Wake up, Maggie, I think I got something to say to you.
Well... That was a strange turn of events.
I expected Sabella to be pretty unpleasant when I traded myself for the Professor and a sample of the toxin, and she didn't disappoint me. I also got an interesting look at Brotherhood internal and sexual politics when Magneto showed up at one point. I did not expect her to suddenly turn about-face two days in, heal me completely (She replaced the ovary that that Dr. Essex stole, for God's sake!) and let me go perfectly healthy and free and clear, with a sample of the antidote to the toxin earmarked for Siryn Cassidy.
I think the Professor did something while he was 'fixing' her. Either that, or it's Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
But, anyways, I made a metal phone call to Logan and had him pick me up, and I'm now back at the Mansion after he broke about fifty traffic laws. Note to self: Next time I go anywhere in a car with him, I'm driving.
I told Siryn about the antidote set aside for her, explained it's origins and the situation, and let her make her own choice about taking it or not. Sabella wanted me to just dose her and not say a word. Hah. Fat chance. Siryn didn't disappoint me. She's a smart young woman with a strong set of morals, and thanks to her decision and Professor Xavier's work while I was gone, we should have enough antidote for the whole school in a few days.
Read the OOC Log of Jean's departure from Sabella's lair
X-Men MUCK - Thursday, June 12, 2003, 12:56 PM
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< NYC > Succubus Entertainment - Experimentation Room < NYC >
Sterile and white with three tables laid out in the center. There are restraining cuffs at the four points of each bed. Lining one wall is a row of instraments, not a one of them looking like something someone would want used on them. There's a curtain that can be pulled between each bed, and quite a bit of electronic equiment in the corner.
[Exits : [O]ut]
[Players : Sabella ]
Sabella comes striding back into the room, looking a great deal better than she had last night when she left. The burn marks she'd taken on herself are all gone and there's even a smile on her face. Someone must have had a great night last night. Without a word, she strides over to the table Jean's strapped to and places her hands on the woman's stomach, fingertips warming as she sends out a thrill of power. Quickly, whatever wounds were left are brought onto Bella's body and away from Jean. As soon as she's done the succubus walks back out of the lab. How odd. Nope, she wasn't leaving, just grabbing food. Raw food. Perching up in a chair watching Jean, she devours a raw steak with the blood still very much on it. "...."
Now that's an interesting way to wake up. Jean had spent the night semi-lucid and trying not to brush the remaining burns and sores on her body against anything, anticipating all sorts of lurid fates come the morning, only to be... healed? Congratulations, Sabella, you've just managed to completely surprise Jean. "..." replies Jean in kind, turning in her restraints after Sabella's finished, trying to make sure she hasn't just grown a second head. The snarfing of raw steak doesn't win much of a disturbed reaction alas, instead giving Jean the focus her reeling mind needs as she takes refuge in the academic. "So your power needs undenatured protein to fuel it, or...?"
Even as Jean speaks the wounds and burn marks are starting heal, and the steak is gone in very short time. "The way I see it is that in order to heal others, I have to give them my own health, and the only way to replenish it is through proteins. Actually I heal faster when someone opens a vein, or there's a spare heart around... But alas, none today, so I'll just stick with the steak." Licking the blood from her fingertips, Bella moves to wash her hands in the sink, before making her way over to the table once more. She spends a good minute looming over Jean. "Are you ready for my next trick?" she rasps out quietly, eyes gleeming. But then she does the most unexpected thing ever. She unclasps Jean's arms... and then moves to do the same with her legs.
"Hmm... that makes sense, in a way. Have you looked into the research being done on growing vat-cultured organs?" Jean inquires with slightly-dotty concentration on the conversation and not the sudden turn of the situation from the anything-but-sublime to the ridiculous. The redhead's normally serenely lovely features are a study of confusion as her arms and legs are freed, and she levers herself to perching stiffly on the edge of the examination bed, staring at Sabella as she rotates wrists and ankles. "Umm?"
Sabella lifts her eyebrows in Jean's direction. "vat-cultured organs?" She asks with amusement. "I have no need, that's what humans are for." And with that, she makes her way back over to the door, giving a single glance over her shoulder, glad to add a little confusion into the mix. "Are you going to sit there question this, or are you coming?" is asked with a chuckle before she steps back into the other part of her lab and towards the elevator. Should Jean choose to follow her, there are some fresh clothes placed on the slab. A pair of jeans and a red shirt. Always keep them guessing.
"Into the Valley of Death, rode the Three Hundred..." mutters Jean with a shake of her head, obviously deciding that something is up, but deciding that she may as well take the good wit the bad, for as long as Sabella enjoys keeping up what Jean is figuring is a charade. Jeans and shirt are donned, the lack of a brassiere being slightly counter to Jean's good girl inclinations, since the 60s this ain't, but hey... don't look a gift succubus in the mouth. Padding after Sabella, she notes idly that "If some idiot child is planning to trade themselves for -me-, I'm going to have to kick their tail."
Sabella enters a few numbers into the keypad by the elevator, chuckling softly. "Do you honestly I'd let one of the children replace you? Nono darling, you're far too good a catch for that." And yet here they are, headed upstairs for some reason. She steps into the elevator and holds the door open, waiting for Jean to do the same.
Jean snorts softly at that, an eyebrow flickering as she steps into the elevator and looks around, perhaps trying to spot poison gas vents or hidden cannon portals, or perhaps just looking around. "Nice to see I have some intrinsic worth... and who said that idiot-children are limited to those under the age of majority?" Arms folded supportively over her chest, and with gaze still wary, she nonetheless suffers herself to be led, not caring to match her hand-to-hand skills against someone who can kill her with a prolonged touch. And, to be frank, a little curious about what's going to happen next.
Sabella has left.
< NYC > Succubus Entertainments - Lobby - Main Floor
When you first walk in you are greated by an over anxious receptionist who tries to move you quickly to the elevator. There are large, cement walls all around you, echoing even the smallest sound. Piles of boxes line one wall stacked swiftly from a set of convayer belts where large, unlabled boxes are silently being filled by glassy eyed men. The floors are cement as well and kept spotlessly clean. As you are ushered forward by the receptionist you can spot two sets of doors. Those to the elevator and those that lead to the loading dock.
[Exits : [D]isplay [R]oom, [G]rounds, [L]oading [D]ock, and [El]evator ]
[Players : Sabella ]
Logan has arrived.
Sabella chuckles softly from the elevator. "Indeed. But I'm afraid you underestimate your own worth in my eyes Jean. You are afterall, the one who caused most of my problems in the place. In fact, there's only one person I'd trade your life for, but I somehow doubt my experimentations would even work on him, so what would be the fun in that?" During the elevator ride, she reaches up to ungraft the catears from Jean's head, and slip them back onto her own, for protection of course. The elevator dings at the first floor. "First floor. Display lab, entrance, freedom." she quips with a smirk and makes an 'after you' gesture to Jean.
Jean inclines her head to facilitate removal of the ears, animation and colour surging back into her features, and a light flashing into being in her eyes as her contact with the rest of the mental web of the world is restored. On the mental plane, probably causing any telepaths in reception range to shake psychic fists at her, there's a bright surge of rainbow colours that's almost blinding in intensity before she settles back down again. Outwardly, she trusts, the joy of being a telepath again emerges simply as a smooth smile. She's about to nod and step out the door when one last plausible reason for Sabella's apparent turn to empathy and niceness (For her.) crops up. "Wait a moment... how do I know you didn't just inject me with some contagious plague that you've already innoculated yourself against?"
"Because, my dear, some of my girls hang out with some of yours, and you know that I wouldn't do anything to cause them harm or put them in harms way." Bella replies smoothly and steps around Jean and out of the elevator. "I may be a bitch Jean, but I care about my children." As Jean saw during the conversation about the two deaths yesterday. "And on that note, I actually do have a favor to ask of you, one of the deals we'll make for your freedom." she pulls out a tiny vial from her pocket and passes it to Jean. "You have a girl named Theresa Cassidy in your school, Sean's daughter, can you make sure she drinks this?" The cat ears are removed long enough for Jean to tell that the liquid is meant to help the girl rather than harm her, before slipping the ears back on. Seems Bella has a soft spot for Officer Cassidy too.
