August 28th, 2020, New Haven USA

New Haven was about an hour ride from Nomans isle, a ride which was quiet for the most part as the agents were tight lipped about what exactly they were planning on doing with the mutants.  Not that it would have helped if they were inclined to say anything – they did not know much other than they were supposed to pick the mutants up for an interrogation by a special liaison from the president’s office.

After landing at the agency (it turned out to be the ‘Department of Homeland Security’), the mutants were ushered into the ‘meeting room’, which was, unsurprisingly, in fact a holding cell.  Designed to contain high security threats, it was quite literally a bank’s vault. Even Tank couldn’t say for sure if he could punch his way out of it, if he wanted to.

The mutants were allowed to stew inside the empty room for a few hours, constantly monitored by the security cameras hanging over the walls.  It’s not that the agents were keen on letting the mutants wait.  In fact, they were quite worried that something very bad might happen once the mutants decided they had enough.  Only it took time for the VIP to fly all the way over from Washington, so the mutants were made to wait.  And wait. And wait.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Finally, around evening time, the door to the vault swung open and in stepped an attractive young woman.  The blonde was dressed in a casual red business suit consisting of a blazer, short skirt, and a white blouse showing a generous amount of cleavage.  It wasn’t quite the attire for a meeting such as this, but she did arrive directly from the white house where she always dressed to impress.

Waving the security guards outside the room off (not like they could do anything to stop the mutants anyways), she briskly walked inside and started with an apology before introducing herself:

“My apologies for having taken so long, and for the inconvenience.  My name is Valery Cooper, a national security advisor working directly under the President”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Zoey paced.

This was one of her habits. She couldn't stand still. Sitting was fine... when she had something to do. Here, she didn't. This place looked to be a converted bank vault, or at least based on a bank vault. It was a tidy solution to temporary superpower containment, but for one little problem; bank vaults were not exactly known for their ventilation. It was getting warm in here, and if there was one thi- er, two thing- three, definitely three things- that she couldn't stand it was heat, small spaces, and waiting.

Zoey also worried. About what would happen to them, yes, but also about Kate and Serena. She figured they could take care of themselves, probably better than the rest of them. She worried nonetheless.

After what seemed like an eternity but which only was forty-five minutes, Zoey decided she had enough. She could tell her pacing was making the others anxious. So she did what any rational person would do; she picked out the least uncomfortable spot in their cell, laid down, declared "Wake me when shit starts happening," and took a nap using her signature red hoodie rolled up into a pillow. This revealed, in case there was any doubt, that she definitely was wearing the X-Men not-spandex suit underneath her civilian clothes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

Tank looked around. Zoey was napping when Ms. Cooper came in and introduced herself, but the others were simply keeping silent, probably waiting for each other to say something first. Even Beast didn't seem to want to speak up.

"I'm Tank," Tank finally said. "This is Windtalker, Heartbreak, Beast and... um..." he looked at Barnell, who hadn't officially taken a codename. "To Be Determined. What do you want from us, Ms. Cooper?"

McCoy was still carrying a telepathic conversation with Professor X when Valery arrived.  He has been in contact with Xavier all throughout the mission, and later too, going through their options and whether (or more precisely, when), should the X-Men intervene and break them out of their prison cell.  The decision was to wait and see what the government had in store for the mutants before deciding to act.  And now the time has come to hear just that.   Clearing his throat, McCoy stepped closer to Frank and tilted his head when his name was called out.

Valerie surveyed the room.  She specifically asked for chairs to be brought in before the meeting, but it looked like the agency didn’t want to risk the mutants escaping once they had them locked up.  Suppressing her annoyance, she started with her prepared speech:

“What I am about to tell you is a matter of national security.  There has been an…incident, last month.  An entire team taken out, in the field, by a Russian superspy.  A mutant.  It confirmed our suspicions that the Russian have formed a cadre of mutants, working for president Putin, carrying out covert operations at home and abroad.  China, and Iran, aren’t far behind”

She pauses to look at them, and Frank in particular, as he seemed like he was their leader

“If America doesn’t act, and fast, we will find ourselves at the mercy of foreign powers”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

Zoey is roused when she hears Beast clearing his throat. She knew the big blue guy wasn't likely to speak until something important happened, so that was the signal her subconscious was waiting for. She sat herself upright, yawned and stretched.

Her brain was still getting its ducks in a row and its poop in a group as she tuned into Missus Tits' speech. She wondered what possible reason a woman could have to bear so much cleavage to a meeting with a cabal of wicked mutie freaks but for the moment she was simply grateful to awaken to such a pleasant and sharply-dressed sight.

Having a bunch of soft flesh on display didn't stop her words from hitting Zoey hard.

