257/Genoshan Memorial

Genoshan Memorial
Date of Scene:	03 March 2020
Location:	Bushwick <Mutant Town>
Synopsis:	Various speakers share their thoughts on Genosha, the tragedy, and come together to share their grief.
Cast of Characters:	Lorna Dane, Rachel Summers, Alexis Carr, Roberto da Costa, Bobby McFadden, Kitty Pryde, Wade Wilson, Alison Blaire, Samuel Guthrie, T'Challa, Daniel Hastings, Megan Gwynn, Shuri

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Lorna Dane has posed:
The memorial at Mutant Town had started as a grass roots event. A few people started talking of having a candlelight vigil, and soon other more important community organizers got involved, and soon after that it was gaining viral attention for the area. People were invited from social media, word of mouth, and even a few nightly news stories spoke of the planned memorial ceremony. Far from a tiny gathering of a dozen or so people, hundreds were estimated to turn out, possibly even more. There had been a few crew from city hall that inspected the area, stamped permits, and cleared the streets for detours to make sure there was enough space for the expected crowds to descend on Mutant Town's tiny community lot.

A humble stage had been erected after enough money had become involved, and a veritable mountain of pictures of lost loved ones, flowers, sentimental items had been plastered over the chain link fences that surrounded the street leading up the gathering area. Now as the sun started to dip and the air took on a chillier feel, the candles had been lit all around and people started to formally gather up.

A representative from the Genoshan Council, one of the few members of the government that had been off the island during the attack had been slotted to speak first and to greet the crowds that had turned out to pay their respects to the lost and fallen. A tall man, thin, and gangly almost, and wore a suit that was a hair too wide for his shoulders, stood in front of the podium. Numbers long since faded still peaked through his dark brown hair on his forehead. A sign that the man had once been a Genoshan mutate years ago.

He cleared his throat, and tapped the microphone. "Testing.. Testing.." He coughed, and the microphone squeaked. "Thank you all for coming out tonight.."

Rachel Summers has posed:
    Rachel is here for a number of reasons. She was there in Genosha trying to save lives, and worked herself to the bone for that. To exhaustion entirely. But she also has seen the anti-mutant sentiments make others totally idiotic. So her focus is not the memorial. Sure, she is here for it, but she's -not- in the spotlight.
    She spends the time before the event, and approaching the time she finds herself doing quick scans. She is looking for anyone who is wanting to be violent or whatnot, and will spend her efforts trying to dissuade them telepathically. The last thing she wants is violence at a peaceful memorial. Also, PTSD would happen for a -lot- of the bystanders if she fails.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    As people gather for the memorial, Alexis Carr was to the back. Earlier, while others had gathered, she had played through a few morose songs -- hymns of longing, she had allowed the notes of the sorrowful "Wayfaring Stranger" to fade away when the man began to speak, light catching against her glasses. She wore a black sweatshirt, blue jeans, and slipped her violin and bow away into its case, instead taking up an offered candle, sharing a flame with someone as hers alights.

    Mutants and humans alike in the crowd, and she raised her head, looking to the stage as she hopped up on a barrier -- for better height.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto da Costa was in attendance, somewhere near the edges of the event. The young heir to da Costa international looked the part tonight in a dark suit and with a grey overcoat on top. A ribbon pinned to his lapel to commemorate the tragedy, and 'Mutant and Proud' button pinned just below it.

He had a candle in hand and for once the loudmouthed mutant, wasn't grinning, smiling or laughing, just standing holding the flame and chatting quietly with the people he came with.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog normally avoids this part of town. Not because of the mutants, but because of certain... things that happened to him here. The memories are hard for him to bear even being near the location of a recent trauma; however, in light of recent events... This is actually one of the few places he could walk about when 'stuck' in his mutant form, but despite this he cautiously pulls up his slightly oversized hoodie and hides his muzzled face as deeply within its shadows as he can as he joins in with the crowd to pay his respects.

He never had a chance to go to Genosha. He was never offered passage or even recruited by anyone from there. He felt that perhaps they had too... complicated a history. Thats why he is perhaps alive now, but then... New York is his home. Despite all the wrong that has happened to him here it is the only place he knows... the only place near... his mother...

Now is not the time to worry about himself. It is for these people he came. They know what is like for his... kind... and now they grieve. He should grieve too, shouldnt he? Unsure what he feels about it all he really knows is that he needs to be here.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
On the outskirts of the gathering, a slender figure walks up in black jeans and a dark, oversized hoodie. Kitty Pryde has the voluminous hood up, not really wanting to be noticed, even by her friends today. She'd made her own way rather than catching a ride with them.

Whether to even come was a difficult choice for her. One that involved second-guessing the entire trip to Bushwick, and the walk from the subway line. Kitty moves over to a building edging the gathering and leans against the wall, her hands stuffed in her hoodie's front pouch as she watches quietly.

