The Sanctuary. Many of Geo's memories were centered around the haven for mutant kind. Once upon a time it seemed like an untouchable fortress. An absolute beehive of mutant supremacy just waiting to swarm at the point of a finger. But it was the people. The people were what really made the place what it was. In his time under it's roof he had met people from all walks of life. Coming from all over the world each with a more colorful and rich background than the last. It was the bonds that these refugees forged between one another that made the place such a large impact. It was what truly drove Geo deep into the arms of Syn and her Goliath brother: the notion of a family. Something that had seemed so foreign to him oh so many years ago. When he was lost and alone on a journey with no destination in a city that didn't care who the little mutant from the Midwest was. But that was what had made him into who he became. Being thrown into a hive of mutant affairs forged him into strong willed being that now stood across the street from large golden doors.

A sight for sore eyes they were at the least. He imagined they seemed more inviting than the door of his childhood home would if he could bring himself to make his way back to where he originally hailed. He paced his feet back and fourth as he looked up at the building. A small bit of sand collecting around his bare feet as he contemplated. He knew the Order was no more. At least from what he had gathered. But that didn't mean there wasn't still a game to be played. The raging force would have left a power vacuum which in turn would need to be filled but the question was who. Who were the big new players and what was there game. Were they worth the fight or just another sham looking to use mutants for their own cause. The Sanctuary was key. A hub of mutants like that that wasn't regulated by the X-men was just asking to be picked by recruiters. A little while here while he got on his feet and he'd surely know what was the news around town.

His bare toes overtook the curb as he trotted across the street. Both of his hands eagerly clenching a strap of the hiking bag against dirt soaked dusty white shirt and jeans to match. The jumbled street didn't take long to cross. If his time as a New Yorker had taught him anything it was that you cross first and ask questions later. The familiar stone work and doors brought chills up his spine as he came upon the stoop, entering at the same angle he always had before and letting his feet pad along the same familiar path until he reached the doors and swung them open one in each hand and strode onto the carpeted entry way. It was still fairly early in the day so the shelter seemed a little slow. It generally filled up more at night time anyway when people came in to get off of the streets. Whistling mildly as he strode in Geo shook the sand from his hair before pulling it into a high bun and walking up to the counter.

"Well well well." Geo's gravelly voice took an old sweet tone as he leaned over the counter and took the receptionists hand pecking it slightly. "The lovely Miss Lisa. I never thought to be as lucky as to be graced by your presence again." He smiled warmly at the pretty blond as he dusted off the old charm he would always give the warming receptionist of the sanctuary.

"I was wondering if you could help me figure out who'd be the man in charge around here these days. I'm a bit out of touch."

>> "Well well well."

Lisa Wilson smiled prettily up at the long-haired gentleman who sauntered lazily into the Sanctuary. She was lifting her hand before he’d even offered it. Her glasses slid down her nose as her brow rose sharply.

>> "The lovely Miss Lisa. I never thought to be as lucky as to be graced by your presence again."

Her smile pursed her lips at his kiss and his planted charms. She rose gently, flattening out the front of her blouse and then adjusting her glasses. Her shoulders rolled back as her head moved to a slight angle, dangerously suggesting the line of her neck and to the foundation where it began…

>> "I was wondering if you could help me figure out who'd be the man in charge around here these days. I'm a bit out of touch."

“Of course, Mister-,” Lisa stopped, correcting herself quickly though not without reminding why she was the resident administrator of Sanctuary. “Geo. Considering the rocky leadership previously and your abrupt departure south of our borders,” she suggested with a wider smile, “I’m not surprised.” Faint chuckling left her throat as the flush in her cheeks started to subside.

“Sanctuary’s found new management that while less orderly is considerably more attentive with various volunteers in that time, notably Mr. Hadden,” she finished, gesturing behind Geo.

Devon stood outside the door of the only office Sanctuary knew. He was grinning broadly, arms folded over his chest, and clearly enjoying the back and forth between the two. He did so enjoy watching Lisa handle guests, and clearly even old friends. He bowed his head at the slightly taller gentleman as he headed over.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he offered a hand as he neared. He was dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved black button up. The shoes showed wear. “I’m Devon. Looking for more than a place to stay, I take it? How can I help you?"

