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>>"You're right...Of course you're right. It's hard not to look up to people like you, though."

They did what they could. They had to be happy with that. As much as Jorge liked to be able to help people, as much as he wanted to be the hero, there were times where he needed to remember that there was only so much that he could do. Now was one of those times; and they were words that Ghost needed to hear too. They weren’t gods, for as amazing as their abilities. They may be able to move the elements like some higher power, but at the end of the day, they were just as human as anyone else.

He smirked, rolling his eyes a little a Ghost’s playful comment. ”Well, that’s your own fault for being shorter than me.” He grinned sassily. Once the last person was off, the watermancer breathed a sigh. It was time to get the harder work done. He just wished that he felt...better.

Jorge didn’t feel right. He felt a little...off. But considering how much work he did out in the field, he wasn’t 100% surprised by that notion either. Moving so much water tended to leave the man confused and drain. With him trying to clear out entire neighborhoods in order to find any stragglers, it was no wonder. Yeah, he was just tired. But it wasn’t his own safety that he was worry about right now, it was his partner’s. Ghost was always so peppy but right now she looked utterly exhausted.

>>"I'm okay...I'll be okay-er after a week in bed and a good, hot shower. But this is a need we have to fill now. No sense in blowing it just 'cause I'm out of shape."

He was still concerned but he knew better than to stand up to Maya’s determination. She wanted to keep pushing forward, then so be it. Turning on his heel, he led the way to the cargo hold where they could start unloading supplies.

The work was laborious but it wasn’t anything that Jorge was not used to. Then again, after only moving a couple of boxes, already Jorge could feel that he was starting to get out of breath. Jeez, maybe he did move more water than he should? With a sigh he picked up his bottle of water and took a long sip. He was going to have to consume a lot to replenish everything that was used up while he was working. Jeez, maybe he was getting old. But while Jorge would have liked to continue on without any hint to his slowing body, Ghost had always been an observant one.

>>"What about you, old man? Losing steam?"

He snorted as he took a final swig of water and picked up the two boxes of supplies that he had stacked in preparation for the move. ”I should arrest you for that pun, you know that?”

Another shared smile and he followed Ghost off the plane and towards the stadium where the masses were waiting for some kind of relief to the terrible situation their lives had become.

>>"Once more into the fray..."

The both of them were greeted by a few suspicious looks but the majority of them seemed to immediately take note of the symbols upon their attire. Even though Jorge didn’t wear the full regalia, the specialized jacket with the X-Symbol on the chest was enough for people to understand. He wasn’t here in the capacity of a cop, but as a hero. While that partially made him uncomfortable, if that was what he needed to do to keep on the good side of the masses, then so be it. He only hoped he had enough strength to make it to the end of this day.

While Ghost went to assist in the food lines, Jorge had volunteered to head out to the the group and pass out blanket and toiletry kits. After handing off a few blankets and toothbrush kits, Jorge stopped as he smiled to a pair of young kids that had been following him. He was so surprised by them that he almost jumped when he didn’t notice that they were behind him. Smiling, he knelt down and offered them a toy ball, one of the few toys that were being passed out to the kids, before he straightened up with a sigh.

Jorge was about to return to his work when something finally occurred to him -- they snuck up on him. Confusion flashed across his features as he absentmindedly handed off the last blanket and then turned his gaze to the area. He stood there, staring, eyes shifting from person to person before he just closed them. A few soft breathes and the man suddenly opened his eyes and shook his head.

No. He couldn’t feel them. He couldn’t see them...via their water anyways. Jorge had gotten so used his ability to sense water around him that it became second nature, but now that it wasn’t here, it just became so...hard to not notice. Something was wrong…

Making his way back towards the front, he followed the path to the food stations and immediately sought out Ghost. He could just be tired. That could very well just be it. But he needed to ask her. Was she okay? She had been feeling funny too, right?

”Ghost…” he spoke into the comm device in hs ear. ”I’m on my way to you. Are...Are you okay?”

The ascent had gone successfully enough, even if it was a little nerve wracking to have Ghost directly at his side. Still, it was the co-pilot seat and it made him feel a tad bit better that he wasn’t doing this completely on his own right now. He just wished that the circumstances were just a tad bit better. Flying in a jet, full of people who were rescued from the worst day of their lives, it really wasn’t the best circumstance to be in. But, it was the job and it was something that the detective was, in part, used to. But there was a difference in walking into these situations as a hero, as opposed to walking into one as a police officer.

There would be time to think about that later. Once in the air, Jorge let Ghost do her job in keeping everyone corralled, including a rather curious dog, while he kept his eyes on the metaphorical road ahead. It should be a relatively short trip.



Thankfully it proved to be completely uneventful. Before even Jorge knew it, he was hovering over the landing zone for the stadium. Once he was sure that the area of was clear, he began his descent. Unlike before, he was even more careful and definitely trying to ensure that he didn’t send them hurtling into the ground. A small quiver shuddered throughout the jet but, still, he was gentle enough that when the vehicle touched down onto the ground that there was barely a shake.

