9355/A Visit from an Old Student

From United Heroes MUSH
Jump to navigation Jump to search
A Visit from an Old Student
Date of Scene: 28 September 2019
Location: Hammer Bay, Genosha
Synopsis: Doug makes a visit to Genosha to talk with Magneto about a myriad of topics.
Cast of Characters: Cypher, Magneto




Cypher has posed:
"You know, it's a really pretty place." Doug is wearing a blue and purple hawaiian shirt, khakis, sun hat, and sunglasses, having deliberately chosen to convey the visual language of 'I AM A TOURIST' "And if and when people found out I came here unescorted, I'll catch hell. But I'm an adult. At least, that's what my passport says."

He looks out at the skyline and says, "You know, you've really built something phenomenal here. Mutants are creating their own art, their own food, rapidly building disparate languages together into one universal tongue."

He adds, "I do... have... one question though."

"Do you think this nation will outlive you?"

Magneto has posed:
     "I'm sure Charles will give you the worst guilt trip you could imagine." Erik offers, he was dressed in a red shirt and black slacks, breathable enough that the tropical climate was no bother whilst wearing them. He always had that way of caring himself that could only be described as regal. Now he truly was King.

  Erik arranged for a room at the Royal Palace for his guest, should he wish to stay the night. The skyline of Genosha was indeed starting to grow, past the pains of old. The question was considered a moment before the silver haired man responds. "I believe it will. Especially if my daughter has anything to say about it."

Cypher has posed:
"It's not enough to believe it. You have to plan for it and realize it. Lorna takes her responsibilities seriously but the future can't be put into the hands of just one person." Doug curls his techno-organic fingers around the railing, and then looks behind him. "I came here to talk to you for a couple of reasons. One, because I could imagine the look on your face when Roberto declined your assistance with X-Corporation. While I won't go against his orders or betray the proprietary technologies we're developing," He holds up a jump drive, "I did want to give you a firsthand look at the work we're already doing, and we're barely even off the ground yet."

"I wanted you to see it firsthand, from me, not from spies and informants who might just tell you what you WANT to hear."

Magneto has posed:
     "Da Costa did not 'refuse' my assistance. He posited that I was a dictator." The man gestures to the skyline. "Has anything you've seen here, garnered that description?" Magneto has not been keen on anything X-Corporation related since then. In fact it was an understatement, he was outright pissed. And that still rings true. "Why you all hang onto that X, I will never understand."

  Magneto takes the jump drive as offered, placing it in his pocket. "And why do you give me this? Looking for an old instructor's approval?"

Cypher has posed:
"You have a reputation for trying to dominate anything you're a part of, intentional or not, deserved or not. And Berto doesn't have the same sentimental outlook about you as some of us do. He'll fight for his patch." Doug says. "...Symbols have meaning, that's the source of all language. The answer has less to do with Xavier and more to do with one another."

"No, it's because I'm here to tell you that the reason *I* don't want you involved in X-Corporation has nothing to do with Genosha or your status as absolute ruler -- as much as I would like you to democritize the country -- it has to do with my real goal. Mine, not necessarily Berto's."

Magneto has posed:
     "He certainly gained my ire. And that doesn't bode well." He's not letting go of that slight any time soon. Magneto will remember that.

  "You know we have a parliament. I'm not as absolute as everyone makes me out to be. Genosha sees me as someone to look up to, a guiding light. And I take that responsibility with all the weight it deserves."

  Magneto thoughtfully looks back to the thumb drive and then to Doug. "Continue." He bids, wanting to know more.

Cypher has posed:
Doug keeps his thoughts on that to himself.

"You're trying to provide a homeland for mutantkind. That's fine. That's great." He gestures, with both hands, as he turns to Magneto. "But more and more Mutantkind's language was becoming one of withdrawl, of rejection, of renunciation. 'You don't want us, well we don't want you'."

"That's not sustainable. More and more mutants are being born whose parents aren't Sapiens, but mine are..." He crosses his arms, "And all those Sapiens girlfriends you've had are a tell even you're not as hardline on it as you'd like to appear." Then he sighs. "Mutantkind's future needs to be decided by mutantkind. You and Xavier are only two seats at the table. But if we're going to sit up and claim our stake in the world's future, then the development of our identity as a people needs to be accelerated, because the Machine is coming to destroy us."

Magneto has posed:
     Erik looked out to the skyline and smiled gently. As Doug continues to explain, the older man listens, weighs the younger's words.

  "Kitty's father lives here, over thirty percent of the population are Sapiens." He adds in, a point that he has to explain often. "There were points in my life that I thought we should take over. But as years passed, I changed. As I demonstrated before, I only care that mutantkind are safe. Co-existence can be possible, but those Sapiens who attack our kind must also be dealt with. That kind of hatred is learned, and earned. Genosha itself stands as an answer to the question I asked Charles so many years ago."

  "So you want your seat at the table. Lorna's proposal was for trade. Not one where I'm giving you and yours guidance. I have no interest in playing nursemaid to the new generations. I'm interested in what will help my people cement their future. That comes with jobs and trade."