Jean's expression slips into a considering mask for a moment, thumb and forefinger outlining her jaw before she cocks her head slightly and takes the vial. "I believe you," is intoned briefly, even before the cat ears are removed. The psychic check is a quick one, and Jean apparently glimpses something else, something interesting enough to cause a quick lift of her eyebrows, before she smooths her features again, and reaches out to place a telepathic phone call she'd been putting off. "Can it be replicated? Terry Cassidy would probably spit it on the floor before she'd take something that would mean preferential treatment. She's a good kid." the doctor sums up levelly.
[TelepathicLink] Jean's mindvoice has a slightly gangly quality to it, like a horse trapped too long in a barn stretching it's legs in the sunlight. << Hello...? Anyone around? >>
[TelepathicLink] Logan nearly spits out the coffee he's sipping, as the quiet landscape of his mind, is suddenly invaded...<< Red?....Is that you?...Welcome back... >>
[TelepathicLink] Jean gives a dry chuckle at the surprise, the humour in her presence slightly... off... but she's demonstratably got it together. << Yeah, it's me... Didn't think you were the only who could pull off that whole return-from-the-edge thing, did you? I could use a pick-up, though... Sabella got bored with me, I think. >>
[TelepathicLink] Logan growls, though, unlike in person, it's a more feral growl, and it seems like there can be heard several accompanying growls off in the back of his mind, almost as if there were a whole pack there in his mind...<< So that's what happened to you...Well, as long as your safe...i'll be there in a few minutes... >>
Elsewhere, Logan thinks about taking the jet directly into town, just to save time, but instead, hops into the schools classis black suv, and tears his way from the school, through Brooklyn traffic, and through town, far exceeding the speed limit many times, as well, almost managing to teach a few people not to jay walk. A loud squeal of tires skidding along can be heard outside, as Logan pulls up, looking around outside...
"If you're scientists are good ones, then they should have the antidote ready for you from the sample I gave Rain. If not, then I'd suggest you work on it. It's really not all that difficult." Sabella says, not exactly answering the question. Sure it can be replicated but she doesn't want them to have it that easy. "And you won't be telling her that it's preferential treatment. You'll act like you're curing everyone, she's just the first to get it. I didn't know she went to your school until after I had made the cupcakes." Straightening her shoulders, the woman takes a look around. Enough of the chit chat, soeone might see! Leaning back against the elevator doors the woman smirks. "By the way, replaced that stolen ovary." She winks before wincing at the squeel of tires and glancing outside. Logan. "Well, it looks like your ride is here." she whispers, eyes never leaving the guy outside the building as she talks to Jean, a tiny smile creeping onto her lips before she can smooth it away.
"Bad intelligence, there." Jean replies, not -quite- able to resist getting a minor dig in, although she carefully pockets the small vial all the same. "Although for your... help..." the word is chosen with a little bit of displeasure at it not quite fitting. "I'll let Sean figure out on his own who poisoned his only child..." The corresponding cap that Sabella might confess this herself is left unspoken, since it seems evident. Stepping out of the elevator with a nod and her head held high, she turns sharply at the smirked comment, and asks a final, bewildered question of "Why...?" before shaking her head and heading out the door. "Charles really -did- outdo himself with you." And then it's a quick nod to the desk clerk, and out the doors to freedom, and the big black SUV and Logan, waiting to ferry her home.
[TelepathicLink] Jean says, "<< Well, someone had to get the Professor back... and while he's more valuable to everyone else, I was worth more to Sabella. >> Jean's logic is simple, although she leaves it aside as a faint echo of screeching tires can be heard reflected in her mind. << Wow... that was quick...? >>"
Logan refrains from stepping into the building, his mind changed on his perception towards Sabella now. Before, he wasn't really concerned, about his own kidnapping, only in that she never actually hurt him, but after hearing her messing with Jean, his attitude going decidely south on the matter of the succubus...His face brightens as Jean steps out of the building, looking relatively unharmed. "Nice to see your okay doc...your not hurt are you?"
Sabella does her best not to flinch at the thought of telling Sean she poisoned his kid. After all, he flipped when he found out she was part of the Brotherhood, this is just going to make that worse. She's a big girl though, she can handle it. Her eyebrows crinkle together at the mention of Charles outdoing himself, eyes narrowed dangerously. But she plays it off as Jean just trying to mess with her head. With one last glimpse at Logan the woman turns and steps back into the elevator. This is going to be a long day.
Jean is physically perfectly healthy. Probably even healthier than she was before she was imprisoned. Her scent is a little strange, though, well laced with old adrenaline, endorphins, and a little dried blood. Nothing a good hot shower won't remove, and nothing too objectionable, but it tells a tale at odds to what she looks like, and what she says, dressed in jeans and a loose red shirt borrowed from some place or another. "Do I -look- hurt? No, I'll be fine," is assured with practiced ease, the redhead reaching over to link her arm through his and stroll casually down the steps. "I just really, really, could use some coffee. Everything all right with you?"
Logan sniffs and walks Jean down the steps, and around to where the suv is parked on the sidewalk, around to the passenger side door, opening it for her. "You look fine sure...I can smell otherwise though doc..." Giving a knowing look, he can smell Sabella's experiment room on Jean, as well, all the lovely chemicals, and blood, and the smell of fresh skin, almost like the scent of a baby's skin...hopping in the drivers seat, not bothering to wear his seatbelt, he pulls into traffic quite suddenly, taking off back towards the mansion. "Eh, i'm alright I guess Jean, can't say i've been up to much, i'm out of the loop most of the time. Thought you went off on a business trip or something, not leaving a note or anything..."
<< WC >> Graymalkin Lane
A lane diverging off of one of the main roads of Westchester, Graymalkin is peaceful and almost idyllic in its shady, warm bliss. As the roads wind deeper into the country, the trees grow more numerous until they're a rustling canopy overhead and to the sides of the road, freckling sunlight in random little patches. A few houses may occasionally dot the lane, but for the most part it's quiet, except for the rolling grandeur of the Xavier Estate.
[Exits : [X]avier's [S]chool for Higher Learning, and [W]estchester]
"I'd just rather not talk about it," Jean replies honestly, clipping herself in, and then telekinetically doing the same for Logan's seatbelt as he weaves through traffic, with a smirk and the comment of "Rogue told me what happened the last time you forgot to buckle up." as a nifty subject change before she reclines back in the cushioning of the passenger-side seat. "And I didn't tell anyone what I was up to, Logan, so don't feel you were out of the loop with me. Scott figured it out I think, but didn't seem to care."
Logan laughs as he weaves through traffic, again, seemingly ignoring any modern conceptions of speed limits, just wanting to get the hell out of this concrete jungle..."Is he still tripping on that virus or what?...Or did he finally accept that he's really a dick?..."
Yeah, but horses and buggies can't go that fast! Jean shouldn't be one to talk, though, considering her own driving habits, so she'll just sit with the nails of one hand digging slightly into the armrest of her seat, and watch the scenery zoom by. "It's the virus, mostly. But I think he's using it partly as a defence mechanism, too. I hurt him, even though I never wanted to, and... yeah. I don't know, Logan, he'll always be my friend, I hope, so it's hard for me to write him off as a dick. I got a vial of cure for the virus, though."
Logan hrms, as he manages to weave through an intersection, with a green light going the other way....it was red when he got to that block, so it's still fair game. Besides, how easy would it be, to notice the license plate, when the vehicle it's attached too, is doing 50mph +.. "He's the one who cheated Jean, don't blame yourself. You were just listening to your heart...he was listening to something else, and got busted for it..."
Jean's eyes have gone unfocused, and if Logan's paying any attention to the other cars out there, he'd notice that at least three collisions passing through that intersection were averted by collisions with telekinetic shoves instead. There's a faint flicker of power that hums through the air around her, but the intersection passes too quickly and she settles back to tensely eyeing the road before anything wierd can happen. There's a little laugh and sigh mingled together from the redhead, who begins finger-combing her hair to distract herself. "I didn't leave him because of Madelyne, Logan... you know I was planning this before she showed up. I left because, among other things, he doesn't love a woman, he wants to worship a goddess. And you just can't do that... just can't make someone the center of your life like that. It's better he learns to branch out now, while I'm still around, then if or when I finally get paid put to my account."
