18213/Canceling Yellow Alert

Canceling Yellow Alert
Date of Scene:	08 June 2024
Location:	Science and Medical Lab
Synopsis:	Paige's decision to join The Brotherhood is discussed and not even The Fun Patrol can change her mind.
Cast of Characters:	Paige Guthrie, Bishop

---

Paige Guthrie has posed:
It was a rather eventful past day or two. Naturally, the news of Paige's 'cure' and removal of her social conditioning would have spread. She was originally brought in a catatonic state to the med bay and was asleep, recovering for the most part, thrashing and sweating beads of cold sweat.

Still, it was after she had woken up with a scream did she chat with Erik about something... It gave her much pause, and so she just sat in her bed, lost in her thoughts.

Bishop has posed:
"Was that Magneto?"

Bishop's questioning voice precedes his arrival into the med bay as he steps in while looking over his shoulder having apparently seen the departing Master of Magnetism on his way through the halls of the base.

A pensive frown touches his features as he looks after him and then back into the med bay itself while stepping fully in.

"I take it, considering the report and footage of what happened that he was checking on you..." he asks while moving in towards Paige's bed after that momentary pause. HIs eyes glance over towards another part of the medbay where their guest may surely be resting but he looks back to the Guthrie Girl to give her a good once over visually.

"How're you feeling now?"

Paige Guthrie has posed:
Paige nods at the first question, and then the second. "It was. He wanted to make sure he didnt accidentally lobotomize me while he was destroying the neural worm implant thing that Stryfe made." she says with a slight shrug of her shoulders, still having a lot on her mind.

"And I'm still a little disoriented. Have a bit of a migraine, but considering everything that happened, I'm glad that it's just that." she offers with a warm smile, trying to look at the positive side of things.

Bishop has posed:
"I'll have to try and catch him later. My misgivings aside without his aid we wouldn't have been as successful at the New York docks with those Sentinels.. I can't say I'm happy he was able to make off with whatever information might have been within the ruins of those oil tankers but we were hardly in a position to stop him and we had other priorities. Good job there, by the way...and in helping me get our guest, Vanessa, back here. I'm sure she'll want to thank you herself...."

Bishop folds his arms and studies Paige more closely and then shakes his head and frowns,

"Your condition is my fault. This should have never happened or gotten this far and you -and- The Professor almost paid for my lack of priority on this. It won't happen again... You'd be up on your feet and your usual self if I hadn't of been lax and been more watchful. I am sorry Paige."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
PShaw. There's a dismissive wave as she grins toothily in his direction. "Don't worry about it. No need to be so stern. Everyone gets brainwashed or something, right? We're X-Men, it's bound to happen." As there's a lot of precedent with Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen.

"I'm not the first potential sleeper agent, and I'm sure I won't be the last. Your vigilance will pay off next time. No need to apologize, Bishop." Paige has taken things rather light heartedly, all things considered. "Besides, it's opened my eyes a bit to things. I think... I think I'm going to take Magneto's offer."

Bishop has posed:
"This wouldn't have happened if I had of simply forced the issue when I should have." counters Bishop with a shake of his head, "I didn't think for a second that all was well with you when I first saw you but I didn't follow through. If Henry or Forge ...even hell even Lorna..had of been brought in then you wouldn't be like this now. I have to take some responsibility. If we don't take responsibility for each others well being and work to protect one another then that's a failing on our part."

Her comment about Magneto's 'offer' doesn't go unnoticed however and he narrows his eyes slightly but falls silent.

After a moment has passed he speaks again. "The Professor's just returned Paige. I don't know what Magneto said to you while he was in here but honeyed words can disguise the taste of bitter reality all to easily. The Professor and Magneto speak the same message but it is their methods that separate them. What is it about Magneto's methods that would draw you to him?"

Paige Guthrie has posed:
"I honestly think if you forced the issue, it could have made things worse." Maybe the implant would've triggered sooner or she would've just run away to join the circus? "But you didn't, and my mama always said to never worry about shoulda-coulda-woulda's and instead just focus on what did happen and what you can learn from it." Paige offers as some sage advice.

The mention of the two men having the same message gets a head shake from the young woman though. "No, I actually don't think they. It's a bit nuanced. The Professor, he serves the status quo. The X-Men are here to try to create peaceful coexistence not for the benefit of mutantkind, but to maintain the hegemony of human supremacy. The Brotherhood, they recognize that we're more and embrace that we are more-than-human. It's not about the destination, but the journey and all that."

