To the school...

[forge]

The Mitsubishi’s tires were well made, and it lost no traction on the smooth concrete as the vehicle sped around a tight curve. Blue bars of light caught glimpses of forest as it passed by in a blur, and loud music thumped from within the sleek car and disturbed more than its fair share of wildlife. The car was cruising at what, for most drivers, would be a certainly deadly speed. It was definitely pushed well beyond what a normal vehicle of it’s make and model should find capable.

Behind the wheel, Bandero Tandaka, aka Forge, is a man lost in thought. His eyes appeared unfocused, and he bobs his head rhythmically with the music, seeming anything but focused on the task at hand.

His mind was a blur of activity, however, pushing borders that the average human would never even come close to. A portion of his consciousness was devoted to driving, perceiving with senses that extended into and out of the vehicle itself. He controlled the internal electronics psionically, and new well in advance the conditions surrounding his navigation. Another portion of his will was surfing the internet, cruising through his dashboard computer and categorizing files of information about his trip, his stocks, latest science news…

But the biggest part of him was lost in the insane idea of what was happening. He was going to be an X-Man. McCoy had put in a good word, and his interview with Xavier had gone more than smoothly. Surprisingly well, in fact, considering how hard it was for Forge to actually not continually joke… but there was something about the man that put him at ease. There was a knowing sense about Professor X. Forge knew the good professor was a potent psychic, for he could feel his presence from far away, heavy, powerful. Maybe it was the similarity that was the comfort, the similar nature of the gifts.

It was this instant closeness that caused Forge to get sick when he heard Xavier had died. It was bizarre, a sense that suddenly the world was spinning the other direction. The professor had a permanency about him, warm and comforting and impervious to harm, like the sun. To have the spark of the professor vanish was like having the warmth of the sun vanish permanently, it was a terrible thought.

To hear of the other losses to the team hurt him also, particularly in combination with the their new found celebrity status. Ironic that the world could see the good they do when at the same time, three of their primary members would die. One of them for the second time.

And what? Get replaced by Forge? What kind of pressure was that? “Sorry you lost Cyclops, here’s a jackass who’s really good with technology instead.” He seemed like a cheap replacement, and couldn’t shake the dreadful weight that the loss they took placed on his shoulders.

Forge frowned, and sped towards the Institute, anxious to step into the halls of the great Academy as an X-Man. He had no clue what awaited him, or if he’d rise to the challenges with grace or failure. He only knew that he wanted it to be his home. His first real home.

[forge]

The grounds of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters had been locked away in Forge’s memory since the day he had his first – and only – visit. It was easy for him to navigate, bypassing the locks with the encrypted code-key given to him by Professor X himself, nearly a year ago. He used it to gain entry onto the grounds, and to park his heavily modified sports car into the garage – taking careful note of the bevy of attractive vehicles that were there.

He strolled along the picturesque estate, pausing only briefly, catching some movement in the night sky through the rain out of the corner of his eye. Shrugging, he headed towards the front door, reverie still permeating his consciousness.

It had taken him a year to put his affairs in order. Quite a long time, all things considered, but he had no small amount of capitol to deal with. Forge was a fairly affluent man, with money and property to tend to – not to mention a small company of employees. After setting up his business ventures, liquidating his assets, and keeping all of his potential wealth into many varying accounts – well protected – he was finally ready to move his entire life into the Institute, and give himself to the needs of the X-Men. Now here he was, for the first real time.

The front doors of the mansion were as attractive as its grounds. They gave off a feel of academia as well as home, and were furnished with the intent to put the person who should cross their barrier at ease. They did remarkably that, despite Forge’s anxiety, and brought him back down to his normal state of being: General awareness, tinged with a bit of humor.

He opened them with the card-key, and stepped into the main lobby, which appeared to be a popular hang out among the students. Comfortable seating was everywhere, as well as books and other entertainment. Given the hour, he wasn’t surprised at the lack of a crowd.

Forge walked in, duffle back over his shoulder, and surveyed his new home…

[Iceman]

As the doors shut, a young man was walking across the open entrance hall, holding his phone up to his face and regarding it with a frustrated look. He'd just received an unwanted call at a very bad time, and upon hanging up had been trying to turn his phone on vibrate when he'd somehow--by some cruel stroke of the bad luck that he'd seemed to adapted as a second mutant trait in the last week--he'd set his phone to 'Language: Turkish'. The only reason he knew it was Turkish was because that's what flashed before every word on the screen turned foreign.

Bobby glanced up in time to realize he was quickly coming up on someone standing in the middle of the hall. He sidestepped to avoid running into him. "Sorry, man--" He started, pausing after a few steps and glancing to the guy's face. New kid?

