8308/A tour of the School

A tour of the School
Date of Scene:	18 October 2021
Location:	Recreation Room
Synopsis:	Lovely tour of Xavier's school, Tara gets to meet Rogue and have a lovely conversation with Laxmi
Cast of Characters:	Rogue, Henry McCoy, Tara Tsabedze, Laxmi Mallick

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Rogue has posed:
With good ol' Gambit ditching town again, Rogue has fallen a bit in to the angrier side of her personality. She's either not been home much or locked up in her room. She was supposed to take one of the apartments in the new college house too, but she donated that to Jubilation due to her unfortunate situation.

In the now, the Belle is walking in to the recreation room in a black and green plaid schoolgirl skirt that the hem of is all cut up and tattered. She has fishnet stockings on beneath that that disappear in to her knee high dark brown leather boots, the boots heeled a couple inches up off the ground and click gently on the hardwood floors. Rogue has a short leather bomber jacket on that doesn't even reach her waist, and a dark green and black tanktop on beneath that that matches the general color of her skirt. Black gloves and a black choker around her neck finish off her style tonight as she walks in to the rec room and toward the fridge to get a drink.

She looks over at some of the students who are gawking at her form the sofa area, and just smirks at them. "Play your video games." She says to the kids who quickly turn around again.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Strolling at a leisurely pace through the school, is Henry. He's giving the nickel tour to a friend, K'Tara. There may or may not have been some whispers of the feline woman having visited Henry before, students being as they are. Henry took it all in stride, not answering the student speculations - none of their business! But here they were now, with Henry stepping into the recreation room. A smile to Tara, the man motioning with his hand.

"And this is our rec room, where our students and staff get a chance to step away from their books and studies. Video games, movies, pool... just a place to relax that isn't affiliated with all the learning that happens on campus." A wry chuckle. "Snacks too, for when the students get peckish."

As he spots Rogue and her outfit, Henry blinks. "Rogue, interesting outfit..." The smirk and comment are noticed, the big man chuckling. "Er, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend." Ahah! RUMOR PROVED POSITIVE! A couple students look to each other, knowingly. "Rogue, this is K'Tara, the medical chief from Happy Harbor. K'Tara, this is Rogue, one of our college students."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
If Hank wasn't confirming or denying the whispers, Tara most certainly was not going to. She offered smiles to the students that were passed, her arm hooked with Hank's, but beyond that she merely marveled at the beauty of the school. It impressed her that such a place existed, a safe haven for mutants to learn and prepare for the world. Happy Harbor was similar in intent, but open to all, which for reasons unknown, never made it an actual target.

Wearing a simple silken suit coat over a tank top, and a long pencil style skirt with a place for her tail to escape, she walks along on a pair of simple flats until they reached the rec room.

As she is introduced, a slight nudge is given to Hank with a broad smile, before she offers a bow to Rogue in leu of a handshake. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Rogue, please feel free to call me Tara," she offers with a cheerful tone that is touched with an East African accent. "Hank seems to insist on using my full name, but it is not a requirement."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue is pulling a bottle of tea out of the fridge, one of the few things little to nobody in here ever drinks, when she turns around to see Hank and Tara striding in. She starts to blossom a grin across her smoky dark red lips at the two of them as she can already gather up the connection there for clear reasons. By the time they acknowledge her, Rogue is leaning over the counter on her elbows with the tea in front of her as she twists it open with one hand...

"The two'a you are just about the prettiest couple I've ever seen." She comments then before she regards TAra and smiles at her. "Glad t'meet ya, Sugah. Welcome to Xavier's School. Sometimes known as Mutant High... course now we got college, so...." She sips her bottle of tea for a moment before lowering it down to the polished granite counter top again.

"Ya'll on the big tour, huh?" She asks then. "Never been t'Happy Harbor, but I know some of our students know students from there. Heard some'a them talkin' about TeePee'n the place, so look out for that." She warns Tara with a grin.

