with bodyguard. Restless, as always, he takes that as an excuse to depart his math homework and come see what was going on. He walks at normie speeds, despite that setting his teeth on edge. It felt like an hour-long hike to go from the study hall to the front door but he managed, seeing the group coming this way, his eyes widen slightly, was that, yeah, it was, Andrea Jackson. Her music wasn't his scene but it was impossible not to at least seen her face. Interesting.

Waiting at the door, he gives a waves to the teachers, offering, "If that tour needs a student's perspective, count me in," he says. Hey it had to be better than math homework.

Beast has posed:
Beast ignores 'The Look' from his friend. Luckily, he is not so much angry now that the phonecall is over, but he still doesn't look as happy as he could be. He regards the young 'popstar', of whom he has never heard of, for a moment as she explains her circumstances. "Yes, Ms Braddock speaks for all of us, welcoming you here to Xavier's School for The Gifted." he says, and it is sincere, but... He then looks between Aubrey and Betsy as they turn for the door. "You make it sound like coming out as a mutant to your fans would be a good thing more for your career than for it being the right thing to do to show the world that Mutants have a place among the rest of the populace and can be a contributing and equal member of society.." he says, a bit cyncially. "I hope I am wrong in this, of course. I would hate to think that someone would wish to monetize their mutant status.."

He looks over at Tommy and raises his blue furry brow as he puts in his two cents worth. "And you are volunteering yourself, Mister Shepherd, as a tour guide for the prospective young student?" he asks, with some amusement.

Emma Frost has posed:
Of course now would be when Emma shows up, her features set into something of a haughty regard, "Oh? And pray, just what is Ms. Braddock speaking for all of us today for?"

Rage has posed:
There is a mix of emotions upon Andrea's face as she listens to Hank, taking in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly as if she was counting to ten backwards mentally. Jamison gives her shoulder another squeeze from behind in support. She gives a nod to Betsy and steps in after whispering softly to her bodyguard after a moment. "Thank you." She says to the woman. Her eyes glance over to Speedy as he makes his appearance to offer his services, offering him a guarded smile. The sight of Emma causes the global icon to pause, recognizing her almost immediately. Emma Frost. CEO. A woman of importance. "Hello." She says as she perks up a bit, lifting a hand in salutations.

Speed has posed:
Tommy's smile is pure and angelic, "I am always ready to help the school, professor, plus always good to have another point of view, right?" he says in the face of the amused look given his way by Beast.

That expression falters some when Ms. Frost appears, he's not addressed (phew), but he does give her a respectful nod says, "Ms. Frost," in greeting.

The guarded smile from Andrea is met with a little "Heh," and shake of his head, even if he extends a hand, "Tommy Shepherd, I'm a senior here, welcome to Xavier's," he offers good naturedly, before letting others do some talking.

Psylocke has posed:
At the arrival of the pair, Betsy keeps that smile in place as they enter the foyer of the school. There are still only a handful of students visible. Most seem to be on their way somewhere instead of paying attention to the goings on. They probably will be tweeting later about how unfair it was not to have seen the Andrea Jackson when she was visiting.

"Doctor McCoy and myself were welcoming Andrea to the school for her visit," she offers by way of explanation to Emma. "I had sent an invitation to her when she revealed herself publically as a mutant. That if she would like to possibly attend a school that is dedicated to those who are gifted, where she can continue her education while learning about her powers." She turns back to Andrea. "The school used to be mainly focused on mutants but recently has expanded for anyone with a gift. We even have a few teachers who are not gifted. Teaching assistants as well. We try to be accepting of all who need a place." She motions to the room off the foyer where there are seats they can sit in, including some comfy looking couches. "I'm sure Mr. Shepherd would be willing to get everyone something to drink if you would like a beverage, Andrea." She's pretty sure at least. But she gets back to introductions. "Andrea, this is Ms. Emma Frost. She is a new arrival at the school herself. Faculty."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma's chill demeanour doesn't let up (much) when Betsy gives both introduction and explanation. "Ah," she says quietly. "I see." Her tones imparting she not only does see, but she's already dismissed the event. Except, perhaps, for the appraising look that is directed back at Andrea. "And what, pray tell, are your abilities?"

