1963-09-17 - Super Secret Book Club
Summary: Chatter at the library has Bobby asking Crystal some pointed questions, and getting some honest answers.
Related: NA
Theme Song: None
bobby alex kitty crystal 


It's late evening at the Institute, late enough that most of the students are either in bed, out enjoying themselves, or…Well, anywhere other than the library. It's Saturday night, after all, and while school has just started, there aren't many assignments big enough to drive students into the library on the weekend.

Crystal, on the other hand, has had a most interesting day. She went into the city, but when she returned, for once she actually looked better than when she left, her color brighter, her breath easier. Usually a trip to the city leaves her in need of recovery, thanks to the ever-present solution. When she returned, she retreated to the library, where she's currently going through some of the shelves.

*

Bobby also had an interesting day though it's in the Chinese curse meaning of the word. He's as dressed up as he ever gets, in slacks, a button down and a sport jacket. After he got back with Jean, he went to Harry's because alcohol was called for. Now, coming inside, he passes by the library, automatically glancing in then pausing and taking a step back before turning to go in. "Hey."

*

After finishing her late-night run outside — the cobwebs wouldn't clear to let her calm enough to sleep — Kitty treads back into the school. Heavy sneakered steps bring her back into the institute, and she aims to get back to the dorms to call it a night. Not that she's likely to sleep with her thoughts still racing. Which means that when she sees even a bit of activity in the library, she pauses. Delaying the inevitable toss and turn for the night, she slips in and issues the others present the easiest grin she can muster, "Hi folks. Late night study party~" she almost sings. "Or wait…" her nose wrinkles "…secret book club?"

*

For his part, Alex has claimed a little corner of the library for himself. There's a desk, and there's numerous books on all manner of sciences, and a few notebooks. He's dressed in a pair of simple jeans and a sleeveless black t-shirt, light-casual and relaxed, and to prove that not everyone is perfect, he's showing off a character flaw: chewing on a pencil as he regards whatever it is he's reading. Then there is talking in the library! He looks up and glances between the people, sharing a quick smile around, "I've been working on my dissertation for… I can't even remember. I think I took a break to eat at some point today." He glances aside, notices a couple candy bar wrappers, and pauses, "Or not."

*

"Oh, hey, Bobby," Crystal smiles back at the mutant, slipping a book on Norse mythology back onto the shelf. "You look nice tonight. Something going on down at Harry's?" When Kitty arrives as well, she adds a smile for the girl. "Just looking into a few stories, myself. I probably ought to be getting to sleep soon, but…" But she spent the day shopping for elven garb to wear to meet an Asgardian king about a betrothal, and she's not ready to face Erik with that yet. She shrugs, looking ruefully back at Alex. "There's left over roast chicken in the fridge downstairs if you get hungry."

*

"Oh, hey Alex." Bobby says as he catches sight of him in a corner. "No, Jean and I went to check out a kid. Not a mutant kid but…" He shrugs. "Figuring out what to do about a kid whose parents beat him was best done over booze." Picking out a comfy chair, he flops down.

*

"Stories are good," Kitty replies to Crystal with a flicker of a smile. "Probably more interesting than studying — " she cranes her neck to peer at Alex " — or writing madly into the night." She cringes slightly. "Did you break to eat more than once? Because that's kind of a thing," she shrugs, "maybe," because she doesn't completely know. The smile drifts into a frown at Bobby's words. "That's awful, I'm sorry." Her lips purse, "Did the booze help? Because if it did, maybe I should take up drinking."

*

"… Roast chicken sandwich, mmm." Alex takes a moment to visualize the awesome sandwich he can throw together on a moment's notice, but really, he's had enough chocolate, caramel and peanuts that he surely doesn't need further nutrition. Who needs vitamins? Still, he stands up and rolls his shoulders, stretching a bit, casting a frown over Bobby's way, "You beat his parents and tell them to stop or else? But, not that I mind us getting involved in goodwill work for the human community, but what brought some random abused kid onto our radar?" He adds to Kitty, "Booze always helps; as for eating, who needs eating. I fully intend on making myself a dozen dirty martini's when I'm done tonight, and believe you me I'll eat enough olives to pickle my liver and feel right as rain tomorrow." Pause, "Why is rain 'right' feeling? I don't get that expression."