Wade Wilson has posed:
Oh god, what is Deadpool doing here? Oh no. Oh no, this is bad, this is real bad.

Stop. Stop. Calm down. Breathe. Take a 'lude. Are ludes still a thing? What ARE ludes anyway? I bet Bea Arthur did a fudgeton of Ludes back in her day.

And lewds, too, if you know the right person on the black market.

NEVERTHELESS. Deadpool is here, but he's not wanting to cause trouble for once. Even he has a heart. A big meaty sentimental thing right between his fantastic boobies. And it breaks. How do we know it breaks?

Because of the sign he holds over his head, amidst the sea of candles, the big sign drawn in magic marker that says "HONK IF YOU HATE GENOCIDE"

Alison Blaire has posed:
As far as Alison knows she didn't lose anyone, and she wasn't there during the recovery efforts. But that doesn't stop her from coming to the memorial in a move to try and throw her support behind those that did lose someone.

Often she'll try and glide through the city without being noticed, going about her business. But tonight she comes openly. She's dressed in a black dress and heels, chin up and very, very much making it clear that she might be open and out in the public eye without resorting to floppy hats and sunglasses, she's also not trying to cause a scene or distraction from the purpose of the memorial event.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie is coming to the event a bit later than some, but has come to not only honor people but also like some others to keep a watch on things. He will find a place where he has a good view. He is probably not to far from Roberto and some of his friends. While tempted to take to the air he does not, wishing his power was quieter for a bit.

T'Challa has posed:
The King of Wakanda is here. And while T'challa's country may have taken the center role in providing aide to those from Genosha, the King himself is not standing out. His habit is transformed into something more traditional, a long tunic, loose pants, leather shoes. Tribal markings trail down his clothing, and around his neck is a set of heavy beads. His hands are folded in front of him in thoughtful watch.

His eyes search thr crowd, trying to seek out the represenative from Genosha that was offered, but for the most part, he's staying back. This is not his night, and his support will be just as quiet.

Daniel Hastings has posed:
Fringe or not, Daniel seems to blend in well enough with the masses in a neighborhood where wealth is a forgotten commodity. His attire says he's a guy down on his luck but not without enough of it to keep himself fed. If underfed. Either way, he has a candle in his left hand with the usual paper ring to keep the wax from dripping on ones hand. Oddly, he looks around like a guy who's not from the neighborhood and.. trying to get to know the locals. It's not the best time to shake hands with people though so he mostly just offers soft smiles of comraderie as he waits for.. whatever speaker is going to speak.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn had lost a friend or two in the aftermath, and had yet to find even a body. She was here for them and for everyone else too. She felt powerless, she wasn't even old enough to be an a X-man yet, but was determined to help however she could, especially with her transporting abilities. But it never seemed enough for the fallen. As she arrived with Samuel and Roberto, she sits somewhere near them, but scans the crowd, pausing a moment longer as she spies her idol The Dazzler, as well as the kind hearted T'Challa and offers them both a shy smile.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Rachel wouldn't particularly sense anyone intending harm to the peaceful mourners, for once, whatever counter protestors had planned to arrive.. were met with enough legal red tape that many just choose to stick to a few blocks south of Mutant Town and well out of ear shot for those that had chosen to attend. However, there were a multitude of vendors. On the outskirts, more than a few carts loaded down with 'Magneto was Right' T-shirts, hats, and mini-helmets made of plastic were being sold at a premium. Though at least they remained quieter and didn't shout out their wares to the public.

The Genoshan Councilman glanced back at over his shoulder at a small gathering behind him, and looked back to the crowds in front of him. He cleared his throat again. "Tonight, we mourn for those we have lost. Families, friends, and loved ones. Human and mutant. We have lost more than numbers can tell. We have lost a nation. A home. We have lost our first country that many of us can call 'ours'." He reached a shaking hand for a water bottle on the podium and sipped at it. Clearly nervous. Watery eyes looked out at the sea of candles that slowly started to be lit and passed throughout the crowd at large. A swarm of fire-light in the otherwise darkening streets of Mutant Town.

"But for what life has taken, it also gives. We have more allies than mutants could have ever known. And we have seen more coming together, more love, than what many of us have ever seen. Heroes have stepped up and out to mount rescues, raise funds, and help refugees." He paused, looking back at a few people dressed in black behind him on the stage and back to the crowd again. "So it is my utmost honor, to introduce, one such person we thought to be lost.. but have now found. Her maj--" He paused, again, unsure what title to use. ".. uhm her highness, Princess Lorna Dane. Polaris. Heir to the throne of Genosha." He stepped back, and offered the podium to the woman behind him with a bow. Formal to the T. There was an awkward pause as the Princess hung back beside her those she stood with. Nerves rooting her to the spot as she hung back in the shadow of those that had come with her. A nudge, of encouragement and a few whispered words from her half sister had been enough to get her there.. And Lorna found herself standing in front of the podium awkwardly clutching the wooden sides with both hands as she stared at the crowd.

