>> "Might be able to get an understanding of how the kid's powers work"

"I must say that sounds like a good idea, once everything is sorted out in relation to her parents, we don't want her necessarily getting too settled in if Mansion is safer for her. Could be pretty traumatizing." Linely was now considering the dangers , what about if she started reading classics? What were the extent of her powers? What if she read a post-modern novel? "What I do know is that I've seen knights in armor, wolves and dragons so far."

>> "That guy is way too shady for my liking"
Linely grunted in agreement, the man seemed a little too rich, a little too obnoxious, a little too thought out. In short, he was too stereotypically British. No-one was that bad. However, there were other times to do this, and the best choice was probably to wait and see what he did later. He couldn't arrest someone for being eccentric. Linely was just lost in these thoughts when Juliette spoke. He nodded with a smile. "Let's try to enjoy ourselves, he just seemed a little obnoxious, but I do get your point Sam."

>> "So Linely , how long have you been a detective?"

"A couple of years, I've seen a lot in my time at the MRC, handling quite a few dangerous mutants." Several were behind bars, others were still at large, the MRC couldn't win them all. "I must say I've always appreciated the good that you X-Men guys and Xavier's do for all humans, mutant and vanilla alike."

Sam shifted backwards when Juliette suggested looking for the British Joker later, Sam was about to argue but she was right. Sam sipped his glass and nodded his head with a slight shrug, ”Alright fine but if a fist fight breaks out I’ll be looking for him then.” Sam said sipping his glass again with a slight smirk.

When Juliette changed the subject to Linley and his being a detective Sam was tempted to chime in that he had done some detective work as well but instead sipped his glass. He didn’t need to blurt that out. Juliette already knew that Sam did police work and when Linley mentioned how thankful he was for the X’s and the school Sam knew there was nothing he needed to say his ego had been appeased for now.

”It was hard to get anything done when it was like the wild west in the city. Police were getting killed by the hundreds and it made mutants look bad so…” Sam shrugged his shoulders. ”There was a time when the MRC wasn’t even thought of. Only after working with us did they realize the benefit of fighting fire with fire so to speak….” Sam sipped his glass then added, ”You should never fight fire with fire though… it’s bad.” he smirked.

”I’m still surprised Aura had the stones to show up here. Did she know that X’s and the police would be here? Almost asking for tonight to end poorly.”

Juliette nodded at Linely’s answer. He looked very young, so it was clear that he must’ve advanced quickly, which could only mean that he was good at what he did. She silently commended him on that.

She eyed Sam’s glass a little as he spoke, watching how empty it was getting. At least he was only sipping it slowly.

Her eyes shifted over to where Devon had just joined Aura. One thing that couldn’t be said about her was that she was lacking in courage. Any former Order member that had the gall to show up at a party filled with Xs and cops was impressive in Juliette’s books. If not for the wrong reasons.

Her attention then snapped back to the table in front of them as someone new sat down. It was a woman with bouncy blonde hair and a clipboard. Her nametag read “Lauren”, and she wasn’t quite as dressed up as any of the other attendees, so it was clear that she was affiliated with something. More than likely it was Utopia.

“Howdy, folks,” Lauren began, her voice just as cheery as her hair would suggest. She pulled out a chair across from the three people already seated and passed each of them a pamphlet with the printed slogan A New Life Begins in Utopia. “I’m Lauren, and I’m a representative from Utopia. We’re here today, and I am just so darned - pardon my language - excited to talk to everyone about the tours we have going on very soon! Do you mind if I give you lovely folks a few of the details?”

Usually, that would have been the point at which they would be able to reply with ‘yes’ or ‘no’, except that she simply continued to talk. “I recognized you, mister Cold Iron, and I figured that you three are probably good candidates for Utopia. Have you heard about the tours at all? They’re coming up very shortly, and everything’s absolutely free! Any interest, then?”

>> "There was a time when the MRC wasn't even thought of"

Linely was well aware of that, you couldn't even walk down the street when he was a student without hearing about the latest killing of a human or a mutant at the hands of someone with a different gene. The supremacists on both sides were as bad as each other, and Linely had little time for either. If either caused a problem, he would be willing to work with anyone to deal with it. He smirked at Sam's joke "Thankfully we live in more enlightened times, now both sides of the gene debate have to answer to the law if it gets out of hand."


Great, here came the PR team to tell them that Utopia wasn't some attempt to simply divide society and attacking people (particularly the police force) for doing their jobs. It was the job of the police force to serve and protect mutant and human alike, and if Mr Jaager and his ilk didn't like that , then they could shove it up their proverbial.... Linely's thoughts trailed off.

