Video

[excessivehubris]

[ The video clicked on to show a man, sitting behind a large desk with a bright smile on his face. He was dressed in a sharp three piece suit and a mug of tea sat beside his hand. ]

Good morning.

Many of you know me but as we've had some new imPort arrivals, please let me introduce myself; my name is Professor Charles Xavier. For those of you who are familiar with me, I promise I'll try to make this short.

[ He grinned, obviously well aware that sometimes he could ramble on. ]

One of the projects I'm involved with, along with several others in our community, is something called the Maria-Francis Foundation. If you live or work in and around De Chima some of you may be aware of the building currently under construction or you may already be assisting with it. If the latter, you have my sincere gratitude.

I merely wanted to take this time to remind people of the Foundation's function, which is to provide imPorts with opportunities and support in offering humanitarian aid, not just within our own cities and country but globally as well.

[ His smile grew, widened with an expression of pride as he continued. ]

We've had excellent response to the initiative so far and we are always looking for more volunteers and contributors. Our abilities are varied, unique and this is an opportunity to help the world understand that they are not to be feared; that we are not to be feared.

If you have any questions about the Foundation, some of our previous projects or any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am available over this device or if you'd like to speak in person, I'll be at StarkTech in De Chima, all day.

[ With another warm smile, Charles reached forward and disconnected the video. But as promised, his device was set to receive for any questions. ]

[OOC: Okay!

So the Maria-Francis Foundation is a low key, mostly handwave project that was ICly conceived as a way to show the native population, both in the US and abroad, that imPorts and their powers weren't all about destruction.

ICly the Foundation has been mentioned here in this kick off post as well as on the Majority Report.

OOCly there was a quick run down about how this works and there is a housekeeping post where we keep track of who has volunteered/been involved/etc.

Also OOCly there is the building effort for the foundation and as mentioned on that post the September Swear-In will involve a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new building. ]

Comments

[excessivehubris]

That was one way to describe it. [ Charles agreed and his tone might suggest that there was more to the story than he was going into at the moment. ]

Do you mind if I ask you where is 'home' for you? We have a wonderfully diverse group of imPorts and it's fascinating how many different versions of Earth we come across.

[lightinside]

No, I don't mind at all.

[ A change in topic was fine with Laurel, especially if he didn't want to share anything about his experience back home.]

Home is Star City in the year 2016. I work as an Assistant District Attorney, but before that I offered legal aid to people on low income. There are people known as "metahumans" in my world and they have abilities, much like the imPorts here. So I guess I'm used to that part.

[excessivehubris]

'Metahumans'? [ Well. That was certainly a nicer term than mutants, he would give her world that. ] We're called mutants in my version of Earth; I'm assuming you meant Earth, yes?

Are you a metahuman as well, back in your world?

[lightinside]

I did mean Earth, yes.

And no, I'm not a metahuman; I just know of a few of them. Some are good, some are bad. Just like non-metahumans.

[A pause.]

Mutant isn't a very nice word. But I am curious about you - were you born with abilities or did you get them later?

[excessivehubris]

[ Oddly enough, for a man who loved to discuss mutations, powers and all things genetic, Charles was often very reserved when it came to talking about himself.

He gave a soft chuckle, in response to her question and a slight nod of his head. ]

I was born with them, though they did not manifest immediately. [ At least, not that he was aware. ]

You have a remarkably refreshing view of the idea of the similarities between humans and metahumans. You say you know a few back in your world? Do you work together?

[lightinside]

[ Laurel understands where Charles is coming from, knowing that she wouldn't want to disclose everything about herself either.

She offers him a slight smile when he answers her question.]

I worked with a few of them, but only a couple of times. They don't live in the city where I am in, unfortunately. Though we do keep in regular contact so that's not so bad.

[ She hesitates for a moment before adding. ]

I think I was given a metahuman power when I came here. Something we'd class as a metahuman ability back home.

[excessivehubris]

The Porter has done that with all the imPorts brought in. Some with greater range or ability than others, but always something.

[ Charles explained. ]

What ability or abilities have you gained, Ms. Lance? If you don't mind my asking.

[lightinside]

No, I don't mind.

[ She was grateful for the clarification from him. ]

Well, according to the file I was given, I have something called empathic healing which I haven't really tested yet. Enhanced memory, an ability that I actually have tested and it's great.

The last one is probably the most powerful; back home I had a device which enabled me to let out a sonic wave when I triggered it. Now I can do that without the device.

[excessivehubris]

[ Charles listened attentively, even brightening as she explained her powers and expressed obvious delight in them.

So often he came across people who were struggling with them, something he could definitely understand and sympathize with but at the same time, it was nice to see someone embrace them as a gift. ]

Those sound like a varied but fascinating range indeed. Have you been able to learn how to control them and utilize them to your advantage? [ The words escaped in a curious and excited tone before he gave his head a shake and backed up a step. ]

Aside from the empathic healing, of course.

[lightinside]

[ Laurel had struggled in the beginning with them. She was more focused on trying to get settled in her job and in a different routine to the one she had back home. ]

For the most part, yeah. I think I need to gain better control of the sonic cry; I don't know how much damage it could do at it's highest frequency. [ She didn't want to accidentally cause any permanent harm to anyone. ]

If you have any advice about the empathic healing, that would be great. And if you don't, that's okay. I just thought I'd ask.

[excessivehubris]

The empathic healing you probably want to test in a controlled environment. [ Charles suggested, after a moment's thought. ]

Particularly if you're not sure what it may entail. If it's a case where you will be taking on some of the damage, either directly or through a drain on your own strength, you'll want to understand how it works, so you can know your own limits and control.

[lightinside]

Okay. [She nods in understanding.] That actually makes a lot of sense.

I wouldn't want the damage to be irreversible either so I'll take what you've said under advisement and figure out the best way to test that ability. Thank you again, Professor. I appreciate it.