He was suprised to see that it wasn't a kid at all, but a man who looked to be at least in his late twenties. His Turkey worries temporarily forgotten, Bobby managed a smile that was only half forced--which was a half more than he'd been mustering lately. He'd always liked meeting new people. He always made a point to show new students the ropes if they looked a little lost.

"Hey. Are you looking for someone?"

[forge]

Forge smiled at the greeter, and sat his duffle bag down on the ground, holding out his hand. The kid seemed personable enough, and there was something easy going-yet-serious enough about this guy to make Forge instantly like him.

“Yeah, looking for Storm actually. My name’s Forge, I’m a new… uhh… recruit.” He said, and looking at the phone, added: “Did you need some help with your phone? I’m the new resident Tech-spert.”

[Storm]

[If you WANTED to stall for time until Storm's done with dinner... a little conversation... I'd have no problem with the continuity there *wink wink nudge nudge*]

[Iceman]

Bobby shook Forge's hand when he offered it. "She's in the kitchen. I can show you there." Bobby answered, jerking a thumb over his shoulder in the general direction he'd just come from.

“Did you need some help with your phone? I’m the new resident Tech-spert.”

Bobby looked to his phone and then back to Forge with a hopeful look. "Well...Can you read Turkish?" He asked jokingly, holding out his phone.

((ooc: Will do asap, Cap'n! Lol. Just gotta ask Forge a favor real quick))

[Storm]

[No no, take your time - Storm's just starting to eat dinner while you're talking, so if Forge comes in in about fifteen minutes that would be just about right. No big deal though, we can just pretend it all works out ; ).]

[forge]

Forge grinned, and reached out a finger to the cell phone, barely touching it. After concentrating for a second, he looks back and Iceman with a grin.

"There ya go, shouldn't have a problem with the Turkish anymore. I also downloaded some new ringtones for you, since your selection seemed a bit so-so. Browse through them, and delete what you don't want. Oh, and don't worry, I tricked the phone into thinking you got the 'tones for free."

He hefted his duffle back back onto his shoulder, and looked past Bobby towards the direction he'd thumbed.

"So what's your name man?"

[Iceman]

Bobby looked at his phone in amazement, flipping through a few menus and seeing that everything was back to normal. New ring tones?!? "That's awesome!" He said, eyes fixed on the screen. Looking back to Forge, Bobby grinned. "Thanks, man!"

"So what's your name man?"

Bobby realized sheepishly he hadn't introduced himself. "I'm Bobby. Iceman." But clearly, the newcomer's powers were more interesting to him than explaining his own powers. "So you can tell all that just from touching it?"

[forge]

For a moment Forge paused, mind working intensely. This was it. This was what he had always been looking for. He was finally in a place where he could openly discuss his powers, and not only that, people were not only not frightened of them, they were genuinely interested. He worked the smile back onto his face, genuine and warm. There could have been no more clearly displayed symbolism of what his introduction to this life would mean. He was a very happy man.

“Iceman… I’ve heard some interesting things about you, and can’t wait to talk to you in length about them. Just let me know if I ever start to talk your ear off, okay?” He grinned, a gesture that put the fairest hint of wrinkles by his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m a minor psychic actually – no where near what the Professor or Jean Grey were, but I’m not too bad. Actually my gifts are all perfect for what I do. I can see into any object I touch, bringing my senses there on an almost microscopic level. I can then use some telekinesis and electrokenesis to alter and build things. That’s why they call me Forge. I can reach into a bucket full of parts and pull out a functional piece of technology. I just went into your phone and changed some stuff around… that’s all.”

He’d suddenly become somewhat self conscious, and looked away a bit embarrassed. He didn’t want to sound like a braggart, or worse, a chatty Kathy. Odd how this kid was making him feel somewhat abashed. He was definitely going to need to feel this place out a bit more before he really relaxed.

[forge]

(ooc - shit, gotta go to work for the next 9 hours. =( - sorry to put everyone on my thread, and then have to leave. If you guys want, feel free to find some way around it. Iceman and Forge could've had a bit more moments of undisclosed conversation when Storm shows up, for example. I dunno. sorry sorry )

[Iceman]

'Iceman… I’ve heard some interesting things about you, and can’t wait to talk to you in length about them.'

Bobby was suprised to hear this, and almost asked why. Then he remembered that who he was--and what he could do--were nowhere near secret anymore. The popularity and news coverage was still unreal to him. Despite the magazine he'd just gotten off the phone with, begging him to do a cover story for them. He didn't mind a fellow mutant like Forge knowing, of course. But it had still made him a little bit frustrated the first time he'd seen the news special a major network had started, following the X-Men's actions...And they'd proclaimed his powers to the entire world.