Emma: not a great follower of social media. Missed Andrea's confession to the world.

Beast has posed:
Beast's nostrils flare a moment as Andrea seems to pause, his bestial senses picking up a small whiff, literally, of her anger. Aggression Chemosignals which his predatory genes are designed to be triggered by. His ears twitch, his eyes narrow slightly, but he shakes off the genetic response that has been harder and harder to control (and hide) and 'smiles'.. A toothy smile.. Which falters JUST a little as Emma shows up. The left ear twitches again. He keeps smiling, though.

"Yes. Miss Frost is our Business Administrations Sciences teacher." he says, backing up Betsy. "She is sure to be a wonderful addition to our faculty." he says with that a completely straight face. Ahem.

Rage has posed:
Reaching out to take his hand, Andrea gives Tommy a firm handshake. "Andrea." The popstar says with a small smile to him. "It's nice to meet you. I'm going to be a Junior myself." When it appears Betsy is making him the beverage gopher, she says, "Just a water for me if you're okay with it. Nothing fancy about it. Just.. normal water." To Emma, she says, "It's really nice to meet you. You're one of the most powerful women in the business world. Wow." She breathes out softly to her. Though when she asks about her powers, she gives a bit of a twitch, then rubs her arm. ".. I turn into a werewolf and then I lose control of my emotions. I can also turn into a wolf as well. It hurts a lot. Takes a long time for me to do it. I try not to practice it because when I do, I uh.. I get wonky... it scares me."

Speed has posed:
Tommy's brow shoots up when he's made a drinks gopher, but he nods, "Sure, why not, can get them back here while they're cold, hot or whatever," he says. "Speedster," he explains to Andrea in since they're doing the whole 'what can you do' thing.

"Cool," he says to the news she was junior. "Guess that means you're definitely coming to the school?" he asks, before he nods. "And normal water it is."

The rest of the staff get a look, "Anyone else want anything?"

Psylocke has posed:
"That's why I was hoping you would be willing, Mr. Shepherd," Betsy responds. After all, he won't miss any conversation. She picks up on the tells from Hank and glances over at him. He's been not his happy go lucky self lately and it bothers her a bit.

"Andrea, thank you for telling us. I know you had not publicized that information yet and your trust is appreciated." She pulls out one of the pamphlets that are made for the school, often provided to parents to tell about insitution. "Do you have any questions for us? I'm thinking that will be the best way to approach this. If we just continue telling you how wonderful the plac is, that isn't really answering any of your concerns, I fear."

Beast has posed:
Beast stops and turns to look at Andrea, frowning again. "What you are saying is your mutation's expression is that you take on the physical attributes of a Canis Lupus under specific conditions..." he says, slowly. "We would call that a form of Atavistic mutation, much like mine own. Not a 'werewolf'. Werewolves, loup garous, lycanthrpoes are myth. I would be the first to admit that mutations in the past probably led to the creation of such.. superstitious nonsense. But we are a school that teaches rationality and science and the first thing we try to do is /demystify/ mutation. It is not a curse. It is not a disease. It is not magical. It is evolution, pure and simple, and the faster we ourselves can admit that, and pass that belief onto humans, the quicker we ourselves will be demystified and persecuted."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma's chill demeanour seems to allow for some faint amusement as Hank deigns to pidgeonhole her into Business Administration (her actual official role here), as though it were some subpar subject, or, worse, that she has no other use here at Xavier's. When he suggests that she might.. seemingly, someday.. be 'a wonderful addition' to the faculty, an actual laugh is ddrawn from the woman. "Only someday? Oh, my. I really do need to step up, now, don't I?"

She's still smiling, somewhat, when she nods to Andrea. "I see. A lycanthrope. Well, that does have it's ups and downs, doesn't it. Sadly, out of my purvue. But I'm sure you'll find those here able to help you. Perhaps our Dr. McCoy, even. He does have his.. bestial side." A certain slur upon the man, and her return volley into the little undercurrent of battle the two seem to have.

To Tommy, "A water as well, if you please, Tommy."