Shuri has posed:
Of course, Shuri had heard about this as well. She was involved in setting up the medical centers for people to be brought to. She was not at all pleased with the results. She still thinks she could have done better for various reasons. That time has passed now and now she is in her more typical Wakandan garb with her own twist. She walks into the crowd and frowns as she approaches the area with all the pictures, shaking her head as she thinks of all those that couldn't be saved. For now, she hasn't come near enough to T'Challa to notice him just yet, though she does have her own beads on her wrist that she quietly touches as she thinks on the situation.

When she sees Lorna get announced and approach the podium, a shiver runs through her. She knows that this can't be easy. She watches the girl and looks down at her beads again.

Daniel Hastings has posed:
The new development as Daniel turning from the crowd and the generic speaches of solidarity to looking up at the podium with an earnest curiosity. The green hair causes a small arch of his brow but mostly he notes her hesitance and finds it somehow.. reassuring. He offers her a warm encouraging smile and gives her his undivided attention.. or as undivided as it can be.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    The beanie-wearing young woman looks on from her perch on a barrier, balancing carefully, reaching her free hand to hold against a streetlight as the short dancer welcomes a little altitude, giving a small, sad smile up to Lorna.

    "What weight must she bare on her shoulders. Atlas himself might weep." she quietly murmurs from her perch.

Wade Wilson has posed:
Deadpool has somehow moves to a different part of the crowd. Teleporter. Stealth. Walking openly in front of everyone while saying 'Excuse moi' in a French accent. The world may never know.

What the world will know is that he brought more than one sign. This one he holds up says THIS IS REALLY ****ED UP WORLD.

Alison Blaire has posed:
When Lorna is introduced there is a shift of attention towards her, and sympathy washes over Alison's face. But much like others in the crowd she keeps quiet, dutifully listens.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog finds himself now in a thicker part of the crowd than he had expected. People are moving, some of them carrying candles, others carrying items or flowers to leave for the memorial. The net result is that there is a stirring of the crowd as they cycle through, quietly, respectfully, milling past the waypoints as the speeches take place. Blinkdog finds himself caught up in the flow and follows along slowly.

Blinkdog is unsure what to feel right now. Its not grief is it? Sadness? No, there is just a kind of big empty where the feelings should be. Perhaps they are just hidden even from himself even though an unnoticed tear drops from his eye as he goes past the wall of pictures many of them with young children in them.

Rachel Summers has posed:
    Narrowing her eyes, even when they say -good- things, Rachel can't help but hear the us vs them attitude in every word spoken. She sighs and grumps. Solidarity is most important when it does -not- involve segregating yourselves, when it involves destroying barriers, not reinforcing them.
    Again, that's just her take. She saw what happens when everyone is looking at it from just one side... the world falls apart. This is part of what she has traveled to the past to do, to prevent that from culminating that way.
    She sighs, and goes back to her scanning, looking for troublemakers on both sides. Sure, there's Deadpool, and he is trouble for every side of every event in history. Even ones he wasn't alive to see yet.
    But either way, she keeps her skimming up, having made a face when she barely even touched the mind of the Merc with the Mouth.

T'Challa has posed:
"<<It is never easy, sister.>>" That is a voice in Shuri's ear. That rich timbre of her older brother addressing the Princess of Wakanda. "<<Come please stand with me. She will need to know our support is unified.>>" T'Challa has, indeed, noticed Shuri in the crowd. Even if she didn't wanted, she stands out, especially when those beads on her wrist ping off of his.

His eyes return to the stage to watch the young Queen of Genosha as she takes her first steps into the spotlight. He never had to step on the stage she has to, but in a way, he can still empathize with her - having been younger than her when his father was assassinated.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The girl in the dark hoodie keeps her head down, less worried about being seen though and more with just that fits her mood. Kitty pulls her hands out of the pouch pocket and pulls out her phone. Biometrics unlock it and she swipes through some contents, though listening to what is said, and glancing up from time to time.

Eventually she comes to what she wanted to see on the phone. A drop falls from inside the hood, splashing on the phone's screen on whatever is displayed there.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie notices some people he knows. He hmms a bit as he notices a familiar if somewhat new person. He makes sure to think towards Rachel anyone he sees might be trouble. He does head over towards where Alexis is. He makes sure scanning around her a bit extra.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto stops chatting as things begin, and as he does he catches sight of Kitty from across the crowd and tries to catch her eye, offering a silent invitation of a look and a nod beside him saying, 'You're welcome here with us'.

Though when the Princess of Genosha is introduced, Roberto turns his head and looks up at the stage, though not fully taking his attention away from his friend in the crowd.

