"Thank you and have a great day" Tasean said before hanging up the phone.

This time he had been on the phone for two and a half hours, a full forty-five minutes of that spent listening to the Beef It's What's for Dinner song on repeat. The last hour and fifteen minutes was spent begging and pleading for funding for this agency. He got the money, a pledge of seventy-fivethousand dollars to be received within fourteen business days, and a promise of more funding if Tasean could get the project off the ground. It was just that Tasean felt so low, going to these companies with hat in hand and so humble, was not something he was used too. It was something he felt he had to do though. Ever since meeting Andrew, Tasean had been researching the lives and livelihood of mutants, and the numbers astounded him. So many mutants, especially those with visible mutations, where unemployed or barely making it. Many were homeless, even shunned. The Southerner in Tasean was mad, the mutant in Tasean was pissed, but the Social Worker in him was resolved to do something. And that was how the the first Mutant Social Services Agency was born.

Getting all the paperwork done had been a breeze, getting a space was no problem. Getting funding and support however had been a real issue. Almost every company had said no up to this point. Even with the tax write off most companies simply didn't want to touch an agency that dealt exclusively with mutants. Some others seemed like they were more interested in buying mutants than actually supporting the cause of the organization. A few had pledged money, and it would be enough in the beginning, but Tasean knew he had to get the bodies in here to help him with the work, and show results if he wanted to keep this dream alive.

Tasean stood up and walked to the door of his small office to look at the entirety of the office space. He was on the twenty-first floor of the office building, on a twelve month lease. The first sixth months were paid for out of his own pocket, from the trust left to him by his deceased parents. The next six would come from donations and pledged money. He didn't have the entire floor though, across the hall was the headquarters for some sort of maid service. Tasean saw some of the girls who were supposed to be maids, and quickly decided none of them had ever seen a feather duster or vacuum a day in their lives. Way too perky and entirely too pretty, they were cleaning something, but it was definitely not the kitchen counters.

He surveyed his space, with the small meeting room, the two other cramped offices beside his own, a nice size sitting area with an actually quite nice receptionist desk. Tasean did his best to decorate the place, with pictures and fresh flowers from a florist friend. There were magazines of all types everywhere, many of which had addresses that belonged to other offices in the building. As soon as Tasean was able too he would update the furniture and get a better phone and computer system. Currently he was 'borrowing' internet from some company called Gracies in the building.

Tasean turned away from the empty and rather depressing scene and went back into his office. He sat down in his chair behind his mahogany desk, the only piece of furniture that was new and classy in the office, sighed and then slammed his head on the desk.

"I need help" he mumbled into the dark wooden desk

He sincerely hoped that one of the many ads he had placed in every newspaper and online job searching agency he could find asking for help and volunteers would be answered, and soon.

The loud ringing of the phone knocked Tasean out of his stupor and slow spiral into depression. He cleared his throat before picking up the receiver and placing it next to his ear.

"Thank you for calling Mutant Social Services, this is Tasean Walker, how can I help you" he said, getting settling back into professional mode.

"Mr. Walker. This is Security, we wanted to let you know we have a little situation outside, and we are locking the elevator to your level. Don't worry though sir, we have everything under control" the old security guard from the front desk said before promptly hanging up.

Tasean looked at the phone in confusion before hanging up, wondering what was going on. He was about to call back downstairs before he heard a slight knock at his door. He looked up to see two of the scantily dressed 'maids' from across the hall at his door starring hard at his window.

"Hey. Didn't mean to disturb ya, but there is like some sort of gang or something downstairs, and we can't see from our side of the building" the tall, definitely unnatural flaming red head said, looking at the large window behind Tasean.

Tasean arched an eyebrow at the two women, especially the shorter brunette who looked at Tasean as if she smelled rotten eggs.

"What the...." Tasean said, pushing away from his desk and standing up to look out the window. As if that was their invitation to join him, the two women came to look down out of the window as well. From this floor Tasean could only see a gathering of people, some holding signs, many pointing at the building as security barred them from entering. As they watched, two news vans pulled up a little ways away from the ever increasing crowd.

