when you have completed what you thought you had to do

[pushtheboundaries]

WHO: Robert Callaghan, a bunch of other people, and maybe you too!
WHERE: Xavier's, some other places. Mainly around Heropa.
WHEN: 1/11 - 1/15.
WHAT: BUSY HEADMASTER IS BUSY. Various things.
WARNINGS: Nnnnot really? There's a Crane thread, does that count?

---

[OOC; Some starters are going to be in comments. Otherwise, feel free to add something anytime during the weekdays of the 11th! Starting most of these with prose, will adapt to whatever.]

XAVIER - Weds 1/13

For this, he made a full-on appointment in his schedule; finding out the school's namesake had arrived would normally have immediately taken his attention, but other matters had seized them first. Thankfully, the man had seemed open to waiting for a break in his schedule to sit down and talk, a matter for which Robert was incredibly grateful. Frankly, he'd have bought him coffee for that alone, but- it was probably a bit better to be slightly more professional than that for a first real impression.

His office door was unlocked as promised, and to ensure that he wouldn't have anything else to distract him - he'd cleared off his desk, waiting instead at the window for this 'Xavier' to show up. In terms of expectations...well, he really had no idea what to expect. Callaghan was at least relieved that the school was intact and hadn't suffered any major incidents, but this was his first attempt at, well, headmastering. What was he supposed to think of someone who not only had more experience, but enough to have an entire campus named for him?

---

KOTETSU - whenever
It's not uncommon for Callaghan to have taken it upon himself to ensure the staff lounge is stocked and clean. Not that the faculty is sloppy - not by any means - but it's a simple enough duty to glance over supplies like coffee cups and the like when he has a chance.

Or take care of a bit more, such as getting down and half into a cabinet to take care of something further in the back. He hardly blames anyone for missing it considering the location, and it's not like he can't fit, but wiping down this sort of stain can be a bit of a pain.

Especially when he bumps his head pulling out, thinking he heard something. Thankfully, being in the staff lounge means the swear that slips out has a very low risk of being heard by the kids.

----

A(K/G)ITO - whenever
"I'm still not sure how he's grown on me. Probably how clever he is."

Then again, Robert had always been a bit more of a dog person than a cat, but...no pets growing up combined with things being a little too tight while raising his daughter...the opportunity had only arisen so much. He'd been bemused with how the week before, after things had - well - the dog had been a constant source of company of its own accord, but...

He glanced towards Akito with a shrug. "So- you said something about Agito?"

Comments

HARLEY - 1/10 evening. WARNINGS; Harley.

[pushtheboundaries]

If someone had told him a year ago if he'd come to rely on someone who'd thrown a beach ball at his head to help him get his head back together, he'd have thought they had a bit too much to drink. As it was...

"You know, usually I can figure out something useful from this kind of thing after twenty-four hours." He took a sip from his drink, skeptically eyeing the mass of legos that had been the result of her visit before the weekend. "I don't know if it's just because I haven't really had a chance to sit down and look at them or not, but this..."

It could also been from the fact that, well, she had come over and they'd spent most of the night getting drunk, but getting drunk was part of the fun, really. He wasn't planning on doing so tonight - too much to do the next day - but allowing himself to get just a little tipsy? That he could do.

Maybe if he neared that frame of mind again, he'd be able to figure out what the hell he'd been doing. Either way, it was something else to focus on than figuring out what he'd been doing the rest of the weekend.

WARNINGS; rude!!!

[itistolaugh]

Harley squints at the mass of legos and tilts her head one way, then the other. She's confused by what she's looking at, and that he apparently wanted her to come over and look at nonsense.

"I think it's a pig. But also a dolphin?"

There. Mystery solved. 100 points to Harley, master detective.

trolololololo

[pushtheboundaries]

"A pig dolphin. " Beat. "Maybe a little bit of a cow?"

He could take that as a sign to get back to work on Phoenix, anyway. But with a heavy puff of air, he sat down on the couch, rubbing his face.

"Maybe I should just stick to the drinking next time."

[itistolaugh]

She leaned over the back of the couch and rested her chin on top of his head, as well as helping herself to his drink.

