Garrett had woken up feeling fairly refreshed, considering the strain of the recent days. His recuperation and his attempt to become a part of the family here was shaky at best, yet he was relatively worry free. Maya had revitalized his sense of hope in her stalwart stance by his side and his own resolve to join the team seemed to grow stronger by the moment. He went through his clothes and found his old friend Walken and the' I Got a Fevah' shirt to be the right kind of mood for him today. Teamed with cut off khakis and some sandals, he had made his way down to Neena's office.

So here he stood. He had come full circle, finding the situation karmically relevant and ironically amusing. He fingered the dart in his pocket, looking at the newly replaced door in front of him. It surely wasn't the door that had landed on him, the door he had slid off his aching body to see the Man in Black facing him. He looked down the hallway and could almost see everyone there again.

He looked up at the dark charred mark on the ceiling where the one boy has burned so brightly. He could see Maya's look of shock as she soundlessly screamed in slow motion at him. He had a bit of a flashback, seeing the hallway speed by as Nika had hauled him through the office behind him and through the window. He remembered most of everything. The particularly cruel parts he tried to ignore.

He planned on ignoring any residual scratches or cuts that Neena had as well. It broke his heart to imagine what he had done to her. Someone so good and pure, who only wanted to help him. Now it was his turn to help. He turned and stood in front of the door, taking a deep breath as he did so. He knocked in a confident manner.

" Neena? Are you there? "

Neena wore one of her trademark t-shirts, this particular one over-sized and sporting a close up of the focused gaze of a falcon, over a pair of faded black jeans. A black baseball cap sat backwards atop her head, and her hair was pulled back in a short ponytail. She had her legs crossed, and one sneakered foot bounced back and forth. Sitting behind her desk in the Office, her pinkie nail clutched firmly between her teeth, she resembled one of the teenaged students of the Institute, moreso than a teacher. And, like a good lot of those students, she was doing her equivalent of cramming for a quiz.

She'd received word not long ago that the Headmistress, Miss Tipper, would be returning soon. Over the past weeks Neena, not being the most organized person in the world, had dutifully filed each New Resident form inside the locked cabinets, as she was supposed to....

..... Conveniently forgetting that the forms needed to be entered into the computer as well. Redundancy to extreme, in her mind. If someone could travel through the shadows and rifle through solid files, couldn't they do the same for computers? Sure the lifeless hunk of plastic and wire has some fancy password protections and 'ham' blocker. Ham.... not ham.... Sham? No.... Junk blocker, whatever. But still, what was to stop a technopath, like Chip, from breaking into the electronic files? Hackers, they were called, right? If someone could get to one or the other sets of files anyway, why keep both?

Neena sighed. Complaining aside, the fact of the matter was that she'd had a lot of homework, teacher-style, to catch up with before Miss Tipper returned. At least the Office had been repaired and cleaned from the late-night attack. New door, new window, and a minimum of new fingerprints.

Her mind wandered slightly, recalling the foreign set of fingerprints she'd finally managed to single out. The set still remained unattached to a name or face, though she would be willing to bet on the face. Hopefully the name would remain unknown for not much longer.

In the meantime....

She sighed and turned back to the computer.

" Neena? Are you there? "

Saved by the knock! Yes!

"Here, but not all there," she replied cheefrully. "C'mon in!"

She grinned when she saw Garrett. She'd seen him around the Mansion numerous times since his release from the Infirmary, but had not managed to catch up with him long enough to do more than exchange pleasantries. He'd been fairly morose as of late. It was understandable, though a bit frustrating. However, his general demeanor as he entered this time hinted at his original, happier, self.

"Well, welcome to the land of the living, m'friend. You look considerably healthier. Are you recovering all right?"

"Here, but not all there," she replied cheerfully. "C'mon in!"

Garrett was already smiling as he opened the door. There she was, a pile of papers in front of her arch nemesis, the computer. He had never mentioned his knowledge of her struggle with all things computer, but seeing her puzzled looks and slow ponderings over the device were clue enough. She seemed to handle computers as if they might explode should she press the wrong button or enter the improper command. He took a seat across from her, casually glancing at the repaired window.