"What in Gods name is going on down there?" Tasean thought to himself. "Only one way to found out, since I'm stuck up here until the unlock the elevator"

Tasean looked at booth women, but they were too busy trying hard to ascertain what was happening. Tasean looked down as well, just to keep up appearances. Instead of looking with his eyes however he used his abilities to send his consciousness flying down the building on waves of light. If the two women would've looked Tasean at the face, they might have noticed the far away look in his eyes, or the multitude of colors racing across his irises. From the twenty-first floor to the first floor his mind raced until it 'hovered' within the crowd. The brainwave activity alone let Tasean know these people weren't here to pass out the latest edition of The Watchtower. He allowed the light waves to entered into his mind, and a clear 3-D picture formed. These people were angry at something. Tasean couldn't hear a word, but he 'saw' the tension in their faces, the balled fists and mouths open way to far to be simply speaking in normal tones. Many of their signs were hastily made, written in pen or black ink on cardboard and Tasean could not differ the rebounding light waves enough to read the signs but one sign, written in blood red paint on a white poster board Tasean could read perfectly. "NO MUTANTS!"

The shock of reading that sign sent Tasean's consciousness reeling back into his body with an almost physical force.

"ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS!" he exclaimed, catching both women by surprise. They starred at him, the brunette with open hostility before scrambling back away from him and out of the office. At the last possible moment the brown haired woman turned back towards Tasean, her voice dripping with venom.

"How about you leave our building. Soon" she said, turning on her heels and slamming the door to Tasean's office behind her.

Tasean stared after her, and then ran to the door and opened it, yelling at her retreating back. "How about you get a REAL job STREETWALKER!" and then slammed the door again.

"What have I just stepped in?" he asked the ceiling.

Andrew had full out grinned when he'd seen the ad in the papers. A mutant version of Social Services? There was only one person he could connect to that and the very idea made Andrew grin. Sure he'd figured that exposing Tasean to the Mansion and the ideas behind it couldn't hurt. The most he'd hoped for though was having the man direct a few mutant kids over to the Mansion during his work.This was on a level far and beyond what he'd been expecting and Andrew was quite willing to support the man.

"After all, I'm pretty good at paperwork now." he said under his breath with a smirk.

The sidewalks were packed as Andrew made his way to the office building that the ad had mentioned. Not to mention Andrew thought he heard chanting of some type. Andrew frowned and moved a bit faster. Chanting and anything mutant was never good. At least, not usually. Rounding the corner, Andrew saw the telltale mob and his heart sank. He'd thought as much but to have his suspicions of an anti-mutant demonstration proved true was disappointing. Why did humans continually manage to go beyond even the lowest standards you set for them? Andrew tried not to hate them but sometimes they made it very difficult. Especially since this group was a threat to his friend.

Speaking of which the group didn't seem to be violent and he didn't notice Tasean in amongst them. That was good. At least the man was safe for now. Of course it wouldn't stay that way and there was no way he was going to let Tasean face them alone. Andrew moved on ahead. He picked his way around the gathered crowd in a circuitous route toward the doors. By some manner of luck he made it to the doors before anyone stopped him. A well dressed man with the look of a businessman grabbed Andrew by the shoulder.

"You some kind of mutant-lover?!" the man demanded, "Because this building is full of them and if you're going in there then you're one too!"

Andrew kept a firm grip on his temper. These sorts of people infuriated him but there were too many for him to risk a fight. He just jerked his shoulder out of the man's grasp, fixed him with a glare, and moved to enter the building. Thankfully the there was security barring entrance. Not so thankfully the held Andrew back and questioned him as to why he wanted to enter the building. After a brief conversation over the radio he was allowed through but told to wait there in the lobby area until they could call up to Tasean and ensure that he wasn't some screwball working with the crowd.

Tasean glared at the phone.

"What...a meteor headed straight for my office now?" He snapped at the ringing telephone.

Tasean seriously thought about just letting the thing ring. He wasn't in the mood to help anyone, and he definitely didn't want to hear about those idiots downstairs. With an exasperated sigh he walked to the desk and picked up the phone.

"Thank you for calling.....what? Who?" he listened as the security guard explained.

"We have a Mr. Andrew downstairs, says he knows you." the security guard said.

"Oh thank God!" Tasean thought to himself, to the security guard he simply said. "Yes please let him up." and hung up the phone.