Cypher has posed:
Doug raises an eyebrow, and then says, "Berto's also aware of the need to play politics. Many of the governments in which you wish to operate are -- wary of you. While he could have phrased it more delicately..." He quirks his mouth, "I kind of like him the way he is. He's much, much smarter than you ever realized... but he plays to win."

"I'm not a leader like you, or Xavier, or even Sam or 'Berto. I'm just me. I don't know why I'm compelled to do what I'm doing, I just am."

"What I want is precisely that... to begin the construction of the mechanisms by which mutantkind stakes their claim in the future. X-Corporation is just the first step in creating an infrastructure through which mutants can mobilize *constructively* to build community and culture. Will we succeed? I don't know." He looks up. "I suppose what I also came here to do is to show you that while you may be MAD at Bobby... what he's doing deserves respect."

Magneto has posed:
     "And that is fine. Admirable, in fact. You want to not be thought of as children anymore. You of all your classmates knows how that can go." It wasn't in anger that he spoke, it was matter of fact.

  "Remember though, you'll be treated like any others, even worse, you take this into the private sector and it is even more cutthroat than the world of politics. You must take positives with negatives. And there will be many negatives." Multiple ways to interpret that one. "Roberto has made his bed when it comes to Genoshan trade. He will have to live with the consequences of his words after an olive branch had been extended and batted down with such prejudice." Erik was well-known for how long he can hold a grudge, even with someone who's a near lifelong friend.

  "You did not ask for advice, but allow your old teacher one pearl. If you want to blaze your trail, do so. Do it without Charles and the school. As much as we are different from each other, we are much more similar than people realize. He will never truly let you off the lead unless you break that tie." Erik gives a nod, and a small smile.

Cypher has posed:
Doug tilts his head at that, and then says, "It's a challenge, when so much of what little life I've had has revolved around Xavier and the X-Men. But there's another thing I've noticed -- they've castled up, and they're not making room among their ranks for the next generation. I'm not going to make suggestions to them about how to conduct their business... but it worries me." He shakes his head, slowly. "I appreciate the advice. I really do. And I know what I'm getting into. If we fail... we fail, and we start again, just like we always have."

"But mutantkind needs the social mechanisms put in place in every sector to assert ourselves. Our enemies are mechanically-minded men. They speak a language of denying the warmth of the flesh and embracing the cold heartlessness of the machine. If that makes any sense. I almost wonder if this is something coded into our DNA -- an emergent struggle between evolution of the flesh, and Kurzweilian transhumanism."

He holds up his techno-organic hand, and watches the gold circuitry thread through it. "And if that's what's happening, *what the hell am I*?"

Magneto has posed:
     "I've noticed that as well. Slowly, over years it happened. I am not in a position to topple that castle without reason to. If I were to try and break down the metaphorical walls of the school I helped build, it will only serve to strengthen them. Change must come from within. That statement is very true when it comes to the school."

  Magneto holds out his hand, gently. "If you would like, I would be willing to help you with that. At least to better understand it." His technical prowess was definitely worthy of note. Even if he held no true degrees, he's studied engineering, machinery, metals, and circuitry longer than many people had been alive.

  Erik's blue eyes look over that arm with an intrigue he had almost lost since the age of the invention of the transistor. "It is definitely a remarkable thing. A fusion of technology and organic life. It raises so many questions..." He comments, with more than a tinge of wonder.

Cypher has posed:
Doug says, "I know where it comes from -- I fused with Warlock so many times a piece of him lingers with me, and a piece of me lingers with him." He holds up his hand, palm-out, fingers splayed. "I just wonder if this is going to stop at my arm, or if every time I get hurt I'm going to lose another piece of myself." He furrows his brow in a frown.

"Have I ever told you I'm sorry for how things happened? I should have been patient. I can't help but blame myself for the rift between you and the X-Men. At least in part."

Magneto has posed:
     Erik places a hand on Doug's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "You did not tell me. But I can assure you the schism between Charles and and I had been there before you. And it was not your fault. Two old men who are too engrossed in their beliefs to see different."

  Erik has actually enjoyed most of the time he was the headmaster of the school, as short of a stint as it was. "Oh, and Cannonball's grounding ended a month ago. Be sure to tell him."

Cypher has posed:
Doug says, "Oh, that reminds me. I figured, if I couldn't get you to lay off of Berto, I'd try bribing you." He reaches into a bag at his side, pulls out a small tupperware container and tosses it underhand. "That's apple brown betty from a care package Sam's mother sent him. He bribed me with it to make me get a full night's sleep. But who has time for sleep anymore?"

Then he runs his hand through his hair. "The future's always been uncertain, but now it's staring us in the face. I don't know if integration is possible... both sides may be too far gone, the damage might be done."

"But I know I don't feel like giving up the wider world -- or my place in it." His expression furrows. "I don't even know what that IS yet."

Magneto has posed:
     Magneto accepts the Brown Betty from Doug, opening it to smell the aroma. "Oh, I was never going to kill him. I had many plans though. Many involved stock manipulation and running DCI into the ground. It's cathartic to imagine things like that."

