3979/How Do We Solve a Problem Like James Hudson

How Do We Solve a Problem Like James Hudson
Date of Scene:	29 October 2020
Location:	Medical Lab
Synopsis:	James gets some help from Hank and Jean to learn more about himself.
Cast of Characters:	Jimmy Hudson, Henry McCoy, Jean Grey

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Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    In the depths of the X-Mansion, below the surface and in the hidden bays used for the team and their research, several members of the team were taking time to look into the details of the man that has become known to them as James Hudson.
    He had been brought to the facilities only a few days ago, given an initial scan and examination to make sure that the blast from young Michelle Patterson did no lasting harm to him. Yet it also revealed that the man was also a mutant like his student. Though, assuredly, the team on site had their suspicions. A more detailed examination was called for.
    Which is why the tall twenty-something substitute teacher found himself in the medbay, seated on the edge of one of the medbay beds, his hands on the side of it, feet dangling slightly as he's slouched a little to the side. Blood had been drawn, scans had been run, and no small amount of poking and prodding had been endured. Which left the man with those age old words that come from so many patients.
    "So what's the good word, doc?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
Scans, MRI, blood test - all the full gamut of tests were done. Henry was very thorough, focusing on the science and medicine to keep himself sane - and lucid. He was meticulous, hovering over the readings and double-checking everything. It's a matter of practice and a smidge of anxiety.

Once everything is done and read, he looks to Jimmy with a cant of his head. "Have you had any injuries as a child? Or as an adult? Right now, you've no scarring and I can't see any such marks on your skeletal structure."

The Beast scratches at your chin. "There are definitely genetic markers leading to the Howlett family." A grin, motioning to one of the scans. "And then there are the claws."

Jean Grey has posed:
Scheduled after the majority of the more lengthy medical scans and procedures, Jean has come down for a psych consult for the new patient, and is even dressed the part, with a lab coat on over her sweater and skirt. She has a tablet in hand as she walks in, and the fact that her attention is focused so thoroughly on it might suggest that the contents have something to do with the patient. Indeed, she quietly peruses the files they have on the mystery man, although said files probably only serve to emphasize the weight of that adjective: 'mysterious' is definitely the word of the day.

As the calm sci-fi swish of the door announces her arrival, a friendly smile is offered Hank, finally lifting her eyes from the screen. "How's the patient, Doctor McCoy?" She's hardly ever that formal, so the title is no doubt more a humorous reflection of the setting.

"It seems like Logan constantly has relatives turning up, doesn't it?" she wonders as he reviews the genetic data, which she's glanced at on her screen. "But clearly he's not yet another clone." 'Yet another?' How many of him are there, running around? Yet despite this ominous discussion, she turns on a rather bright and friendly smile as she comes over to greet the patient, offering a hand. "Mr. Hudson, it's nice to meet you. I'm Doctor Jean Grey."

"I'm sure Hank has figured out everything there is to figure out, biologically," she goes on, "but apart from my position as school Headmistress, I'm also qualified as a psychiatrist-" And then, she continues her introduction speaking directly into his mind: <-and a telepath. Is it alright if I try and look around a little more deeply? You shouldn't feel any discomfort.>

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    Straightening up a little, James listens to Henry, watching the good doctor with a steady nod as he follows along with the words spoken to him. He gets to the questions and the tall mutant lifts his chin. "I've been injured, yeah. Worst was the car accident when my folks and I discovered I was a mutant."
    He lifted a hand to the side and gestures at his arms, "Burns mainly. Some sports injuries later on in life. Broken arm once, nothing worse than that."
    Of course his attention shifts a little when Beast brings up the C-word. "Yeah, I sorta... heard about the claws. Haven't..." He stops and sort of gestures to the side, as if trying to sum up the entirety of that mutation. Failing, then just gestures to the side with one hand. He does, however, turn his wrist over to look at his palm, then back to the side. Only claws he's seen so far is Gabby's which is a bit different than the others.
    So he sort of leans towards the screen that displays his anatomy. And frowns to himself.
    When Jean enters, however, he gives a nod. "Ma'am." He offers in greeting. At the mention of the others he sort of frowns. But then she offers her name, "Glad to meet you as well." He says. And though he presents a laconic laid back manner there is definitely a hint of trepidation to the man's thoughts.
    Of course that is the moment when Jean reaches out and touches his mind. Hank's probably seen it dozens of times already. The way a person is just going on like normal, then their eyes widen and their lips part. A breath is drawn and taken and held. But then in the landscape of the mind Jean will hear his 'voice' as he responds.
    << No, ma'am. Do what you need to? >>
    Though there's still a shade of confusion and wariness to the young man.