*

"I'm sorry," Crystal winces sympathetically to Bobby. "Though if Jean was involved…" She glances over to Alex. "I imagine the situation has been handled." Her feelings about Jean are complicated, but if nothing else, she believes in the girl's determination to help others. "Why wouldn't rain be right? It's natural. And rain does good things. Washes away the dust and the dirt, clears the air, helps plants to grow."

*

"Not even close, Kitty. But you should take it up anyway since it's a fun way to pass the time." Alex's question gets a frown. "I'm not sure, actually. I was going to ask her but then I learned what the kid's problem was and…" Bobby shrugs again. Right off his radar. "The father's a drunk. First time he drinks he'll probably forget about the threat and take it out on the kid. Jean's not sure enough about her control to do that kind of thing, though. And we need to verify it all before doing anything. Having them send the kid to live with his grandparents is probably the best way to fix it, assuming he's telling the truth. Which I think he is."

*

"Yikes. Sorry, Bobby. That sounds awful," and definitely not something Kitty would want to have dealt with. "Did you manage to find a way to get him to his grandparents?" A smirk is directed back towards Alex, "Not sure booze would help the whole doom and gloom thing…Or, maybe it would? I don't know. Seems like there's been a lot of that lately though." Her nose wrinkles, "Apparently Logan is in the MedBay." And then as if it needs emphasis she repeats, "Logan is in the MedBay. He…" she squints thanks to being sketchy on details, "…was possessed(?) or something… and then bled… a lot."

*

"Rain's depressing." counters Alex to Crystal with a little shrug, "Well, kinda. Its gloomy. Give me a nice, hot sunny day any day, and that sings right to me. But I think sunbathing in death valley would be awesome." He flashes a grin over towards her, before he blinks in Kitty's direction, "First, booze always helps, its a question of what booze. Second… Logan in the MedBay… someone possessed him? That strikes me as very nearly a worst-case scenario." He then looks to Bobby, "Hate to pawn it off on people, but did someone conisder calling the authorities? We tend to view solving kids problems as problems we can solve, because for mutant kids, there's no one but us. But for human kids…"

*

Crystal tsks at Alex, smile crooked. "Rain is peaceful," she counters, though the conversation is anything but. "It seems magic is creeping more and more into the world, and few of us have any defense against it," she muses at Kitty's news. "Perhaps Charles will need to speak with some of his other friends. And Alex has a point," she nods to Bobby. "If we can't solve the problem…the appropriate channels may be the better answer."

*

"The kid's going to keep his head down while we figure out what exactly to do." Bobby answers. "Which will probably be Jean or the Prof 'convincing' the parents to send him to live with his grandparents." The air quotes around 'convincing' are almost audible. "That way they'll still be the abusive assholes they've always been and no one will think anything is strange. But the kid will be safe. Safer than with his parents in jail. Assuming they even get convicted." It's 1963 after all and child abuse is barely a thing. "Anyway. So Crystal, I ran into your sister the other day." he says to her, head cocked slightly to one side and a dry quirk to his lips. "You forgot to mention that you weren't a mutant. And not only not a mutant but royalty in hiding as you plot to overthrow your insane king."

*

"Does the type of booze solution vary by the problem it's connected to?" Kitty arches a curious eyebrow at Alex. "Because… if that's the case," her eyes squint, "maybe I've been going about this whole problem-solution thing all wrong." But back on the topic of Logan, "He," her lips twist to the side, "made a deal with one of Yana's patrons to find Jean some time ago. Piotr seemed to think this might've been some kind of repayment." Again, Kitty is sketchy on the details. A nod is given towards Crystal, "It's not the possession that's the problem. Apparently whatever happened opened something. And things," ever eloquent, "came out. So. That's a problem." But then Bobby is asking Crystal some pointed questions about her sister — all information Kitty was privy to. With the direct nature of Bobby's questions, Kitty stares at her feet and feels fit to add rather awkwardly, "Your sister is very nice, and her hair is amazing. Like, actually amazing."