Lisa's charm was ever enduring. Throughout the crazy ups and downs the Sanctuary had been through she had held strong. A true cornerstone to the New York monument. He chuckled softly noticing a small rock based pun, though as to it being intentional he wasn't certain. She even went as far to remember his name, or rather his claimed mantle from his rebirth as a mutant. As she gestured behind him Geo glanced back to see a rather cleanly gentleman standing beside the office across the way. Turning back to the secretary Geo bowed his head low in thanks as he spoke.

"Lisa. You've been an amazing help as always. I look forward to experiencing your enchanting charm in the near future." He took her hand lightly before removing his pack and holding it in his hand. Geo then strode towards the man in question, he kept a cordial demeanor as he held out a hand to great the man's. Geo's course and well used hand held a firm grasp, one of the few things his father had managed to pass along to him.

"Name's Geo but the pleasure's all mine." A wide grin crossed his face as he bowed slightly to the man. Running his hand to brush his hair out of his face knocking a bit of sand loose from the strands. "You'd be correct in that assumption though a place to lay my head wouldn't be unwelcome. I think you'll find me rather easy to accommodate." He chuckled to himself slightly at the mention. In actually he'd most likely clear a nice bit of dirt underground in the courtyard and run an extension cord. He wasn't unfamiliar with the subterranean layout of the Sanctuary. Much of his time growing as a young mutant was spent beneath it's grassy courtyard.

"I'm actually looking to get a bit of bearings. Been out of town for a spell and trying to get myself oriented. I'm a former resident actually, worked with the former management though seems to be there's been a lot of shuffling around in the days past." He cleared his throat slightly. There was no doubt in his mind this Devon character would know what he was referencing to. The Order was practically infused with the masonry that made up the building they stood in. Several of the younger residents strode into the lobby making their way through the building.

"Thought I might introduce myself. Get to know some of the new face. Care if we step in your office? I'm sure there's more important things to be had in the lobby than a dusty man and his questions." Giving a slight nod Geo padded past the man and into his office not waiting for an invitation. Not as a gesture of disrespect, he had been so used to the previous staffing it was hard to view boundaries in his old stomping grounds.

Devon returned Geo’s hand with practiced strength and formality. His hands weren’t course, but instead weathered as if accustomed to dry air and maybe the occasional outdoor cleaning. Granted, he wasn’t doing as much of that anymore but his frequent outdoor extracurriculars made for a custom skin texture. He laughed a bit however at the bow, his own wide grin matching Geo’s.

“I’m definitely not one you need bow to,” he chuckled, “But thanks. We can definitely find you a place.”

>> I'm a former resident actually, worked with the former management though seems to be there's been a lot of shuffling around in the days past."

“Yes,” Devon nodded with another small chuckle. “There’s been a lot of that. Here and elsewhere but we’ll get you settled in,” he nodded, gesturing into the office. Geo was already strutting in anyway, a few kids coming from the recreation rooms to see who the newcomer was.

Devon entered as well, moving to the desk and standing behind it, though he didn’t sit. He clicked the monitor off and leaned slightly into the chair. “It’s a shared office, actually. We have a few rotating volunteers and more than a couple doing some managing now,” he nodded. The name plate had already been removed. Between his other activities and people like Nate, there didn’t need to be the one. Juliette didn’t come around as often anymore, but then she still had her Nurse’s hours at the infirmary.

“You might see some old friends,” he said while gesturing to the table. There was bottled water, some cookies. “They stop in here and there but don’t often stay. With the kids often need a real sanctuary after Odessa and the Utopia attack, we try to ensure things stay as stable and safe as possible around here. Some training, some neighborhood watch.”

“We’ve been watching carefully, especially our visitors,” Devon nodded again, his tone still warm but the message clear. “I’m sure you can appreciate that considering the past association? Things have been tense at times, but Sanctuary is a strong foundation for the mutants here.”

The space was familiar though Geo could tell the Sanctuary had been receiving some much needed upgrades. Even so small as in the office changes were fairly noticeable. Sitting down he watched the man, Devon and how he carried himself. There was an air of pride, that he was sure of. A self sureness was apparent as well, good traits for someone holding themselves in any sort of a role of authority. But of course that was simply the vibe the earthly man had picked up in the few moments. There were things to be said about first impressions though.