Bishop has posed:
Bishop can't help but smile at the advice given.

"Alright...Mama Paige is wise indeed. I'll keep that in mind. But Paige...if that's what you think ...then that sounds like a corruption of Charles ideals through Magneto's lense and world view."

Bishop leans against a cabinet, arms folded, "Not to mention simply a falsehood. A lie. Charles isn't interested in propping a 'status quo'. What he's intersted in a world of proper evolved co-existence. Not a message of 'leave us alone or we'll kill you'. Nor a message of 'We are better then you so serve us as we are your future.' Ask yourself why would Magneto tolerate and make excuses for the likes of Sabretooth? Work with someone like The Juggernaut? What gives him or anyone the right to value one life over other? Magneto would ethically justify allowing a human child to die to save a human one. The Professor would strive to save both with equal passion measure because we're taught here that all life is precious and equal. If you go around starting to think that you're superior what are you going to do when your world view is challenged by someone superior to us? The message is that we're -all- human. That was a difficult lesson to learn in my time. A lesson to the cost of millions upon millions of lives....."

He sighs and looks awya, reaching a hand up to touch his 'M" tattoo absently, "Don't start judging 'humans' based on the actions of the extreme. There's a whole world out there."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
"Proper co-existence." she repeats softly, pursing her lips for a few moments. "You know, the last time homo sapiens sapiens got into an evolutionary war with another species, it was the neanderthal." Paige says, remembering her lessons in genetics and ancient history. "If you look at the traits, the neanderthal were bigger, they were stronger, and due to their skull shape, theoretically were smarter, and yet, we didn't evolve from the neanderthal. Homo sapiens wiped them out, a competing specie for what?" she wonders.

"You think that if given the chance humans won't try to do the same to us? The professor takes a passive approach to things. Too passive. He wants people to love and embrace mutants, but I don't think that's going to happen. Humankind can't even get along with itself other than another group of people who could do things they can't."

Then she sighs. "I do not believe we are superior to humans. But I will put the priority of a mutant life, whether it's mine, yours, the Professor's or anyone else's, over a human's. It's a matter of priority, not a matter of judgement."

Bishop has posed:
"You're parroting a corruptd view point again." suggests Bishop evenly. "The issue at hand is that you have to first acknowledge that we are the same. We're not a sepreate species we're an evolution. An advancement of what already is. That's number one. People are trying to -spin- this as two competing species warring for dominance but that's not the reality. Some humans see us as trying to replace them. Many mutants feel and become oppressed by those humans who are trying to defend their place in this world and dont know how to react save with fear and feverish misunderstaning. -Fear- is what is the primary motivator on both cases. Education and elightenment on -both- sides solves that. That's not being passive nor is the Professor advocating just sitting by while things happen."

Bishop stnads and walks closer, reaching down to pick up a datapad with Paige's readouts on it and then lowering it, "You can't cast a broad net to decide what all of humanity will or wont' do. There are cultural outlooks, religious beliefs, nationality, philosphy.. All things -we- have as well because we are born into this world through them as well as each other. "

Bishop sets the datapad down, "My point about the child was to make note that we place priority on something because we think it's more important. If you make that -deliberate- choice you make it for reasons either logical or emotional. My point was that there isn't something ethically right or wrong in that instance but somebody like Magneto would make it right about ethics. That the mutant is more worthy of life then the human and that is a problem."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
Once he goes to the data entry, it seems that all is normal, with the exception of a slightly elevated blood pressure, but that could be due to the contentious nature of their debate. Paige hrmms and mulls things over before she ah-has and puts up a finger.

"That's where you're missing nuance. I am not deciding who is more worthy of life. I am just placing my priority on mutantkind over humans." she says rather matter of factly. "Given all things equal, the mutant will get my attention each and every single time. If you were to bring up the railcar dilemma with me, is one mutant life worth saving over a hundred humans? My answer is yes everytime. That mutant would have a greater impact on society due to their greater potential than a hundred humans ever would."

Bishop has posed:
That causes the X.S.E. officer to narrow his eyes slightly. Both the readouts and Paige's words.

He says nothing for a long time then says, "There aer people here who think just like that, in this mansion. I suppose that's why we should be striving for evolved thinking and not clinical ones. After all.. Reed Richards is a human. Doctor Strange is a human. Spider-Man presumably is a human. That teacher that inspired that mutant child to not commit suicide with her act of kindness is a human. That doctor that delivered that mother's child who later manifested into being able to control the weather and insire others to heroism...was a human."

