Fourth Mind Read - Making Preparations

[justcharles]

[Those in the library today will be greeted by the sight of Charles, surrounded by several stacks of books on just about every subject, from Modern Technology for Dummies, to Radio Technology and You!, and he currently has Modern Warfare: Tactics and Strategies spread open on the table before him. At the same time, however, he's got a legal pad

Comments

[demonologist]

[Wesley is a frequent library resident himself, so he will be passing by. He happens to catch a glimpse of the man's sketches.]

That looks rather interesting. Are you an inventor?

[justcharles]

[Charles looks up from his reading, and acknowledges Wesley.]

Not exactly. This design is actually based on a device invented by a friend of mine, where I come from. It was destroyed, unfortunately, so I'm thinking of rebuilding it here, that I might make use of it to help the Peace Patrol.

[demonologist]

I'm a member of the Peace Patrol myself. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.

[He holds out his hand for the other gentleman to shake.]

If you're looking at building technological devices, I would recommend getting in touch with Winifred Burkle or Kaylee Frye.

[justcharles]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Wesley. I'm not a member, myself, but I'm hoping to speak to whoever's in charge, that I might gain membership.

[He takes Wesley's hand and shakes it, sensing his connection to Fred right off.]

As a matter of fact, Fred is who I was thinking of asking for help. I met her when I arrived here, and she made mention of her area of expertise when I told her of mine. I'm a Professor of Genetics, you see, so technology isn't exactly a strong suit of mine, beyond what I've used in my research.

[demonologist]

That shouldn't be too difficult, we could certainly use all the help we can get. Especially with the current situation.

[His expression clouds over slightly with concern for what Riful and her allies are planning next. Then he raises an eyebrow at the man already calling Fred by her nickname. The familiarity blindsides him for a moment, but he recovers quickly.]

A professor of genetics? That sounds fascinating. It's certainly a field which has many avenues for research and application. Fred's probably the most brilliant physicist you'll ever meet, so I have no doubt that if you need a working prototype for your design, she'll be able to come up with it.

I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name...

[justcharles]

Yes indeed. I'd wager that the membership for the Peace Patrol has swelled quite a bit, what with all that's been happening.

[Charles can sense Wesley's enduring attachment to Fred, and surmises that he's one of her friends from home.]

I've noticed that, yes. I could write volumes on a young man I recently met by the name of Tavros, just by himself. I'll have make sure to leave my notes behind, should the castle deign to send me home someday. [He nods.] That's what I'm hoping for. The design my friend came up with is a simple enough thing, so we may even have room to improve it before the day is done.

[And he flushes slightly in embarrassment. He's usually pretty good about introductions, but he's also half-distracted by all he has in front of him.]

Oh, my apologies. I'm Charles Xavier.

[demonologist]

That's quite all right, I'm sure we've all got a lot on our minds right now.

[He gestured towards a chair at the table, asking silently if it was okay to join him.]

You are reading up on military strategy? Preparing for the oncoming conflict or just an enthusiast?

[justcharles]

Yes indeed. I've not been here but a month, and just within the past fortnight or so I've noticed that the whole castle seems to have come alive, preparing for what's to come.

[He nods his approval, shoving over a stack of books so he can look his companion in the eye.]

Just preparing for the upcoming conflict. Normally, I abhor violence, but I nevertheless can appreciate it's application, when no peaceful solution can be found. Better to be prepared than not, after all.

[demonologist]

I've been here for nearly seven months now and it's not the first major conflict we've had to face. Nor do I believe it will be the last.

I think the Castle thrives on the chaos, the negatively charged energy around us when such events occur. Although I have no proof of that.

[His mind goes briefly to Damon and his recent struggles with him. If only there were a way to end things peacefully. But he doesn't believe Damon will just let bygones be bygones. He still needs to warn the others, but he made a promise to Lilah...what a mess.]

Sometimes violence is necessary, the only option left. However, if one must engage in it, one must always be mindful of the cost, and try to minimise it.

[justcharles]

That could be an idea. Why else trap us here, only to put us in opposition against such a foe? Though I would disagree with you on the nature of the energy. Everything I've seen thus far has been fairly positive, battening down the hatches, so to speak. Though it may have began as a result of negative events, the resulting response from the castle has been positive.

[He nods in understanding. The whole reason he'd gathered his students in the first place was to fight Sebastian Shaw, to prevent nuclear war.]

Yes indeed. Before I came here, I'd gathered a group of students with the intent of training them to use their abilities to prevent the possibility of a war. We were answering violence with violence, yes, but it was a necessary evil.