Rage has posed:
Reaching out to take the pamphlet, Andrea gives it a glance over as she turns it about in her fingers. "Thank you. As far as questions go .. I don't know.. I wouldn't mind talking to a few of the students to see how they like studying here. Maybe learn a bit about what scholarship opportunities there are for College and for what programs. Not for me, mind you. I can afford really any college I want to go to, but I was thinking maybe of coming up with a donation of sorts to fund a scholarship program for young mutants who want to pursue a path of higher education." She gives another rub of her shoulder. "Right now I'm home schooled due to my celebrity status, and I'd love to be able to attend school again with other kids. I like school. It's important to me, but so is socializing while in school. It's where you build great memories."

She gives a glance between Hank and Emma as they talk about her powers, giving a nod of her head. "I see." She says, taking note of their interactions back and forth between each other. She seems to be paying close attention, to body language, vocal inflection and demeanor. "Thanks, Tommy." She says with a smile to the older student, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear.

Speed has posed:
"Fair point," Tommy allows to Ms. Braddock. "Get you anything?"

Next he's smirking at the by-play between Beast and Emma. If they were students (and Emma didn't terrify him) he might have said, 'get a room', whereas with teachers, he just lets the look he flashes their way do that for him. Then he wisely chooses that moment to get the drinks. He's gone the span of one heartbeat, then a second then, he's back, bottle waters in hand, offering one to Andrea and another to Emma. The look is totally gone from his face by that point.

"No problem," he says to Andrea's thanks before carrying on like he hadn't left the room and come back. "Werewolf huh? Cool," Tommy says as he produces a third bottle of water from a pocket then effortlessly cracks the lid off. "As for our mutations being mystified," he gives a shrug. "The guys who jacked me up and stuck me with needles knew exactly what our mutations were and it still scared the crap out of them, and why not? We're the future, they're old news."

Speedster brain being what it is, he jumps on to another topic, "Scholarship would be good, I know the school's picking up the tab for my, well, everything," he gives a little shrug, one shouldered, "Changed my life. That's what they do here, mostly, make things better for all of us."

Beast has posed:
Beast ois and pulls his paws down his face, shaking his head. "Oh my stars and garters, Emma.. She is /not/ a Lycanthrope. She is, which I am sure my tests will show if she deigns to grace us with her presence at this school, a mutant whose atavistic genes have been activated and has formed a polymorphic matrice which is triggered by specific stimuli and expresses in a theriocentric manner.." he tells her and only stops when he realizes he is beginning to rant. He ahems.. Stands straighter.. and readjusts his bow tie.

"Please forgive me, Miss Jackson. Sometimes I forget myself." he says to Andrea, and he does sound apologetic. Sincerely apologetic. "It does sound like you are choosing the school for the right reasons. So I apologize a second time for insinuating otherwise. This school is.. It is a wonderful place. It has saved not only countless other young mutants, but myself and other members of the faculty before them. We strive to do our best to give not only a positive learning environment, with the best curriculum possible, nor only to give mutants a place to be able to socialize among there own but to teach Mutants the resposible use, and /non use/, of their abilities as well. To give them the ability to control themselves and their own lives on ever level conceivable."

He then looks at Tommy with a pained expression. "No.. Not a werewolf... Don't call her a werewolf. She's not.." he says, almost pleading...

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma merely rolls her eyes at Hank. "Really, must we be so pedantic?"

She's not unaware of Tommy's look. She's seen it before. Hell, she's given it before, but she's not about to give the boy any rewards for it, letting his assumption go the way of most playground observations, which is to say she lets it fall and lie in the dirt without touching her.

Andrea gets a slightly more appraising look while Tommy is gone, however few the seconds that takes for him to return with water in tow. "Scholarship opportunities are a very necessary part and parcel of many mutants lives. Tommy is by no means the first nor last student here at Xavier's to experience the generosity of the founders. The philosophy behind Xavier's stretches to allow that no student shall be barred by fact of unequal means. There is a great deal of pride that goes into that, and your generosity would be more than welcomed, I'm sure. You'll find that there are many worthy students here that only need access to opportunity to make a shining example in the world."

And that little speech might be a surprise to both Hank and Betsy.