*

Alex has things to say, comments to make, he begins them with, "Oh, Kitty, Kitty. The type of booze solution varies by all manner of va—" Pause. He looks over at Bobby, runs through his mind a sequence of words spoken, orders them from A to B to C, verifies that, in fact, his quite good memory does remember A, B, and C being said in that order. He looks over, grabs a snickers bar, tears it open, and takes a bite as he turns a long look over at Crystal. "You're not a mutant." A. "And are royalty." B. "And are trying to overthrow an insane king." C. "What?"

*

Crystal pauses at Bobby's summary, taking a breath. "Yes, well," she sighs. "It has been my experience that people respond poorly to multiple elements of that story. Thank you," she smiles warmly back at Kitty. "It was always difficult to describe when we were searching for her, but when someone has seen it, they know."

As Alex restates the summary, she moves to settle into a chair, shaking a hand through her hair with a rueful smile. "Not a mutant," she confirms. "We call ourselves Inhumans, and the short version is that we're the result of genetic engineering by an alien race on ancient human beings. Possibly neanderthals, given the timeline. My sister and I are members of the royal family. Medusa is betrothed to our cousin, Black Bolt, who is the rightful king. Unfortunately, some ten years ago we were driven out during a coup at the hands of his brother, Maximus. Maximus is…not well. But while Medusa was missing, Blackagar was unwilling to fight for Attilan. Now that she is returned to us…" She trails off, uncertain. "We shall see how things proceed."

*

"I don't know. It all sounds kind of cool. Like some European history. Or ancient Rome." Bobby adds. "England had a few insane kings. And Caligula is pretty much the dictionary definition. The Prof knows, I assume?" Cause if he's known from the beginning, it's all good. "Any other relatives on the run who are going to be showing up here soon?"

*

"Inhumans," Kitty repeats for good measure. "Nifty name, that." But it's the explanation of where they came from that has her gaping at Crystal. "Uh." She lifts a single finger because she's going to need a second. While she picked up on some details from talking to Medusa, the part she didn't know really does give her pause. Her eyebrows draw together, "…aliens?" She winds her finger as if silently willing Crystal to back up a few steps. "Like alien," she points up towards the sky, "aliens?" Pause. "So. You are like," her eyes turn up to the ceiling to find the answers there, "engineered mutants, almost?" A glance is cast to the others, "That. Huh." And then more importantly, "Do your people still have contact with this alien race?"

*

Alex's expression is sorta broadly expressed as: O.O; Wide eyed, a hint of sweat at a brow, what are you going to do? Aliens exist. "So. An alien race engineered 'inhumans', and 'inhumans' I am assuming express powers… Did they find the latent X-gene and activate it? I'm not sure I understand the difference between mutants and inhumans, except that we arose through spontaneous evolution and, apparently, you were engineered. Or, at least, the initial stock is, it doesn't sound like aliens are currently doing this to you, because, frankly, at that point, I think, concern #1 would be not retaking the throne but you know… overthrowing the alien overlords."

*

"Inhuman. Mutant. Both good words to make sure humans feel threatened by the Other." Bobby says with a snort. He considers the whole 'alien' thing a moment then asks "Are they the ones who those giant line drawings on the ground are for? On the plains of Nazgul? And all the other alien stuff the ancient cultures did? And yeah, there's not a lot of difference. We all came from humans and now have genetic powers they don't."

*

"Kree, to be specific," Crystal nods to Kitty. "They were attempting to build an army for their wars, but were forced to abandon their experiments. Apparently they've been nosing around, though. Part of what caused the battle in which we were exiled was what Maximus was caught making deals with some of their emissaries." Alex, though, asks the more pressing questions.

"The Kree combined their DNA with that of the primitive humans," she explains. "Which resulted in increased strength, speed, stamina." In demonstration, she stands up, moving over to a shelf full of books and getting a firm grip on either side. Without much apparent effort, she pulls it about a foot and a half along the floor. "After the Kree had left, one of our great kings actually discovered a means by which to activate various powers. It's…complicated, and a sensitive matter, but in short, without this process, we don't develop any powers beyond the physiological enhancement."

She pushes the bookshelf back, then brushes her hands off, looking back to Bobby. "I haven't the slightest idea about the line drawings or other ancient cultures. I believe all of this happened even before then. As I said it's likely the humans involved weren't even homo sapiens, but neanderthals. And yes," she smiles faintly. "Erik and Charles were aware from the first. As for others, you did meet Lockjaw." Wait, the giant bulldog is…family?