>> "Would you mind if I gave you lovely folks a few of the details."

"While I came here for the free food, and to give some extra security for Devon, I'll hear what kind of claptrap the mutant communities Donald Trump has to say" Linely decided to be blunt, he wasn't in the mood to discuss politics. He was, frankly, going to vote for Vermin Supreme. A free pony sounded like a marvelous idea.

Sam took the pamphlet and eyed the words when it was offered to him. He smiled slightly at the words knowing exactly how the rest of the conversation was going to go. ”Hi, Lauren.” Sam replied back as he looked over to Linley and then to Juliette. They did want to hear what the place was about, maybe Lauren was just in constant earshot waiting for the right time to make the pitch.

When she apologized for using the word ‘darn’ the icemancer’s stomach churned slightly. He looked to his glass and took another sip trying to settle it already wishing another glass would float by. Sam reached out for Juliette’s and he gave it a squeeze, and then squeezed a little tighter when she said his code name wrong. It almost sounded like a name for a Russian mutant. He filed the name away for when he needed to name a new bad guy.

”Hell yeah.” Sam said trying to throw in a little higher aged language he was probably going PG-13 to start but the conversation was still early. Sam tried to return some enthusiasm back towards Lauren, more than Spasm at least. ”Heard talk of the place.” Sam said recalling a conversation with Aura. Maybe that was what she was doing here, getting proof like he wanted. Sam doubted this place would hold the proof she needed. Immediately he was less interested as to why Aura was here.

Sam looked back to Juliette to see if she too was as interested in the pitch.

Juliette looked at Lauren carefully as she talked. The pamphlet was placed in front of her, and she looked it over briefly. She did want to hear more about Utopia, but the woman in front of her was a little off-putting.

Linely was clearly less enthused than anyone else about the subject, but Sam seemed a little more interested. She returned the squeeze he gave her and glanced at him before turning back to Lauren.

The woman sitting across from them did not look all that impressed with the detective's comment. She had a thin-lipped, open-mouthed smile on her face, and the veins in her neck were much more prominent than before. "That Trump is a funny man, isn't he? The Utopia initiative really isn't like that, though. I think if you'd let me go on, you'd find it to be to your liking."

"Yeah, I think we'd like to hear about it," Juliette gave her a nod as a go-ahead, taking a cue from Sam. Linely didn't really seem like he wanted to hear about it, but it was part of the reason that she had come there in the first place - to hear about Utopia. 

"Wonderful," Lauren breathed out loudly, and her smile became genuine. "So, what've you all hear so far? Allow me to dispel any rumours before we really begin."

>> "I think if you let me go on, you'd find it to be to your liking"

Linely smiled in a fashion that showed he was totally unconvinced. "I've seen Mr Jaager's speeches, and met the man personally. When I say that I have little interest in what he says I mean it. Utopia will cause unnecessary division, mutants need to learn to co-exist with humans. It's as simple as that." He had ranted a bit there, but he had no patience for stupid PR tomfoolery.

"But do tell how you're going to change the world and make it a better place then fail to deliver, I'd positively love to hear about it. You won't tell me about the last part though, that's what happens after you get the chance to fail." He was being slightly rude here, but politeness wasn't wholly his strong point.

He put his hands behind his head and leant back on his chair. "You two can go on ahead with some questions if you like, I'm sure Utopia needs to fail to convince other mutants as well." Manners had gone out the window at this point. "I should be interested to hear what these two have to say and how you will respond." The edge to his voice was all that most would need to hear, the tone was almost threatening.

”….” Sam shifted his gaze from Juliette Lauren and then to Linely who frankly was just being rude to the newcomer. A cold front started to form around Linely as if to tell him to tone it down slightly. However he took it Sam didn’t really care but while the idea of Utopia was indeed what Linley had called it an ‘unnecessary division’. How can humans and mutants coexist if they separate from each other. Linley was right but the man needed to tone it back a little.

”Sounds like someone needs a drink.” Sam said scooping another glass of whiskey from a tray and placing it on the table near the cop. If he was working or not Sam didn’t care Linley needed to do something to prevent him from talking further. Both Sam and Juliette wanted to hear more about Utopia so he was going to deal with it or not.

Looking back to Lauren, ”So mutants only?” the icemancer asked pointing out that Linely did have a valid point but the way Sam asked it he thought it was less… abrasive. ”Also interesting choice on the location. I recalled something like that being in the works a few years ago. I’m assuming you have some mutants who manipulate ice and snow?” Sam asked wondering of the structural integrity of ‘Utopia’.