"Appreciate the hospitality to say the very least." As the man spoke of getting him settled in. He had seen less hospitality at a bed and breakfast. Not that he was one to look a gift horse in the mouth but there was a small part of him that was starting to suspect people were assuming he was homeless. Maybe it was time to invest in shoes? It was all relative of course. It was actions that Geo deemed showed the true mettle of a person. He nodded along as the shared space, it seemed like the place was still running business as usual but with a new found efficiency. It was going to be an adventure figuring out the exacts as to how much was different. The mention of his past associates caught his attention quickly. He shifted to fold a leg under his as he waved a decline to the refreshments offered to him.

"I worked closely with many of them. I can certainly understand how some of them are best to keep on the move." They were effective fighters, some of them the most driven towards the cause of their people but all soldiers got unruly without proper leadership. There was no doubt in his mind the full serious nature behind the mans seemingly kindly statement.

"Assuredly my intentions tend to be more on the..." Geo struggled to place a finger on the term. Glancing over at the door for a moment he looked back to Devon and simply shrugged letting the statement fall. "I'm not as violent in nature as some of the folk that I used to run these halls with. As I'm sure you either heard I left. There's no point in putting your money on a dead horse but we face real problems today." Looking the man up and down Geo pushed a judgement call. The man seemed collected. Well respected and carried himself with confidence. The way he spoke of the children and residence that found shelter here was a man talking about a cause he was close to. Not some mutants.

"You and I know whats wrong with the world out there and what's happening to people like you and I. Most of these kids today never saw the inside of a Mutant Registration Camp. Don't know the feeling of a null collar or the pain of being hunted." He spoke heatedly though his posture stayed lounged and relaxed in the chair. His passion for the subject he pushed with his eye contact, not straying from Devon's for a moment as he spoke.

"I've been living out on the west side of nowhere and from what I hear we had a good chance at getting ourselves a bit of freedom but someone took that away. There are still just as many people out there that want us to suffer. It's Haven right?" Geo shifted forward putting his elbows on his knees as he leaned in towards the desk. "You guy's sound more like the Peace Corp than anything else but I wanted to see. I don't know if it's you running the strings or some corporate fat cats up on a high rise. But these kids in here are whats important. They're the future and I was just wondering what exactly Haven is doing to help my people against the shadows that want to shut them down." Geo reached out and grabbed a cookie off the desk, taking a small bite he smiled widely at the man as he chewed away. He didn't come baring ill intent. Only concern. He had grown a deep passion for the mutant community in his time in the city. Especially living in the heart of it with the Sanctuary itself. Without the cool command of Syn or the strong will of Abyss it felt like there was nothing but loss foretold for the future of his kind.

>> "Appreciate the hospitality to say the very least."

“Of course,” Devon grinned. “We try to keep all welcome provided they don’t start any violence with the residents here and the like. Typical stuff,” he nodded slowly. Past crimes, criminal backgrounds, shady origins were all common threads for the teenaged and older crowd here. Sanctuary didn’t judge you for that. Everyone needed a place to sleep and deserved that, especially some of the mutants.

Conversation shifted to the Order and Devon nodded agreeably, sometimes solemnly at the comments made.

>> "I worked closely with many of them. I can certainly understand how some of them are best to keep on the move."

“Some stop in, here and there. I’ve talked with a few, they keep some donations flowing too,” Devon nodded. “Again all are welcome, though I think a few of those keep on the move like ya said. For their safety and not to attract too much untoward attention on the kids here. After Odessa, we made it a point to unify with our neighbors. They help us and we help them.”

>> "I'm not as violent in nature as some of the folk that I used to run these halls with. As I'm sure you either heard I left. There's no point in putting your money on a dead horse but we face real problems today."

“Sounds like some of that violence was necessary, but I understand and appreciate,” Devon nodded.

>> “…Don't know the feeling of a null collar or the pain of being hunted.