Logan slows up, once he crosses the Brooklyn bridge, out of the city proper, cruising down the highway, before he turns onto Greymalkin Lane, back towards the Mansion..."Yeah..." For a moment, words fail him, unsure of how he feels, for Jean, for Syran, for anyone at the moment. He himself growing a tad distant, ever since he had to remember everyone again, after his trip to the 'hood...He knows he'd certainly treat the love of his life, with compassion, respect, while trying not to smother them...Finally pulling up to the mansion once more, past the kids playing outside, giving a look to see who's coming back to the mansion, though the black tint of the windows, obscures the two from prying eyes..."Looks like we made it back safe and sound...despite the white knuckle treatment your giving that arm rest..."
"Storm told me I ought to think about what I want, as well as everyone else," Jean allows, a little more voluble than usual, partially because of the remnants of God-knows-how-many drugs in her system, but also partially because it's just her, the car, and Logan. "I guess what Jean wants is someone who'll treat her like an equal, not a superior, and -see- that she's got flaws, stand up to her if she's being a pushy bitch, and love her anyways." There's an almost shy glance over her shoulder at Logan at that. This is a pretty blunt laying of her cards on the table for a woman who learned the art of wheels-within-wheels conversation from one of the best in the game. But... "All or nothing. And I'm through with pushing folks to be that way. It's got to be free choice." Was that to Logan's address, as they pass up the drive and past the playing fields? Almost certainly, with the look in green eyes and the shift in her scent that accompanies it. She changes the topic as it becomes evident she was carrying most of the conversation, prising her nails loose from the armrest at last. "That we did... thanks for coming to get me... that's, what, two or three times now you've been there for me?" With a quick grin, she unbuckles her seatbelt and moves to open the door. "I'd better stop getting into trouble, or my record of saving your rear is going to be toast."
Read the OOC Log of Jean and Siryn's talk
X-Men MUCK - Thursday, June 12, 2003, 7:01 PM
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<< XS >> Lab/Medbay - LvB2
Walls are sterile white and surfaces gleam in polished stainless steel, the large room a vision of cool science tinged with the faint medical smell of antiseptic and filled with the soft whirring of autoclaves, refrigeration units, and various medical scanners and devices. Four hospital beds are present near the entrance, curtains rigged to allow for privacy, but pulled back when not in use. In shielded alcoves off the back wall are the resident doctor's pride and joy: A full-body X-Ray machine, as well as an MRI unit and other heavy-duty imagery equipment. Between the alcoves, through a thick glass window, a small operating theatre can be glimpsed. In the lab section, an electron microscope and a pair of gene-sequencers take place of pride, glassware and smaller equipment kept securely locked away in the cabinets underneath and above the work surfaces.
[Exits : [H]allway]
[Players : Siryn ]
The medical bay looks as it always does, glimmering and polished, reeking of antiseptics and high tech. With the main lights dimmed, the patients doze or fidget in their beds, and have been joined by the sacked-out form of Charles Xavier, sprawled in sleeping-researcher fashion across a bed near the lab area. Someone's gone to the trouble of removing his shoes and tucking a blanket over him, and it's the same someone who's settled on a stool in front of a microscope, auburn hair loose and drying from a hasty shower. Jean's back, silhouette cast by the lighting of the lab section.
And the dozing patients - or, at least one specific one - is the reason behind Siryn's visit. The medbay doors swish open at her entrance, and for once, the girl actually appreciates the automatism. Especially considering that her hands are full with a tray scammed from the cafeteria. "Honey bun!" she exclaims, as she sways her way in. "I brought ye some noodle soup, boyo. Perfect f'r what ails ye..." Unfortunately, the lack of proper lighting makes it harder for the lass to find her 'honey bun', and she ends up beside the bed of one Professor Xavier...
"That's the wrong bed you're beside, Siryn," Jean calls over at picking up the sounds and sense of someone new entering the lab, quietly revelling in being -able- to do so, after being headblind for all of two days. Quiet amusement in her tone, the reinstated lady of the lab swivels her stool and looks up from the microscope to carry on more quietly that "And Professor Xavier needs his rest... he hasn't played the researcher like this in years... but if you'll set that tray down, there's something I need to talk with you about..." Now there's a slightly ominous statement, especially considering Siryn's the first person in the School since Logan to set eyes on the returned redhead for any length of time.
Siryn nearly jumps out of her skin at the voice that seemingly appears from nowhere. Then again, she should have expected _some_ doctor to have been guarding the lab, as usual. Just not this particular doc, however. "I didn'a see ye there," she states, moving to put the tray on a bedside table, before turning to face Jean. A quick and closer check is sent in Xavier's direction first. "Well, I'm sure he'll appreciate the soup just as much as me Jamie would..." One hand moves out to run a slender finger along the length of the older man's arm. Forget Madrox for the moment, though... This guy's got _experience!_ Still, even that flirty thought gets pushed aside once Jean states that she has something to discuss with her. Bringing her hand back to her side, she questions, "What's on ye'r mind?"
"He probably will," Jean agrees with a little smile curving her lips. "I'll leave out the part about being felt up by a girl young enough to be his granddaughter, though, I think... and actually, it's not something on my mind, as much as something I was told to give to you. But I prefer to let people make their own decisions on things. You'll have noticed I disappeared as Professor Xavier returned?"
The Irish lass tosses the doctor what she thinks is a sassy smile. "I'm sure he'd be thrilled over the attention," she purrs, though Siryn makes no further move towards the professor. Crossing her arms, she leans up against the bed and tosses her hair back over her shoulder with a flip of her shoulder. "I might've," she replies, in reference to the mention about Jean's dissapearance. "But I've not paid much attention to the rumours making their way 'round the school..." As she's been spending too much time mooning over a certain young teacher. "But I s'pose that ye were gone f'er a while. 'Nother conference?" Though she questions Jean, it doesn't look like Teresa is really interested in the answer, as she's now moved on to studying her nails.
flip of her shoulder/flip of her head.
Jean shakes her head and vents a puff of darkly amused laughter. "Logan thought I'd been at a conference too... I guess there's such a thing as -too- covert an op." she editorializes, with a second shake of her head, before pulling a small vial of something carefully from her pocket and setting it on the edge of the lab bench. "No, what I did was trade myself for Professor Xavier. Sabella Miller, the woman who captured him, was also the woman who infected us all with this... toxin. Part of the deal I made her was that, in exchange for my voluntary surrender, she'd give us the professor, and a sample of what she used on us. Professor Xavier's been picking up where I left off on the search for an antidote ever since... But when she let me go today, she added a new wrinkle..." Another pause, and a glance to see if the girl is tracking or not.
Siryn is still too busy fiddling with her manicure to pay much attention to Jean and the vial that's pulled from her pocket. However, the whole speech about Professor Xavier being taken and the release of the name of the person who drugged them finally manages to shake her out of her selfish little reverie. The word 'antidote' particularly grabs her interest. "And what would th'a wrinkle be?" she tosses back, finally looking up at the doctor. He gaze slides over to where the vial is perched on the bench, and for a moment, her eyes become clear and the look more lucid than it's been in a while. So far, it doesn't sound like there are any wrinkles to her...
Jean lifts the vial pinched carefully between thumb and forefinger, holding it up to the light. "This is a single sample of the antidote. Sabella already has it on hand, but she's a petty bitch and won't hand over enough for everyone, or her research notes so I can make more." Strange, to hear that single obscenity from the cultured Dr. Grey, but... everyone's got their nemeses. She continues holding the vial as she chats. "From what I can tell, Sabella's got a thing for your father... this vial is earmarked for you. So, the choice is yours: You can take it and be cured now, weeks or possibly months ahead of everyone else, or the Professor and I can use the antidote provided, analyze it, and check our own concoctions, coming up with a cure for everyone in about half the time, or even less." The choice given, she places the vial back on the counter between them and settles back on her stool by her microscope, hands dropped to her lap. Eyeing the girl, she assures quietly that "I won't judge the choice you make."
The clear look in Siryn's gaze remains for several moments, as the lass ponders the choice she's suddenly been offered. Never before has she been given that option before, so it's no wonder the girl looks strangely confused by it. "I d'en understand. Ye mean to tell me that the girl who poisoned us is now offerin' up the cure, but only to me? Because she's got a thing f'er me father?" Teresa doesn't even wait for a reply, as she's quick to realize that yes - that's indeed what Jean is saying. Bringing one finger to her mouth, she bites on the nail nervously, obviously having forgotten about the manicure in light of this matter. What to do, what to do... Glancing back from the vial to the doctor, Siryn then asks, "Can't ye just copy it, or som'thin, right away? With all the technology ye have floating 'round this place, I don't see how it's not possible..." She motions towards the strange assortment of equipment layed out on the table where Xavier himself was previously working.