'Just let me know if I ever start to talk your ear off, okay?'

Bobby smiled. "I doubt that'd happen." He reassured Forge. He often found himself rattling on and on when talking to friends.

He listened intently as Forge explained his powers, his face only changing from his curious look at the mention of the Professor and Jean Grey. He looked down and his brow furrowed momentarily, before he brushed away the look. It had been months, but it was still hard to hear them spoken of in past tense.

"Thats amazing. So you can probably fix anything, right? Computers?"

Suddenly Bobby's eyes flashed as he was looking past Forge. His gaze moved slowly down to the floor as he thought. Computers. And if he could fix them...Could he hack them? Bobby had asked Kitty in an IM convo the night before if she was talking to Rogue. She'd said she hadn't, but Bobby found himself unsure if that was the truth. He'd wished all day that there was some way that he could find Rogue without having to ask Ororo or Logan, and probably be turned down.

[forge]

"Thats amazing. So you can probably fix anything, right? Computers?"

“Well,” Forge said “Just about anything. I still have to know what I’m doing, and how to fix it. Fortunately I’ve devoted most of my life to learning about all things scientific and technological. I consider myself a student of all modern invention. There are a few things I have yet to tackle, but they’ll be on the list. My psi does make it extremely easier to learn new technologies, however.”

Forge looked Bobby over for a moment, examining him. He could tell the kid was immediately lost in thought, and assumed it was likely because he had some specific technology in mind – but it obviously seemed to mean a lot to the guy. Maybe a family heirloom? Something left to him by Summers or Xavier?

“You look as if you’ve got something in mind already. I’d be more than help you with anything you need, Iceman, just let me know. Probably have to wait until after I talk to Storm though – I’m sure she’ll want to hear from me first. But what did you need?”


(ooc - I open this morning at the store, so again I'll be gone for the next 9 - 10 hours. Of course, then it's 4th of July time. Sorry to be such a prat about responding this week, it's a rough week.)

[Iceman]

'But what did you need?'

Bobby hadn't realized he'd been so obvious. But he had a feeling that Forge wouldn't want to do what he had in mind. He wasn't sure if he wanted to do it. Well...If he could do it without being caught...

He figured if he explained first, Forge would be more likely to understand. "Well...I don't know if you've heard about Rogue...But she used to live here. She got the 'cure'. And, uh...We kind of had a big falling-out when she left. But we all really miss her, and...I want to talk to her, see if she wants to come back. I heard that scientists are starting to think that the cure isn't permanent, anyway."

Bobby avoided Forge's gaze. It wasn't the quick summary he'd hope to give, but once he'd started talking about it, he'd had to tell the whole story. He hadn't been able to say anything about it aloud, for fear someone would blame him for Rogue's decision to leave. "But I don't think anyone will tell me where she is. And I think one of my friends might be talking to her...I just, if I could find a way to contact her, or go to wherever she is and talk to her..." Bobby sounded at a loss. He saw no way to do it on his own, without asking Logan or Storm, and facing possible refusal.

[Crypt]

Liam glanced around the corner, black eyes hidden behind the dark goggles. He had heard the voices from his room in the attic; sharp hearing made it difficult to ignore goings-on in the mansion. I need to talk to someone about sound-proofing that room.

One of the voices belonged to a face he recognized as he looked quickly at the entryway, even if he'd never formally met him - Bobby... Drake? - but the other was a stranger, and that set the hairs on the back of Liam's neck on end.

He sighed inwardly and forced himself to relax. Miss Munroe said that it was important to press through. Tapping his sharp fingernails nervously on the wall, Liam slowly inched his foot to the side, wings folded tightly against his back as he prepared to shift around the corner. Once more into the breach...

Walking as calmly as he could, Liam stepped up to the two other mutants and offered them his best close-lipped smile. "Evening."

[forge]

"But I don't think anyone will tell me where she is. And I think one of my friends might be talking to her...I just, if I could find a way to contact her, or go to wherever she is and talk to her..."

Forge nodded, thinking he understood the situation, though still slightly muddled. Was Iceman asking him to snoop for him? It was strange to say the least, but it obviously meant a lot to the kid. Further, he doubted this was something he should mention to the people in charge. This didn’t mean he was automatically going to help Bobby, not without hearing more, but he definitely felt the sympathetic strings being tugged. He’d been in a relationship before that had communication issues, and he thought that maybe if someone had stepped in and helped him out at the time, maybe it wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand. Besides, he was the new guy, if he refused Iceman right off the bat, he could look like a jerk. Forge sighed inwardly, but showed none of this conflict on the outside. Instead, he nodded.