Devon’s gaze didn’t waver, his crystalline blue eyes remaining on the terracotta moss of Geo’s hazel like rediscovered earthen pottery. He’d been on the run in that time, living in abandoned buildings and avoiding the worst of those camps. Some friends had gotten caught, some hadn’t. The fear of that time still burned his dreams.

>> “…They're the future and I was just wondering what exactly Haven is doing to help my people against the shadows that want to shut them down."

“Just getting the lay of the land, hm?” Devon grinned, summer warmth still present in his tone. “I actually came to Sanctuary not having known of the Order or really too much of its history. I just saw ‘mutant friendly homeless shelter’ and figured that was the place to help,” Devon sighed but chuckled. “I learned a lot pretty quickly. Varied sorts coming by wanting to know was the Order still going, was I Order, and of course Order members checking in to see how things were,” he nodded slowly.

“At least a couple noted they liked what was happening and mirrored the same thought: the kids here were the future. They needed somewhere safe, somewhere protected and maybe the presence of certain members might jeopardize that. I did not disagree, but welcomed donations for the Sanctuary and ensure they knew the place was not barred to them.”

Devon shook his head sadly, “But it’s not enough. I founded Haven, yes. There’s a Board of Investors but it’s a humanitarian organization. We’re helping real people and people who help others. We sponsor Habitat for Humanity programs, after school programs, art shows… But we also train leaders, bring together people with a plan and those who want to help – often financially – but don’t know where to go. Funding to help mutant education or educate humans on mutants is a large priority, providing work programs within Haven and outside, public relations outreach, and…

“More,” the man smiled as he inclined his chin. “We are heavily invested in keeping Sanctuary a safe, neutral place. There are shadows I’ve personally fought against for this place.” He made a deliberate single nod, “Others in Haven are as invested as I.”

The philanthropist smiled and added suggestively, “By the sound of it, Geo, you might find interest in the full breadth of our work.” He shrugged a shoulder and then picked up a cookie. “But if nothing else, I’m happy to have a similarly minded ally returned and present in Sanctuary in case any trouble should knock on these doors. I could be sure to inform the other Haven members who volunteer here as well as our volunteer staff.”

“But if you want to talk about Utopia, I’m not as sure it was a freedom we wanted as opposed to a freedom pushed upon us,” Devon nodded slowly and took a bite of the cookie. “Oh!” he said pleasantly, “I love butterscotch morsels.”

Geo was glad to hear that a lot of the heart he had felt with the Order had continued to ring true. They had amassed a hard reputation for their direct approach at overthrowing the twisted system the humans had put in to play. Geo had trouble with that too at first. But the passion, the drive, the will to fight for their species chance to survive in this world was real. Places like this ensured that those dreams still had a chance. The fact others still deemed this place a worthy investment for their kind showed the elemental that his time wouldn't be wasted here.

"Seems to be a bit of a blessing. You coming here with no preconceived notions of the dealings of the past gave you a clean look at this place. At least I'd imagine so." This place had a charm all it's own. Though the Order had worked out of the location primarily they had managed to keep most of the dirt separate from the actual shelter in itself. The golden doors were always open to a mutant in need. Of course at the same time replacing the Statue of Liberty and robbing Fort Knox probably didn't do much for the shelters public relations.

Geo tried to disguise his physical discomfort as Devon spoke about the Board of Investors and began speaking of programs. The capitalistic nature of man always something that made him uneasy. Corporate fat cats in there suits sitting up in sky high offices making decisions that effected hundreds like they were changing the television channel. The mention of the word humanitarian alone was enough to set him out of his comfort zone. It put them into the same category as their fleshy oppressors who would just as easily label them as a hiccup in genetics.

The funding in mutant education and various programs in effect to better their kind. It was refreshing to see someone other than Xavier's and the Labs. Though as to their full intentions time would tell. Geo had yet to meet a business man without another plan hidden out of sight. But he was always one to give someone the benefit of the doubt.

"You certainly have my interest piqued Devon. Seems Haven may well be something our kind has been needing. Can't argue with your results." He gestured to the building around him. If nothing else the aesthetic changes to the building were clear. "I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a...semi-permanent set up. Rubbing elbows with these folk is kind of my bread and butter. Older mutants under this roof made me the man I am today. Sure would like the chance to return the favor." His eyes seemed to glaze slightly as he thought back. The lessons he had learned were ones that still drove him today. It was here he had met some people he modeled himself after deciding what kind of person he would be. People needed that. Especially these kids.