Henry McCoy has posed:
There's a nod to Jean as she enters. "I think we've got a good path down the riddle of Mr. Hudson's lineage - hopefully we can turn up more with deeper research. I might need to tap in Moira, just to make sure I am not missing anything." He comments, moving over to the cabinet to retrieve a TENS unit. "As for the claws... it is possible to stimulate the muscle groups that control them. I do have to warn, I have heard it's not a pleasant sensation when they extend."

The Doctor pauses, looking to Jean as she initiates contact. A wry smile. "I'll wait until the young lady is through with her conversation... and investigation?" He guesses.

Jean Grey has posed:
<Thank you.>

Apparently, Jean finds 'show' easier than 'tell' when it comes to explaining her powers, and there is something simple and universal about that kind of communication, once you get down to it. Not that it's ever any less of a surprise.

True to her word, there's not a great deal for Jimmy to experience as she... does whatever she does. While Jean lifts a couple fingers to her temple and closes her eyes to focus, there's no real accompanying change in her mental presence. It's not a rule, of course, some methods can be very obvious and even traumatic, but her goal here is definitely to minimize the experience. At most, he may experience brief glimpses of the memories she seeks out, but not in full or detail, just ephemeral flickers of thought, like one might have while daydreaming. Quick to come, but forgotten nearly as soon.

"There's nothing... incredibly informative. The accident he described, which likely triggered the expression of his X-gene." Her brow furrows slightly. "I'm not actually getting a great deal more than that. I think his healing factor may actually be restructuring neural linkages as well. I don't really want to 'fiddle around' just to experiment, although I don't know that it would accomplish a great deal if I did. I've seen things somewhat like it before, althought admittedly, I'm still not even one-hundred percent on how Logan's brain works, so doing a detailed comparison... it would take a much more comprehensive study."

And strangely, Logan at least, isn't often that keen on just laying around getting scienced!

"Actually I had an amusing run in with Wade last night, and he'd just suffered some sort of psychic attack but was also healing from it. Interesting stuff." And despite saying that, her helpless smile reveals that there's not too much more to say. "But he seems healthy. There's no overt psychological dysfunction, obvious trauma beyond the norms of what many of us have experienced... I'd give him a tennative clean bill of mental health, barring more in-depth analysis."

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    In the tableau of his mind, Jean will hear him there as well when he addresses Hank, not having learned how to filter his thoughts or muffle them at all. So she gets it in stereo when he murmurs, "I umm, is that something we should do?"
    There's some anxiety there, a touch of fear to be sure at the unknown and for something involving the body, as if it was something alien in his arm that he wasn't sure he wanted to provoke. Yet he focuses more on the real than inside his thoughts as Jean works her magic. The tendons in his jaw bunch and clench as he murmurs finally, "If you think it's wise, Dr. McCoy."
    And as Jean makes her way through his mind, James nods in her direction, watching her as she works. Perhaps a few flickering images flare into existence in his mind's eye but little more than beyond that. A quirked eyebrow asks the silent question if that was all once she gives him that clean bill of health. And when that seems to be the case he gives a nod.
    "Thank you."