*

Kitty just gapes at the further explanation. So much for using a run to clear her head. Her hands clasp together in front of her and she attempts to speak, but can't find any words following the explanation. Her eyes blink hard and she tries to reboot her brain and register some semblance of coherence. Unfortunately, shock and surprise hardly bolster eloquence and diplomacy, so when she finally manages to say something, it comes out a bit too bluntly, "So… you're half alien?" she squints. "I mean, genetically, right? If you're," her nose wrinkles again around the thought, "altered by alien DNA combined with neanderthal DNA you're a hybrid, yes?" She squints.

*

At the show of strength, Alex blinks. But aliens, right? And its not like superhuman strength isn't something he's seen before. Granted, not usually on a lady who can fly and — well, he is steadfastly avoiding thinking of the pet teleporting dog. There's only so much coping Alex can deal with at any given moment. "It sounds to me like the X-gene had a certain ancient precursor, and although the baseline homo sapiens eventually evolved to the point where it began activating itself, the homo kree hybrid maintained it without expressing it. Then the homo kreebrids discovered a way to express the otherwise recessive gene, unlocking the power heritage." He pauses, "That, at least, is my running theory based on a few minutes of discussion and without anything like a degree in biology, though my doctoral thesis …. is related." Geophysics is related to genetics? Oookay. "It simply defies credibility that humanity expressed powers in two separate branches of our evolution without a common link between those branches. Not that it /matters/ in any way, shape or form." He grins a bit, "Fascinating, though. Uh. I assume you'd prefer this not be common knowledge around the Institute?"

*

Bobby doesn't really care about what happened that long ago. And being really strong is hardly uncommon around here even if she doesn't look it. But he sits up at what else Crystal says. "Wait. They're still here? There are aliens on Earth and they're talking to your king? Are they doing anything else too?" Wait. Backup. "Lockjaw is your relative?"

*

"Our ruling council is actually comprised of leading geneticists," Crystal laughs softly to Alex. "Though I'm afraid I was always a poor student, so there isn't much I can offer by way of full explanation. Hybrid is correct," she nods to Kitty. "Though after several millennia, exact percentages would be difficult to calculate. Attilan has been kept secret and secure, so we've dealt with a limited gene pool." Perhaps the whole marrying cousins thing isn't just about royalty.

At Bobby's question, she nods. "That is…part of the reason we're so cautious of genetics. The process that causes us to express powers is unpredictable. By carefully tracking bloodlines and managing who undergoes the process, we've been able to reduce the occurrence of extensive, detrimental physical changes. But we haven't been able to completely eliminate them."

"We have kept our secret for thousands of years," she adds to Alex. "Perhaps that time may be ending. But until then…Yes. It is for the best that the world think we are mutants and nothing else. As uncomfortable as they are with the idea of mutants, they are not ready for the truth of our existence."

*

Kitty's eyebrows lift high on her forehead and she rocks her head ambivalently several times. "Well, at least the world accepts that people can be extraordinary, even if it doesn't accept extraordinary people." And then as an afterthought she adds, "Or aliens." Which requires further clarification, "Or alien hybrids." She forces a tight smile and then shrugs, "And I guess mum's the word around here about your non-mutant status. I think most of us would just assume you have an unusual mutation. I mean, assuming people know everything you can do."

*

"Really, I'm not sure the world would even see much of a difference, but as far as I'm concerned, you're as human as I am." Alex shrugs slightly: that means very, very little. "Man, wouldn't I give almost anything to talk to one of your lead Geneticists, but… /citing/ them for my dissertation would then be quite problematic. Professor Bob of Attilan University Genetics Board? I don't think I'd be able to properly reference tha tand keep credit to get my Doctorate."

*

"Wait wait wait." Bobby interjects. "Let's go back a minute. There are Kree on the planet right now? And some of them are talking to your king? What are they doing here on Earth in the first place?"

*

"I don't know about right now," Crystal shakes her head to Bobby. "Ten years ago they were, and meeting with Maximus." She grimaces, leaning into one corner of her chair. "From what we could gather, he was essentially offering to reestablish the program they had been working on in the first place, conscripting Inhumans to fight their wars for them. Black Bolt brought down the Kree ship before it could leave Attilan, but when it came down, it landed on the parliament, killing his parents. And so it all began."