"I'll be the first to throw in on a scrap if any trouble were to come up though. Fight til my dying breath to keep these folk safe if I have to." Popping the rest of the cookie into his mouth he retrieved another along with a water. "Fair warning, I do tend to make a bit of a mess but I do my own clean up." Something about manipulating dirt just seemed to make it impossible to keep things tidy.

"As for working though I don't think I'll hop in and sign over my soul right off the bat there, Hoss. I like to be wined and dined a bit first." The wide grin behind his gravelly voice offered the words in jest. "But I'd be happy to lend my hands where ever they might be needed. I'm a hell of a mechanic and a bit of a handyman from what I hear so I'd be obliged to tinker away at anything around the business that needs fixed." Devon mentioned a volunteer staff. That notion seemed off to Geo for some reason. It was so different to have people at the ready to help the community. A nice change from when he left. As his companion spoke of Utopia Geo found his attention drawn in as he took a sip of water before responding.

"Seems to me like it might have been a decent idea to start with." Holding out a hand Geo paused for a effect. "So much of the issues we are having growing as a species is from trying to grow in the same space as another. I've put a lot of thought into it and it's basic physics. We are trying to occupy space that is already taken up and has been taken up for generations. There's not a spot on this earth that's not in the web of human society. Where's our garden of Eden?" Geo spoke carefully. He had spent a lot of time reflecting on the subject in his isolation.

>> "Seems to be a bit of a blessing. You coming here with no preconceived notions of the dealings of the past gave you a clean look at this place. At least I'd imagine so."

Devon grinned, nodding. “Yeah, certainly,” then he chuckled, “And also a bit of surprise when I got some hard or angry responses about getting volunteers here or the like. But it seems to have worked out well.”

>> "You certainly have my interest piqued Devon. Seems Haven may well be something our kind has been needing. Can't argue with your results."

Another series of nods, “We’re just beginning. We are investing in individuals to help them make positive change for themselves and others while we invest in these different programs. About the only for profit enterprise we have is the Inferno night club. Work hard, party harder.”

>> "I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a...semi-permanent set up. Rubbing elbows with these folk is kind of my bread and butter. Older mutants under this roof made me the man I am today. Sure would like the chance to return the favor."

“Of course, all are welcome. I’m sure you’ll meet other volunteers quickly, including some from Haven. I haven’t seen Aura since the Sanctuary Block Party but she encouraged what we were doing here, gave me a donation to put toward the place, even if the X-Men present were getting a bit twitchy,” Devon made a crooked grin, “But we are open to all, provided they don’t bring violence upon one another so…” He nodded slowly.

Aura was dangerous, but she saw what they had here now: a neutral place, safe for those mutants without a home. Considering the number of children, they didn’t need a faction of any violence present here. Devon had appreciated that conversation.

>> "Fair warning, I do tend to make a bit of a mess but I do my own clean up."

Devon laughed. “I’m sure. We’ve got another terrakinetic resident who might back you up there, and another community member who’s been coming in to train and hang out, so, you’ll be in good company even then.”

>> “…I'm a hell of a mechanic and a bit of a handyman from what I hear so I'd be obliged to tinker away at anything around the business that needs fixed."

It was hard to tell after first meeting the man twenty minutes ago if he were actually suggesting a payout or merely joking, but considering Geo’s earlier comments Devon was amused either way. “Well thank you for the offer, you can certainly put such talents to work here. Check on generator would you? It got a lot of use during the blizzard we had. City didn’t have power for a couple days,” he nodded.

“As for Haven, we aren’t exactly the wining and dining type. We’re inviting those who can truly make a difference and want to, typically already contributors to an improved society: heads of their own volunteer organizations, gifted artists, innovative scholastic academics, and of course the driven political activists whether for GLBT or mutant rights.”

“We want to help further educate, empower, and in ways reward them. The play harder bit, right?” Devon chuckled. While the warm remained in his voice there was a cool suggestion of something else, “These individuals have to care about the goals, improving society by our missions. And there are quite a few different programs targeting different missions.” He nodded once, smiling.