"Goin' out on a date t'night?" She then asks the both of them.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The big blue guy smirks as he is nudged by Tara, glancing over. "What?" He chuckles. "I am sure it is no secret. Gossip is, what gossip is. Best they know the truth, yes?" Henry winks to her. "And I call you by your full name, because it is beautiful - though if you would rather me call you Tara, I am all to happy to oblige." He mentions, sincerely.

"Er... I am uncertain? Dinner, yes. So... yes?" He's so awkward at this! "I was giving her a tour of the school, since she had dropped by." He explains. "And why would they be erecting tents?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Rogue is offered a broad smile at the mentioning of TeePeeing the Happy Harbor school, even as Tara leans a little more against Hank.

"Dinner and perhaps a movie, depending on the time allowed." She looks back to him and adds, "That nudge was over the name, you already know I am willing to shout from the roof about our dating. If you like to use my full name, you are welcome to do so. I like how it rolls off your tongue."

Her feline eyes move back to Rogue, "It hardly seems far to TeePee a high school when the act can not be reciprocated," is her comment, but she decides to let Rogue explain that it's not tents.

Rogue has posed:
Another sip of her fresh bottle of tea is had as the Belle just shakes her head softly at Tara with a grin for Hank. "They won't do it. The kids at this school are a bunch'a weiners." She teases, knowing full well the kids at the sofas can hear her.

One of them speaks up. "Nuh uh!" In fact.

Rogue smirks yet more as she straightens up again with her left hand holding the bottle and her right resting on the counter. "Well, Hank knows how t'pick'em, MIss Tara. You're a beauty." She says with a big smile. "Look forward t'seein' ya around here more."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry is on cloud nine, that's for certain. "Then I shall continue using your full name." He nudges Tara with his hip, gently. "And reciprocating in tents? This seems like... something untoward for the children to be doing." He smirks. Clearly, his poker-face is not what it used to be.

A look to Rogue, brow arched. "Surely, you are not encouraging pranking Rogue. That would be quite unlike you." A wink.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Rogue gets another broad smile, enough that her longer canines show. "You are a flattering, Rogue," she states with a laugh. "But I will accept it all the same."

She nudges Hank with her hip for no reason at all, because she can. "TeePee, or the act of TeePeeing. Using rolls of toilet paper to wrap around bushes, trees, cars, the building, and then getting away without being caught," she finally explains, then looks back to Rogue.

"You should ignore Hank's comment, your outfit is adorable. I wish that I could pull off something so cute."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue shoots a smirk back at Hank. "Only t'the folks who deserve it. Not sure that Happy Harbor has done anythin' deservin' of such a thing." She nods to what Tara says. "Yeah, throwin' rolls'a toilet paper all over some place's property. Usualy the homes'a teachers ya don't like, but since our teachers live with their students-- creepy --we don't suffer such fates." She cracks another grin.

Rogue spares at look down at herself and puts her right hand upon her covered stomach. She looks up again to smile to Tara. "Thank ya, Missy." The southern girl replies. "Gonna head out soon with some friends, see if I can't get inta some trouble tonight somewhere, some how." She raises her tea bottle up for another sip, but after she lowers it she nods to Hank.

"Take her to the Science room. Introduce her to the big Turtle." Rogue says with another grin, cause it SOUNDS like an enuendo, but well, okay, it is and isn't.

Henry McCoy has posed:
A chuckle to Rogue as K'Tara bumps him back. "So who deserves it?" He wonders, watching the college student with amusement. "And trouble... that does not sound promising. You're a role model, Rogue. Remember that." He winks to the woman. "And I will be showing her the classrooms, yes." He laughs.

A smile to K'Tara. "I was acting on a ruse, K'Tara. I knew what she meant. I was, after all, a member of a fraternity in my day." He waggles his brows.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
A brow lifts slightly at Rogue proclaiming to go looking for trouble, but it's not her business so she'll not ask.