Jean nods solemnly, affirming what Siryn's already processed for herself, one hand lifting to idly trace across her microscope and leaving the vial sitting on the counter. She makes no move to take it back, even though it's patently obvious what choice Jean's hoping will be made, despite the calm mask she's settled her features in. "We can't just Xerox it, but we can break it down and determine just what's in it, in what concentrations, then recreate it, yes. But the problem is, if we do that, the test sample won't be usuable any more. So, because I promised Sabella I'd give this to you, and I keep my word, it's your call as to how it's used."
The urge to just jump forward and grab the vial is held back thanks to the fact that Siryn is now nibbling on the nails of her other hand too. So much for the thirty bucks she spent on getting them _just_ right for a certain fellow... Her eyes remain glued to the counter where the antidote lays. She does, however, manage to take a step in the direction of said counter, though she tries hard to make it look like it's just a casual movement, and not something planned. Jean's mention of this woman 'Sabella' once again drags her attention away and rather than act on her impulse, the teen gives her head a shake and aks, "Who is this woman anyway? This Sabella? I remember Sean mentionin'er name, but he didn't give much specifics." And at the time, Teresa wasn't too keen on hearing any details anyway. She may not be close to her father, but the idea of him having a 'girlfriend' is still to icky for her to think of...
"Sabella Miller..." Jean rolls the name off her tongue, staring up at a spot on the ceiling and pretending not to notice Siryn's move towards the counter as she attempts to give an unemotional report on the woman who just spent solid chunks of the past two days causing her large amounts of pain... before suddenly turning 180 from all that in a move that still has Jean baffled, but suspecting of Xavier Involvement. "Codename Succubus, she's one of Magneto's top lieutenants, if not -the- top. I expect she'll make a bid for leadership soon if the old boy doesn't watch his step. She has, in the past, nearly killed Jubilee, assisted in kidnapping my niece Rachael and keeping her under chemical control, kidnapped Logan and screwed with his head so thoroughly that he's still got chunks of recent memory lost because of it, captured and tortured Syran, our new drama teacher, and manipulated the free will of countless victims I don't know, for long or short periods of time, in order to get them to do everything from die for her to get her a cup of coffee faster." That indictment delivered in a dead-level dead-cold tone, Jean sits back, loosens her shoulders a little and adds on more gently that "All that aside, I'll freely admit I've toed the edge of the ethical line a few times, dealing with her. And she -does- genuinely seem to care for the Brotherhood young women under her control. But I don't know what your father's up to with her, I don't think he knows quite what she's all about, and I worry for him,"
The whole schpeel about this woman manages to confirm what Siryn's already decided. This 'Sabella' is bad business. "I dunno what my father has for 'er either, but the way he spoke about her, it was if she could do no wrong..." Sure, he only mentioned her for a split second, and just her name, but the way his voice turned when he said it was enough to make Teresa get the point. "But she certainly doesn't sound all that grand te me..." Especially now that the lass finds out that this woman was the one who hurt her friend Jubilee and brainwashed Logan. Well, then again, maybe she's not so bad after all... The metal-laced thickskull still can't remember where he hid a few other stashes of beer, and that's good news for Siryn. "So... Why should I trust what's in that vial then?" she suddenly asks, taking a step back away from the counter. Suddenly, the idea of having Jean and the others test it first sounds like a mighty grand idea to the teen.
Jean snorts softly, more of a 'Heh' sound than out of amusement. "She's a striking and talented woman, Siryn. One who I'd cheerfully lock away in a prison with all-female guards, mind, but they say a person's best evaluated by their enemies, and I can see how a man, not knowing just what she is fully, might have his head turned if she were trying to be nice." She still doesn't reach for the vial, instead pulling up the thick binder full of the case histories of everyone affected with the virus so far and settling it on her lap. "As for trusting the contents of that vial, A) she let me look at her mind long enough to see she was sincere, and B) if she's trying to make nice to your father, you're a bit more important than the average pawn in this chess game." But still a pawn to her, Jean's nice enough not to say aloud.
Siryn doesn't much care for the way that Sean might've been suckered into liking this woman, but she is interested in the fact that the antidote is, indeed, genuine. Once again, a step is taken forward, though the lass keeps her hands to herself. It's as though Teresa herself has suddenly gone psychic, however, as she mutters, "But still a pawn," to herself as she looks down at the book in Jean's lap. A few moments of silent pondering are left to slip by, before Siryn speaks again. "And that's a list of everyone who's been affected, huh?" she asks, pointing down to the pages upon pages of notes.
"Yes." replies Jean simply, whether to the mutter or the question or both. Folding her hands on top of the binder, she begins reciting a long list of names from memory, some known to Siryn, some not, but all burned into her own brain. "Professor Summers. Professor Monroe. Professor Wagner. Dr. McCoy. Andrew. Kitsune. Clarice. Darren. Mercy. Kitty. Jubilee. Myself. Yourself, and..." a glance over at the bed holding the unconscious Multiple Man. "Jamie Madrox was her first victim, as far as we can tell. There are also two citizens, completely unaffiliated with the School in any way, who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Wary gaze is suddenly replaced with an angry one full of sparks, as the list runs down many names of friends (and some teachers) of Siryn. The worse, however, is when Jamie's name is given. Snapping her head in the direction where the unconscious man is laying, the lass shakes her head once again, though this time, it's more of a toss in rage than anything else. "That's right. _She_ did this to _him_." Which, considering Teresa's current state of influence under the toxin, is the most important factor in this whole situation. (Never mind the fact that she wouldn't be so passionate about Madrox if she herself wasn't affected) Seeing how the teen would do _anything_ for the man of her dreams, it's no wonder that she finally makes the decision of, "Ye keep it. Do what ye can to make more. And get me boyo fixed!"
Yes! Jean wins! Her read of which way Siryn would jump is more accurate than Sabella's! Take -that-, Succubus!! Jean's triumph emerges only as a relieved smile, of coursem and she moves to pick the vial up again, before her hand stops, and then drops to the work bench short of it's goal. Her ethics are poking at her, whispering that Siryn in this state isn't really the perfect picture of informed consent. So, time for one last try. "Terry... don't make your decision because of Jamie. Make it for yourself, whether you want to be fixed ahead of the pack, or be part of the great democracy who get it later. He'll be fixed regardless, it's just a matter of time." Time which his psyche might not have, but Jean won't have it on her conscience that she forced Siryn's choice. Since she may well have to tell Sabella so at a later date.
There's no need for Jean to be so concerned, because deep down, Siryn's reasons for denying the antidote are truly altruistic. The toxin hasn't been able to change her personality _that_ completely. Shaking her head, the lass grits her teeth and forces herself to get back on track. "No. I'm not just doing this f'er him. I'm doing it f'er the others too, and because I don't want to be used anymore. I've had enough of that in me lifetime..." Flashes of how her Uncle Tom did just that run through her mind and those memories are enough to expel the toxin from her minstate temporarily. "Please, Jean. Just .. do it... Take it away now though, b'fore I change me mind..." And it's as if that one phrase knocked her back into a personality switch, as she adds, "Plus. This way, him (meaning Madrox) and I will be able to return to normal at the same time. I'd have to see him cringe 'round me, afraid of what I'd do next, were he still affected and I wasn't..."
Jean catches the mental shift, nods solemnly, and closes her hand over the antidote, removing it from view and hopefully from temptation as she keeps her eyes steady on Siryn. "Then I'll use it." she assures, simply. "Professor Xavier does good work... he's already managed to get some theories for antidotes down on paper. With this? A couple days, and we should have it." Dropping the vial very carefully into the breast pocket of her lab coat, she stands and reaches over to touch the teen's shoulder. "Thank you, Terry." is said quietly. "It takes a lot of conviction to turn away from what you were just offered. You've got guts."
Siryn doesn't have guts. She just has feelings - same like anyone else. And she's stubborn. (We'll at least give her that) "Don't be thankin' me jus' yet," the girl states, once again backing away from both the doctor and the medlab in general. "I might still make a mess o' things before all's said and done." And just to prove that she's not joking, the lass leans against the doorway once the automatic doors have slid open, and offers, "Ye can pay me back by trackin' me down some of Logan's Guinness. With all the worrying I've been doing lately over me lover boy o're there," Here she nods to Jamie, "I've neglected to keep up me search for the metal-brain's stash." That said, a saucy wink is then tossed in Jean's direction before Teresa dissapears into the corridor.