"Oh! I think-- It's totally one of those lame-o monsters from the third act of Space Princess! ... Don't try to make monsters, though."

[pushtheboundaries]

"Robotics, not genetics, " Robert reminded her. Then he considered. "...could use a mecha, though. Imagine piloting one of those through Neverland."

Also, fuck that place. Robert took his drink back and finished it off in a single go.

[akito]

"Of course he's clever," Akito says in what could probably be considered a smug tone. Benji is his puppy, therefore there isn't anything Benji can't do. Because Akito will make it so.

The topic of Agito is clearly one he isn't the most comfortable broaching. He hasn't told many people that he and Agito aren't really twins... But Callaghan needs to find out eventually, and it may as well be now - especially if he could help with the idea he has in mind for someday.

"Un, Agito. He's my... twin, you could say. Except that we share this body." He hurries to add: "It's similar to DID but it isn't that - it's... We're separate pieces of a soul in a one body. A science experiment that didn't go 100% according to plan."

[pushtheboundaries]

Like master, like pet. Callaghan has all the faith in Akito's ability, now that the puppy has a few weeks on him and isn't such...well. A puppy.

But first things first.

Dissociative identity disorder - multiple personalities. A science experiment dealing with the soul - well, it's a little hard to believe. If he hadn't already seen so many things hard to believe, he might be far more dubious than he is. But as it is, he's only tilting his head with a furrow of the brow, considering.

"So," he slowly begins, "he's...part of you? And you him?"

[akito]

"Un... Essentially." Glancing around them, Akito spots a perfect example for how to better explain things. He points to a flower with multiple blooms. "There are different flowers growing from the same stem. Me and Agito are each a bloom."

[pushtheboundaries]

Two parts of the same whole, though each could manage on their own. Robert nods, thinking he has a sort of understanding, but...he regards Benji for a moment, considering. They say dogs are quite a bit more observant than humans are...

"Is he asleep when you're awake?" he questions, trying to gauge it all. "Or is he- there, with commentary?- bad phrasing, sorry." He makes a somewhat rueful smile, but, really - as much as he's trying to understand, it's pretty clear that there's some things beyond him.

Hopefully being honest about that will work in his favor.

CRANE; 1/9. WARNINGS; Crane. Discussion of (mind-controlled) murder & other issues.

[pushtheboundaries]

Robert had a theory he was annoyed at himself for taking longer than a minute to realize; the more someone preferred to avoid a subject, the more people like Jonathan Crane would latch on and refuse to let go. Therefore, the only real way to get around it - other than not discussing things with him at all, which would defeat the point of their arrangement, because he'd just find someone else to needle, very possibly someone Robert wanted him to leave alone - was to get over his resistance and just let it be seen for what it was.

This wasn't easy. Not by any means. Especially since they'd gotten to the point where he was actually thinking hard about what he did remember, since, well...

"Parts of it are more abstract than others," he admitted, figuring Crane would think it was partly a dodge, but - it was the truth. Some parts were as fragmented as a dream, and only had so much emotion tied to them as such. Others were more vivid, but the emotions were absent in turn. Others still...

He glanced up, frowning deeper than normal. "I've remembered enough to make me very interested in finding him, if I wasn't well aware that there's only so much I can do unless I immediately get my hands on him."

Hard to use powers when they weren't yours, after all. And if Pan became aware of his presence before he was able to get that contact - so much for any pursuit of vengeance.

[restingstitchface]

Listening to Robert speak about his experiences had rarely been dull. He glances over his notes. All of them are written in chickenscratch; and he can read each letter perfectly. Some paragraphs are accompanied by symbols drawn in black ink. If Robert saw them he might think them particularily manic. But pictures like words have their meanings. He keeps his gaze on his patient. It is better for both of them that Robert's acknowledging his fear without denying it; that he is putting his private thoughts into the open to be analysed and understood by the only person who can accept them without judgment.

Robert is speaking of his fears not because he's curious, mind. He's terrified of himself. The man he is underneath wouldn't stand such treatment. It is interesting to ponder what would happen were he to encourage this man to free himself. He writes something in his notes. His eyes then dart back to Robert. Those results would be worth studying.

