The Brink of War [OPEN]

[astonishing_xmods]

WHO: Everyone
WHAT: The news of the world, brought right to your school!
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"... the hashtag has inspired several high profile mutants in the entertainment world, particularly mutant pop star Dazzler, to put up personal accounts of the discriminations they've faced growing up as mutants. However, the Mutant Liberation Front, or at least hackers claiming to be them, have seemingly hijacked the movement on several social media sites, using the hashtag while "doxxing", defined as "sharing the private personal information of an individual or group, anyone that has publicly spoken out against mutants. The internet has become a battleground like any city street..."


"... special diplomat Haller faced many questions arriving back in the United States today. She has stated she had no comments on Genosha's threat of war against the US. President Kelly's diplomatic relations with Genosha have largely been criticized as failures, and many in congress and in the public in general seem to be in favor of preparing for the inevitable..."


"... Reverend William Stryker, uncle to the late Donovan Zane, has lead a vigil lasting several days now on the steps of Congress and refuses to be moved until Mutant Registration has been passed. Public support is turning overwhelmingly in favor of registration as the nation mourns the young man, Donovan Zane, whose life was taken in the midst of a violent protest..."


"... with the coldest temperatures on record. Volunteers are urging everyone in District X to be extra careful as the season progresses, to regularly visit the shelters and soup kitchens, and to not try to brave the winter storms alone. They have also put out a mass call to anyone willing to help out, with food, blankets, and/or warm clothing..."


"... a nation on the brink of war. President Kelly addressed the nation saying that 2019 will not be a repeat of historical mistakes or tragedies. He says he refuses to believe the spirit of the American people are so willing to give in to bigotry and surrender to what is perceived as an inevitable war with Genosha. It can be stopped, he urged. He said we all have to look at ourselves and find the courage to do the right thing and love our fellow person, no matter what the circumstances. President Kelly continues to believe in his vision of hope for humans and mutants..."

[[ ooc: Students and teachers are free to start their own threads in this log in response to one or more of these news clips, or even to things related but not specifically posted here. ]]

Comments

[bluishgreymatter]

"O war! Thou son of hell,
Whom angry heavens do make their minister,
Throw in the frozen bosoms of our part
Hot coals of vengeance! Let no soldier fly.
He that is truly dedicate to war
Hath no self-love, nor he that loves himself,
Hath not essentially but by circumstance
The name of valour..."

... It is in times like these we realize how truly small we are in the great scheme of things.

[koukai_kirai]

[He's not sure why Hank stopped there. "O, let the vile world end" sounds like a pretty reasonable continuation to him, but perhaps his melancholy is getting the better of him.]

And what do we do then?

[Because for once, he feels completely at a loss. You can build shelters, but when a disaster strikes, there isn't much telling what good they'll do. That's what it feels like to him -- powerful, unstoppable, and senseless, something that can't be averted, only endured, and only if you're lucky.]

[Is that the best he can do for the people he wants to protect?]

[bluishgreymatter]

We do as we always do, old friend... [Hank sighed.]

We knew this would be difficult. None of us are obligated to stay. But I like to think I know you... And I know you will remain with us until what end may come, be it bitter or merry...

[koukai_kirai]

[Of course that was the answer. The same as it ever was... It was just harder, some days, to have faith that it would be enough.]

It's not me that I'm concerned over.

[bluishgreymatter]

I gathered.

... Kannushi's hometown is very isolated, I've noticed. Several mutants manage to live there in relative peace, even those with physical mutations. Ms. Ran Yakumo and her child, Chen, if you recall them, live there. If worse came to worse... I'm sure Souji could live there until things cool down.

[koukai_kirai]

I remember them.

[He leans against the edge of his desk, trying to collect himself more thoroughly.]

...If I sent him away without me, I don't know that he wouldn't just come back.

[For all that he doesn't remember, Souji has proven just about as stubbornly attached to him since showing up again.]

[bluishgreymatter]

Chain him to a bedpost? -Perhaps not the best bit of humor for the situation...-

Ultimately, I suppose there's nothing that can truly stop it. You and he are linked destinies, as the saying goes. And if it came to a fight, he would walk through hell itself to stand at your side. Truly you both seem like relics from that samurai age, in that sense. It's admirable, really.

[koukai_kirai]

And risk ruining a perfectly good bed? [Dry humor is the least incriminating way he can think of tan answer that suggestion.]

You can romanticize it all you like, but that doesn't excuse it if I put him at risk for my own decisions.

[bluishgreymatter]

If you asked him... I'm certain he wouldn't consider it a risk at all.

[koukai_kirai]

He's reckless like that.

[Pot, kettle, black.]

[bluishgreymatter]

Sounds familiar. -No seriously.-

[koukai_kirai]

[He gives him a Look for a moment, then sighs and looks away.]

There's too much he doesn't remember. He shouldn't be put in the position of having to make a choice like that.

[bluishgreymatter]

I think he's made it quite clear that he has chosen to embrace the emotional associations he has with you, regardless of the lack of recalled memory. And knowing him, there's no hell that will take him away from this chosen path.

Face it, old friend... you're stuck with him. Rather than lamenting that it may put him in harm's way, you should perhaps honor his agency and accept his choice. But that is, simply, my opinion...

[koukai_kirai]

[The trouble, he thinks, with respecting Souji's agency, is that Souji can be so stubbornly insistent on... well, on following him. How is he supposed to honor Souji's choices when Souji's so dead set against doing what's best for him?]

[And besides that... Besides that, who is he of all people to receive that kind of loyalty? Who in their right mind would choose him over their own safety and everyone else in the world twice?]

...I'll give it thought.

I'm going to step out for a smoke.

[A blatant excuse if ever there was one, but perhaps the cold air would clear his head.]