"Well, welcome to the land of the living, m'friend. You look considerably healthier. Are you recovering all right?"

" I am, thank you. It took some serious rehab on my end, but I think I have come out on the other side stronger than before." He chewed on his lip for a moment, looking at the piles of papers and then the back of the monitor. He noticed he had left the door open, so he stood and walked over to it and closed it. As he sat back down, he smiled and said," You know, I know my way around computers pretty well. With your workload as it is, perhaps you might let me do some of the grunt work as far as data entry? It would be my pleasure to help. In fact," He sat down and slipped his sandals off, propping his bare leg up, careful not to poke himself with the dart."helping you and the Mansion residents is precisely why I came here today."

He fished the dart out of his pocket and placed it on the desk in front of her. " I heard you had been investigating the scene of the ...incident. I thought you might like a solid piece of evidence. I'm sorry but it is probably worthless as far as prints. I have been holding it alot. It's been a little comfort to me, reminding me that it was something external that changed me initially. However, there might still be traces of whatever I was injected with in it. Anyway, hope it helps."

"I am, thank you. It took some serious rehab on my end, but I think I have come out on the other side stronger than before."

"Hope I'm still on your good side then," Neena teased, attempting to lighten Garrett's apparent nervousness.

She hoped that his unease didn't stem from worry about her, or possibly what she thought of him. Her physical wounds had healed rather quickly, though she did have a few new scars running around with the multitude of old ones on her arms and legs. And she had no mental ones, as far as he was concerned. Like Ghost, she had quickly realized that Garrett had not been to blame for the late-night attack, despite the nonsense floating among the younger populace. Nonsense that, if it reached her ears, she promptly squashed with extra chores or obstacle course runs.

" You know," he started after returning to his seat, "I know my way around computers pretty well. With your workload as it is, perhaps you might let me do some of the grunt work as far as data entry? It would be my pleasure to help."

She covered her face with both hands and she leaned back in her chair. "You have no idea how tempting that sounds...."

"In fact...."

There was more? She looked back up, peeking through the cracks in her fingers.

"....helping you and the Mansion residents is precisely why I came here today."

"Oh?" Both eyebrows rose in curious inquiry.

" I heard you had been investigating the scene of the ...incident. I thought you might like a solid piece of evidence."

Neena leaned forward as Garrett set the small dart down.

"I'm sorry but it is probably worthless as far as prints. I have been holding it alot."

"No worries, m'friend," she replied, absently brushing away the apology. She picked up the little needle carefully, and held it less than an inch away from her eyes. Her irises took on various light tints as her visions cycled from eye to the next, taking every possible detail of the nasty little poker.

"It's been a little comfort to me, reminding me that it was something external that changed me initially. However, there might still be traces of whatever I was injected with in it. Anyway, hope it helps."

She looked up at him over the top of the sharp needle, one eye slightly purple and the other yellow. She held his gaze for a brief moment.

"Thank you, Garrett. It helps a lot." Carefully, she set the tiny weapon aside, and blinked back to her normal white gaze.

"I'd like to think I know you well enough to know something else is gnawing at your mind." She tilted her head. "Care to share? I've been told I have big ears. May as well put 'em to use, right."

Whatever change he'd gone through right after the attack, Neena couldn't peg it down now. The DocProf had warned her that there might be some major mental trauma resulting from it. But the young man sitting in front of her simply appeared a bit nervous, not traumatized. That in itself was a victory over Mr. Shadow Jumper, and whoever had given him his orders. Neena was looking forward to tossing that in the face behind this mess, a face that had slowly been taking shape recently.