Psylocke has posed:
Things are getting a little out of hand and off track. Betsy tries to ignore the worst of it. "Well, we have had others with powers that had names not fitting what what they actually are. Fireworks, for example," she points out. "We will do our best to use the right terms and be sure it is known it is mutancy and not some supernatural thing. " They've faced those sorts too, so she knows they exist. Not werewolves but at least one vampire in their history. So why couldn't the stereotypical ones exist? She wasn't getting into that argument though.

"We have recently begun offering some college level cources for those students who have graduated from the regular curriculum. As for offering a donation of some sort for scholarships, that would be something better discussed with either Professor Xavier or Ms. Grey. They are our Headmaster and Headmistress respectively."

Rage has posed:
"I really don't mind being called a werewolf. I turn into a seven foot wolf and then I lose my mind and try to tear whatever is in front of me apart. I become all instinct. Kill or be killed. I lose my clothes in the process. It's not very fun and it terrifies me. I know I need to learn how to control it .. because .. I'm scared I'm going to hurt someone really soon. Even now.." Andrea breathes out. "When Dr McCoy said what he did earlier, about assuming I would use being a mutant to my advantage to further my career, I could feel her in my gut. She wanted to leap out and fight and I had to shove her back down. It's hard." Andrea rubs her knuckles briefly for a moment. "If you guys can help me so that I won't one day lose it by accident, I'll join the school. I want to belong again to something and feel like a normal kid instead of always be in a fishbowl twenty-four seven with cameras on me. I'll do what I can to make it work." Her phone gives a vibe in her pocket and she glances down at it as she pulls it free. "That's my agent. I have an interview in an hour that I need to prepare for. Can I come back tomorrow?"

Speed has posed:
"See," Tommy says with a glance to Beast. "She's cool with it," he says before adding, "Anyhow, regardless of what she's called she's one of us, and I don't think the rest of the world will be any kinder for knowing the science of her condition."

"Anyhow, the kids here are cool, I mean, you've been here how long now? And I'll bet nobody's posted anything online, though I am sure a few are peeking out of windows right now to see what's up. As soon as you settle though, it'll be pretty normal, we've got all sorts of weird here, a pop-star's sort of tame as things go."

Beast has posed:
Beast nods in agreement with both Betsy and Emma as they explain the school a bit more, and the servicers they offer.. In Emma's case he looks, well, surprised and somewhat suspicious for some reason. Like he can't quite believe she is being so.. well.. nice? His catslit eyes narrow a little bit, andx it looks like he wishes to say something but.. no.. He doesn't. He just makes a sound of agreement.

Then he looks back to the new prospective student and for the first time he exhibits a slight expression of sympathy... empathy even. "I.. apologize again. I did not realize." he finally says, looking a wee bit embarrased. "And for what it is worth. There are a number of students here, and even some faculty, who understand what you are going through,. Not just being a mutant but the.. problems with control. So believe me when I say that even if you do /not/ chose to avail yourself of our school... You can still talk to us and we will do everything and anything we can to help you with that, regardless." he tells her.. Because he would be a hypocrite if he didn't offer it.

His own phone starts to ring again and he grimaces, pulling it out and checking the screen. "Sorry.. I have to take this..." he says and quickly turns away, loping off.

Psylocke has posed:
"Of course, Andrea. You are welcome to come back anytime. Feel free to chat with some of the students, get their perspective. There are many here with powers they don't understand or know how to control. That's why we are here for you. To help you learn that. Teach you how to keep things in check so you don't have to worry about your wolf side taking over." She gives a faint smile. "I wish you and your family," she gives a nod in the direction of the quiet bodyguard. "A safe journey back. If I'm not here tomorrow, just check in at the gate and someone will assist you." She stands to escort them back toward the door so Andrea can get to her meeting in time.

Rage has posed:
"It's okay, Mister McCoy. I'm not upset in the least. I know you probably said it with good intentions. I would be skeptical also if a random globally recognized celebrity came to my place to ask for help." Andrea says, then looks a bit nervously ashamed as he lopes off after anwering his phone. She sighs, then nods her head to the others as she taps her phone's screen as she follows after Betsy. "Thanks for the advice." She says to Speed as well. "I'll drop by tomorrow then. We'll hang out and you can show me around, slowly, I hope." She teases before she is on her way to Jamison, her bodyguard.