*

Kitty gapes and ticks her head to the side. "That's concerning," she mutters quietly before shuffling her feet. Her arms cross over her chest and her teeth worry her lip before her weight shuffles. "I'm sorry that things have been so rough for your people." Her lips twist to the side. "Can we help at all? I mean."

*

"Yeeah." Alex nods his head slowly, "Aliens interfering in earth affairs, I hereby vote, is X-men business. So if you need any help with that… you know, convincing these.. Kree… to not? I'm totally okay with blowing things up. Just let us know. If help is needed, neanderthal-cousin-mine." He adds this with a quick grin.

*

So this Black Bolt guy destroyed the alien ship. Cool. "I wonder if SHIELD knows about these aliens." Bobby says to Alex. "Not that they should know about your people." he's quick to add to Crystal. "But they should probably know about the Kree. Maybe we should tell Captain America. I don't think he'd push if we say we can't tell him anything else. But he can pass it on and then they can start looking for them. In space somewhere, I guess."

*

"I would…very much appreciate it if you did not bring us up to SHIELD." Crystal's voice is quiet, but there's an intensity there that could almost be read as a threat. "Please understand. We have physically moved Attilan in the past to avoid detection. Our secrecy there is paramount." Letting out a breath, she looks to Alex and Kitty with a small smile. "Now that Medusa is back, it may soon be time to retake our kingdom. But I couldn't ask you to fight our battles. Especially on the strength of something that happened ten years ago. Maximus is dangerous. He controls minds, and I assure you, he lacks the Professor's ethics on the matter."

*

"I'm not comfortable bringing SHIELD into this." Alex frowns and shakes his head, "Especially after recent events. IF and only if we hear about an actual new alien invasion, that's one thing. If we know some aliens are here doing something bad now, okay, we tell them. Telling them about something that happened in the past? They're cowboys and they wouldn't really look at the half-aliens like I think we should." 'half-aliens' is said as he gestures to Crystal, "They don't seem meaningfully different then us: this seems to be something we should consider internally before we start telling the humans. They can barely be trusted not to kill eachother."

*

Kitty hums at the thought of mind control, "Well," her eyes flit to the others, "I'm not sure if you noticed, but our friends are few and far between these days. I think we want to keep the ones we have." She shrugs. "There may come a time when they become fewer and further between." Her lips press together tightly, "Besides — it's the right thing to do. Madmen who use mind control on others at will? Yeaaaah. Those people need to be stopped." She makes a check mark in the air, "Consider your team plus one Shadowcat." And then, before Crystal can try to back out of the offer, Kitty slips back towards the entryway, "But for now, I gotta hit the showers. That run was — " she whistles sharply and manages a flicker of a smile. "And lots to do for the days ahead." She gives a salute and slips out the door.

*

"I already said we shouldn't mention Crystal's people at all." Bobby points out to Alex. "Just these Kree guys. Ten years isn't all that long and it doesn't seem likely that was all of them, does it? If there are aliens on our planet, SHIELD should know about it."

*

"Thank you, Kitty," Crystal smiles warmly after the other woman, standing up as well. "And thank you both, as well. I'm sorry for the deception. It's…Well. It is a relief to be able to be honest about things. And if you have questions, then Medusa and I will answer as we can. For now, though, I have a diplomatic mission tomorrow," she sighs. "And I should get my sleep."

*

"I heard you, Bobby, and I disagree for the reasons already stated." Alex replies to Bobby, but he lifts a hand and makes a sorta vague wave like gesture to Kitty, then nods to Crystal, "Sleep well, Crystal."

*

"Hey, you've helped us. It's only right we help you." Bobby tells Crystal. "And it's not like you're all that different than us. Well, except for having a king. And a dog as a relative. And being part alien. But aside from that…" He shrugs. "Anyway, I'll help out too. Insane telepaths shouldn't be ruling anyone. G'night."

*

"Good night, both of you. And go get some of that chicken, Alex," Crystal adds over her shoulder. Hounded to eat by a princess. Don't you feel special now? With those words, she slips out of the library, headed back to her room. Another long day looms.

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