"I interviewed patients like him for my work, you know. Hundreds of people who made people suffer because they enjoy the thrill." He writes something but continues speaking. "Some bragged about having people terrified of them." Robert might well imagine what Crane did to bullies like those. "If you got your hands on him, it would be no less than he deserves."

When he goaded people it wasn't to revel; it was to witness results. He wanted to experiment. That is what he believes. Others would see it differently.

"Now, what would you do if you got your hands on him, Robert? Speaking metaphorically, of course."

[pushtheboundaries]

"Speaking metaphorically, I'd remove him as a threat." The words came easy, no hesitation to them at all. Robert's eyes were locked on Crane's, but he wasn't thinking of Pan; he was thinking, however briefly, to a dream of some weeks ago. Breaking arms, legs, destroying his very voice... "There's no point in killing him, not here." Not when he'll just come back.

Of course- he glanced down at his hand, raising it slightly as he curled and flexed his fingers. "The only question is how manageable his power'd be." He knows, from experience, that some can be more overwhelming than others'. Would Pan's...? Well, considering it's magic, or something like it, it'd certainly take some getting used to.

[restingstitchface]

That look is met and challenged. The intensity behind Robert's stare is studied and contemplated; the emotions behind it investigated before his curiosity shifts. He isn't afraid of this man - or the man he is capable of being. He rests his right hand on his knee and smooths his trousers.

"The question is why you feel he must be managed directly." And thus, his power managed the same way. "There are people here capable of acting when you cannot. And there are ways to neutralize people without breaking them physically. Do you not destroy an enemy when you make them your friend?" He doesn't make friends, but the point stands.

Weds 1/13

[excessivehubris]

Well aware that Callaghan had been caught up in the mess in Heropa, Charles had made every effort to give the man time to set up this meeting on his own terms. It actually helped Charles sort out exactly how to get from Nonah, to Heropa and out to the school. What had, for most of his life, been such a simple thing -getting from one place to another-- now took a bit of planning and forethought.

Particularly as he didn't have Hank or anyone to help him.

Over all it hadn't been overly difficult, a matter of getting himself to the porter in Nonah, then porting to Heropa and from there getting car service out to the school. As he was still using a very basic wheelchair that collapsed down on itself (rather than a fixed motorized version) he could take a taxi with little problem.

Once at the school and transferred to his chair, Charles sent the taxi on it's way and indulged himself in studying the building. It reminded him of the Westchester mansion, though at the moment it certainly was in better repair and more inviting! Navigating himself into the lobby, he was relieved to find the offices on the first floor and rolled himself along until he found one with the open door. Peering around the doorway, he reached and knocked on the frame.

"Professor Callaghan?"

[pushtheboundaries]

The lack of footsteps were, at first attributed to being lost in thought. Robert turned around quickly, a "Yes, sorry -" quickly being cut off. His first instinct to move over and help was reigned in, quickly transforming in to a, "Would you like any...?"

He didn't want to insult him, after all. He'd clearly gotten this far just fine.

[excessivehubris]

Charles simply smiled and gave his head a slight shake. That was the other thing that took getting used too, navigating polite ways to diffuse the awkwardness that some people felt when they saw him in his chair.

Rolling forward down the hall, he then backed up and turned so he had a straight shot through the doorway. He had at least gotten doorways down.

"Thank you, for making time to meet with me." He offered as he rolled into the room and towards the desk. "I appreciate that you must have a busy schedule."

It was tempting to say 'I appreciate that you must have a lot on your mind' but Charles figured it might be best not to open with that particular can of worms, right off the bat. Instead, he set his brake and extended his hand.

"Professor Charles Xavier."

[pushtheboundaries]

Right. Robert nodded, making to move one of the chairs away from the desk to give room for Xavier's. That, at least, he judged inoffensive. "No trouble at all. It's good to meet you, honestly - always good to meet a fellow educator. "

The offered hand was taken without hesitation, Robert offering a firm, though far from crushing grip. He'd rarely been interested in little incitements like that, and hardly now.