"I obviously would never disclose the location of Xavier's," she offers, glancing to the students before looking back to Rogue and Hank. "However, if Happy Harbor does get TPed, I will be forced to act in leu of the students and TP Xavier's, it is only fair."

Now she considers for a moment her response regarding the innuendo and a playful smile dances across her lips. "I have already seen a turtle, but I do not think it appropriate in the science room. We have to draw the line some place."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue drops her phone on to the counter lightly out of her short jacket pocket. She catches the wink from Hank and just grins at him before Tara's response just has the Belle smiling and laughing lightly. "I can only imagine, Missy." She responds lightly. "But yeah, hopefully the Peacetime remains between our two educational facilities..."

"Adults are weird." One of the kids says from across the room with his eyes glued to the tv shooting people to death in a video game.

Rogue smirks at this before shaking her head. "I might just look for someone t'fight t'night, not sure. Wouldn't mind a scuffle or two before the mornin' comes. So we'll see what happens out there." She says before tapping her phone screen to turn it on. She looks up at them again. "You two should watch the footage'a Hank doing his winning Talent Show contest this past February. That was a show t'remember." She grins at Hank again.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The Beast is clearly blushing. Yep. He clears his throat. "No looking for fights, Rogue. You know better." He says, avoiding the discussion of the turtle. Nope. Nope and nope. He does chuckle at the mention of the talent show. "I still need to use that gift certificate." He smiles.

"I was able to recreate one of my favorites pieces from the Rocky Horror Picture Show." He explains. "Apparently, I pulled it off - as I was named the victor." He grins.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara hmms softly, head tiling slightly as she attempts to remember if she's seen that particular thing. "That is the one with the transvestite, yes?" She asks, then nods. "Yes! And singing, I liked that one, though I did not understand the audience participation. They were kind enough not to attempt to make me go to the stage as a 'Rocky Virgin', I think the claws made them hesitant. What did you win? What did you sing?"

Now she Rogue. "You should not look for a fight, but should one come to you, end it swiftly," she offers with a smile. "Unless of course you are looking to do good with a fight, such as seeking those in need."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    After her classes were over, Laxmi had spent some time rehearsing one of her own Kathak dances - occasionally with alone, and occasionally with students to observe her efforts. She can only dance for so long, however, before she grows tired and thirsty, however - and that's what brings her to the recreation room, as she approaches the soda machine in search of her usual cup of iced seltzer water with lemon juice.
    She greets Rogue and Hank with a smile, but there's surprised delight on her features at seeing the felinoid woman at the school. "Tara!" she greets her in a warm, friendly tone. "What a pleasant surprise! What brings you to the school?"

Rogue has posed:
The Belle just grins and shakes her head at Hank and Tara. "I don't get inta fights unless the people deserve it. Ya know, like a douchebag guy at a club treatin' his girl bad, or 'accidentaly' knock over some drunk girl's drink if she's being loud and mean as hell t'others. I mean, if I'm lucky I'd find a crime goin' down while in the city, but thats a bit more rare... Especially with summer winding up now. Criminals don't like cold weather, ya know? Buncha babies..."

When Lax walks in, Rogue looks over to her left and smiles to the woman, offering a gloved wave to her. "Heya, Lady. NIce t'see ya." She offers before twisting the cap off of her tea bottle and lifting it up to her lips for another sip from the icy cold contents within.

A shrug of her shoulders is given then. "Either way, just gotta vent some steam." She mutters before twisting the cap back ON to her drink.

Henry McCoy has posed:
A look of understanding is given to Rogue. "Well, if you ever need a sparring partner Rogue." He offers, as helpfully as he can. "And criminals don't like the repercussions of their actions." He chuckles. "Yet they all wind up facing them."