Devon took a sip of his water and then went into Utopia. “But if you want to talk about Utopia, I’m not as sure it was a freedom we wanted as opposed to a freedom pushed upon us,” Devon nodded slowly and took a bite of the cookie. “Oh!” he said pleasantly, “I love butterscotch morsels.”

>> “…Where's our garden of Eden?"

“I’d say it’s wherever we want it to be,” Devon said with a well-meaning smile. “The idea that we have to separate to the ends of the earth didn’t sit right with me. Let alone there were flaws in the idea. What if two mutant parents had a human child? What if a new mutant was born here, left without support until they could come to Utopia? Who would stand up for them or protect them?”

He shook his head, “I allowed Utopia to present during our Block Party last autumn. Some members of Sanctuary were interested and we had to be open to the idea, but I wouldn’t have gone even if I could have benefited their Antarctic climate. Sanctuary without mutants? We’d still want to be that New York fixture, ready to provide a home to those who’d lost theirs.”

“Also, to put it bluntly, I didn’t trust that it wasn’t a plan by those sitting in lofty towers wanting to get all mutants in one location.”

The elemental's face visibly brightened at the mention of Aura. That stabby bit of psycho had been one of his best friends back in the day. Her signing off on the organization held serious weight with him. This place seemed like somewhere he'd like. From the surface this place seemed like everything he had hoped the Sanctuary would be in his absence and then some. Of course he was always one to be weary of putting all their money on face values. At the very least it seemed like there would be some more dirt movers like him to learn a few things off of. Maybe share some tricks of the trade.

"Generator shouldn't be a problem. It'll keep me sane and my hands busy. I'll keep a bug in peoples ears on anything else might need fixing." He'd be happy to do his part to help out around the community the Sanctuary had to offer. If there was one thing that Geo had learned in the past couple years it was living on a limited means. So he really wasn't interested in compensation from the organization. He had enough contacts in New York to keep some spending money in his pockets with mechanic work. What he really wanted was a cause. Something worth fighting for that he could be a part of.

The way Devon spoke about Haven said a lot to the elemental as he listened. There were a lot of gears at work. It seemed like they had their hands in a little bit of everything. On one hand that was an incredible asset when it came to such an organization. On the other hand it was a scary concept where they to turn out to be some boogeyman of some sort.

"Well I'm hear to help whenever I can be of service. Wouldn't mind getting my hands dirty." He rolled his eyes at the unintentional pun. "So to speak. Get some time in and see what you guys are all about. At the very least it never hurts to have an extra pair of hands." Of course he was sure he wasn't going to hop into something of the sort with grandfathered seniority. The Order was dead. This was a Brave New World in front of him and he was a different man than when he had left the city limits last. But you have to start somewhere and there was no shame with starting at the bottom of a new latter. A chuckle came from Geo as his companion exclaimed over the baked goods, inadvertently driving him to grab another.

Devon brought up solid point on the thoughts of Utopia. It was a flawed plan. But there was no play book as to how to survive as a species, they were improving as they went. It was Devon's statement about the Sanctuary that really drove it home for him.

"Safer among their own. Can't knock us out from a computer council if we're at their doorstep...that's a good point." Geo's finger wagged in agreement though his eyes were on the floor. In thought. It would have been an easy way to take care of the mutant 'threat' without making too many waves. "But they certainly won't give us our own free space. And I definitely can't say I like the idea of mutants trying to integrate into the current bureaucracy. The whole flawed hum-...outdated government structure was crumbling far before mutants started showing up."

Devon’s smile brightened when Geo’s did. Aura was a good example of someone from the former Order he’d had a good conversation with. Lori was another though they’d had more than a simple conversation. Devon wasn’t quite sure she liked him, but that was okay. He was pretty sure the thunder put her off more than anything.

Geo helping with the generator was great. Devon and the other volunteers, let alone the rest of the Sanctuary membership – residents or visitors, would benefit from someone sticking around and willing to get dirty. Sometimes things got rather messy at Sanctuary and Devon couldn’t be here all the time. Someone who actually cared and was willing to be here full time? All the better. They needed more like that.