"Yer friggin' shittin' me," Zoey mutters as she rubs at her eyes. "I do not have enough Mountain Dew in me right now to process all the ways in which that is the death knell for what little sanity this little rock of misery we call a planet has left."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Sat 10 Apr 2021.

“It was only a matter of time, really” Valery could sympathize with Heratbreaker’s sentiment, but it was still the reality they were living in.

“The President authorized the creation of a new agency under the department of Homeland Security last week.  ‘Freedom Force’ will protect American lives from superpowered enemies, foreign and domestic.  They will be heroes.  Our heroes.  It’s what America needs rights now, before we tear each other apart.”

“And you’re here to enlist us” McCoy cut her off, guessing (as did most everyone) what she was getting at

“But I’m sorry to disappoint you Ms. Cooper; I can be no part of it” he shook his head “It is almost certain you’re going to ask me to do things that would compromise my principles, sooner or later.  I have no desire to be a weapon in the hands of the government, to be used as they see fit, nor is it the X-Men interest to unite only ‘American mutants’ and ‘American humans’.  Our agenda is bigger, and nobler, than that”

“No, you prefer to remain a vigilante”

‘Beast’, she thought, was riding a very high horse. He might not be convinced by what she had to say, but perhaps the others will:

“I know all about the X-Men.  No matter how 'noble' you believe your cause to be, you are still an outlaw; proponent of “might makes right”.  You will never be a part of humanity as long as you set yourself apart.  Only by placing yourself under the authority of the American people can you assuage their fears”

"The American people," Zoey spat, "would just love what you're suggesting. Get the mutie freaks into a circus to dance and pull heavy loads for their benefit and amusement. And that's to say nothing of your masters, the one percent of the one percent who set policy and push whatever laws benefit them all so they can tuck away a couple more billion dollars, not even to spend but to sequester away like dragons upon their hoards, ensuring that no one will ever see that money again. Sorry lady, I sympathize with your plight, but as far as I'm concerned the Federal government can go suck a whole bouquet of cocks."

"As for might making right... I've no particular love for the X-Men either, I'm here mostly because it seemed the least I could do to pay back for helping me learn to control my powers. I can say, however, that given the choice between two extremes I'd sooner take orders from a philanthropic old fool than a cynical corpo-political pawn. And can I just say it feels fuckin' great to finally be able to tell that to someone."

Zoey pauses to collect her breath and look around at the doubtlessly shocked expressions around her. "I don't presume to speak for anyone but myself, of course."

On the way to the room guards handling Ana Sofía seemed agitated, and that didn't go so well for her, resulting in her getting shoved and manhandled far more than needed since she wasn't resisting. Once in the room Ana Sofía had tried to control herself with yoga, staying fairly quiet.

Even as Valerie Cooper makes her pitch, Ana Sofía remains in the lotus position with her eyes closed, absorbing and thinking. She remains so as the others reply. After several of those comments, with her eyes still closed she quietly asks, "Is that why the government was running experiments on the mutant prisoners? To develop them into its little mutant army?"

Tank had a few questions of his own, but held his tongue. The others had hit Ms. Cooper with enough to respond to already.

Judging by the way they responded, it sounded as though there was a unanimous 'No' vote coming. Which was almost a pity, because being a sanctioned U.S. super-hero almost sounded like fun. But the government in question was the same one that had run the mutant prison, so it hardly seemed likely that 'fun' was on the agenda in any way.

Refraining from comment, Tank just crossed his arms and did his best to look imposing.

Zoey glances at Ana. "We're past the MK Ultra days. It's more likely they're trying to find whatever X-factor makes mutants so they can turn already-loyal soldiers who've never known the taste of being discriminated against for what they are into the weapons. It's more efficient that way. Either that or they're looking for a 'cure,' preferably something they can load into a gun and shoot at the Bad Guys. Heck, maybe both."

"The American people will gain a newfound appreciation for mutants when they will save our nation from international terrorists capable of leveling cities with their minds. This is what we're dealing with here"

Yea, it didn't look like she was going to convince any of them.  But she did leave in a hurry, bailed out on her dinner date, and flew all the way over from Washington.  She might as well give it another try before she calls it quits and heads back home:

"Our government isn't perfect.  Yes; some things were done which are downright disgraceful.  But I still believe in this nation, and I am not going to sit and watch it burn to ashes, literally, because I don't agree with each and every one of the policies they implement"

She looked at the silent Frank, of all people

"Remember Manhattan? If the government doesn't do SOMETHING to make sure it doesn't happen again, there's going to be blood on the streets.  And if we lose the election, I can guarantee that the next administration will make this one look like girl scouts.  Freedom Force; that's the best idea I could come up with.  You got a better one?"

Manhattan. Of course she'd use Manhattan against him, of all people. Wearing a mask when you were six-foot-eight did very little to hide one's identity.