I expected Sabella to be pretty unpleasant when I traded myself for the Professor and a sample of the toxin, and she didn't disappoint me. I also got an interesting look at Brotherhood internal and sexual politics when Magneto showed up at one point. I did not expect her to suddenly turn about-face two days in, heal me completely (She replaced the ovary that that Dr. Essex stole, for God's sake!) and let me go perfectly healthy and free and clear, with a sample of the antidote to the toxin earmarked for Siryn Cassidy.
I think the Professor did something while he was 'fixing' her. Either that, or it's Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
But, anyways, I made a metal phone call to Logan and had him pick me up, and I'm now back at the Mansion after he broke about fifty traffic laws. Note to self: Next time I go anywhere in a car with him, I'm driving.
I told Siryn about the antidote set aside for her, explained it's origins and the situation, and let her make her own choice about taking it or not. Sabella wanted me to just dose her and not say a word. Hah. Fat chance. Siryn didn't disappoint me. She's a smart young woman with a strong set of morals, and thanks to her decision and Professor Xavier's work while I was gone, we should have enough antidote for the whole school in a few days.
Read the OOC Log of Jean's departure from Sabella's lair
X-Men MUCK - Thursday, June 12, 2003, 12:56 PM
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< NYC > Succubus Entertainment - Experimentation Room < NYC >
Sterile and white with three tables laid out in the center. There are restraining cuffs at the four points of each bed. Lining one wall is a row of instraments, not a one of them looking like something someone would want used on them. There's a curtain that can be pulled between each bed, and quite a bit of electronic equiment in the corner.
[Exits : [O]ut]
[Players : Sabella ]
Sabella comes striding back into the room, looking a great deal better than she had last night when she left. The burn marks she'd taken on herself are all gone and there's even a smile on her face. Someone must have had a great night last night. Without a word, she strides over to the table Jean's strapped to and places her hands on the woman's stomach, fingertips warming as she sends out a thrill of power. Quickly, whatever wounds were left are brought onto Bella's body and away from Jean. As soon as she's done the succubus walks back out of the lab. How odd. Nope, she wasn't leaving, just grabbing food. Raw food. Perching up in a chair watching Jean, she devours a raw steak with the blood still very much on it. "...."
Now that's an interesting way to wake up. Jean had spent the night semi-lucid and trying not to brush the remaining burns and sores on her body against anything, anticipating all sorts of lurid fates come the morning, only to be... healed? Congratulations, Sabella, you've just managed to completely surprise Jean. "..." replies Jean in kind, turning in her restraints after Sabella's finished, trying to make sure she hasn't just grown a second head. The snarfing of raw steak doesn't win much of a disturbed reaction alas, instead giving Jean the focus her reeling mind needs as she takes refuge in the academic. "So your power needs undenatured protein to fuel it, or...?"
Even as Jean speaks the wounds and burn marks are starting heal, and the steak is gone in very short time. "The way I see it is that in order to heal others, I have to give them my own health, and the only way to replenish it is through proteins. Actually I heal faster when someone opens a vein, or there's a spare heart around... But alas, none today, so I'll just stick with the steak." Licking the blood from her fingertips, Bella moves to wash her hands in the sink, before making her way over to the table once more. She spends a good minute looming over Jean. "Are you ready for my next trick?" she rasps out quietly, eyes gleeming. But then she does the most unexpected thing ever. She unclasps Jean's arms... and then moves to do the same with her legs.
"Hmm... that makes sense, in a way. Have you looked into the research being done on growing vat-cultured organs?" Jean inquires with slightly-dotty concentration on the conversation and not the sudden turn of the situation from the anything-but-sublime to the ridiculous. The redhead's normally serenely lovely features are a study of confusion as her arms and legs are freed, and she levers herself to perching stiffly on the edge of the examination bed, staring at Sabella as she rotates wrists and ankles. "Umm?"
Sabella lifts her eyebrows in Jean's direction. "vat-cultured organs?" She asks with amusement. "I have no need, that's what humans are for." And with that, she makes her way back over to the door, giving a single glance over her shoulder, glad to add a little confusion into the mix. "Are you going to sit there question this, or are you coming?" is asked with a chuckle before she steps back into the other part of her lab and towards the elevator. Should Jean choose to follow her, there are some fresh clothes placed on the slab. A pair of jeans and a red shirt. Always keep them guessing.
"Into the Valley of Death, rode the Three Hundred..." mutters Jean with a shake of her head, obviously deciding that something is up, but deciding that she may as well take the good wit the bad, for as long as Sabella enjoys keeping up what Jean is figuring is a charade. Jeans and shirt are donned, the lack of a brassiere being slightly counter to Jean's good girl inclinations, since the 60s this ain't, but hey... don't look a gift succubus in the mouth. Padding after Sabella, she notes idly that "If some idiot child is planning to trade themselves for -me-, I'm going to have to kick their tail."
Sabella enters a few numbers into the keypad by the elevator, chuckling softly. "Do you honestly I'd let one of the children replace you? Nono darling, you're far too good a catch for that." And yet here they are, headed upstairs for some reason. She steps into the elevator and holds the door open, waiting for Jean to do the same.
Jean snorts softly at that, an eyebrow flickering as she steps into the elevator and looks around, perhaps trying to spot poison gas vents or hidden cannon portals, or perhaps just looking around. "Nice to see I have some intrinsic worth... and who said that idiot-children are limited to those under the age of majority?" Arms folded supportively over her chest, and with gaze still wary, she nonetheless suffers herself to be led, not caring to match her hand-to-hand skills against someone who can kill her with a prolonged touch. And, to be frank, a little curious about what's going to happen next.
Sabella has left.
< NYC > Succubus Entertainments - Lobby - Main Floor
When you first walk in you are greated by an over anxious receptionist who tries to move you quickly to the elevator. There are large, cement walls all around you, echoing even the smallest sound. Piles of boxes line one wall stacked swiftly from a set of convayer belts where large, unlabled boxes are silently being filled by glassy eyed men. The floors are cement as well and kept spotlessly clean. As you are ushered forward by the receptionist you can spot two sets of doors. Those to the elevator and those that lead to the loading dock.
[Exits : [D]isplay [R]oom, [G]rounds, [L]oading [D]ock, and [El]evator ]
[Players : Sabella ]
Logan has arrived.
Sabella chuckles softly from the elevator. "Indeed. But I'm afraid you underestimate your own worth in my eyes Jean. You are afterall, the one who caused most of my problems in the place. In fact, there's only one person I'd trade your life for, but I somehow doubt my experimentations would even work on him, so what would be the fun in that?" During the elevator ride, she reaches up to ungraft the catears from Jean's head, and slip them back onto her own, for protection of course. The elevator dings at the first floor. "First floor. Display lab, entrance, freedom." she quips with a smirk and makes an 'after you' gesture to Jean.
Jean inclines her head to facilitate removal of the ears, animation and colour surging back into her features, and a light flashing into being in her eyes as her contact with the rest of the mental web of the world is restored. On the mental plane, probably causing any telepaths in reception range to shake psychic fists at her, there's a bright surge of rainbow colours that's almost blinding in intensity before she settles back down again. Outwardly, she trusts, the joy of being a telepath again emerges simply as a smooth smile. She's about to nod and step out the door when one last plausible reason for Sabella's apparent turn to empathy and niceness (For her.) crops up. "Wait a moment... how do I know you didn't just inject me with some contagious plague that you've already innoculated yourself against?"
"Because, my dear, some of my girls hang out with some of yours, and you know that I wouldn't do anything to cause them harm or put them in harms way." Bella replies smoothly and steps around Jean and out of the elevator. "I may be a bitch Jean, but I care about my children." As Jean saw during the conversation about the two deaths yesterday. "And on that note, I actually do have a favor to ask of you, one of the deals we'll make for your freedom." she pulls out a tiny vial from her pocket and passes it to Jean. "You have a girl named Theresa Cassidy in your school, Sean's daughter, can you make sure she drinks this?" The cat ears are removed long enough for Jean to tell that the liquid is meant to help the girl rather than harm her, before slipping the ears back on. Seems Bella has a soft spot for Officer Cassidy too.