A wave is offered to Laxmi. "Evening, Miss Mallick." He calls over. A look from her to Tara, and a grin. "I was giving a tour of the school to K'Tara." He beams, his hand moving to hold the tall feline woman's. "We stumbled in upon Rogue, so I made introductions."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
The arrival of Laxmi brings a huge smile to Tara's face and her eyes light up. "Namaste, Laxmi!" She offers the woman a slight bow. "My boyfriend brings me to the school." And with that she takes Hanks arm again and wiggles her brows at the woman. "Well really I brought myself, but he offered the tour."

Leaning closer she whispers to Hank, "Think I could get a glass of water?" before she looks back to Rogue.

"When I need to, as you say, blow of steam, I turn into a panther and run around central park. I have only been spotted once, and I smoothed that over with a nice conversation with the homeless woman. I think when she woke the next morning, the vivid alcohol dream included a panther."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Namaste," Laxmi repeats - pressing her hands together. At the mention of a boyfriend, though, her gaze goes to Hank with pleased surprise, before she remarks, "I wasn't aware - how absolutely lovely! I hope we'll be seeing more of you around here, then?" she asks. "I haven't been in Bushwick as much, obviously - not since I moved here..."
    Moving past Tara, she begins to prepare her drink, filling a glass with ice - and then the seltzer and juice.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The good doctor is beaming with happiness. A nod to Tara, he releases her hand to move over an collect up a glass for her. Water from the osmosis faucet, as well as ice from the ice-maker. "Did you two meet in Bushwick? As for our relationship, it's... really new, and fantastic." He chuckles. "I hope to visit her school as well, and invite her here as often as is proper." A smile as he brings the water back over, handing it to Tara.

"Let me know, Rogue. Steam can be blown off. I can still surprise you with a flurry of acrobatics and things to keep your body active in sparring!" He says, innocently. He may not even realize the possible misinterpretations.

Rogue has posed:
Rogue looks up to Hank and shows him a smile. "I'll spar with ya any time in the Danger Room, Hank. We should have the nerds design us some like... epic places to duel. Like on top'a mountains, or inside volcanos, or ya know... quiet Japanese dojos." She grins some more before she looks to Tara and Lax. "There's a dance comin' up. For the students early in the evenin' and then for the faculty later at night. We got the Halloween party comin' up too. So there's plenty'a chances for more hangin' out around here." She grins again before she walks around the counter with her phone toward the doors. "Think I'm gonna go check on the situation far as goin' out t'night. Better call my lackey friends..."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara walks over to the bar as well, mostly to steal one of the stools there and sit down. She may not have heels on, but who wants to just stand around, or maybe it's a lazy cat thing.

"That is uh... actually something I wished to ask Hank about," she starts, watching him with a warm smile. "I do not know the rules regarding visitors, and I do not want to cross any lines. I would love to come by more often, perhaps offer some aid if needed, but I was not certain. I know the school maintains a certain level of secrecy, and it would take wild horses to drag the information from me, if I did not just eat the horses..."

Leaving that there, she looks to Laxmi again. "The neighborhood is doing well. The patrols have started to make a real difference, and though sometimes we still get the odd ganger or drug bust, over all there is a definite improvement."

Now to Rogue. "I cannot offer to spar with you until I have kept my promise to spar with Hank, but once I have, I would be interested in seeing or watching you and Hank spar. I may be a healer, but I like to keep my combat skills honned as well. Have a wonderful evening, Rogue. It was such a pleasure to meet you."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Enjoy your evening, Rogue!" Laxmi calls to the woman in a bright voice, returning to one of the stools with her own drink, as well.
    She takes a sip, listening to the conversation, a curious and attentive expression on her features. "I'm the odd one out without any combat training, it seems. But then - I haven't run into very many circumstances where I would need it." One or two lately - but not many. "I'm glad things are going well in Bushwick, though. I should make a point of visiting more often."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry offers a wave to Rogue. "Be safe." He grins. "And let me know if you need any help." A smile, looking back to Laxmi and Tara. "If I did not trust you, K'Tara, I am certain things would be different." He smiles to the woman. "I am certain that secrets are secrets, not to be passed on when they are not yours. I think we all understand this."