"Professor Robert Callaghan. I'm going to guess this is your first time here? " Here in the general sense, but - it was as good a way as any to judge if this was the same one responsible for the school in this dimension.

[hostage]

He's put this off long enough. After all, Saul reported that Jesse was ported out back in December, but people are beginning to learn the truth of the situation, and of Jesse's return. Much as it pains him, the responsible thing to do is get his affairs in order before he leaves this city to embark on a new life. And that begins with his official resignation from the school.

So Jesse chooses the quiet lull between classes to visit Robert at his office, knocking softly on the door before letting himself in. "Hey," he says, more timid than usual. "Got a minute?"

[pushtheboundaries]

He's just putting some books away when the knock comes - and when he sees who it is, he offers a welcoming smile.

"Certainly. You have a good winter break?"

That's a joke. Though he seems clearly happy that Jesse's back.

[hostage]

Jesse's smile is mildly strained in response to the joke, given that his "winter break" was a year spent in Hell. He steps further into the room, wringing his hands, trying to work out exactly how to broach this. Maybe straight to the point is the best strategy.

"I, uh... I'm here to give my notice. Or whatever."

phone tagging x.x

[pushtheboundaries]

Well, there goes the smile.

It's not that Callaghan's immediately frowning; instead, he's immediately alert. Maybe a little incredulous at first, but he's never known Jesse to joke about something like this. Which means he's serious- which can only mean that something serious, in turn, happened to him.

Callaghan's mind races. Neverland? Something else?

"... may I ask why? "

Xavier's

[dun_moch]

"Headmaster Callaghan."

The voice rolled through the office, deep and strong, as though Callaghan had his own personal announcer all of a sudden. But no- this was just how Count Dooku said hello. He stood tall at the entrance to Callaghan's office, more than six feet of space nobility, wearing the black clothes and brown cape he had been Ported in with, hand folded across his stomach as though he was posing for a holo-portrait. Then he stepped forward, inclining his head in greeting.

"An acquaintance on the Network informed me that you run a school for imPort children. He suggested I get in contact with you. I am Count Dooku."

thanks Satan

[pushtheboundaries]

Well, that was somewhat of a familiar voice, though he hadn't heard it for long while. As he's just at his desk writing on some forms, Callaghan immediately looks up, blinking briefly in surprise. Is that Christopher...?

Oh.

Oh.

There's a twist of anxiety within him, veiled more by a stubborn will than anything else. Outwardly, he seems a little surprised, but he manages a warm enough smile as he gets to his feet. "A pleasure to meet you, Count- sir?" Implicit question - which do you prefer? "May I ask if you caught their name? "

praise Satan

[dun_moch]

"Count or 'Your Grace,' if you please. Although 'sir' is certainly acceptable," Dooku responds. His personal preference is actually 'My Lord,' but he'll do Callaghan the courtesy of not insisting on full deference. He is currently seeking to gain allies after all, not subordinates. "And our mutual associate introduced himself as Lucifer. He spoke rather highly of your dedication to your students."

That's a name that no one on this planet has a problem with, right? Lucifer?

dAMMIT SATAN

[pushtheboundaries]

Lucifer.

Of course it was Lucifer.

Robert resists the urge to rub at his face, instead letting out a little bit of a sigh. Not funny, he thinks to no one in particular, right before he thinks over the way to handle this. Like hell he's about to kick out a Sith Lord, and there is that part of him that wonders if...

No. He may not have seen the movies for a while - and they don't exist here, as much as that mug Tadashi gave him bears the resemblance to a certain black helmet and they refer to it as such - but he knows better than that.

"You'll have to be patient with me, then, Your Grace- I don't have much experience with that kind of title, but if you'd care to correct any errors I'll make every effort to keep from repeating them." There, that seems polite enough. "Lucifer is...a somewhat complicated individual, but I'm sure he had a reason for arranging this. Would you like to sit down?"

Quite frankly, the only experience Callaghan has with any sort of title is the military sort - aside what he's picked up through, well, stories. He does seem to be making an effort, not in any small part because there's a wariness he's doing his best to hide.

Maybe it's the fact he's in the presence of royalty. Yeah. That's clearly it.