Tears threatened to spill out of the corners of Tasean's eyes. He expected some opposition to his agency, but this was more than he had bargained for. What Tasean needed most right now was a familiar and friendly face to help keep him sane and get some perspective on the situation. How Andrew knew to show up at that precise moment he had no idea, but he thanked every deity he could think of off hand.

Tasean wiped his eyes as his moved towards the entrance to the office space. He didn't want Andrew running into that nasty brunette from across the hall. If she said anything to Andrew, Tasean wasn't sure he would be able to control himself and not try and seriously hurt that girl.

After a few minutes of waiting around with security people they finally told him he could go on up. The wouldn't unlock the elevator for him but that was fine. Sure the stairs would be a long haul but Andrew just shrugged and went with it. It wasn't as though he was out of shape. So up the stairs he went.

And up.

And up.

Tasean's office was on the twenty first floor. That was a lot of floors to climb. He was somewhat winded by the time he exited the stairwell on the twenty first floor. The hallways were the province of the building gossips at the moment. Work was forgotten in favor talking about the 'damn mutant' that had brought this demonstration down on the building and inconvenienced them. Andrew glared at them as he passed. He wouldn't say anything since he didn't want to start any fights. But they were dancing the flamenco on his nerves. It wasn't as though he or Tasean looked any different from them anyway!

Andrew finally arrived at the door of Tasean's office to see the man in question on the other side of the door through the glass. Andrew smiled at him, though it was lacking any real brightness. As he entered the office he thought he was being watched. Turning he saw a brunette in a mockery of a maid outfit glaring at him and Tasean. Andrew just shook his head and closed the door.

"Hey Tasean." Andrew sighed, "You know I meant to come down here to lend you a hand with this. I'm glad I came now. Can't let you face those idiots downstairs by yourself."

Tasean stared at Andrew for a long moment. The tears he had just wiped away threatening to spill over once again. Tasean already considered Andrew a friend, but now he looked at him a totally different light. Once again he wiped his eyes, this time however a few tears spilled over and ran slowly down Tasean's face before he caught them too.

"......Thanks Andrew" Tasean said a little choked up.

Tasean turned quickly from Andrew, trying to compose himself. He walked to the one couch in the sitting area, and slumped across it, burying his head in the pillow and yelling into it.

After a few minutes of repeating yelling and heavy breathing, Tasean sat up and looked at Andrew.

"So I guess you saw my crowd of screaming fans downstairs huh?" he asked, trying hard to make a joke, trying hard to make himself laugh.

If Andrew had been inclined to forgive the people down below for their protesting before that inclination was squashed once he got through the door and saw how it had affected Tasean. Tasean was a good person. He had to be to choose the line of work that he had. However Andrew had noticed a few times that he was a little naive about how low people could stoop. The protests below had taken their toll on the kind-hearted man and had brought him to tears. None of this was right or good at all but seeing Tasean's reaction brought his anger up to another level entirely.

In some ways he could understand why the humans did what they did to them. In others however they continually earned his ire. Andrew stayed fixed at the door as Tasean dealt with his tears. Minutes passed and though Andrew wanted to comfort his friend he stayed fixed in place by anger. However instead of unleashing his emotions he buried them where they wouldn't get in the way. His practice sessions over the next couple of days were bound to be more intense than usual as a result. It was a small price to pay. He'd rather bottle it all up than accidentally hurt a friend.

Speaking of which Tasean looked to have gotten himself at least partially under control. The man sat up and cracked a joke. Andrew smiled grimly at the attempted levity. They both knew that there would be no laughter today. The crowd outside was a reminder of their place in the world and it was a bitter pill. Andrew walked over to the couch in the sparse office space that Tasean had and sat with him. Andrew was quite proud to call someone like Tasean his friend and as such would do what he could for the man. He prefaced his next statement with a weak smile.

"Yeah, you didn't tell me you were a celebrity."

Tasean looked at Andrew a small genuine smile creeping across his face. He definitely appreciated the attempt that Andrew made, but he could tell, Andrew was definitely not in a joking mood. Tasean sighed, leaning back on the couch and looking up at the ceiling.