Garrett smiled as Neena seemed relieved at the idea of someone taking some of her workload off, especially in the realm of computer science."You have no idea how tempting that sounds...."He nodded and continued speaking about his intentions. She had covered her face in relief and was now peeking through her fingers at his mention of further aid to her and the residents. When he handed her the dart, she probed it with her fingers and brought it up to her face. Garrett was delighted as a child might be a her eyes switched colors, undoubtedly switching through spectrums at the composition of the dart. She then smiled and thanked him for the aid, which pleased him.

"I'd like to think I know you well enough to know something else is gnawing at your mind[" Garrett smiled knowingly as she tilted her head. "Care to share? I've been told I have big ears. May as well put 'em to use, right." He took a deep breath as he prepared to take one of his greatest steps forward. He hadn't necessarily practiced what he was going to say, but rather had thought of the topic for some time now, especially in the presence of dear Maya." Of course. I do have more to say. " He stood from the chair and walked over to the window, staring out at the grounds.

" Ever since I first came here, one thing has always been apparent to me. You are the heart and soul of the Mansion. Without your constant vigilance over the children and your tireless efforts to keep the day to day business running, this place would slowly unwind and fall apart. Many of the kids and even the adults go on about their business, seemingly oblivious to your efforts, but not me. I want to help you in any way that I can. However, the choices and decisions I have made only take part of this into account." He turned to her, the look of interest and concern only bolstering him to continue." The night of the incident. That man in black broke in easily. I wouldn't be surprised if he found it as a surprise himself. The children sleeping, Maya floating around freely, it just gives me a sickening chill to imagine if it had been someone on a different and more violent kind of mission."

He began slowly pacing, his look of concern driving his speech." Don't get me wrong. I have seen you on the roof before, watching. But you are only one person. I know also there are a few cameras and the gates, but I could probably hop the wall myself on an alternate side of the property if I wanted to circumvent those things. I merely think that we should increase security. I will gladly help you in any way to help implement a plan." He stopped his pacing and took his seat once more a the true reasoning behind the other reasons came to his throat, waiting for release.

He looked Neena directly in the eyes, no doubt his purpose becoming him. " The best way for me to accomplish my goals is to tell you my ultimate goal. I wish to remain here permanently and join the X-Men. If there is an actual team i haven't seen it. It seems that things are a bit chaotic and you, no, everyone here could use someone who is ready to step up and help take the burden of the workload. I am sure I need to train my abilities, but beyond that, I need to learn about leadership and responsibility. I believe this is the path for me. I believe that this is the course of the stream of Tao that brought me to the gates in the first place." He stopped talking for a moment, nodding in agreement with himself that he indeed meant every word. It felt good to be honest.

" Hope that wasn't too large a load for your ears. They aren't that big, anyway." He winked and smiled at his good friend.

" Of course. I do have more to say. "

Indeed he did, amidst a bout of pacing.

Neena listened quietly while Garrett spoke, without interrupting. His remark about her being 'the heart and soul' of the Mansion curious. The Mansion residents were her family, and she simply treated them as such, which could include everything from helping them deal with their mutations, each other and the outside world. To Neena's way of thinking, family was defined by that, not by blood.

She frowned when he mentioned the ease with which their shadowy intruder had entered. The man had a way to jump through shadows, which was near impossible to counter. But Garrett's point was valid. What had happened that night was awful, but it could have been much, much worse.

The walking ceased as he took his seat. The fact that he held her gaze without wavering spoke of his comfort in her presence; usually her white-eyed stare put people off, even her friends. Considering the general suspicion from the younger kids he'd had to deal with lately, she considered this a very positive improvement.

"I wish to remain here permanently and join the X-Men."

Neena's head tilted a bit further at his statement, her equivalent of surprise.

He paused long enough to take a breath. "Hope that wasn't too large a load for your ears. They aren't that big, anyway."

An amused smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she scratched at one ear. "Oh, good. I was worried there for a bit," she teased back.

She leaned forward, cupped both hands, and settled her chin into them.

"First off, it's good to have you back, Garrett," she smiled back at him. "And second, I'd be grateful for any help you can offer, in any way."