But ah, Utopia.

>> Can't knock us out from a computer council if we're at their doorstep...that's a good point."

Devon nodded, grabbing his water and coming around the desk to fill the glass. He did eagerly though he still caught the elemental man’s glance to the floor. He had concerned thoughts as well. That was good. It didn’t pay to be paranoid but it did pay to consider others’ perspectives. There were many ways to look through a window and a few ways to open it up.

>> “…outdated government structure was crumbling far before mutants started showing up."

“Mmm,” Devon said, lowering the water glass, which was almost empty again. “It’s like people need to get together and start pushing for changes on that front, using that momentum to rebuild the obvious while others construct a foundation for the less visible within.” He grinned and chuckled, “I like it!” He winked a blue eye and finished off the water once more.

He inclined his head, “You and I need to talk more, Geo. But for now, how about we show you that room and get you set up?” His eyes glanced up at the ceiling and then towards the back before finding the floor, “Though it sounds like you wanted something different?”

Devon seemed nonchalant in his brief example of a solid move. Something to give mutants a foothold and build some leverage on the home front. With anyone else that would just be small talk. Big words that carried no weight, like a bunch of rebellious teens talking about overthrowing the government. But the words coming from a man in an actual position of power carried a whole other set of implications. A spark of hope in the system that had come to rule the place he called home. Geo stood in turn as Devon made his way around the table.

"Bait and switch sort of deal? Oh look at what they're doing over there! All the while mutant kind makes a solid move that gets us a foot hold. Better to be on the first step of a latter you want to climb than halfway up one you don't want to be on." It was something he had believed in fully. The system in place was wrong, warped and corrupted. Beyond repair at this point. At first perhaps it was a good idea but years of human nature had corrupted it. Turning into a pale shadow of it's formal self, a mocking system that's founder rolled in their graves.

As Devon started to get usher him towards the door Geo stretched fulled. His toes wiggled against the carpet as he did so. Grabbing his over-sized backpack he stood and made his way back into the lobby.

"Mostly I prefer to sleep with the ground around me. There's a sizable bit of clear space under the courtyard I used to shape my own slice of heaven into." He never had visitors under the Earths surface so he was able to get by with a small bit of cleared space. "Of course it wouldn't hurt to have an actual room on hold. Rain can make it...difficult to move around in the dirt like I wanna sometimes."

>> “…Better to be on the first step of a latter you want to climb than halfway up one you don't want to be on."

Devon grinned and nodded. He was glad Geo saw the effort intended and working. It wasn’t just Devon after all; there were many striving to make change at Sanctuary and at Haven. The truth was that some at Haven were working harder toward those goals for mutants than others, but that didn’t belittle the other humanitarian efforts of the group. There were some things you had to play close to the chest, lest you became a target for others to stop your good efforts.

Geo grabbed his things and Devon led him out into the lobby. He paused as the man described his ease of accommodations. Underground? This guy really did have a mastery of his terrakinesis the other two would benefit from. That was great. He would be so happy to see some proper instruction there. Of course, Devon was always intrigued by mutant abilities and those with an elemental persuasion had a philosophical and certainly personal aspect to him.

>> “…Rain can make it...difficult to move around in the dirt like I wanna sometimes."

Devon chuckled stepping back a moment, “I suppose it would. Well Lisa texted me we’ve got a room ready.” He slipped his phone back into a pocket and nodded his head over to the front desk. A faint grin was on her face as she nodded.

“You can use it when you aren’t underground,” Devon shrugged. “We can get weather alerts pushed to your phone and I’ll text you if it’s about to get stormy outside,” he chuckled again. Gesturing up the stairs Devon led the man to a third floor room meant for longer stays. It shared a bathroom with another room, though it was currently vacant. Bed, dresser, closet, desk, and a view of the back yard. There was a potted plant too.

“And you can peek out the back as necessary if that’s where you plan to enter the ground,” Devon half-stated, half-asked. “I have to admit I’m interested by your abilities. Always fun to talk about them, but I probably go further than most,” he nodded, blushing a bit. “I can ramble, but I like helping train others, think about other applications, talk philosophy, that sort of thing.”

“See, I’m doing it right now,” he chuckled. “Thing this will be good?”