"And Miss Mallick, if you ever want to learn - I am open to teaching others how to defend themselves. I learned from some truly great people."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Accepting the water from Hank, Tara gives him a kiss on the cheek then takes a sip. Lazy hydrated cat mode engaged, she gets comfortable and a smile is offered to Laxmi.

"There is no harm in self defense," she offers. "Knowing how to defend and escape are good skills to have."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "I... well. Perhaps I could learn a few things," Laxmi agrees a little hesitantly. "I mean - as long as it's primarily defensive. I've no desire to be a fighter." She takes a sip of her seltzer before adding, "And while I mean no offense, Doctor McCoy, I really would be more comfortable with a female teacher. Or at the very least - learning in a group."
    It's hard to see with her dark skin - but a faint flush rises to her cheeks at the thought of learning combat from a single, male teacher.

Henry McCoy has posed:
There's no offense taken by Henry, the man easing in to sit next to Tara. "I know a few of our friends in Xavier's or outside would be happy to teach, I am sure. Even among the Avengers, there are those who would likely be glad to help another woman learn to defend herself." He comments.

If he notices the blush, he does not comment - no need to make it worse! "As gifted people, as mutants, we are often in an unpleasant situtation where we need to defend ourselves."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara pokes Hank lightly in the arm with her claw. "I can teach her self defense, or you can teach her and I at the same time." She teases, then looks to Laxmi.

"There is no need to be a fighter or think of it as becoming one, this is all about the ability to defend yourself should someone attack you," she offers, taking another drink of her water. "I am more than willing to teach or assist Hank in teaching."

She has been doing some reading, and though still no expert, she remembers some of what Laxmi told her and how being along with Hank would lead to huge issues with her culture.

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "I appreciate that," Laxmi agrees - smiling at them both. "And- well. While my musical career doesn't really show any signs of taking off, if it did... As an openly mutant individual, I suppose knowing how to defend myself would be for the best. If someone deprieved me of my voice, I'd be completely helpless - as things currently stand."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A grin. "I know of at least one mutant performer, Miss Mallick. Rest assured, it can happen. Never doubt in your dream." Henry says, confidently. "It's how the world progresses." A look to Tara.

"And yes, you are more than willing to teach her, and far more than capable I am sure. I was just offering over my suggestions, as I do not meet the female portion of her requirements." A grin.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara mutters, "Thank Goddess Moon for that." in regards to Hank not meeting the female portion of that, then she says more loudly. "I would love the chance to teach you Laxmi, and I promise, only self defense, but more importantly... I would /love/ to hear you sing. Perhaps what you need is a good agent."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "I've met Ms. Blaire, actually - she has one of my demo tapes and is trying to drum up some interest. But a dark-skinned, female-fronted metal band, with sarod instrumentals makes it a very, very difficult sell already - before you throw in the fact that I'm a mutant. It's- I don't know that any executives at a major label would be willing to take a risk like that," Laxmi explains quietly, and with obvious regret.
    ...she's not wrong, though. It really isn't about her //music//. It's about her. She isn't marketable.
    "But I'd be happy to sing for you - anytime," she offers. "And I think you're both right about the adviseability of learning how to stay safe, so- well. I suppose that would give you an excuse to visit the school more often?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
A nod. "There may be other methods to get signed or get produced. There are quite a few wealthy investors among mutantkind. Also, that sounds like a wonderfully different and vibrant sound." A grin. "Cultural instruments and styles are becoming more known. Consider The Hu..." A look to Tara.

"See, you have a reason to visit, aside from your decidedly masculine friend." He teases.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara runs her hand down Hank's arm slowly, feeling the fur and muscle beneath. "Definitely masculine," she comments, attempting to make him blush again.

"I may be able to arrange you a backer Laxmi," she then offers, to give Hank recovering time. "Are you looking to record an album, need advertising, all the things for getting out there and getting heard, or something smaller?"