  Erik looks to Doug and nods. "Of course, you're taking your first leaps into the world now. I would like to see what ends up happening now that you're all making your mark."

Cypher has posed:
"Well I'd appreciate it if you didn't. There's a lot of future endeavors riding on this. And even if it's not successful, we need to be able to take what we learn from it and move onto the next step. The ultimate goal is autonomy from Da Costa International and putting in the hands of the people it serves. Besides, I'm still building the tech infrastructure for it. There's proof of concepts in here for me, too."

"The thing about the arm is that I haven't figured out what it does, yet. In terms of lift strength, grip strength... it matches the rest of me. But given Warlock's multimorphic capabilities, I have to wonder what has yet to be unlocked... I honestly have no idea. It could theoretically become ANYTHING. When I would merge with Warlock, sometimes we wound up wearing completely inhuman shapes. Once, we were a dragon with a tongue that looked like me."

Magneto has posed:
     Magneto crosses his arms before offering. "You make enough enemies in the private sector, and you're bound to have setbacks. Crushing a company is easier than many think, if you have the resources. Putting a potential ally into the same bin as Pol Pot and Hussein should have equally negative consequences."

  "You've not tested it? Not at all?" He was a little more than surprised at that revelation. Given Doug's studious nature.

  "What is keeping you from trying what you can do?"

Cypher has posed:
"That I don't know how to unlock it. I've tried everything I can think of, from wiring it to a computer to try and manipulate the techno-matter of the arm using data input to holding my breath and thinking really hard. I KNOW, intuitively, how Warlock's shapeshifting works, we did it often enough together, but either the arm lacks those capabilities or there's somethingelse holding it back."

Then he sighs. "Yeah, which is why I'm asking you nicely to let it slide! Call it naked pragmatism if you must, but sabotaging him would only hurt your own goals."

Magneto has posed:
     Erik gives it a thought, holding a hand to his chin. Trying to think of any way he could think of to help. "Perhaps it is reactive, only will react to certain stimuli. I'll admit I'm not sure how it works anymore than you do, perhaps even less."

  Doug's comments only serve to furrow Erik's brow. "I'm sorry I don't know more to help you with the arm. Warlock was just...beyond what we know about technology. Even now, we aren't close to that level."

Cypher has posed:
"I just have to be... patient." Doug's nose scrunches. "Still not the best at that, y'know?" Then he grips the railing with both hands.

"I did what I came here to do. Since you and 'Berto won't talk to each other, I wanted to make sure you understood what we're doing, and why it matters. And try to head off any conflict between the two of you at the pass. Whether I'm successful or not -- that's up to you. I tried." He says. Then he scoffs. "They can put that on my second tombstone."

Magneto has posed:
     "And I hope you have him the brow beating you gave me." Erik comments. "And as well, that burning bridges with the future of the nation as well, is a bad idea. Lorna is not me. When I am dead, she will do what she wishes with Genosha. And from what I can tell, she will do great good things."

  "I guess you are first to know. She is going to be named the heir apparent. It's well deserved with the good things she's done to help Genosha get back on her feet."

Cypher has posed:
    Doug folds his arms, and stares straight out ahead. "I'll tell you what. If you ever decide to hold free elections, I'll come here and run for president." He gives Magneto a look. "You answered my question, partially... I appreciate it. I'll -- see what I can do, but in the end, if he's made his decision, I'll stick with him. I have to. He's family."

Magneto has posed:
     "I told you, we have a parliament. As far as my being king goes, it was the will of the people. After the war, they started as a joke. And turned much more serious. The news, always likes to twist me out to be some awful person. All I did was start a revolution, freed the slaves, worked with my brothers and sisters to break free of their bondage."

  "You think the American election system is free and without flaw? You should know that isn't the truth. Our people elect their representatives without an electoral college. I'm only the figurehead, one that also helps when called upon. My main projects have been building all the structures you see out there." He motions to the skyline. "Homes for families and immigrants. Those mutants who flee from their homes."

Cypher has posed:
    "The flaws of the American electoral system being acknowledged..." Doug says, "That was a joke." Then he says, "And that's one thing I'm working on... nobody should have to just leave their home." Then he says, "But its nice to be in a place where I'm not in the minority. It's an interesting change in perspective. ...Look, just take a look at at that jump drive. It's mostly just videos of community outreach and initiatives, and showing Mutants how they can incorporate their gifts into vocations and trades. It's only the beginning. I'm not relying on you or the Professor to hand me the road map to the future... I'm drawing my piece of it myself."

Magneto has posed:
     Erik's gaze returns to Doug before he shakes his head. "Forgive me, I'm much too used to having to defend who I am and what I do here to the world at large." He did feel a bit silly not having seen the joke.

  "I will indeed have a look. As far as your road map, I'm glad you're making your way out there. Like I said, do it without Charles and myself."

Cypher has posed:
    Doug looks up, the wind ruffling his hair, before he says, "I don't think I have a choice. Like I said, the writing's on the wall... I think that this conflict between Mutant and -- Machine -- is going to go on for a long time to come. So we have to assert our right to exist. In every way possible."