The Past is Never Far *OTA*

[hunteroffreaks]

That was it. Jack had had it. Had it with his memories showing up and turning into flesh and blood. He hadn't slept, just sat there thinking. Atticus, Victor, Asher, and now El. But the straw that had broken the camel's back was the arrival of Jessie. That had dug open a whole coffinful of rotting memories he had thought long dead and buried. He

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[a_soul_awake]

Trudging through the snow and cold to deliver her first, measly round of research was not how Hope wanted to spend her morning. Cold was not her favorite thing in the world and while she had theories, she had no proof and that annoyed her. She expected Stryker wouldn't be pleased either but it was all she had.

She was a little surprised that someone had beaten her to Strkyer's door. Usually she was one of the first awake. Odd.

"Is he not in?" she asked with a slight frown.

[hunteroffreaks]

Jack was now pacing back and forth, rather like a wolf in too small of a cage. His head snapped up at the sound of the voice. The woman was standing on the far left, and he turned his head to bring her into his line of sight. He hadn't met this one yet, and frankly he was in no mood for the whole meet and greet bit.

"Apparently not."

[a_soul_awake]

"Well, that's strange." She checked her watch. "He should be in at this hour. You don't happen to see a note, do you?"

While aware of his bad mood, she chose to ignore it. It seemed like everyone had a bad mood, besides a few choice people. She was used to dealing with frustrated souls.

[hunteroffreaks]

"Door's locked. He's either hiding out in his hole like a rat or he's out."

He gave the parody of a smile, continuing to pace. He had to keep moving. If he sat still, he'd start thinking, and if he started thinking he was fairly cetain he'd lose what little control he had left.

"Wonder if I should break the door down and drag him out of there?"

[a_soul_awake]

"I didn't hear any Jeeps or helicopters this morning."

His look was rather unnerving, but she managed a polite smile in return. She felt it was best to stay calm and not antagonize him.

"That would be unwise. He'd be quite angry if you did."

[hunteroffreaks]

"Well, I'm more than just a little angry myself."

That was an understatement, to be sure. He had taken out a switchblade, and was now flicking it in and out, for lack to something to do with his hands.

"And I'm sure he'd prefer a broken door to a dead mutant."

[a_soul_awake]

Knives made her nervous. She drew the files closer to her chest as her smile became strained.

"Now, sir, there's really no need for violence," she said in her most reasonable tone. "When Stryker does return or appear, you're welcome to talk to him first. I'm quite content to wait."

[hunteroffreaks]

Jack was oblivious to her discomfort, continuing his pacing. It was only when he noticed her edging away he realized Hope's nervous state.

"I didn't mean you! I only kill someone when they give me a reason to."

Contrary to the popular opinion the camp seemed to hold, he wasn't a complete trigger happy maniac. And this woman was at least sensible, unlike some of the females in camp.

"You haven't. Not yet."

[a_soul_awake]

She almost jumped when he yelled, her eyes widening but she kept from completely losing her calm. Good lord, people needed to work on their tempers here.

"I'm glad to hear it," she said, having no idea how she should actually respond to that.

[hunteroffreaks]

Jack was about to respond when he paused to stifle a yawn threatening to escape. He was running on his reserves, having gotten no sleep or food since the night before.

"You should be. This camp is filled with idiots. You appear to at least be almost sensible." It was almost like a compliment, minus the snappish tone with which he said it.

[a_soul_awake]

"I'm actually a genius," Hope said, beginning to ramble nervously. "I've been tested multiple times, I usually score over 200. If there's one thing I definitely am, it's sensible."

And quite unnerved by him, but that was not something he needed to know. He could probably tell anyway. She had no poker face. She was also terribly observant and he seemed tired.

"Sir, I don't mean to pry, but have you had any rest today?"

[hunteroffreaks]

"That's your power? Being a suped-up version of Einstein?"

Personally, it sounded a bit pathetic to him, but he had learned not to underestimate any mutation, no matter how small. A military strategist would kill to have a power like her's, being able to out think opponents with ease. He looked at her with suspicion when she asked about his state. What was her motive?

"No."

[a_soul_awake]

"Actually, it's a result of my power. The bio-electric levels in my body are elevated."

Of course, that would probably make no sense to him as it made sense to very few people but it was the truth.

Well, that explained his temper a little. "If you need anything to help you sleep, there's probably something in the Med Bay I could get for you."

[hunteroffreaks]

He shook his head. Pace pace pace. Nora used to say in exasperation he had a head like a mule's ass when he wanted to. This was one of those times. Jack really needed sleep, but he would deal with it in his own way, not relying on some chemical cocktail.

"Fine like this."

[a_soul_awake]

She had a good lecture in mind about the values of getting a full night's sleep, what it did for the mind and the body. Yet, his expression made her hesitant to actually deliver the lecture.

"If you're sure, but the offer is always open. If you have any medical needs, actually, I can help." Yes, she was rambling. "I'm one of the doctors here."

[hunteroffreaks]

Back and forth he went again. Swish and flick went the knife. It had become a routine by now. This woman seemed to an okay sort. For a mutant, anyway.

"You'll probably be me seeing eventually. Digging a bullet out, more than likely, Dr....?"