Bishop shakes his head and looks back to Paige, "So there's a very, very serious probelm with you attempting to mathemtically decide peoples potentials and futures for them based on the rnadomness of the mutant gene..."

He makes anther gesture, "I'm not here to police your thinking Paige, just offer you an alternative thought. I think you should really just -talk- to The Professor. State your greviances. I don't deny that we've been too passive here in som ematters but THe Professor also hasn't been here and there's been a loss of focus. I got chewed out for bringing that up but in that same meeting Charles proposed a plan that will soon turn -everything- om its head. You're an adult. YOu can make your choices but..."

He shakes his head and frowns, eyeing Paige, "If you -go- to The Brotherhood you need to go in there with your eyes wide open as to what you may see and be asked to do."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
With a soft sigh, she looks towards Bishop with a reassuring smile. "I know your views are based on where you're from. The future didn't seem that great at all, but I think we can change that. There are exceptions to every rule out there, and for every amazing human, there's millions that couldn't even be considered mediocre." Have you seen the US education system lately?!?

"But I'll keep an open mind. I think I want to really see what Magneto and the Brotherhood are about. I've seen what the X-Men are about, and as much as I originally wanted to be one cause of Sam? I don't know anymore." she says with a saddened tone of voice. She did idolize the X-Men growing up considering her brother was destined to be one as one of the early New Mutants.

"I would also have to say, there's as much anger here directed towards mutants as I would have towards human. Also..." and she glances around furtively, motioning for Bishop to step closer, "I'm deathly afraid of vampires. They're like, my biggest phobia."

Bishop has posed:
"Well I already discussed that you shouldn't make broad sweeping judgements about humanity based on the worst of the lot or people acting on fear and ignorance anymore then they should be basing their judgements on mutant kind based on folk like the MLF or the worst of The Brotherhood but at this point yes...you need to work things out for yourself. I just want you to do so with the truth in hand...."

Bishop quiets as he steps forward closer towards her and then hears her mention..

Vampires.

That was....quite specific and his eyes narrow. "Did something happen...?" he quietly asks and then he adds with a little more volume, "If you understood my future...Paige...I'm not sure you'd be making some of these comments. It's...complicated. I've spoken on it before. There's a reason why things went south. This present isn't -my- past..? But...it's showing many of the same signs..."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
It doesn't take long for her to realize the potential implication of what she said. "Oh no! It has -nothing- to do with Jubilee." And her cheeks flush a slight tinge of pink. "I've been scared of them ever since I was little. Sam made me watch 30 Days of Night, and I've hated them ever since." Cause that is truly one of the scariest movies ever.

"Hopefully things change, but like you said, keep an open eye. My mind isn't completely made up, but I want to see what the other side is like." a beat "When not under the influence of some technology from the future." she says with a silly smile.

Bishop has posed:
"Paige...Magneto employs hardened killers, some of whom get a thrill off of murder of human kind. Mystique herself should not be trusted and there are others involved in that group who don't have his own ideals in mind and are just there for personal gain, wealth, or their own beliefs. It's not at all like here. It's not even like...missions you've been on yourself. Cable and The Professor don't see eye to eye either and he may employ methods THe Professor doens't approve of but it's not like what we know of THe Brotherhood in the past.."

Bishop frowns as he steps back. "...And this 'truce' that we've had...it's not going to last. We ahve reasons to believe The Brotherhood may have been involved in a stike that crossed certain lines...in the name of defending 'mutant kind'. The path they're going down leads to a genetic war. Just be careful."

Somebody better be sure they don't tell her about the Brotherhood's newly recruited vampire....who -does- love the hunt of humans.

"I'll feel better about it if you promise me you'll at least talk to The Professor. Nobody knows more about what to expect from Magneto then he does."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
"Gambit was a thief and dealt with killing people. Rogue used to /be/ one of Mystique's companions and if I remember, she stole Ms. Marvel's powers. Logan has probably killed more people than the Brotherhood combined. Illyana is a demon sorceress. I mean, we can't really judge without being hypocritical in this case, can't we?" Paige asks with furrowed brow as she brings up the X-Men's more colorful members. "The Professor doesn't have a monopoly on virtue nor does Magneto have one with villainy. Both sides have messed up."