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    Laxmi looks between the two of them. She'd felt some hope when she's met Alison Blaire, and gotten her a sample of her music. When nothing had come of it, though, she'd more or less resigned herself to the fact that she would never be marketable. She was a little wary of the sliver of hope the pair were beginning to elicit. "I- well, I'd like to get my music out there to people. I like to believe that people would enjoy it, if they had the chance. But- I mean, you haven't even heard me perform, yet."

Henry McCoy has posed:
It's Henry's turn to blush again, the man shivering happily at the tracing of fingers through his fur. A cough to clear his throat. "I would love to hear it some time, Miss Malick. Perhaps at the Formal that is coming up?" A grin.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara snorts and waves a hand dismissively, the other is still petting Hank's arm. "Does it really matter? To be fair Laxmi, if it is your dream, then I wish to help you achieve it. I admit I would love to hear you sing, but in the end, as a friend, as Kivuli, I aim to please."

She look to Hank, "Formal? Fancy dress, yes?"

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "I- well, if it's desired, I'd be happy to perform at the formal, with the rest of the band." Laxmi hesitates a moment before adding, "I can certainly volunteer my own time without recompense, but- I can't promise that the rest of them will feel the same. I don't know if there's a budget for entertainment..." But please pay her band. It's not nice to ask people to perform for free.
    Smiling at Tara a bit wryly she adds, "I'd think it matters a little. If my music is rubbish, you're wasting your time and effort - and possibly damaging someone's reputation. Of course, I don't feel it's rubbish in the least."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A nod to Tara. "Yes, I am going to chaperone, I had wanted to ask you as well if you'd be my date for the evening?" A smile to Laxmi. "I am sure a budget can be arranged to ensure your band and you are paid for performances." A grin.

His phone buzzes, the man looking down. "I need to take this - will you two excuse me?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara offers Hank a kiss on the cheek, "Go, handle your business dear."

Looking back to Laxmi, since she's the only one left in the room, "As Hank said, I am certain that if there is no budget for entertainment, we can ensure one. I may not be wealthy, but I know a few who are."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Why are you offering to spend other people's money so the children here can have my band perform at their party?" Laxmi asks - letting out a quiet laugh. "I mean- It's certainly not that I mind. It's just rather unexpected." She seems to be somewhere between amused and embarrassed by the conversation, as she continues to sip at her drink.
    "Out of curiousity," she adds. "What do you think of the school? It's lovely, isn't it? I fell in love with the grounds immediately, and I've met so many wonderful people here."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Taking another sip of her water, Tara hmmms softly as she looks around the room then looks back to Laxmi.

It is an amazing private school," she offers first. "I got the tour tonight, to see all but the class rooms. The students who go here much get an amazing education. The generosity of this Charles Xavier astounds me, I only wish more would open their hearts and wallets to such endeavors."

She shifts slightly, getting comfortable on the stool now that Hank isn't there to lean on. "As for why I am spending other people's money, it is just what I do. I hear a desire and I try to help fulfill it. It is my nature."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "It would be nice if more people did," Laxmi agrees. "We could use more safe havens for mutant kind - more places were these children are nurtured, and protected, and loved - where they can build mutant culture and community. Because places like this and like Bushwick - they are buidling a unique culture and experience. I think it's marvelous."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Setting the glass on the top of the bra, Tara lifts a brow as Laxmi speaks. "Have you never been to Genosha?" She asks softly. "An entire massive island of mutants, for mutants. Yes, they are presently rebuilding, but I recently got to spend some time there and learned a great deal about the continent that I didn't know, yet one truth remained... it is for mutants."