Tempest left Aura's table without calamity to him, her, or the environment. Whatever the conversation had been, it was contained. It didn't benefit any mutant for there to be a problem here at what should be a safe home for them. Devon had stressed that at least.

Devon caught only the last couple sentences from Linely. The officer was wearing his distaste on his sleeve, possibly his badge. Devon had to wonder if that was in the best interest of the police force. Sam's response was clearly in hopes of talking it down, making a jest if only to get Spasm to relax. Considering the man's nickname, the officer's muscles were likely often tense.

Of course, Devon didn't say anything of that thought, keeping the joke to himself. Sam was keeping it cool, quite literally. It was pleasant and his question was just as accommodating to the young Utopia woman.

"Good question, I'd like to know that myself as I've unfortunately turned down my services there. Hopefully a mixture of other mutant abilities and technology will allow you to generate enough heat? Perhaps geothermal?" Devon added to the line of questioning.

His blue eyes moved quickly to Juliette as he smiled, before giving a curt nod to Sam and Linely. The eyebrows didn't arch, the nostrils didn't flare. There wasn't any sign to give of any problem with Aura. For now, things could carry on as they were.

Juliette narrowed her eyes at the detective seated across from her. There was absolutely nothing provoking his attitude, and she wasn’t impressed by it. She put an elbow on the table and rested a cocked head on her knuckles, wondering if he was simply ignorant, or he was just a terrible person.

Sam had handed Linely a drink. He clearly needed one, so she didn’t argue. In fact, she hoped that he would drink it in case he was happier drunk than sober.

”You know, detective, if you don’t want to hear about Utopia, there are always other tables,” Juliette pointed out coldly, to match the drop in temperature produced by Sam. Clearly at least two of them were on the same page. She took a sip of her water and looked around at the trays passing the tables to see if there was anything with a bit more of a kick within arms reach.

She nodded to Devon as he returned unscathed. Obviously the talk with Aura hadn’t been as disastrous as it could have been, which was a feat in and of itself. Perhaps he would be able use some of his reasoning skills on the abrasive detective.

Lauren had remained surprisingly quiet, waiting until each of the attendees and the organizer had a chance to comment on the matter. It looked to be difficult for her, though, as if she was physically holding herself back from speaking. Even she had more self-control than Linely.

“That’s a good question, Simon, Dylan.” She butchered the names of the people at the table as she nodded first to Sam and then to Devon. Lauren unfolded the pamphlet that had been somewhat crumpled by her strong grip, placing it in the centre of the table so that everyone could see. “As you can see, we have state of the art technology at Utopia. Top scientists and mutants with useful abilities have been working together to create a fully functioning ‘bubble’, if you will.

“It’s a self-contained environment that will reflect the four seasons like you would have here in New York. You can still see Antarctica, but you definitely won’t feel it. Unless you want to, that is. There’s absolutely nothing keeping you in Utopia. And don’t you worry your silly heads one little bit. Everything is completely structurally sound. We’ve had the help of your friend… Oh, what’s his name… Caleb Jackson! Yeah, that sounds right. The Alchemist. Anyway, he's built the majority of Utopia’s structure, and it’s all up to code. I promise, we’ve had it approved by three different companies.

“But yes, unfortunately Utopia is exclusively for mutants. We’re hoping that it will promote a healthy environment for the next generation to grow up in - one where they don’t have to deal with the same prejudices and they are surrounded by their kin.” Lauren paused to intertwine her fingers as a helpful visual for the group before continuing, “we will foster community and build relationships in Utopia. It’s going to be wonderful.”

Juliette looked over the pamphlet and then looked back up at Lauren. It was a lot to take in, and it wasn’t exactly presented by someone that made it sound appealing, but the bones were good. There was a lot to think about in what she had just told them.

Lauren smiled brightly once again and looked between the four people she was addressing. “Any more questions? Comments? Enthusiastic support? I’m just kidding about that last one, of course, but it isn’t discouraged!”

The air turned obviously colder, Sam was clearly trying to tell him something, and the look his girlfriend was giving him was absolutely filthy! As Sam passed a whiskey to the police officer , he realised he'd perhaps been a little too harsh on the PR woman. Everyone was thinking the same thing though, he was just telling it how it was. He felt that vanilla humans could do more, but declaring them all to be disgraceful individuals by making "mutant-exclusive clubs" was just as bad as the Church of Humanity or Birdhunters.