"Thing is, Ms. Cooper, I think I've seen this movie," he said. "The word 'Suicide' was right there in the title. If we were to agree with your scenario, are we free to come and go? Are we employees? Or are we kept locked up and let loose when it suits the administration... like slaves?

"More importantly, what happens if we say 'No'?"

“You will be Federal Agents with the full authority to enforce the law and investigate crimes. There’s no intention of locking you up, but you will need to agree to wear a GPS tracker, and make some public appearances"" she stopped to correct herself  "Umm, rather frequent public appearances.  On the upside, this job comes with a very generous compensation package”

She decided not to elaborate on how generous, less they think she was trying to buy them out

”As to what happens if you say ‘No’, I’m afraid that’s not up to me.  You did violate several US laws today.  Whether they decide to prosecute you or not is still to be determined.  I know that there used to be some sort of a hush-hush, under-the-covers agreement with the X-Men, but I’m not sure if it’ll still be in effect after all that happened”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

Ana Sofía remains in her lotus pose with her eyes closed. She does look much more relaxed than when they were dragged in here, literally in her case. "The premise sounds reasonable. Public appearances make sense from the PR end. Why the GPS trackers, though? In many cases they won't work at all. In some cases it could interfere. And it's not like you put GPS trackers on all your other federal forces." She opens her eyes to watch Valerie Cooper as she replies.

Zoey sighs loudly. In all the excitement today, she had forgotten that the political situation was precarious and liable to get a hell of a lot worse. As tragic as it was, it was preferable for the current administration to stay entrenched... but that really was just postponing the inevitable wasn't it? One's favorite party gets their two terms in office (ideally), pisses off the opposing base, the other side gets voted into power and undoes everything the last one did. 'Round and 'round it goes, and with each revolution everyone gets a little more polarized, a little more fanatical.

If she's being real with herself, she's surprised that some asshole hadn't tried to mutant his way into the White House yet.

For once in this discussion Zoey decides to bite back her next unfiltered remark, instead listening to her peers. For what little it might be worth to Valerie, she did seem to at least be listening.

Tank had some thoughts on the subject, but he wasn't sure he had any opinions yet. And they still weren't sure what would happen if they declined, so there was a bit of a strongarm tactic at play here. He didn't like that, obviously. But the overall idea of being a government-sanctioned superhero? He wasn't sure where he came down on that idea.

He turned to Dr. McCoy, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout. He'd been a more public hero than most of the X-folks, by virtue of his unmistakable, impossible-to-conceal blue fur. What might he think of this?

"Doc?"

In reply to Ana Sofia Garcia Mendez (msg # 18):

“We *do* track our other agents, the ones dealing with matters of national security in particular. What’s more; the government is going to be held liable for anything you do.  Imagine the outrage that might ensue if something goes wrong, and it comes out in the senate hearing that we couldn’t even tell where our ‘weapons of mass destruction’ were at all times”

Valerie eyes moved from Tank, to the Beast.  Has anything she said changed his mind?

McCoy nodded at Frank in response.  He has already made his opinion known earlier, and despite doing so before Valerie had made her arguments, he has already thought things through:

“Ms. Cooper, I admit you’ve made some compelling arguments, yet my answer must remain the same.  It all comes down to the question of trust; I do not know you, nor your superiors.  If we are , indeed, weapons of mass destruction, then I’d rather the launch codes be in the possession of the only man I know who would be responsible with their use; Professor Charles Xavier.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Tue 13 Apr 2021.

Zoey adjusts her position and begins casually playing with the braid Serena gave her. Maybe she's channeling her a bit, but the idea of being a mutant magical girl swaying minds with P.R. stunts has a certain appeal. There's a lot of hurting people out there who need an advocate, someone to look after them. That could be her, maybe?

The government... the entire entity she recognizes as the United States... it's so twisted about and steeped in old traditions that trying to untangle the mess with PR stunts and a firm hand in policy-making was inconceivable. It'd be faster and more effective to let it burn to ash, and build a better country from its bones. It has strong bones.

She really, really wants to take Valerie up on the offer. She'd sat on the sidelines for so long waiting for the opportunity to get involved. Now it's here and she's finding nothing but bitterness in the taste.

Zoey closes her eyes, squeezing out a single drop of something warm and salty. She shakes her head vigorously, agitating an already-growing headache. "I'm trying really hard to think of a justification for saying yes... but I just can't." She opens her eyes and peers sadly up at Valerie. "I'm sorry. I just don't believe in this country."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 13 Apr 2021.

"I don't know, Beast. The professor did a lot for me. But last time he sent out some of these so-called 'weapons of mass destruction,' I don't think their use was very responsible. If that's how he uses them, I have doubts. Sometimes being answerable to someone is worthwhile. Meanwhile, my brother's in harms way, like my our great-grandfather was when he fought for the US in WWII, when the US did a lot of good."