Henry McCoy has posed:
The doctor shakes his head. "Not if you are not comfortable with it, Jimmy." He says, honestly. "It is something to consider, though. Your body may... choose for you, depending on the situation. It's best if you can learn how to manage it, to control it. But I'm not one to force or demand you do so. Just food for thought." He sets the unit down for him. "You're welcome to take this home and work on it, if you like?" He points to spots near his elbow and wrist. "The pads should be placed here, if you want to practice some time."

Henry offers a reassuring grin. "Part of my... drive and passion is making sure our brothers and sisters among mutantkind know what they can do - if only for their safety and the ones they love. A lot of our friends battle with the control on a daily basis."

Jean Grey has posed:
"We do encourage the exploration, self-study, and eventual mastery of one's powers here at the school," Jean offers in something of an echo of Hank's words. "Both for reasons of self-growth and understanding, but also more pragmatic ones, the 'safety' Hank refers to. While you may be able to live quietly with your abilities- for a very long time, if you're really anything Logan -outside forces do have a way of intruding on things. Other members of your extended family have been perpetual targets," she declines to add 'or creations', "of secret government programs, black-ops groups, experimentation, and more."

There is something of a sadness to her expression as she reflects on that history of mistreatment toward people who now count among close friends and even family.

"It looks like Hank has you all set up with that," and she gestures at the device. "But if you're interested in any of the rest, well, you'll be welcome here any time. If you have any questions about Professor Xavier's work, the things we do to promote the opportunities of mutantkind around the world, well, I'm more than happy to answer whatever you might have. I teach here at the school, so you can usually find me here, or call my office as well."

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    A grimace flickers over Jimmy's face as he scowls slightly then he shakes his head. "Nah. No." He says a little more controlled. "Not gonna cop out because of fear or whatever. If it's a thing that needs doing then let's do it." Bravado maybe on some level, but Jean might be able to sense that it's also a part of his deeper ethos in other ways if those mental pathways are still open.
    Yet he does listen to Jean as she speaks about the different aspects and reasons for exploring ones powers and gaining that familiarity. His brow furrows a little as she mentions government programs and experimentation. And, for a brief moment, in his thoughts she might see an image of his father speaking very similar words as Jean's and offering a similar warning.
    After a few moments of introspection he murmurs, "Thank you, Dr. Grey." He lifts one hand as well in her direction a symbol of thanks as well as farewell.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The man does recognize a bit of the hesitation - having faced it himself many times before. "If you're sure?" He offers, moving to get alcohol to wipe down the areas mentioned. He does nod to Jean's commentary. "Indeed - it's an unfortunate truth that people often seek out your family for less than proper things." A sigh.

If Jimmy is up for it, he does affix the pads. "You'll be more comfortable laying down, hands at your sides." He suggests. "If only to avoid any relex reactions causing you injury. Whether you can heal it or not, I'd rather avoid self-harm." He chuckles.

Jean Grey has posed:
There's something about the way Jean frames the rest of that, her offer to get in touch with her later and so on, that may suggest she's ready to return to her duties at school. And, indeed, after taking a glance down at the pad she's carrying, which probably has all other kind of useful information beyond medical readouts, she does glance to the door and start to turn that way-

Yet the fact that Hank begins setting up the equipment, and that his patient has agreed to all of it, does seem to give her pause before said retreat. She taps something on the pad, perhaps sending a message or otherwise dealing with whatever little bit of schedule minutiae she's running late on, and then turns back. She knows very well what to expect out of this, and perhaps it's why she decides to stay - Logan's always had the worst of things in life, and rarely anyone to stand by his side.

She's a little stumped on reassurances, and goes with simple hoensty: "I'm afraid I don't have any good advice on this, but just know that you'll be alright. Hank's very good at what he does- and your body is so much stronger than you've even begun to realize."