"What am I doing Andrew?" Tasean asked. "I mean honestly, I knew there would be some problems....but this? How am I suppose to compete with that sea of stupidity down there?" he said.

Tasean leaned forward, looking at the window he had come away from just minutes before. "I'm a country boy, in the big city. The only protesters I've ever dealt with are those idiots who show up at the Pride parade, and they are nothing compared to those people downstairs." he said before turning to look Andrew directly in the face. "What the hell am I doing?" [/colo]he asked in all seriousness.

Now Tasean was questioning what he'd chosen to do. It was enough to make Andrew wish he had a power that would let him get rid of those fools. To make someone like Tasean question the goal he'd set for himself, it wasn't right at all.

"You're doing something important Tasean. That's what you're doing. Those people down there are daunting but they aren't the worst of it. I'd rather they stay out front with their signs and chants than walk in here without them and kill you. They are hateful and ignorant but at least they aren't trying to hurt you"

Andrew leaned back in his seat on the sofa.

"You've got a great idea here. Like most great ideas you're going to have to be prepared to defend it. Of course I'll help out whenever I can." he sighed, "Eventually humans will either learn to live with us. They've done it before. Until then we survive and do what we can to help out."

He hauled himself to his feet and walked over to the windows to look down at what he could see of the crowd.

"Honestly these folks are just like the people at the Pride parade if you ask me. Ignorant, bigoted, and fearful of that they don't understand. It's just that with mutants they do have a little justification since we've got powers they don't and some of us use those powers to hurt them."

Tasean sighed as he stood up and walked back to the window standing beside Andrew.

"You're right Andrew. They are just a bunch of....." his voice trailed off as the commotion on the grounds outside of the building seemed to take a more frenzied element.

"What is going on now..." he said, once again using his mutant ability to get a closer look. His eyes unfocused and took that far away look again as a multitude of colors darted across his irises.

His mind slipped down the light outside of his window down to the first floor. The scene he got this time was much more hectic, and a lot more serious than before. One security guard, the old man lay on the floor, a nasty cut on his forehead. Two others were currently in grappling contest with some of the protesters, while five other protesters slipped past the now failed blockade into the building lobby. Tasean's mind followed them long enough to see them reading the office building directory before his consciousness flew with all speed back up the side of the building, and into Tasean's body. He turned to Andrew a bit of fear, but a lot of anger in his eyes as the focused once again.

"Looks like we may have some company" he said.

Tasean was not a fighter, not professionally nor in demeanor, but he wasn't afraid to fight. He just really didn't want to, especially not in this office. And he definitely did not want Andrew getting hurt either.

As Andrew watched and Tasean agreed with him the crowd below seemed to whip itself into a frenzy. Glancing over at Tasean Andrew noticed his eyes and remembered Tasean's power. He was probably trying to find out what was happening at that very moment. When the man looked at him with fear and anger in his eyes Andrew didn't even need to hear his words to know that they were in for guests. Andrew frowned.

"We lock the door and get on the phone to the cops. With luck they won't get through before the cops get here. Did you happen to see how many?"

With that said Andrew began looking around for anything that could be used as a makeshift weapon. He was sure that a professional could probably improvise a dozen weapons from standard office supplies. He on the other hand couldn't and he wanted to have something on hand in case they got through. As he did so he moved across the the office space to the door and locked it. He'd leave the phone call to Tasean. There were a few things in here that could be used to barricade the door and buy them more time. Namely the desk and the sofa.

The desk would be the better choice since it looked hefty. Andrew headed to the desk and shoved the various items off of it, taking care with the phone. It would be a mess for Tasean to clean up later but if they could get it in front of the door in time it would be a decent way of helping keep people out.

"Change in plan. First we move the desk in front of the door to help keep them out. Then we call the cops."

Aura had heard this place was opening and read about the planned mass protests against the office. Aura ahd made sure to get a sanctuary endorsed check for donation to the office. She had wanted to be here, just in case something happened. It Would boost sanctuary's reputation. It was noted for taking in homeless and sometimes mutants with questionable backgrounds. Few however knew what sanctuary really hid, the Order. Aura was just suppose to deliver the check. But even she could hear the chanting outside. Aura balled her fists and her aura quickly covered her body. "Human sc....."she started and looked around thinking better of it.