She indicates the stool by hers for Laxmi to join her if she wants. "If you have the time, you should consider going some time. There is a large number of orphans there, even more now, who need love and support to become the wonderful, free thinking mutant adults they can become. I am not a mutant, though I look like one, but I am considering offering my time if they will allow it."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    With Henry got - Laxmi does indeed scoot over by one stool, taking another sip from her drink before she admits, "I haven't been yet, no. I would like to, some day. What happened there was such a tragedy. I remember how utterly devastated and transfixed I was by the news that day... I missed rehearsals. My roommate eventually had to turn off the TV and force me to focus on something else." And since then - the thought of going to Genosha has almost felt ghoulish, even though she knows that's ridiculous.
    "The poor children. I can imagine there would be quite a few orphans, yes."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
The water is collected again and Tara takes another drink. It seemed so strange to her that a mutant wouldn't go, or hadn't gone before, but who was she to judge anyone?

"Many are placed with adults, I believe they called it foster care, a new concept to me," she explains, as best she can. "But there are not enough homes, really no homes, most live in those large military tents. Thank the Goddess the weather there is tropical, cold would be a major problem."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Yes, foster care," Laxmi confirms. "They do the same thing in America. A family temporarily cares for the child while relatives are sought, or while parents get their affairs together to be more adequate guardians - going through drug rehab and the like. Or sometimes there simply isn't a family to adopt them, unfortunately... Obviously the situation in Genosha is a bit more unqiue than that." There's a sad, sympathetic look on her features as she adds quietly, "Poor kids. I can't even imagine what it's like to have survived something like that."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara sighs softly, remembering the kids that were already there and now the numerous Chinese children that had been added. Some might be able to return to their parents in China, but the likelihood of that happening was slim. The past fifty years of tradition has forged the thinking that mutant children belonged to the government, and while that wasn't all that long in the grand scheme of things, it was an entire generation of people already predisposed to doing what their government tells them.

"Thankfully however, there are hundreds of adults in Genosha who are doing everything they can for these children, and while I was there I heard that the Brotherhood is not only a large part of the rebuilding effort, but they are building an entirely new set of buildings for a school, with dorms and such for the children, not merely the orphans but all the children."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Really?" Laxmi asks in a curious, puzzled tone. "I mean - I've always heard that the Brotherhood is more positively recieved there, than they are here in America. And I know they're trying to reform their image - I've seen the coverage, but... After so many years of violence and bloodshed, I find it a bit hard to believe." She stirs at her drink with a reuseable straw, then takes another sip before asking, "You believe they're entirely sincere?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara offers a very slight shrug, but her tail starts flicking behind her rather actively.

"I do not know the image of Brotherhood, nor anything really about them other than what I have heard in Genosha," she admits. "I know only what I have seen in the news recently, and it has all seemed to be good. I cannot say for certain if they are sincere, but I can tell you that they are helping in Genosha and Bushwick, and with out them, neither place would be improving."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "There is that," Laxmi agrees. "And, I suppose we must give them credit for that. Doing good works, helping others, is an important part of Hindu doctrine." But the good is negated if the motivation is selfish. Still - she doesn't know that they are, and it's uncharitable to assume so. It's better to give people the benefit of doubt - isn't it?
    "I suppose I'll go to Genosha one of these days. It must be far more convenient for you - I do envy you that."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara grins broadly with a nod, "It is how I managed to see the world so easily, but where I can go, I can take others. So if you would like to go, I can take you. I cannot speak for the Brotherhood, or any of the other organizations out there, I am not a part of them. I do not even know if I would be useful among any of them, but I will offer all the same should I come across the change."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Well. At some point, I suppose. It's a bit like the mutant homeland, isn't it? Much like Israel is to the Jewish, I suppose," Laxmi says in a wry smile. "Two very different persecuted peoples," she muses in a thoughtful tone - taking another sip and getting that slurping sound that means her straw is finding nothing left in the glass.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara covers her lips with her hand a moment to conceal the giggle, she hadn't really thought of it that way and it amused her too much. "Interesting observation Laxmi, I will have to remember that comparison," she says once she removes her hand. "It is very accurate."