Lorna Dane has posed:
There was a soft muffled sound from some of the crowd, it hadn't exactly been //known// that Lorna had survived the wreckage that was Genosha. Until recently, only Wanda and Pietro were known of the royal family to be alive. Wanda had handled most everything, Pietro had run off to get revenge.. and Lorna? Was still a recovering mess of PTSD. Still, there was something to be said for the suffering of others being a motivator to step beyond her own grief. Even if she froze in utter terror to be the center of attention in the crowd of mourns.

The microphone gave a rattle of static, being so close to her magnetic fields and she swallowed back her nerves and her powers as she lifted her gaze from the podium out to the crowd.

"Thank you," She paused, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. "For not only facing your fears in coming out today, but for continuing to face every day with such bravery." Her voice stopped and started a few times, and she shifted her weight against the wooden podium. Her heels clicking against the stage beneath her.

"Tonight isn't about me.. or about my father.." She paused, and someone in the crowd definitely shouted 'Magneto Was Right! "Tonight is about remembering those we lost. So we can come together and mourn them. For the sixteen million lives that were lost on Genosha. It feels wrong to cheapen this remembrance, this vigil with words. As Samuel Beckett once said 'Every word is like an unnecessary stain on silence and nothingness.' And so I ask, instead of listening to me preach platitudes to you.. that we observe a minute of silence." She exhaled a breath, looking out to the crowd and falling silent.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn bites her lip, falling quiet, taking an offered candle and holding it high, along with a 'Mutant and proud!' pin which she fastens on her lapel. "Woow, sooo many people.." she murmurs to Roberto. Many people she doesn't know that well either and so she says put, voice wavering a bit as the speech is underway, feeling eyes water a bit.

Wade Wilson has posed:
If Deadpool notices another mind skimming over his, even a cute post-Apocalyptic one, he doesn't make much display on it. Not even in his thought bubbles or the narration. You could probably skip this part, in fact, and go straight to Stan's Soapbox.

Oh yes, he brought another sign.

He gives this one to a little kid, hiking them up onto his shoulders so the kid can hold it high, the sign reading OBLA-DI GENOSHA LIFE GOES ON WHOA BUT KILLING MUTANTS IS REALLY BAD. There are little music notes on it.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde looks up from her phone as she hears Lorna's voice. Kitty's eyes move away from the stage though, looking around in the crowd. That's the moment that Roberto is looking her way and their eyes meet. The faint glisten of wet tear tracks on Kitty's cheeks reflect the light that makes it into her hood.

She looks down again without going over to join her friends, her arm that holds the phone moving to hang at her side rather than continue to look at the picture that is on it. The hood swings about, looking from side to side as if she's deciding whether to go, though she ends up staying there, leaning against the wall by herself.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Alexis watces over the crowd a moment, looking for faces she recognizes -- not the ones she sees in the shelters, no, nor the ones she sees pass by and smiles when she plays and they recognize her.

    But there is a moment. The crowd falls silent, her hea dbowing slightly, her candle carefully flickering.

Shuri has posed:
There's a frown followed by a sigh as she looks over at T'Challa. Of course he was here. She knew the danger was there but she wished to see this. She notes Deadpool in passing, shaking her head a little as she approaches her brother and stands next to him with a look before looking forward, "<<I do not envy her.>>" She shakes her head and then she looks down at her hands a moment before looking up, "<<I do not think I'd have the strength or time to give speeches if someone did such to our people...>>" She looks to the side and frowns at the thought before looking forward and raising her head. She looks briefly over at T'Challa and then looks ahead. The subvocal messages going to him perfectly without, hopefully, disturbing others.

Rachel Summers has posed:
    After skimming a bit, Rachel pauses and then she grins. Yes, she grins. She starts moving through the crowd, and to avoid bumping folks out of her way, she just.. guides them mentally so that they choose to ease out of her path. She finds the physical version rude despite the invasiveness of reality.
    It's not long before she steps to within soft-speaking range of Shuri, to whom she clears her throat and stage-whispers, "Good to see you again.. princess. Thank you for being here."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie will end up next to Alexis not saying anything at least night right now. He will simply move to light his candle off hers. He looks to her for just a moment and keeps close to the girl, as he then continues watching for people He listens to things but scans the crowds, and then scans the buildings that have line of sight on the stage.

Daniel Hastings has posed:
Magneto. Daniel knows that name. How could you not. He knows the message. How could you not. Still.. he agrees more with Lorna than the anonymous catcaller in the audience. He doesn't even bother trying to find the face. He just bows his head as asked and gives over a moment of silence for the dead. It's something he's done.. countless times.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog listens to the speech, and then he too pauses and goes quiet for a time during the moment of silence. Again he is unsure why he came here, it was important to him he knows but how much he hates crowds. Being in them. Being around even others of his own kind... there are so many here... but it's just the right thing. It's just the right thing to do.

A feeling of unease though starts to stirr within Blinkdog. Perhaps this isnt the best place to be afterall. There is a risk isnt there? What if there is trouble? Its one thing to be a mutant, its another thing to be a mutant with powers... people like him are hunted down if they are spotted. No... there's nothing thats going to happen. Just calm down.