Jean's expression slips into a considering mask for a moment, thumb and forefinger outlining her jaw before she cocks her head slightly and takes the vial. "I believe you," is intoned briefly, even before the cat ears are removed. The psychic check is a quick one, and Jean apparently glimpses something else, something interesting enough to cause a quick lift of her eyebrows, before she smooths her features again, and reaches out to place a telepathic phone call she'd been putting off. "Can it be replicated? Terry Cassidy would probably spit it on the floor before she'd take something that would mean preferential treatment. She's a good kid." the doctor sums up levelly.
[TelepathicLink] Jean's mindvoice has a slightly gangly quality to it, like a horse trapped too long in a barn stretching it's legs in the sunlight. << Hello...? Anyone around? >>
[TelepathicLink] Logan nearly spits out the coffee he's sipping, as the quiet landscape of his mind, is suddenly invaded...<< Red?....Is that you?...Welcome back... >>
[TelepathicLink] Jean gives a dry chuckle at the surprise, the humour in her presence slightly... off... but she's demonstratably got it together. << Yeah, it's me... Didn't think you were the only who could pull off that whole return-from-the-edge thing, did you? I could use a pick-up, though... Sabella got bored with me, I think. >>
[TelepathicLink] Logan growls, though, unlike in person, it's a more feral growl, and it seems like there can be heard several accompanying growls off in the back of his mind, almost as if there were a whole pack there in his mind...<< So that's what happened to you...Well, as long as your safe...i'll be there in a few minutes... >>
Elsewhere, Logan thinks about taking the jet directly into town, just to save time, but instead, hops into the schools classis black suv, and tears his way from the school, through Brooklyn traffic, and through town, far exceeding the speed limit many times, as well, almost managing to teach a few people not to jay walk. A loud squeal of tires skidding along can be heard outside, as Logan pulls up, looking around outside...
"If you're scientists are good ones, then they should have the antidote ready for you from the sample I gave Rain. If not, then I'd suggest you work on it. It's really not all that difficult." Sabella says, not exactly answering the question. Sure it can be replicated but she doesn't want them to have it that easy. "And you won't be telling her that it's preferential treatment. You'll act like you're curing everyone, she's just the first to get it. I didn't know she went to your school until after I had made the cupcakes." Straightening her shoulders, the woman takes a look around. Enough of the chit chat, soeone might see! Leaning back against the elevator doors the woman smirks. "By the way, replaced that stolen ovary." She winks before wincing at the squeel of tires and glancing outside. Logan. "Well, it looks like your ride is here." she whispers, eyes never leaving the guy outside the building as she talks to Jean, a tiny smile creeping onto her lips before she can smooth it away.
"Bad intelligence, there." Jean replies, not -quite- able to resist getting a minor dig in, although she carefully pockets the small vial all the same. "Although for your... help..." the word is chosen with a little bit of displeasure at it not quite fitting. "I'll let Sean figure out on his own who poisoned his only child..." The corresponding cap that Sabella might confess this herself is left unspoken, since it seems evident. Stepping out of the elevator with a nod and her head held high, she turns sharply at the smirked comment, and asks a final, bewildered question of "Why...?" before shaking her head and heading out the door. "Charles really -did- outdo himself with you." And then it's a quick nod to the desk clerk, and out the doors to freedom, and the big black SUV and Logan, waiting to ferry her home.
[TelepathicLink] Jean says, "<< Well, someone had to get the Professor back... and while he's more valuable to everyone else, I was worth more to Sabella. >> Jean's logic is simple, although she leaves it aside as a faint echo of screeching tires can be heard reflected in her mind. << Wow... that was quick...? >>"
Logan refrains from stepping into the building, his mind changed on his perception towards Sabella now. Before, he wasn't really concerned, about his own kidnapping, only in that she never actually hurt him, but after hearing her messing with Jean, his attitude going decidely south on the matter of the succubus...His face brightens as Jean steps out of the building, looking relatively unharmed. "Nice to see your okay doc...your not hurt are you?"
Sabella does her best not to flinch at the thought of telling Sean she poisoned his kid. After all, he flipped when he found out she was part of the Brotherhood, this is just going to make that worse. She's a big girl though, she can handle it. Her eyebrows crinkle together at the mention of Charles outdoing himself, eyes narrowed dangerously. But she plays it off as Jean just trying to mess with her head. With one last glimpse at Logan the woman turns and steps back into the elevator. This is going to be a long day.
Jean is physically perfectly healthy. Probably even healthier than she was before she was imprisoned. Her scent is a little strange, though, well laced with old adrenaline, endorphins, and a little dried blood. Nothing a good hot shower won't remove, and nothing too objectionable, but it tells a tale at odds to what she looks like, and what she says, dressed in jeans and a loose red shirt borrowed from some place or another. "Do I -look- hurt? No, I'll be fine," is assured with practiced ease, the redhead reaching over to link her arm through his and stroll casually down the steps. "I just really, really, could use some coffee. Everything all right with you?"
Logan sniffs and walks Jean down the steps, and around to where the suv is parked on the sidewalk, around to the passenger side door, opening it for her. "You look fine sure...I can smell otherwise though doc..." Giving a knowing look, he can smell Sabella's experiment room on Jean, as well, all the lovely chemicals, and blood, and the smell of fresh skin, almost like the scent of a baby's skin...hopping in the drivers seat, not bothering to wear his seatbelt, he pulls into traffic quite suddenly, taking off back towards the mansion. "Eh, i'm alright I guess Jean, can't say i've been up to much, i'm out of the loop most of the time. Thought you went off on a business trip or something, not leaving a note or anything..."
<< WC >> Graymalkin Lane
A lane diverging off of one of the main roads of Westchester, Graymalkin is peaceful and almost idyllic in its shady, warm bliss. As the roads wind deeper into the country, the trees grow more numerous until they're a rustling canopy overhead and to the sides of the road, freckling sunlight in random little patches. A few houses may occasionally dot the lane, but for the most part it's quiet, except for the rolling grandeur of the Xavier Estate.
[Exits : [X]avier's [S]chool for Higher Learning, and [W]estchester]
"I'd just rather not talk about it," Jean replies honestly, clipping herself in, and then telekinetically doing the same for Logan's seatbelt as he weaves through traffic, with a smirk and the comment of "Rogue told me what happened the last time you forgot to buckle up." as a nifty subject change before she reclines back in the cushioning of the passenger-side seat. "And I didn't tell anyone what I was up to, Logan, so don't feel you were out of the loop with me. Scott figured it out I think, but didn't seem to care."
Logan laughs as he weaves through traffic, again, seemingly ignoring any modern conceptions of speed limits, just wanting to get the hell out of this concrete jungle..."Is he still tripping on that virus or what?...Or did he finally accept that he's really a dick?..."
Yeah, but horses and buggies can't go that fast! Jean shouldn't be one to talk, though, considering her own driving habits, so she'll just sit with the nails of one hand digging slightly into the armrest of her seat, and watch the scenery zoom by. "It's the virus, mostly. But I think he's using it partly as a defence mechanism, too. I hurt him, even though I never wanted to, and... yeah. I don't know, Logan, he'll always be my friend, I hope, so it's hard for me to write him off as a dick. I got a vial of cure for the virus, though."
Logan hrms, as he manages to weave through an intersection, with a green light going the other way....it was red when he got to that block, so it's still fair game. Besides, how easy would it be, to notice the license plate, when the vehicle it's attached too, is doing 50mph +.. "He's the one who cheated Jean, don't blame yourself. You were just listening to your heart...he was listening to something else, and got busted for it..."
Jean's eyes have gone unfocused, and if Logan's paying any attention to the other cars out there, he'd notice that at least three collisions passing through that intersection were averted by collisions with telekinetic shoves instead. There's a faint flicker of power that hums through the air around her, but the intersection passes too quickly and she settles back to tensely eyeing the road before anything wierd can happen. There's a little laugh and sigh mingled together from the redhead, who begins finger-combing her hair to distract herself. "I didn't leave him because of Madelyne, Logan... you know I was planning this before she showed up. I left because, among other things, he doesn't love a woman, he wants to worship a goddess. And you just can't do that... just can't make someone the center of your life like that. It's better he learns to branch out now, while I'm still around, then if or when I finally get paid put to my account."
Logan slows up, once he crosses the Brooklyn bridge, out of the city proper, cruising down the highway, before he turns onto Greymalkin Lane, back towards the Mansion..."Yeah..." For a moment, words fail him, unsure of how he feels, for Jean, for Syran, for anyone at the moment. He himself growing a tad distant, ever since he had to remember everyone again, after his trip to the 'hood...He knows he'd certainly treat the love of his life, with compassion, respect, while trying not to smother them...Finally pulling up to the mansion once more, past the kids playing outside, giving a look to see who's coming back to the mansion, though the black tint of the windows, obscures the two from prying eyes..."Looks like we made it back safe and sound...despite the white knuckle treatment your giving that arm rest..."