She inhaled deeply and let it out. "You're bang on target with the security here. It stinks," she stated bluntly. "The gates are connected to motion detectors in the War Room and Danger Room, along with thermal and night sensors. Anyone coming up registers with the computers and records it. The gates have cameras, and there are cameras hidden all along the estate walls, also tied into the computer. But cameras and gates are useless against teleporters, which your attacker seeminly was, in some way, not to mention a slew of other mutations. And that's where the difficulty lies. Short of building a dome overhead, there's not a whole lot that can keep these kids in or intruders out. But I'm open to any possible suggestions. As for the Xmen...."

She stuck her pinkie nail in her mouth and paused before continuing in a neutral voice.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do?"

She would love to have him join. Having twice been on the receiving end of his mutation's fury, she did not wish to be there a third time unprovoked. She also knew how effective he could be in a fight, both defensively and offensively. Whatever trauma he'd gone through as a result of the attack seemed to have given him focus, and the team needed that.

But she wanted to be sure that this was his decision, and his alone.

Neena seemed to take his monologue in quite well. She was an excellent listener, regardless of the size of her ears. She welcomed him back and accepted his offer for help. Everything was going splendidly."You're bang on target with the security here. It stinks," she stated bluntly. "The gates are connected to motion detectors in the War Room and Danger Room, along with thermal and night sensors. Anyone coming up registers with the computers and records it. The gates have cameras, and there are cameras hidden all along the estate walls, also tied into the computer. But cameras and gates are useless against teleporters, which your attacker seeminly was, in some way, not to mention a slew of other mutations. And that's where the difficulty lies. Short of building a dome overhead, there's not a whole lot that can keep these kids in or intruders out. But I'm open to any possible suggestions."

Garrett listened in equal measure. He had no idea about the hidden cameras or the passive detection systems linked to the Danger Room or War Room. In fact, he had no idea there was a War Room. Her allowance of its mention was a good indicator of his wish to join the team being granted. " Well, I can understand about the active defenses. I didn't realize that the intruder was a teleporter. As you might suspect, the details after the injection are both clear and hazy all at the same time. However, we residents are the primary and best defense. Perhaps if the X-Men and the trainees had some sort of communicator device that we could link to each other on and was simultaneously tied into hese passive defenses, we could be alerted to events occurring here and come running. Just something to think about."

Her telltale indicator of deep thought appeared as the pinkie slid into her lips."As for the Xmen....are you sure that's what you want to do?" It was perfectly understandable that she would ask this question. She hadn't been with him lately as he worked so hard to purge himself of the demon and his fears. She hadn't felt his longing for change and the betterment of things. So, she could also not feel the desire he had or its genuine quality." Yes, Neena. I know this isn't a decision to be taken lightly. My gift is a strong one and I know I must learn how to use it properly. This is the only way for me to do so. I came from nothing. When I got that leaflet from Raina a few months ago, I knew in my heart what it meant. Unfortunately, it took much pondering and a near fatal run in with a teleporter to make it become realized. I want to be someone people not only do not fear, but look up to. "



.

" Well, I can understand about the active defenses. I didn't realize that the intruder was a teleporter. As you might suspect, the details after the injection are both clear and hazy all at the same time. However, we residents are the primary and best defense. Perhaps if the X-Men and the trainees had some sort of communicator device that we could link to each other on and was simultaneously tied into hese passive defenses, we could be alerted to events occurring here and come running. Just something to think about."

Neena's glance unfocused for a moment. The teachers had cellphones that were connected with the gate and room intercoms. Could they be turned into something comic-bookish for the team? Like a wrist communicator or something? She'd have to talk to Tricity about it. And maybe Chip.

In regards to his decision, she could see he was firm.

" Yes, Neena. I know this isn't a decision to be taken lightly. My gift is a strong one and I know I must learn how to use it properly. This is the only way for me to do so. I came from nothing. When I got that leaflet from Raina a few months ago, I knew in my heart what it meant. Unfortunately, it took much pondering and a near fatal run in with a teleporter to make it become realized. I want to be someone people not only do not fear, but look up to. "

"Nothing like a near-death experience or two to clear up a few things in life." The tone of her statement indicated experience behind it.