Geo followed behind Devon, happily sauntering down the halls. There were a lot of new faces, kids he'd catch here and there. One gentleman who seemed to share physiology similar to some type of elephant. It was good to be home. His heart sank with each floor as he felt the earth get further way though was pleased to find a potted plant in the room as they arrived. Dirt. It was something.

"This will do wonderfully Devon. Thank you." He said through a large sincere smile. Tossing his bag on the bed he crossed the room to the window and pulled it open. He could just barely feel the ground at the tips of his reach. "I might need to reinforce the bed some. I'm heavier than I look but I won't mess with anything to extensive." The small room felt familiar. Most of the rooms at the sanctuary had. He had depended primarily on the lodging when he was first coming to terms with his powers. Had he fallen asleep touching dirt then who knew what kind of chaos would ensue. His ears perked as Devon started talking about his interests in abilities.

"Nonsense. The arrival of mutants has been an incredible jump in evolution. I tend to be the same when it comes to my abilities." As he lifted his hand a small bit of the soil in the plant sprang to attention at his will. Slowly it floated through the air til it came to a stop just above the elemental's hands. "They used to terrify me. I would cause devastating earthquakes whenever I touched the ground. But with the years of training any bit of dirt, soil or sand might as well be an additional limb." The soil churned above his grasp before compressing into a tightly bound hardened clump of soil. It had seemed the more he came to peace with who he was the more he had gained control of the element.

"Have had a lot of training in the practical application. The Order was fairly adamant about the...efficiency of the mutants under their banner. Problem with controlling an element is the chaotic nature." He cast the clump back into the plant where it landed softly in it's home. Elemental's had always been a fascinating point to Geo. Mostly in part to him being one though he had some interesting interactions in dating women who controlled other elements that roused suspicion.

>> "This will do wonderfully Devon. Thank you."

Devon grinned and nodded, “Quite welcome.” Geo also noted reinforcing the bed for his size. The man was just a bit taller than him but it’s quite possible he was indeed heavier. The mutation might have had something to do with that, perhaps condensed particulate matter? Stronger gravimetric connection to the earth? Earthen muscle powers? Devon gave an appraising glance over Geo in wonder as he spoke.

>> “…Problem with controlling an element is the chaotic nature."

The appraising eye brightened at watching Geo’s manipulation of the dirt. “I figured you’d appreciate the plant,” he smiled. “If you have to be inside. You really need to meet that kid I mentioned. His power erupted suddenly, and caused the same to the park we were at. The forms the ground took actually mirrored his facial expressions and they were pained. We helped him calm and then focus on feeling out slowly.” A small chuckle, “And now we can look back at it and laugh at how much he wrecked up the skate park.”

Devon nodded again, “But I agree completely. Training is important. My abilities are also elemental in nature. I’m atmokinetic. We’ll have to get together and talk shop sometime.” He grinned, glancing outside, “And I’ll be sure to warn you if I see a storm coming.”

Devon had been right. The plant was a nice touch. Without being on the first floor it helped to provide a bit of comfort to the elemental with no solid ground beneath him. Though his interest was taken up by the other earth elemental as Devon described the torment the boy had gone through with his abilities. He could relate. It was a scary thing when you felt no control. He wanted to help the boy, though it was good at least that he had reached some peace.

"I'll make a point to seek him out. Least I can do, I know how scary it can be." Gaining control of the earth for Geo had been like learning a new part of himself. He could only imagine what it was like for the young mutant. Everyone was unique. But if anyone could help him get some control with minimal collateral damage then it was Geo. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that Devon was an elemental himself. Atmokinetic, Geo was fairly certain that meant he worked with air. Atmosphere. Safe enough bet. Scientific terms were far from his strong suit.

"That sounds like a damn good time Devon." Geo spoke whole heatedly. It was truly a fascinating subject and Geo loved to compare notes with whoever he could. "We're polar opposites too. Air and Earth. Be interesting to see how things float from the other side of the elemental spectrum." A hearty laugh escaped Geo's lips as he crossed his arms, turning to fully face Devon. His eyes lit up as a realization washed over him.

"Oh! I get it. Because you must be able to sense weather patterns right?"