There's a nod at the mention of that truce. She takes in a long and deep breath mulling over what she's going to say next. "I never thought you could be neutral in this. There will be sides, and people will get hurt. I'll be careful, don't worry. And I plan on speaking with the Professor anyway, so don't be a worrywart!"

Bishop has posed:
"Those circumstances are not the same thing." says Bishop.

Who himself has killed people. He uses guns after all. He's ordered sanctioned events.

"These people who you are talking about -have- killed people possibly or who were in positions where they had to. That's not the same thing as it as a deliberate group strategy or choice when it's not necessary or out of rage and hate. Listen to yourself Paige! You're bending over backwards to justify these things when many of the examples you named are of people who came here because they wanted to -be better- and -do better- Not to take that road."

Now Bishop becomes just a little more frustrated. He's been patient this whole time but the idea of comparing some of the members of THe Brotherhood to them in terms of their willingness to kill and why seems to have crossed a line.

But he relaxes: "LIke I said...talk to The Profesor. IF you promise to do that and report to me that you do..I might..."

He pauses, grumbles and then says, "Order a custom T-Shirt from you.."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
Oh goodness! Should she mention that proceeds now go to the Brotherhood? No, she probably should.

The mention of different circumstances causes her to quirk a brow. Paige just takes in a long and deep breath, and decides to no longer belabor the point.

The mention of ordering a custom shirt causes her to snort-giggle though and nods. "I would have talked to him even if you didn't order a shirt, but now I'm holding you to one. Maybe you can get Future Daddy printed." she teases and cackles just a bit.

Bishop has posed:
"I should remind you that calling an older guy 'Daddy' implies that you're doing sexual favors for their money."

Bishop gets more stern now, "You need to knock that off. Everybody buying the shirts that says that isn't doing it to support some mutant cause but because it's mocking and making fun them or they really -do- want them to be their daddy. But no. Absolutely not."

He looks annoyed now, resting both of his hands on his waist, "I know that the students and some..faculty..have a nickname for me because they seem tot hink I'm overly stern and don't have a sense of humor."

LIes!

"They think I don't know it but I do. I want a tank top that says 'Fun Patrol' on it. I intend to use it for some 'Fun Patroling' this summer..."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
The mention of sexual favors and daddies causes her to quirk a brow and nosescrunch. "Your mind is sooooooooo in the gutter." Paige says with a soft chuckle before letting out a hearty laugh at the t-shirt design.

"I like the irony. Okay, we can go with that. I might even add it to the regular merch. Besides, Quentin and I need more ideas for our products anyway." a beat. "You think Kurt would mind if we sold and made Bamf plushes?"

Bishop has posed:
"I'm being realistic Paige. You don't have to like to hear it but that's what it means." grunts Bishop but he does let his mind settle back onto his shirt request.

"Hmm...if you want to add it ot the merch I suppose that's flattering." Bishop considers matters and then smirks somewhat to Paige, "I don't think Kurt would mind but do keep in mind that the X-Men haven't gone public. Yet."

There's that matter of THe Professor's plans after all.

"Soon, Tee-Shirts might very well be a necessary trait after all though at least tell me you're not going to be taking funds from the MLF anymore?"

Paige Guthrie has posed:
"I know, but I heard rumors that y'all were going to go public, so it can wait until then. Besides, have to properly design it and all." Paige says with a grin before stretching her arms in the air and then wincing. She's still not fully recovered after all.

"No, they're not going to the MLF nor am I taking them from there." a beat. "The Brotherhood is giving me funds." WOMP WOMP WOMP.

Bishop has posed:
Bishop frowns lightly and shakes his head, "If the truce between us was going to be maintained I'd be less bothered by this but you're a grown woman Paige. If you go to The Brotherhood and it does indeed come out that they went on a killing rampage in the name of their cause ...you need to be prepared to deal with the consequences of signing up with them. In that sense they're not that far adjacent from Stryfe and the MLF...."

He pauses and then adds "..Minus the future portal opening I suppose."

He leans away from her bed and oves to begin to take his leave. It's clear she needs more rest and he glances back at her, "As I said, promise that you'll at least talk to The Professor before you completely leave and Sam. You owe them that much."

Paige Guthrie has posed:
Putting up a hand, she bows her head and smiles. "Scout's honor." Paige was a girl scout after all. "I'll talk to him, and I know you're worried, but I think it'll be fine. The Brotherhood seems to be on the up and up, and you never know, maybe I can be their moral compass?" Though more than likely, it will be the other way around.

"I'm going to rest a bit more now though. I'll see you later."