Then things got much worse, Aura heard them much before she saw them come up the last flight of stairs they needed.. Standing she looked at the dozen protesters who had managed to make it up the flights of stairs. Some of them had sign's though Aura saw little in the way of weapons. With a sigh, Aura slipped the envelope into her pack. These animals needed a quick lessen and she had no idea if anyone in this place could even fight. Worse her cell got no reception in the place, so she was on her own.

Aura smiled as her Aura coverd her body, some of the protesters were backing away and she had only just made it solid. "Leave this place" She said sternly, even as the aura around both her hand's formed into a hammer and a sword. Aura then heard several anti mutant terms that made her want to skin these humans alive. Aura held her ground, no one had gotten brave but they would and they were getting louder. "You will not pass" she said loudly taking a combat stance., watching the growing crowd

Tasean stood there for a moment, in total shock. He heard Andrew talking to him, but it was like there was some sort of disconnect between his brain and the rest of his body. Those people were coming up to do him harm, simply because he was a mutant. That was just as stupid as attacking someone because they were a different race. Tasean could not believe this was happening to him.

When Andrew pushed the items off of the desk, the noise of their landing on the floor broke Tasean out of his trance. He looked at Andrew, preparing to help and growled in frustration. He loosened his tie, and went over to help his friend push the desk in front of the office door.

"Five..there were five guys" Tasean said belatedly.

Once the door was in place, Tasean picked up the phone, dialing 911. He held the receiver to his ear with his neck as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. If it was a fight those idiots wanted, they were definitely going to get everything they asked for. They wouldn't have an easy task of destroying this office.

"Only in New York does 911 ring more than twice!" Tasean snapped, still waiting for someone to pick up on the other end before he heard some kind of commotion outside the office.

He peeked around the door, trying to see what was going on. All he could make out was a girl with a sword and a hammer in her hand....and both were pink. Tasean wanted to see what was going on, but using his ability left him unable to control his body and he didn't want to leave himself defenseless.

"Andrew....who is light saber Sally out there?" Tasean asked, hanging up the phone just as someone on the other end picked up.

There were supposedly five guys but the crowd he heard outside sounded like more than that. While Tasean dialed 911 and groused about them not answering Andrew stayed at the door and watched the hallway. There was someone there, standing in front of the door. A girl and boy was it obvious she was a mutant. A sword and a hammer extended from her hands as she told the group of fools that they wouldn't pass. Tasean spoke exactly what was on Andrew's mind.

"I've got no idea Tasean. I don't know her but I don't think we have to worry about the protesters anymore."

With someone with that sort of power about Andrew felt much better about their odds. The anger that he'd pushed back earlier made itself known for a moment and Andrew turned away from the window to look at Tasean.

"You wanna go help make sure those idiots don't touch this place?"

Andrew moved to the side and hauled one end of the desk away from the door just enough to allow passage out into the hallway that would soon become a battlefield and he unlocked the door.

"I'm not about to stand idly by today. They are attacking and we've got help."

With that Andrew walked out into the hallway and took a stance beside the girl with the energy weaponry.

"I'm not about to let you morons touch this place or anyone inside."

Aura was almost growling now, every fiber in her body was tense, it knew a fight was thare. Already she had mentally considered several ways she could have killed the protesters. When one man did get brave aura merely pointed her sword and he fell back looking at his friends. It would be so easy to just kill them all she thought to herself, her eyes looking down at their necks. One good slash would be all it would take.

"hello friend, it seems the office is quite popular today" she said, batting away something thrown at her which she thought was a small rock. She took a few steps away from Andrew to cover the room a bit better. Holding up her sword, she smiled as she turned the blade into a chainsaw like form, letting then collapse back into her Aura she formed a drill, then finally formed it into a second hammer. It was an excercize Aura was doing to feel calm. "Humans" she said with a clear tonne of hatred.

"My name is Aura, i had come with a check, but it looks like i might get to dance as well" she said happily. Aura took her eyes away from the vitals and looked at her new found friend. "Any other mutants in this place?" she asked casually, not caring about any stray humans that might have been nearbye. She was noting how quickly this could get real ugly, she ha dno idea what her new partner could do.