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    Under his breath Jimmy murmurs to himself something akin to, 'ah this sucks.' But then louder he says, "Alright, doctor." And then as directed he turns to the side and draws his legs up on the medical bed, his jeans and socks causing the paper on the surface to crinkle and crackle a bit as he gets in position. Then he lies back, starts to cross his arms over his chest then checks that movement and rests his arms at his sides.
    "Gotcha." He nods once, "All set."
    But then Jean hesitates at the doorway close to departing. Then makes that decision. Jim's blue eyes shift to her and she can likely feel the subtle interplay of his thoughts, his emotions. Appreciative that she made that decision, maybe a touch of machismo twinging that he doesn't want an attractive woman to see him in pain, or anxiety that he might embarrass himself somehow. Yet on the outside he gives a nod and murmurs, "That's..."
    A beat and then he settles on the words, "That's a kindness, Dr. Grey. Thanks again." A look spared to Hank and he smiles a little sardonic. "Whenever you're set, Dr. McCoy."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry affixes his best bedside manner. "And don't fret about hurting me - I'm a bit of a fast healer, and usually fast enough to get out of the way." He winks to the man. "Still, do your best to remain calm - like I said, the experience will likely be unpleasant in terms of the first time. It may not be, though. It is exceptionally hard to predict." He admits, ruefully.

A glance over to Jean. "If he's all right with it, you're obviously welcome to remain. It might be good for calming either of us down." He admits sheepishly. "My... situation being what it is."

He gives a countdown from five - giving a quick pulse to the muscle groups at zero. The device isn't set high - just enough to flex the muscles.

Jean Grey has posed:
"Yes, I can afford to stay a few moments and make sure both you Mr. Hudson get through it all in one piece." Jean offers, warmly first and then with the addition of a slightly more teasing twist, "After all, it's not like it's anything I haven't seen before."

With that said, she nonetheless stands back well clear of the table, being somewhat familiar with the patient's relatives and their occasional penchant toward more bestial reactions and tempers. The tablet she's carrying is held flat across her stomach with her hads folded over, while she stands and waits for the device to take effect. In terms of calming everyone, that process starts at home with a slowly drawn and expelled breath: even if she is familiar with the process, she knows it's never exactly 'pretty' either.

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    The young man lies there and nods as he listens to Hank tell him to be calm and so he does. Some mental exercises flicker through his mind, imagery of calm placid locations, a quiet waterfall, the beach at low tide, a morning in the forest after snowfall, a drizzle of rain on leaves in the Autumn. All envisioned in his mind's eye and well known from times in the past when he's drawn on such. Slowly he nods, giving a glance to Hank as he speaks.
    "I'll do my best." He finally says.
    The countdown comes, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The pulse fires and almost instantly there is an abrupt /SHUNK!/ as James' forearms abruptly flex, muscles under the flesh tensing sharply and thrusting a sextet of claws /powerfully/ through the knuckles of his hands, as if a switch was flipped and it ended with the blades instantly in the fully extended position, causing a spatter of blood to mar the fabric and paper covering of the medical bed.
    Which all seems well and good though when one sees James' face in that moment, his jaw clenches entirely, eyes scrunching shut as if he had just looked into a 200 watt light bulb after being in a movie theater all day. In his mind there is such a brilliant blaze of agony that seems to suppress all rational thought roiling around snarling at the anger centers of his brain seeking to trigger that fight or flight impulse. Yet he endures, focusing, looking inward as only one eye peeks open as his mouth widens and those sharp fangs become subtly more prominent. Then he shuts his mouth, grimaces and he says quietly, voice suddenly weak. "That is..." A stream of invectives race through his mind that he bite off due to polite company.
    Until he settles on, "Horrible." And then he lifts one hand to look at the bone talons jutting out of his knuckles. The blood's already stopped and they just gleam wickedly pointing up at the ceiling.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The blood was expected - Henry knew how the claws interacted with the flesh. He keeps still, letting Jimmy adjust to the new found additions to his appendages. After a moment, he nods, seeing the healing start. He lets him examine the claws. "Very similar to Logan." The man explains. "Though he's been through some... changes to his system." A slight pause there. "That's his story to share, though. I'd advise that you meet him, if you can. He's a fascinating, though gruff, man." A wry grin.