“Well tell ya what, Iceman, I’ll definitely give your tale a listen to. I hope it’s not offensive if I ask a little more about it before I decide what I can do for you? Maybe after I talk to Storm and get a feel of the place?” He smiled honestly, and hoped that didn’t sound too bad. Before he could say more, or hear more, a thin, muscular man-bat approached.

“Evening.”

Forge, unused to such obvious physical mutations, strained himself to keep his composure, and neither stare nor act in any other rude behavior. He did this remarkably well, his sunny smile never leaving his face. Instead of freaking out, gaping, or slackening his jaw, he nodded in a friendly manner.

“Evening. I’m Forge, new resident Gear-head.”

[Storm]

Storm stepped into the front hall, posture held particularly high to meet the unknown visitor. But her visage softened at the sight of the good-looking man who was speaking with a couple of students. Ohh...

"Forge! Sorry to interrupt, Bobby, Liam - I was not aware you'd be joining us so soon. Hello, welcome." And she stepped up to shake his hand.

[Iceman]

Bobby had mixed feelings about Forge's response--he hadn't really been asking him to help, not so suddenly anyway. He'd just been explaining a problem he'd needed to get off his chest. But maybe Forge would help. And if it meant finding Rogue...As long as Kitty didn't find out, maybe it would be okay.

But he didn't get a chance to respond, because in the next second a voice spoke behind him. Bobby turned and saw a relatively new student nearby--which was odd, because Bobby hadn't seen or heard anyone else in the hall a moment before. Bobby looked him over quickly, not in a judging way, but curiously. He'd only seen him around maybe once or twice, and never up close. Though he was used to seeing mutants that stuck out physically, he still hadn't come to expect it. It was like seeing someone who'd had a hand amputated--of course Bobby noticed, but he'd never say anything about it or think of the person differently.

"Hey. What's up?" Bobby asked warmly. He'd forgotten how much he liked being around new people. It was like having a blank slate. Everyone he already knew had formed opinions of him, opinions relating to the whole Rogue situation most prominent. But these two didn't even know about it--except for what Bobby had just told Forge.

And then Storm walked into sight and greeted Forge, and as Bobby smiled at her, he couldn't help but wonder if Forge's arrival would postpone his meeting with Storm even further.

[Crypt]

I wish I was a telepath; I'd love to know what they're thinking. Liam contemplated offering a hand to Forge, but decided that his appearance was strange enough without shoving the thick, sharp nails at someone. Instead he nodded politely, keeping his mouth as small as possible as he spoke. "I'm Liam, resident spook." He flinched as the words left his lips; even after the months he'd been here, his own attempts at humor still left an odd taste in his mouth.

He was turning to respond to Bobby when Storm walked in, and he slowly closed his mouth and stepped back to let the headmistress through.

[forge]

Forge grinned at the man-bat’s response, finding it lifted any akwardness from him. Funny, for a minute he thought Liam would assume the opposite, taken aback somewhat by what he’d just said. To Forge it showed that Liam was aware of himself and others in a good way, and that was definitely a fine trait to have in any situation. He grinned still at Liam when Storm approached.

"Forge! Sorry to interrupt, Bobby, Liam - I was not aware you'd be joining us so soon. Hello, welcome." she said.

Was it just him, or did Storm have the kind of face that could be in movies? She definitely had a one up on Professor X in the looks department, he just hoped that she had a similar set of skills. He'd heard her mutant power was impressive, but the real question was how well she handled her students or the other X-men. Her ability as a leader was now more paramount than her ability to zap people. She had a somewhat ‘to-the-point’ vibe. Something about her tolerated good humor, but was mostly business. She did seem compassionate, however, maybe greatly so.

He clasped hands with her and noted her strong grip. Still smiling, he nodded to her.

“Storm, a pleasure to finally meet you. Hank told me a lot about you, and I remember when I talked to the Professor last year, he spoke very highly of you. I know these last months must have been a trial, I hope I can ease some of the pressure of running this place – uhh, you know, technologically. I’d hope that I could some of the work-load down using tech, and keep everything going tip-top.”

The only thing worse than putting your foot in your mouth was wondering if you’ve put your foot in your mouth.

“I’m anxious to get started, and have a look around. I hope I don’t look like too much of a kid in a candy store.”

He dropped a wink to Bobby, good natured and confident, and smiled at both he and Liam. “Guys, I hope you don’t mind if I make my departure? I’m sure there are either many of things I need to talk about with Storm, or, if she’d prefer to do so in the morning, I’d like to get settled in. Thanks for making me feel welcome.”