"Storm told me I ought to think about what I want, as well as everyone else," Jean allows, a little more voluble than usual, partially because of the remnants of God-knows-how-many drugs in her system, but also partially because it's just her, the car, and Logan. "I guess what Jean wants is someone who'll treat her like an equal, not a superior, and -see- that she's got flaws, stand up to her if she's being a pushy bitch, and love her anyways." There's an almost shy glance over her shoulder at Logan at that. This is a pretty blunt laying of her cards on the table for a woman who learned the art of wheels-within-wheels conversation from one of the best in the game. But... "All or nothing. And I'm through with pushing folks to be that way. It's got to be free choice." Was that to Logan's address, as they pass up the drive and past the playing fields? Almost certainly, with the look in green eyes and the shift in her scent that accompanies it. She changes the topic as it becomes evident she was carrying most of the conversation, prising her nails loose from the armrest at last. "That we did... thanks for coming to get me... that's, what, two or three times now you've been there for me?" With a quick grin, she unbuckles her seatbelt and moves to open the door. "I'd better stop getting into trouble, or my record of saving your rear is going to be toast."
Read the OOC Log of Jean and Siryn's talk
X-Men MUCK - Thursday, June 12, 2003, 7:01 PM
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<< XS >> Lab/Medbay - LvB2
Walls are sterile white and surfaces gleam in polished stainless steel, the large room a vision of cool science tinged with the faint medical smell of antiseptic and filled with the soft whirring of autoclaves, refrigeration units, and various medical scanners and devices. Four hospital beds are present near the entrance, curtains rigged to allow for privacy, but pulled back when not in use. In shielded alcoves off the back wall are the resident doctor's pride and joy: A full-body X-Ray machine, as well as an MRI unit and other heavy-duty imagery equipment. Between the alcoves, through a thick glass window, a small operating theatre can be glimpsed. In the lab section, an electron microscope and a pair of gene-sequencers take place of pride, glassware and smaller equipment kept securely locked away in the cabinets underneath and above the work surfaces.
[Exits : [H]allway]
[Players : Siryn ]
The medical bay looks as it always does, glimmering and polished, reeking of antiseptics and high tech. With the main lights dimmed, the patients doze or fidget in their beds, and have been joined by the sacked-out form of Charles Xavier, sprawled in sleeping-researcher fashion across a bed near the lab area. Someone's gone to the trouble of removing his shoes and tucking a blanket over him, and it's the same someone who's settled on a stool in front of a microscope, auburn hair loose and drying from a hasty shower. Jean's back, silhouette cast by the lighting of the lab section.
And the dozing patients - or, at least one specific one - is the reason behind Siryn's visit. The medbay doors swish open at her entrance, and for once, the girl actually appreciates the automatism. Especially considering that her hands are full with a tray scammed from the cafeteria. "Honey bun!" she exclaims, as she sways her way in. "I brought ye some noodle soup, boyo. Perfect f'r what ails ye..." Unfortunately, the lack of proper lighting makes it harder for the lass to find her 'honey bun', and she ends up beside the bed of one Professor Xavier...
"That's the wrong bed you're beside, Siryn," Jean calls over at picking up the sounds and sense of someone new entering the lab, quietly revelling in being -able- to do so, after being headblind for all of two days. Quiet amusement in her tone, the reinstated lady of the lab swivels her stool and looks up from the microscope to carry on more quietly that "And Professor Xavier needs his rest... he hasn't played the researcher like this in years... but if you'll set that tray down, there's something I need to talk with you about..." Now there's a slightly ominous statement, especially considering Siryn's the first person in the School since Logan to set eyes on the returned redhead for any length of time.
Siryn nearly jumps out of her skin at the voice that seemingly appears from nowhere. Then again, she should have expected _some_ doctor to have been guarding the lab, as usual. Just not this particular doc, however. "I didn'a see ye there," she states, moving to put the tray on a bedside table, before turning to face Jean. A quick and closer check is sent in Xavier's direction first. "Well, I'm sure he'll appreciate the soup just as much as me Jamie would..." One hand moves out to run a slender finger along the length of the older man's arm. Forget Madrox for the moment, though... This guy's got _experience!_ Still, even that flirty thought gets pushed aside once Jean states that she has something to discuss with her. Bringing her hand back to her side, she questions, "What's on ye'r mind?"
"He probably will," Jean agrees with a little smile curving her lips. "I'll leave out the part about being felt up by a girl young enough to be his granddaughter, though, I think... and actually, it's not something on my mind, as much as something I was told to give to you. But I prefer to let people make their own decisions on things. You'll have noticed I disappeared as Professor Xavier returned?"
The Irish lass tosses the doctor what she thinks is a sassy smile. "I'm sure he'd be thrilled over the attention," she purrs, though Siryn makes no further move towards the professor. Crossing her arms, she leans up against the bed and tosses her hair back over her shoulder with a flip of her shoulder. "I might've," she replies, in reference to the mention about Jean's dissapearance. "But I've not paid much attention to the rumours making their way 'round the school..." As she's been spending too much time mooning over a certain young teacher. "But I s'pose that ye were gone f'er a while. 'Nother conference?" Though she questions Jean, it doesn't look like Teresa is really interested in the answer, as she's now moved on to studying her nails.
flip of her shoulder/flip of her head.
Jean shakes her head and vents a puff of darkly amused laughter. "Logan thought I'd been at a conference too... I guess there's such a thing as -too- covert an op." she editorializes, with a second shake of her head, before pulling a small vial of something carefully from her pocket and setting it on the edge of the lab bench. "No, what I did was trade myself for Professor Xavier. Sabella Miller, the woman who captured him, was also the woman who infected us all with this... toxin. Part of the deal I made her was that, in exchange for my voluntary surrender, she'd give us the professor, and a sample of what she used on us. Professor Xavier's been picking up where I left off on the search for an antidote ever since... But when she let me go today, she added a new wrinkle..." Another pause, and a glance to see if the girl is tracking or not.
Siryn is still too busy fiddling with her manicure to pay much attention to Jean and the vial that's pulled from her pocket. However, the whole speech about Professor Xavier being taken and the release of the name of the person who drugged them finally manages to shake her out of her selfish little reverie. The word 'antidote' particularly grabs her interest. "And what would th'a wrinkle be?" she tosses back, finally looking up at the doctor. He gaze slides over to where the vial is perched on the bench, and for a moment, her eyes become clear and the look more lucid than it's been in a while. So far, it doesn't sound like there are any wrinkles to her...
Jean lifts the vial pinched carefully between thumb and forefinger, holding it up to the light. "This is a single sample of the antidote. Sabella already has it on hand, but she's a petty bitch and won't hand over enough for everyone, or her research notes so I can make more." Strange, to hear that single obscenity from the cultured Dr. Grey, but... everyone's got their nemeses. She continues holding the vial as she chats. "From what I can tell, Sabella's got a thing for your father... this vial is earmarked for you. So, the choice is yours: You can take it and be cured now, weeks or possibly months ahead of everyone else, or the Professor and I can use the antidote provided, analyze it, and check our own concoctions, coming up with a cure for everyone in about half the time, or even less." The choice given, she places the vial back on the counter between them and settles back on her stool by her microscope, hands dropped to her lap. Eyeing the girl, she assures quietly that "I won't judge the choice you make."
The clear look in Siryn's gaze remains for several moments, as the lass ponders the choice she's suddenly been offered. Never before has she been given that option before, so it's no wonder the girl looks strangely confused by it. "I d'en understand. Ye mean to tell me that the girl who poisoned us is now offerin' up the cure, but only to me? Because she's got a thing f'er me father?" Teresa doesn't even wait for a reply, as she's quick to realize that yes - that's indeed what Jean is saying. Bringing one finger to her mouth, she bites on the nail nervously, obviously having forgotten about the manicure in light of this matter. What to do, what to do... Glancing back from the vial to the doctor, Siryn then asks, "Can't ye just copy it, or som'thin, right away? With all the technology ye have floating 'round this place, I don't see how it's not possible..." She motions towards the strange assortment of equipment layed out on the table where Xavier himself was previously working.