With another sigh, she sat up straighter in her chair, and stretched her arms out in a kind of 'that's that' gesture.

"All right then. Consider yourself drafted, m'friend." She smiled at him, and held out her hand. "Perfect timing, too. I got word that Tricity is on her way back from vacation. As the official leader of the Xmen, I'm sure she'll want to have a regrouping meeting when she gets back. The team is quite small at the moment, but it will be the perfect opportunity for you to meet everyone officially, though you know most of them already."

"Nothing like a near-death experience or two to clear up a few things in life." Garrett nodded in agreement, smiling as he felt the next words coming from her as they left her lips."All right then. Consider yourself drafted, m'friend." She smiled at him, and held out her hand. "Perfect timing, too. I got word that Tricity is on her way back from vacation. As the official leader of the Xmen, I'm sure she'll want to have a regrouping meeting when she gets back. The team is quite small at the moment, but it will be the perfect opportunity for you to meet everyone officially, though you know most of them already."

Garrett stood and returned the handshake firmly, smiling. " Thanks, Neena. So, Tricity's returning? That's quite a boost indeed." He released her hand and stood up straight."I look forward to meeting everyone officially and getting on with things. Perhaps I could start now? I'd be happy to get started on those files for you, if you like. Or perhaps you have some tasks for me? I enjoy having tasks to fulfill and I know you have plenty to do before Tricity arrives."

" Thanks, Neena. So, Tricity's returning? That's quite a boost indeed."

I'm hoping so," she replied eagerly. "The longer-termed students have missed her, I know. And I'm sure they're ready to have me off of their case."

"I look forward to meeting everyone officially and getting on with things. Perhaps I could start now? I'd be happy to get started on those files for you, if you like. Or perhaps you have some tasks for me? I enjoy having tasks to fulfill and I know you have plenty to do before Tricity arrives."

A grimace wormed its way onto her face. With her current attire, she slipped back into the 'procrastinating student' persona.

"Unfortunately. Never was one for homework...." she grumbled.

"But, if you're offering, I'm not going to say no. Messing with this box of bolts may be the one thing that makes me feel my age." She glared at the lifeless screen, then waved Garrett over.

"It's an exercise in redundancy. The student files need to be entered into the computer database. A simple task made annoying by something not even alive. Mankind's crowning glory." She shook her head, and stood up for him to take her place.

"I'm hoping so," she replied eagerly. "The longer-termed students have missed her, I know. And I'm sure they're ready to have me off of their case." Garrett rolled his eyes as he walked around the desk to her side. "Come on , surely you aren't that bad. I don't recall you ever being on my case.So what's going on here? He leaned over her shoulder, perusing the system on the screen. Didn't seem to difficult.

"It's an exercise in redundancy. The student files need to be entered into the computer database. A simple task made annoying by something not even alive. Mankind's crowning glory." She shook her head, and stood up for him to take her place. Garrett made no false impression of his joy at sitting behind her desk. He wrote Mr. Wills on a post it and stuck it over her name on the little name plate on the front of her desk, stifling a giggle. He opened up the first file on the top of the stack and his fingers began speedily clickety clacking along. " Yeah this is no problem at all. Perhaps you want to try sitting on the other side? Tell Mr. Wills your problems?" He winced in case he got a smack for it.

Neena resisted the urge to flick Garrett on the back of the head, when he slid easily into the task that had caused her so much grief.

" Yeah this is no problem at all. Perhaps you want to try sitting on the other side? Tell Mr. Wills your problems?"

"Jealousy," she replied with a good-natured snort, indicating his quick typing. While he filled in the blank spots on the lifeless monitor, she took the completed files to the cabinet, and stuck them in their proper places. Idly she considered the possibility of installing electronic locks on the drawers as well.