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa's response is succient as he looks to his little sister. "Words are what her people need to hear right now. Not just for the Genoshians that survived. But all mutants. What she says tonight may set diplomacy between mutant and human for the next decade -- or as long as she may reign." he offers to his sister. And then he arches a brow. "But I am not surprised to see you here."

In America.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Meeting eyes with Kitty across the crowd, his expression is a pained one when he sees those tears, but when she chooses to stand alone, he nods, understanding in that simple gesture, coupled with half a smile.

Then as Lorna calls for silence, Roberto lowers his head and closes his eyes, to remember the lost.

Alison Blaire has posed:
There is a quick scan of the crowd, looking for familiar faces. Those that she knows. But Alison doesn't go out of her way to approach anyone, and she's certainly not trying to draw anyone's attention to anyone else.

Lorna Dane has posed:
As the minute dragged on and the crowd grew hushed, Lorna glanced back at the Genoshan Councilman that had introduced her. He had a watch, and he at least seemed to be keeping track of time. He nodded her way, giving her a thumbs up when the time had passed and she turned back to face the crowd. She smiled weakly, but it clearly did not reach her eyes.

"We must all continue forward, and not let our grief consume us. While we must never forget what we lost, we cannot let that hold us back from trying for a better future." She glanced around the crowd, letting go of the podium and stepping back.

"Which is why I would like to open up the stage for anyone that desires to speak. To be heard. Please, step forward in an orderly fashion.. I will remain here to listen no matter how many people wish to come up and say something. Thank-you." She repeated, and finally stepped away from the podium and the spotlight of the stage to let others take her place.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn glances towards T'Challa and Shuri. She doesn't know the latter but she's like to pay T'challa her respects. She moves towards him, waving and smiling. "Mister T'challa! It's good to see you again..Thanks for all you've done and for the dress.." she glances occasionally towards the stage, watching Polaris for a few minutes in solemn reverence.

Shuri has posed:
A look over at Rachel and Shuri smiles at her before nodding, "And good to see you again, Fire Bird." She then looks over at T'challa and smirks before shrugging, "You told Uncle to watch me, don't blame me." She shrugs and then looks forward and shakes her head, "I know diplomacy, brother...I am better at it than you sometimes." She looks to him, "I'm just not sure that I would..." She frowns and looks to the side. She knows what she can and can't do, "I am not sure I would not be seeking out those that did this." She then looks over at Megan with a blink and looks over at T'Challa, "Mister T'Challa..." She quietly laughs.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Alexes sees an unlit candle, and guarding the flame a little she offers to light it, without knowing just who is asking -- but once she catches Sam's face in the flickering light, she gives a slight, sad smile -- and she reaches for his hand, holding it with her head down in quiet reflection -- and a weight of guilt. When the moment ends she takes a breath, and gives Sam's hand a squeeze, and then in a surprising move she slides forward, as if she too had a few words to say to the crowd.

T'Challa has posed:
"Miss Gwynn. A pleasure to see you again. I wish it were under better circumstance." When Shuri echoes the Mister T'challa, the Panther gives her a nudge on the side of her foot. "And it was no problem. May I present my sister, Shuri. She will be around more often, and has lots of questions." Turnabout is fair play.

Wade Wilson has posed:
Deadpool has switched signs once more. Now he appears to be on top of a car. With a boombox that's playing 'Candle in the Wind' by Elton John.

The sign now says MAGNETO WAS DEFINITELY NOT WRONG EVEN IF HE WASN'T ALWAYS RIGHT ALL THE TIME HE WAS A COMPLICATED FIGURE MAYBE WE SHOULD REFLECT ON HIM IN THE CONTEXT OF HIS ERA AND THROUGH THE LENS OF HIS COMPLEX MUTANT EXPERIENCES AS A SURVIVOR INSTEAD OF TRYING TO REDUCE HIM TO A PITHY SLOGAN THAT MAKES US FEEL BETTER IN THE WAKE OF THIS HORRIBLE TRAGEDY.

The sign is very hard to read.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto, is one of those going to speak, moving through the crowd until he can make his way onto the stage. Once there Roberto takes a moment to look out over the crowd, those closest to the stage might see the young man swallow hard. Public bragging was more his game than public speaking, especially at an event like this.

"Hey, I'm Roberto da Costa, and I'm one of the lucky ones," he says. "I didn't lose anyone I knew personally, or any family, close as I got was a 'frenemy' and he managed to pull through anyhow," he says with a bit of a fond smile, before growing more solemn again, "But I know people who have, friends, family, mentors, idols, they've lost and they're hurting, and it's to them I want to speak tonight."