Jean nods solemnly, affirming what Siryn's already processed for herself, one hand lifting to idly trace across her microscope and leaving the vial sitting on the counter. She makes no move to take it back, even though it's patently obvious what choice Jean's hoping will be made, despite the calm mask she's settled her features in. "We can't just Xerox it, but we can break it down and determine just what's in it, in what concentrations, then recreate it, yes. But the problem is, if we do that, the test sample won't be usuable any more. So, because I promised Sabella I'd give this to you, and I keep my word, it's your call as to how it's used."
The urge to just jump forward and grab the vial is held back thanks to the fact that Siryn is now nibbling on the nails of her other hand too. So much for the thirty bucks she spent on getting them _just_ right for a certain fellow... Her eyes remain glued to the counter where the antidote lays. She does, however, manage to take a step in the direction of said counter, though she tries hard to make it look like it's just a casual movement, and not something planned. Jean's mention of this woman 'Sabella' once again drags her attention away and rather than act on her impulse, the teen gives her head a shake and aks, "Who is this woman anyway? This Sabella? I remember Sean mentionin'er name, but he didn't give much specifics." And at the time, Teresa wasn't too keen on hearing any details anyway. She may not be close to her father, but the idea of him having a 'girlfriend' is still to icky for her to think of...
"Sabella Miller..." Jean rolls the name off her tongue, staring up at a spot on the ceiling and pretending not to notice Siryn's move towards the counter as she attempts to give an unemotional report on the woman who just spent solid chunks of the past two days causing her large amounts of pain... before suddenly turning 180 from all that in a move that still has Jean baffled, but suspecting of Xavier Involvement. "Codename Succubus, she's one of Magneto's top lieutenants, if not -the- top. I expect she'll make a bid for leadership soon if the old boy doesn't watch his step. She has, in the past, nearly killed Jubilee, assisted in kidnapping my niece Rachael and keeping her under chemical control, kidnapped Logan and screwed with his head so thoroughly that he's still got chunks of recent memory lost because of it, captured and tortured Syran, our new drama teacher, and manipulated the free will of countless victims I don't know, for long or short periods of time, in order to get them to do everything from die for her to get her a cup of coffee faster." That indictment delivered in a dead-level dead-cold tone, Jean sits back, loosens her shoulders a little and adds on more gently that "All that aside, I'll freely admit I've toed the edge of the ethical line a few times, dealing with her. And she -does- genuinely seem to care for the Brotherhood young women under her control. But I don't know what your father's up to with her, I don't think he knows quite what she's all about, and I worry for him,"
The whole schpeel about this woman manages to confirm what Siryn's already decided. This 'Sabella' is bad business. "I dunno what my father has for 'er either, but the way he spoke about her, it was if she could do no wrong..." Sure, he only mentioned her for a split second, and just her name, but the way his voice turned when he said it was enough to make Teresa get the point. "But she certainly doesn't sound all that grand te me..." Especially now that the lass finds out that this woman was the one who hurt her friend Jubilee and brainwashed Logan. Well, then again, maybe she's not so bad after all... The metal-laced thickskull still can't remember where he hid a few other stashes of beer, and that's good news for Siryn. "So... Why should I trust what's in that vial then?" she suddenly asks, taking a step back away from the counter. Suddenly, the idea of having Jean and the others test it first sounds like a mighty grand idea to the teen.
Jean snorts softly, more of a 'Heh' sound than out of amusement. "She's a striking and talented woman, Siryn. One who I'd cheerfully lock away in a prison with all-female guards, mind, but they say a person's best evaluated by their enemies, and I can see how a man, not knowing just what she is fully, might have his head turned if she were trying to be nice." She still doesn't reach for the vial, instead pulling up the thick binder full of the case histories of everyone affected with the virus so far and settling it on her lap. "As for trusting the contents of that vial, A) she let me look at her mind long enough to see she was sincere, and B) if she's trying to make nice to your father, you're a bit more important than the average pawn in this chess game." But still a pawn to her, Jean's nice enough not to say aloud.
Siryn doesn't much care for the way that Sean might've been suckered into liking this woman, but she is interested in the fact that the antidote is, indeed, genuine. Once again, a step is taken forward, though the lass keeps her hands to herself. It's as though Teresa herself has suddenly gone psychic, however, as she mutters, "But still a pawn," to herself as she looks down at the book in Jean's lap. A few moments of silent pondering are left to slip by, before Siryn speaks again. "And that's a list of everyone who's been affected, huh?" she asks, pointing down to the pages upon pages of notes.
"Yes." replies Jean simply, whether to the mutter or the question or both. Folding her hands on top of the binder, she begins reciting a long list of names from memory, some known to Siryn, some not, but all burned into her own brain. "Professor Summers. Professor Monroe. Professor Wagner. Dr. McCoy. Andrew. Kitsune. Clarice. Darren. Mercy. Kitty. Jubilee. Myself. Yourself, and..." a glance over at the bed holding the unconscious Multiple Man. "Jamie Madrox was her first victim, as far as we can tell. There are also two citizens, completely unaffiliated with the School in any way, who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Wary gaze is suddenly replaced with an angry one full of sparks, as the list runs down many names of friends (and some teachers) of Siryn. The worse, however, is when Jamie's name is given. Snapping her head in the direction where the unconscious man is laying, the lass shakes her head once again, though this time, it's more of a toss in rage than anything else. "That's right. _She_ did this to _him_." Which, considering Teresa's current state of influence under the toxin, is the most important factor in this whole situation. (Never mind the fact that she wouldn't be so passionate about Madrox if she herself wasn't affected) Seeing how the teen would do _anything_ for the man of her dreams, it's no wonder that she finally makes the decision of, "Ye keep it. Do what ye can to make more. And get me boyo fixed!"
Yes! Jean wins! Her read of which way Siryn would jump is more accurate than Sabella's! Take -that-, Succubus!! Jean's triumph emerges only as a relieved smile, of coursem and she moves to pick the vial up again, before her hand stops, and then drops to the work bench short of it's goal. Her ethics are poking at her, whispering that Siryn in this state isn't really the perfect picture of informed consent. So, time for one last try. "Terry... don't make your decision because of Jamie. Make it for yourself, whether you want to be fixed ahead of the pack, or be part of the great democracy who get it later. He'll be fixed regardless, it's just a matter of time." Time which his psyche might not have, but Jean won't have it on her conscience that she forced Siryn's choice. Since she may well have to tell Sabella so at a later date.
There's no need for Jean to be so concerned, because deep down, Siryn's reasons for denying the antidote are truly altruistic. The toxin hasn't been able to change her personality _that_ completely. Shaking her head, the lass grits her teeth and forces herself to get back on track. "No. I'm not just doing this f'er him. I'm doing it f'er the others too, and because I don't want to be used anymore. I've had enough of that in me lifetime..." Flashes of how her Uncle Tom did just that run through her mind and those memories are enough to expel the toxin from her minstate temporarily. "Please, Jean. Just .. do it... Take it away now though, b'fore I change me mind..." And it's as if that one phrase knocked her back into a personality switch, as she adds, "Plus. This way, him (meaning Madrox) and I will be able to return to normal at the same time. I'd have to see him cringe 'round me, afraid of what I'd do next, were he still affected and I wasn't..."
Jean catches the mental shift, nods solemnly, and closes her hand over the antidote, removing it from view and hopefully from temptation as she keeps her eyes steady on Siryn. "Then I'll use it." she assures, simply. "Professor Xavier does good work... he's already managed to get some theories for antidotes down on paper. With this? A couple days, and we should have it." Dropping the vial very carefully into the breast pocket of her lab coat, she stands and reaches over to touch the teen's shoulder. "Thank you, Terry." is said quietly. "It takes a lot of conviction to turn away from what you were just offered. You've got guts."
Siryn doesn't have guts. She just has feelings - same like anyone else. And she's stubborn. (We'll at least give her that) "Don't be thankin' me jus' yet," the girl states, once again backing away from both the doctor and the medlab in general. "I might still make a mess o' things before all's said and done." And just to prove that she's not joking, the lass leans against the doorway once the automatic doors have slid open, and offers, "Ye can pay me back by trackin' me down some of Logan's Guinness. With all the worrying I've been doing lately over me lover boy o're there," Here she nods to Jamie, "I've neglected to keep up me search for the metal-brain's stash." That said, a saucy wink is then tossed in Jean's direction before Teresa dissapears into the corridor.