"Heh, I could use one, you're right Sam." he spoke quietly, toning it down a little for the sake of his other company. He downed it like a shot, and quickly poured himself another. Clearly Sam and Juiliette needed to hear more about Utopia to properly figure out that it wasn't what anyone with ties to the police force should be supporting. They'd spent far too much time trying to unite mutants and non-mutants for some fanatics to try and segregate the two communities deliberately.

Devon had arrived, and asked a sensible question about what the weather would be like in Antartica. Linely nodded back at him, again noticing that he'd created a degree of tension. He failed to avoid snorting as the PR woman managed to get Devon and Sam's names wrong for the upteenth time.

>> "But yes, unfortunately Utopia is exclusively for mutants. We're hoping that it will promote a healthy environment for the next generation to grow up in-...where they don't have to deal with the same predjudices... it's going to be wonderful."

It started off with just mundane things, but that comment... Was like being stung by a wasp. Every attempt to justify it was salt in the wounds. He felt his temper snap as she finished. Images of the cases he'd had to work with in the MRC echoed in his mind as he gave the prompted for comment.

" So you're creating this Utopia for our "kin" By keeping them away from all the filthy humans that do nothing but discriminate against Mutants. It's not as if Mutants have ordinary parents, or children, or siblings or spouses? It's not as if mutants have killed humans, often in brutal fashion. It's not as if mutants are now supported in pretty much every field of life is it? When you have to explain to a child why their family were butchered in their homes by a rat-shifting mutant, or tell a mutant parent why their non-mutant daughter isn't coming home because of some lowlife who thought she was fair game because she was different, then you can talk to me about how hard done by mutants are. You people are a disgrace to mutants!" He realised that he had got louder as he'd said this, to the point that he was shouting at Lauren. Other tables were looking at him. He fell silent.


"...I'll pour myself another drink" he spoke quietly after a long pause. Probably best to say very little after that. He'd said his piece. He downed another shot of whiskey and poured himself another. Drink was probably the best solution for this.

A single brow quirked sharply over the mention of Simon and Dylan. Who was that? They narrowed as she then proved by way of glance whom she was speaking to. Oh boy. That’s what happened when you got volunteers. People just came in, acted like they owned the place, got the names wrong, change things…

Hm, well that sounded familiar didn’t it?

She butchered Cafas’ name was well. At least she figured out the nickname. A shame as much as she wanted to help and/or believe in this, Lauren was making so many mistakes. Perhaps it was the enthusiasm. Was she a mutant?

It appeared Linely had had enough. Devon wondered how the conversation had gone before he’d arrived as he listened to the cop’s temper take hold of his tongue.

>> “..When you have to explain to a child why their family were butchered in their homes by a rat-shifting mutant, or tell a mutant parent why their non-mutant daughter isn't coming home because of some lowlife who thought she was fair game because she was different, then you can talk to me about how hard done by mutants are. You people are a disgrace to mutants!"

Devon put a hand on Linely’s shoulder. Like Officer Johnson before him. Devon couldn’t know all the officer had seen or experienced in his time but those words were enough. Sometimes even the articles or the news stories were enough. There were terrible things happening out there to humans and mutants, and it simply wasn’t a black and white matter.

>> "...I'll pour myself another drink" he spoke quietly after a long pause.

“It’s alright,” Devon said quickly. “It’s a tense situation, which I’m sure you understand Lauren. But he has a point. What happens if two mutants fall in love and conceive a human child? Will the family have to leave? While I’m sure it may provide peace for some time, there are still dangerous matters here at home to resolve. I for one am glad Officer Linely, Officer Johnson – whose name you got wrong, it’s Cafas actually – and the X-Men,” he gestured to Steel, “are here.”

“Thank you for your time, Lauren,” he nodded while stressing the word time and pausing before her name. Devon wanted to make it clear that her time with this table was done.

Sam didn’t have any questions or comments in regards to Utopia. The ones he was forming he quickly silenced before they could leave his mouth. Everything Utopia stands for is everything he had been fighting against ever since he first came to New York and started to living in the mansion. He sipped his whiskey slowly and ignored his name being incorrect. He also wanted to know who his friend Caleb Jackson was. Wondering for a second if it was Calley she was talking about he dismissed the thought as quickly as he started to form the thought. Calley’s last name wasn’t Jackson.