He pauses, catching his breath, or trying to conjure up his next words. Hard to tell. "I guess what I want to tell them," and he singles out those friends in the crowd he knows are hurting. "Is that you're not alone, I know, hardly original but true all the same, the world is a sh-," he clears his throat. "A horrible place sometimes and what happened to Genosha is monsterous, but it's not all darkness, it's not all monsters, there's light, and good people. And we're all people no matter what is in our DNA. So, hang on to them, let them help you through these times, and together maybe we can all find our way out of the dark."

He frowns a little as though critiquing himself in his head, before he says, "Thank you," and steps aside for the next speaker.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog is put into mind of something his savior and friend on the street told him once. (Bobby, let me tell you, my Omma, my grandmother used to say one thing. Over and over when times turn bad. She said 'First you grieve... and then you get angry... but first you grieve.') Now those words come to him strongly. This is a time for grief not anger. Thats what everyone is here for. Getting their grief out... because soon enough there will be anger. He just hopes it isn't too soon.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn glances towards the stage, smiling faintly and nodding to Roberto. Her ga e does fall briefly upon Deadpool's rather wordy sign for a moment or two, squinting at it and shaking her head, trying to fight back a smile. "...Woah, that's quite the sign!" she looks back to T'challa and nods, "Likewise, your Majesty. But it's good to be among friends and allies!" she hasn't lost her chipper edge, though she looks tired as she glances around, then nods and smiles to a Shuri, offering a hand, "Hii, nice to meet you, I'm Megan!" and did someone call her a princess too ? "Ooh, his sister? Then it's a pleasure, your highness."

Daniel Hastings has posed:
Daniel takes a deep breath after Lorna's offer of sharing the stage. He'd been warring with his own identity for weeks now and suddenly feels compelled to join the line queuing up to speak. When it finally reaches his turn to offer a few words, he takes a moment first to offer a warm smile to Lorna then to take a deep breath as he faces out to the crowd.

"My name is Daniel Hastings. Up until a few weeks ago.. Earth thought I was dead. It still does in many ways. But up until a few weeks ago, I also thought I was just another bloke who'd gone to war to fight Nazis and to liberate an oppressed people from tyranny, predjudice and genocide. I wasn't anyone special. Now I'm back. To find that not only has Earth not learned the lesson of World War Two.. but that I am family to the very people that were decimated in the attack on Genosha. A mutant.

I can't tell you how I feel right now. Like you, my heart aches with longing and pain and hate and anguish and a need for justice. It's all a hot mess. What I can tell you is.. don't give in to the hate. I hated Nazis. Maybe I still do. But in the end, the hate does nothing for you. Win or lose, it's empty. Hollow. Serves back nothing but emptiness.

So instead.. focus on the ones you love. Don't give time to people that break you down. That's what they want. To live in your mind and make you crazy. But if you think of your friends. Your loved ones. The cherished memories.. it still hurts.. but it's a good pain. The pain that tells you.. you lived a good life. That THEY lived a good life. Left a mark on this world that lives on in you all. That will continue to live on.

I plan on going to Genosha as often as possible. Helping in any way possible. I'm one man. But if it were all of us? Imagine the good that we can do."

He takes out a hankerchief from his jacket and dabs at his eyes a moment before giving a nod to the audience and stepping off stage for the next person to speak.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie will squeeze Alexis's hand as she moves to step forward to speak, he is surprised but does not try to stop her. This does allow him to be in a position as Berto comes off the stage he will reach out putting a hand on the other man's shoulder to give it a reassuring squeeze "You did good." He will reassure him

Wade Wilson has posed:
Deadpool has shifted once more. He's balancing delicately on top of a flagpole. It's not entirely clear how he got up there, but he's doing his very best Simone Biles up there, tootsies oh so carefully molded around the pole to keep him from falling. The Romanian judge would be super-impressed.

This sign just says I'M SAD.

And he is. Really. So now he's going to have to kill some of the motherfuckers responsible so their ruined and smoking corpses will help him feel better.

Vengeance is a dish best served piping hot at the end of a high-energy plasma rifle.

Rachel Summers has posed:
    Nodding to Shuri, Rachel backs away. She just wanted to say hi, not make a scene. She goes back to watching the stage while bouncing skimming probes about the crowd. Non-invasive so much as just empathically seeking someone about to cause trouble. She actually bypasses Deadpool this time because she's had enough trauma in her life. She doesn't need more.
    She looks to the stage as Daniel speaks, and her borws arch upwards. A man out of time. She needs to speak with this man.

Shuri has posed:
A look over at T'Challa and Shuri smirks before shaking her head, "You know that I answer most questions, not ask them." She nods her head before putting a hand on her hip and then looking to Megan and taking her head, "And yes, I am his long suffering sister. It is good to meet you, too, Megan."

T'Challa has posed:
Glancing at the stage, and then to Shuri and Megan, T'Challa settles his hand on Shuri's shoulder. "She is indeed my sister. Shuri, this is Megan Gwynn." he offers a smile between the two before he excuses himself politely. Making his way through the crowd, he approaches the stage, and moves to stand upon in. His eyes look over thr crowd as he considers them all. "Good evening. I am T'Challa, ruler of Wakanda or as many of you may know me as, Black Panther." he draws in his breath, before he starts to speak.