Finishing off the water in her glass, she stands herself up. "I should go and find where Hank has got off to. I honestly do not know if I am allowed to wander freely or not."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Technically? You're supposed to be accompanied," Laxmi admits. "But I imagine Dr. McCoy hasn't gone far. I could walk with you - just until we find him?" she suggests helpfully. "My guess, honestly, would be that he either ducked out to the back porch, or into his office," she suggests.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
With the glass in her hand, Tara looks for where it goes now behind the bar and places it there. She's not one to leave a mess.

"If you do not mind helping me find him," she asks softly. "I do not want to break any of the rules here, or get Hank in trouble. I would not mind speaking to whom ever it is that needs be spoken to, to ensure my visits do not interfere with the way things function."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Of course I don't mind," Laxmi agrees - setting her own glass into the sink, before starting towards the door leading out of the rec room. "And honestly - I doubt you could ever be a disruptive presence," she reassures the woman with a slightly amused smile. "Jean's the Head Mistress, though Ororo often helps her with the administration. You could speak with either of them, really,"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
A nod is offered, and with the glasses taken care of, Tara does her best to remember where they are and where either the back porch or Hank's office is located... she fails, then looks helpless at Laxmi.

"I am lost," she says bluntly with a fake pout. "I do not remember how to get to Hank's office, though I do remember the way to his bedroom..." a pause, a grin and a giggle. "... you did not need to know that, but now you do."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    Laxmi actually lets out a quiet laugh. "Tara - if you are happy, and Henry is happy, then in my mind I have no right to comment or judge you. I think it's lovely." She nods down one of the halls as she adds, "Hank's office is this way - would you like to check there first?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara nods with a smile. "A call may require notes, from his office, or I could be completely off on my thinking." She walks beside Laxmi. "I am happy, and he certainly seems happy. There is a charming nobility to him that I have not seen in others, but then, I have not dated many. Usually it is one night of passion and parting ways in the morning."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "I see," Laxmi answers. There's a little embarrassment at the directness of Tara's statement - but she keeps it mostly contained. After all, it's not like her friends in high school and college hadn't delighted in seeing how much they could shock the prudish young Hindi girl. She's learned to simply accept such statements.
    Besides - there was a part of her jealous of such freedom.
    "He can be both of those things, I agree. He's a gentleman, I think, in the truest sense of the word."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara hadn't been trying to be shocking, she was just being honest and blunt, which is who she always is. When she notes the slight change of color in Laxmi's cheek and the shift in her tone, she frowns a little. "I am sorry," she offers. "I should not be so openly blunt about such things. Please forgive me."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "You don't need to apologize," Laxmi says quietly. "In college, my friends almost made it into a game - trying to shock or embarrass me. They had cause to apologize - not you. And I'm not upset with //them,// either." It was just harmless fun amongst girls, after all.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara shakes her head as the approach Hank's office. "It is not something to play games about, or make jokes. Friends should respect one another, in every aspect, including culture. My nature is open, and blunt, and sensual, but that does not mean I have to be quite so open."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "It really is alright," Laxmi answers with a wry smile. "You weren't trying to offend, or harm - and if you and the people you... share yourself with are both happy and well, that is what matters. There are many paths to moksha," she says generously, as they stop outside the door to Hank's office.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Pausing there at the door, Tara offers a smile. "You need to learn to breath," she finally says with a nod. "Life is too short to remain hidden beneath the wings of our parents. I cannot tell you how to live your life, I merely seek to offer some advice. Spread your wings Laxmi, breath, live your own life... you will find yourself to be so much happier."

Offering another slight bow, she looks back to the door. "Thank you for showing me to his office, I remember the way now."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    "Do you think if my parents had their way, I would even be here?" Laxmi answers. "I live my own life in many ways, and often challenge their patience. They wanted me to keep my mutant gifts complete secret," rather that using them quite openly in performances. "But it's hard to find the line between living your own life, and alienating your family. I'll be fine, though." Hearing the quite murmuring of a voice beyond the door, she nods to Tara, adding just before she turns to leave, "I'm glad you could visit today. I'm sure I'll see you around again soon. Namaste."