”Not a bad idea. Not really the time or place to discuss cases.” Sam chimed in after Linley’s rant. Clearly the cold air didn’t give him the hint or the drink so Sam decided to shift his attention away from the detective and shift it to Juliette who he was half expecting to correct the detective’s behavior. Even if Sam understood how Linley felt he was an officer in attendance to the charity. Meaning he had to be professional. Sam sipped his whiskey and slid the glass over towards Linley for a refill. He might as well make himself useful.

Sam nodded his head slightly to Devon who tried to ease the situation by correcting the mispronounced names and trying to downplay Linley’s reaction. ”Cafas? Hmmm…” Sam said at the mention of Cafas. Maybe it was time Sam had a conversation with his ‘teammate’ about Utopia. If it was counterproductive to the X-Men cause Sam might have a few words with the actions of his teammate. Then again, the icemancer probably wasn’t the best to share words with. He looked to his glass and waited for it to be filled.

”Defiantly an interesting party.” Sam said sighing and raising his eyebrow to first Juliette then to Devon. ”Never a dull moment for a host either.”

The vein in Lauren's neck pulsated and became more pronounced as Linely yelled at her, but her smile never faltered. She looked as though she was about to counter his statements, but then the Detective stopped himself and poured another drink.

Juliette was sitting with her lips pressed tight together. She didn’t disagree with what he was saying, but yelling at the woman really wasn’t the way to get his point across. ”Another drink probably wouldn’t hurt,” Juliette raised an eyebrow at him pointedly. ”Next time, it might be a good idea to lower your voice. We are at a party, after all. Let’s try to keep things civil.” She stole herself a glass of champagne off of a passing tray and took a long sip. The bubbly liquid felt a little bit too celebratory for the current situation, but she also didn’t want to be drunk on whiskey for that kind of a conversation.

Devon’s comments were valid. They even felt a little more so coming from him, in a much calmer tone. While the detective’s outburst made him seem irrational and dazed, Devon came across as much more composed and easy to listen to. The vein in Lauren’s neck shrank marginally.

Juliette gave Sam a subtle warning glance as he asked Linely for his second (or third? She hadn’t been keeping track) drink of the evening. A table full of drunk, angry people debating the topic of Utopia was not something she wanted to witness. Plus, he was supposed to be cutting back on his drinking. Keyword being supposed.

Devon had clearly invited Lauren to leave, but she still looked like she had far more to say. Her mouth closed finally, ending what was possibly the world’s longest smile, and she took a deep breath. The words that came from her mouth after that indicated that she was summarizing and trying her best to keep her cool.

“I understand that mutants are not all perfect, but neither are humans. Utopia is not a blanket statement that humans and mutants can never coexist, but the political climate has not been easy on our kind in the past. We want to give each and every mutant a fighting chance in a society that will accept them no matter what. As far as the crime against human go, there will still be police and a justice system in place, as we do realize that crime happens, so you don’t need to worry so much the possibility of things happening there. No one is perfect. We know that. There will be protocols put in place.”

Beat. “Of course, it is not a requirement to come to Utopia. If you do not like the idea, then you can always stay here. Thank you for your time, though I do hope that you’ll consider the possibility of your life in Utopia.” She stood, her chair legs scraping on the floor as it was pushed backwards, and left the table.

Juliette watched her go and took another sip of her champagne. Never a dull moment indeed.

>> ”Never a dull moment for a host either.”

“Never,” Devon said with a small curve of his lips, his eyes sliding to the side in return to Cold Steel.

He smiled a thank you to Juliette as she encouraged Linley in the nicest way possible to watch his tone. She chose champagne when it passed; Devon committed the choice to memory. He appreciated her friendship but also an authoritative diplomatic approach voice was a boon as well. Devon’s smile remained as he turned back to Lauren, who’d taken a moment to relax – admirably actually – before replying.

Our kind she said. So she was a mutant. Devon couldn’t tell what her ability was, but certainly insistence and perseverance was a talent she possessed. Patience might even have been in there. He nodded at her words, agreeing there were problems on both sides. It was a good conclusion to an impersonal, if friendly, attempt. Sometimes realism was a better approach than optimism. That certainly appeared true for speaking with the police, an X-man, and- two X-Men.

“Thank you, Lauren. I appreciate your volunteering and thoughtful consideration of our words,” Devon nodded his head. “Let’s talk again later.” He had questions for her and maybe even some encouragement on her persuasive speaking style.

A few moments after she had left Devon rolled his shoulders and blew out a slow breath, “Talking with Aura was less tense than that… How are the drinks?” His tone changed to something more upbeat and excited as he looked between the three. “I’m sticking to water,” he lifted the bottle in hand and waggled it, grinning as he did so.