He glances to Jean. "I think we're in the clear - I think he has a grasp on his emotions." A smile and nod of thanks before he looks back to Jimmy.

"The canines seem a bit more pronounced - but I'm not one to judge." He grins.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean does her best to remain placid and calm, although even after years of this, it's not a pleasant sight, and she can't help but wince in sympathetic reaction. It's a response born out of both normal human empathy and the somewhat more extra-human fact that those raw feelings and emotions, the pain and subsequent instinctive anger, come through -very- clearly on all the mental frequencies. But, as she's said, it's nothing she's not familiar with, even if every individual's emotional output comes in it's distinct flavor.

"I hesitate to say that you'll get used to it, but at the very least, the shock should lessen somewhat over time," Jean allows, trying to put a silver lining on things. She's silently taking stock of all the psychic screaming, comparing it to the more familiar baseline, just to be sure his reaction isn't any more severe, that it doesn't trigger some kind of mental imbalance that she hadn't seen before. Perhaps more amusingly, this makes his effort to censor himself on behalf of the lady present a doomed endeavor, yet she's hardly scandalized. In fact, it's a little reassuring to note that common thread.

"Yes, everything seems alright. His reaction is pretty similar to what I've seen with Logan on a bad day, but nothing he can't handle," Jean observes. "More than with the clones, but... they were raised very differently, desensitized by more extensive activity at young ages." As for the teeth? This does provoke her to come a little nearer, and she tilts her head, looking thoughtful. "Mmm. Could be a little more pointy, at least." It's teasing, more than anything, with her mirthful smile.

"I agree with Hank, you'd do well seeing if you can speak with our elder clawed associate," Jean agrees, expression turned toward faint fondness. "He tends to hang around the back of the grounds, we have a lake and some natural forest back there, although he also... tends to take long trips. But for now, if you'll both excuse me? I have six messages, half of them minor emergencies of one sort or another." None of them are actually serious, just the daily trials of a school administrator.

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
    "How can I umm..." James holds one hand up, then the other, and there is some part of him that is considering this surreal, yet he shakes his head. "How do you..." And as he starts to form the desire his arms tense, the muscles connecting his wrists to his forearms clench and seem to draw his fists down into line and then the blades begin to sliiiiide back in slowly, scraping bone against bone and leaving small tears in the skin around the knuckles before those too heal with barely a hint of blood.
    "That... didn't hurt as much." Which is thankfully a good thing.
    But then his thoughts turn toward Logan as Hank and Jean mention him and he shakes his head slightly, "I don't know. Seems like the last thing a guy would want, some dude coming at him from out of the blue with expectations."
    As she starts to take her leave, Jim gives a nod and seems about to lift a hand but thinks better of it and just leaves it at a nod. "Thank you again, Dr. Grey." He'll hold his voice and waits for her to make it far enough out before he turns back to Beast and says quietly. "I figure I should... practice some. If it gets better with time. Or..." He looks at his hands, "If you just get used to it hurting."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry smiles over to Jean. "Thanks again, and let me know if you need any assistance with the administration." He offers, nodding to her. He looks back to Jimmy as the claws retract. "It's ... semi instinctual, I am sure." He mentions, noting the reaction. "And your healing factor will thankfully mend the exit areas for them."

"Regarding the pain, that'd be something Logan could impart wisdom on. Gabby is... different, she has different challenges in her life." The man explains, with a shrug. "Again, her story to tell - if you're intersted."

"I think Logan is calm enough to accept that he has many relatives - he's been around a long time."

Jean Grey has posed:
"He's a bit gruff, but not a bad person. He may not be eager to play house, but he'll probably hear you out at least, and he may be able to answer some of your questions at least." She pauses, and then considers. "And even if it goes badly, the nice thing is that neither of you can probably do the other much permanent harm." Is she joking? On this count, Jean may not in fact be kidding, all her prior teasing aside.

As Jean heads for the door and turns to pass through it, she does pause and glance back for one final comment: "My advice? Bring a six-pack."