"What happened in Genosha is nothing short of a tragedy. No. A tragedy would suggest that it was an accident. This was a genocide. What happens now will determine what happens to the rest of the world. But in this, there must be a reckoning." Straightening up to his full height, the young king's eyes narrow. "I have instructed my government to introduce legislation to the United Nations to declare what happened in Genosha as a genocide, and that the full brunt of the International Court should be brought to bear to shine the light of justice upon those that brought this upon Genosha. I will also petition the United Nations to immediately disassemble any remaining Sentinel that remains and outlaw further upgrading of so-called mutant detection technology."

"In this country, in the middle-20th century, there was rampant discrimination against those of the African descent. What is being down now is no better than 'Coloreds Only' water fountains and lynchings for a man looking at a woman of another race."

"Wakanda will continue to stand and support Genosha and officially recognizes the government under Princess Lorna Dane. Any attempt to usurp her will face censure from Wakanda. We must find a way to look after one another, as we are one single, global tribe." With that, T'Challa turns to give Lorna a bow of his head before he moves to return to his sister's side.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn smiles and nods to Shuri as she watches her brother's speech. "Wow he's good. Such a kind hearted man.." she watches him intensely, smiling. Ohyeah, totally crushing! Glancing to Roberto as he steps down, she smiles, patting his shoulder lightly, "Good speech. Very moving..Thanks for that." she smiles and nods to T'challa as well. "Thank you for that, that was really touching.." she bows her head a bit reverently to the Wakandan king.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog ponders the words that are spoken. Lessons of the past, lessons for the future. But really, will that ever change? He himself has been either hiding or running away for his whole entire life. He hid from his mother's abuse. He hid from the abuse of others and then ran away from them all when he changed. Now he hides and runs away every day. He even hides from himself. He's Bobby McFadden, not Blinkdog, but thats what he's calling himself right now. Thats what he's thinking of himself as. Now the whole world is about to get the same choice... hide or runaway... or... what else is there? Fight? Rage? Lessons of the past. The lessons of the past were learned quite well. When someone abuses you, you fight back. This is what is going to happen... and its going to be bloody. Maybe he should do something. Or should he just hide and run away?

All of this is running through his mind as the words and speeches continue. Words, heavy words... they're all heavy with meaning, intent, and perhaps politic too. What is real though is the grief. Genocide, that is another heavy word, it has wrapped up in it lots of pain... and anger too.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The young woman in the dark hoodie is gone from her leaning spot on the buliding when Roberto makes it back from the stage and no longer has lights in his eyes. Rachel might feel her coming though. Though familiar-ish mind. Not quite the Kate Pryde that she'd known, but then she's been here long enough to start to be familiar with the younger mind of Kitty Pryde.

Before long, Kitty steps up to where her friends are. She stops beside Roberto who had just said the beautiful words, and leans her shoulder against his a little. If Rachel is in reach, Kitty reaches over, and if allowed, slides a hand into hers.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna had taken up residence at the back of the stage, she stood, leaning against those that had convinced her to come out and reveal that she was alive and to speak to the public. She had never been one for public speeches, particularly those meant to bring together a community that needed her. She was awkward, stilted, and still processing her own emotions. She too, grieved for lost loved ones, which is what had brought her out in the first place.

Roberto's speech earned her nod, her applause with others that offered it. A sad, strained smile to match. At least she vaguely knew him.

T'Challa, however was decidedly a new person for her to interact with. Wanda had spoken of him briefly, she knew that he had helped fund refugees.. but beyond that? She wasn't entirely sure what to do, other than to listen, and nod politely back at the King as he acknowledged her and exited the stage.

Shuri has posed:
Looking to Rachel, she waves a little before looking back to her brother as he goes to the stage. She listens and nods a little till he comes back and she gives him a nudge and nods, "You almost looked like a real king." She winks at him before looking over Megan and then grins as she looks over at T'Challa again and nods, "Mister T'Challa is pretty good when he wishes to be." She then considers briefly going up on stage but then decides against it and instead just looks around at who is here.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
There was applause for Roberto, and if you asked Sam or maybe Doug they might say that's what he hears in his head 24/7 applause. Though right now there's no mugging for the audience, waves, or even smiles he just takes his place in the crowd and gives Sam a little bump of his shoulder to for his words, and when Kitty joins them, he slips his arm around her shoulders.

Glancing around he smiles. Family it turned out was a much better reward than the noises of approval.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn glances towards Rachel and a Kitty, people she doesn't know well but she knows them all the same, "Hey you two.." she smiles faintly at them, before glancing towards the podium, listening to all the other people make speeches.

Rachel Summers has posed:
    Okay, deep breaths, deep breaths. Rachel listened to the speeches given, then she nods her head to head towards the stage. "If I might offer a few words?" She asks of the administrators up there.
    She steps up onto the stage, taking a moment to let her psionic glamor drop so that her facial scarification is visible... then she turns to face the crowd.
    "Hello everyone. I am nobody important. Just a mutant who was branded for being a mutant." she says, indicating her markings. "But that's not the point I want to make. The point is... I am -somebody-. Everyone is somebody. Everyone is important -to- somebody. What you are doesn't matter. Who you are does. The world does not need more reasons to put the blame for problems onto one group or another. I know that it's not a popular stance for me to take but... even the idea of.. Mutant rights.. is a concept that has evolved past its time. Trying to push rights for one group over and above any other group is a mistake. What we need... is for us to treat every single person like just another person. Like they had the same rights, the same daily problems, the same sort of family, as everyone else. We need for the people of Earth to realize that all people of Earth -are- their brothers and sisters, and parents and children, and cousins and friends. Believe me when I tell you... it is not enough to set up a state separate from others, which stands out like a beacon. As bright and polished as that beacon is, it stands out as different. Believe me, I understand what the purpose of Genosha was, and I applaud them for -being- that beacon, but... what we need is total acceptance on both sides. We need to be able to walk down the street and not care who or what someone else we might see is. Because we know that they have just as much right to live their life and to be happy, as everyone else. What we don't need are people on all sides of any divides, making the divide larger, wider... by lashing out... My name is Rachel, and my story is a complicated one. Let's just say that I have -seen- what can happen if we don't turn away from divisiveness.... and I don't want to go there. Thank you." That said... she steps down off the stage as quickly as she can... not really sure if she'll be greeted with boos, jeers, or what. Just.. she -had- to say that.

Bobby McFadden has posed:
Blinkdog feels it now. It is too much. The crowd is getting to him, their feelings, the words being spoken. Heavy words. Words that taste bitter even if they are spoken sweetly. Words that are old too, filled with dust... or is that ashes. Yes they taste like ashes. It is just too much!

There is a sudden 'splash' in the crowd as they react to something. Blinkdog just... vanished... right in front of a bunch of them. Causing some startle for a few, while others are just confused. The overall effect is there is a small ripple in the crowd as they take a step back, and then quietly move in to fill the small space that is now vaccant.

Somewhere else, not far away. A figure appears and steps out of the shadows of an alleyway. For the first time in weeks he looks... normal... just some kid wearing a hoodie. He is no-longer 'stuck'. At least for now. Now it is time to find something to eat. To find a good place to sleep. Perhaps at a shelter now that he looks like someone they'll serve. Now that he doesn't "upset the other patrons" just by being there. Yeah... heavy words.

Alexis Carr has posed:
'Alexis' comes to the podium. She's short. Wearing a black sweatshirt, dark jeans, and a black beanie hiding her hair. She looks over the crowd of people -- strangers. People who would have every reason to hate her for what she has been part of, for her unwitting work. She was following on the tails of royalty, a man out of time, and now... a girl who plays at being a street musician.

Allegra Caradenza had never felt so much fear for a performance.

Her voice does not shake as she begins, looking out over the crowd as she finally speaks, her accent Crisp:

"Your Majesties, your honor, and to all those before me -- what can a stranger say to follow upon what has been spoken?" she begins, and she takes a  breath, gathering her thoughts a sshe removes a little bit of paper, crumbled, from her jacket.

"A wise man -- and perhaps wiser Hobbit -- once said: It's like in the great stories. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.?

"I see you holding onto something. To a candle, to that little spark. To hands, to each other. Look around you. See in each other -- mutant, and human -- to your allies, to our hopes, to our loves and dreams. This is assuredly a time of darkness, of mourning, but tomorrow the sun will rise. And the day after that. And the day after that. We move forward, along your paths, among the streets, in time and space hurtling through the stars. All of us."

She straightens to her full five-foot-too, mostly hidden now behind the podium.

"We, as a whole, must continue to believe that there is good in our world. That it is beautiful, and not as rare as we might think. Little actions in our day-to-day will build, and become easier. We, as a whole, must do what we can to keep the darkness, and the hatred that has fueled senseless violence at bay.

"We must believe that there is good in this world, and that this good -- however small a spark--" and she holds up her candle, letting it flicker a moment in the wind,

"... is worth fighting for."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie looks over to Berto, as Alexis gets up to speak. He will lean over to say softly as she finished "That is her, and Ah wonder how much trouble she got herself in." He looks to Alexis smiling at her words but worry in his eyes. He does again scan the area for trouble makers even more so now.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto quietly basks in the presence of his X family, while watching the speakers, though when it comes to Alexis, his eyes widen a little, but he keeps his composure, through what is a lovely, speech, at the end though, he whispers to Sam. "Your girlfriend is Allegra Caradenza, from Pro-Humana," he says. "And she's probably in a whole lot of trouble."