Finally, when he was sure that all wheels were on the ground, he released his breath and gave Ghost a careful smile. He would leave the pep talks to her as he turned off the engines of the jet and pulled off his headset. Setting it on the console, he rolled his shoulders to kick off the tension before standing up from his seat.

He turned back just in time to see Maya start to show people off the jet.

>>"Thank you for choosing X-Men Air, we were glad to be able to give you a lift."

He smiled. It was hard to not smile around Maya. There was such a effervescent energy that it was damn near impossible to be sour around her. Then again, these people had lost a lot in a single day and this was only going to be the beginning of their hardships. Still, some tried to be good sports and smiled concerning her antics, others were even genuine about it. But still, there was such much suffering to be had. He hoped that they could at least alleviate a small part of it.

Jorge made his way towards the back, to start unloading supplies to deliver when he spotted a much older man in pretty good shape. His shirt hair, his gruff demeanor, the scar down his cheek, he looked like ex-military maybe. Jorge nodded his head in greeting towards here but only received a short, icy glance. The man was grumbling to himself so, when the detective passed, he spoke up.

”You have my condolences for what happened here,” Jorge apologized.

The other snorted. “Sorries won’t bring my home back.” He then sighed. “Whatever.” He grumbled and then reached out, grabbing Jorge by the shoulder, giving it a squeeze, and walking past him. “I guess it’s the thought that counts, right?”

Jorge clenched his jaw, letting the man walk away without engaging. He dealt with disgruntled people before and sometimes it was just better to be the target than try to explain anything for anyone. He merely lowered his head and continued on towards the back.

Just inside the door, Jorge started to punch the commands into the console when he noticed something rather strange. He felt a strange wave of weakness vibrate through his limbs. He reached out, leaning against the wall and just took a few, short breathes. That was really, really strange. He didn’t know what to think of it. He must be tired. That was really the only thing that he could think of. He moved around a lot of water today and moving that much usually left him feeling funny. Still, even as he opened the door, he couldn’t help but notice that this was slightly different than all of that.

Huh.


>>”I hear there's hot food inside."

>>”Shouldn't even be here."

Jorge glanced. It was Maya’s turn with the old guy and she was still trying to be her usual, perky self. Bless her for her endurance. She dealt with the man as best she could but even she couldn’t withstand to that cynicism that Jorge could feel emitting from him in waves.

Once the man was gone, the detective glanced to see that Maya seemed just a bit off. If she were anything like him, she had a long day behind her as well and she certainly would be feeling the effects as well. Still, he was worried about her so, leaving the panel behind, Jorge moved to her side, ignoring the strangeness that was settling over his own mind as well.


>>”I hope we're doing the right thing here..."

”We helped people,” he said. ”And there’s only so much we can do. We’re not gods, you know?” He took a shaky breath, feeling a bit weak again and leaned back against the wall. He didn’t look great but he couldn’t help but inquire after her health. ”You okay there, Maya? Need...a rest?”

It was hard to look at. It was even harder to listen to. Once the people had seen what Jorge could do, they practically begged him to try and draw all the water out from the neighborhood. But it wasn’t as easy as all that. Jorge could move it around, push it from one place to another, but he couldn’t just will it out of existence, and especially not that much water at the same time. Most seemed to understand, other grumbled what good was he then, but he didn’t do this for the praise. So long as he could offer even a crumb of help, then he would.

After he had collected the last of survivors that he could find, Jorge led the group back to the X-Jet. The rescue crews were trying their hardest to evacuate the neighborhood but they couldn’t get everyone out at the same time. With the X-Jet, at least both he and Ghost could offer these people a quick trip back to the stadium where the officials could take better care of them.

As they walked through the parted waters, people commented and Oo’d and Ah’d at this display of power. Most of them were praying to God, thanking Him for sending down a real life angel as a sign that they hadn’t been forsaken. Jorge kept quiet, though, not really wanted to get defensive about his abilities. The last time he had been referred to like that, well, he had been fifteen years old; he wasn’t looking for a repeat performance. Still, he bit his tongue. These people were going through one of the worst days of their lives and the last thing that they needed was an old, gruff detective, grumbling about their beliefs.

Once he was sure that he had the last he could take, he contacted his teammate to get an idea of where she was. The jet was prepped for them to carry quite a few people, some were already waiting there. He would be glad to take them out of this and someplace, he hoped, would be better for them.

>>"Yes. I’ll head back now. I hear there will be hot meals ready to pass out.”

”Glad to hear it,” he said with a nod. ”Won’t solve all their issues, but a warm belly will hopefully boose morale.”

Jorge waved for everyone to continue to follow him. Once he made it to the rise of a small hill, he turned back around, gesturing for everyone to continue on past him. Only when he was sure that everyone was present, including those few animals whom he told the owners to carry or leash, he sighed and snapped his fingers. waters sloshed back into the street, filling it up, churning in the debris covered stretch of asphalt. Jorge visibly slumped a little, reaching out to hold onto a lamp post for a moment. That was pretty exhausting.

A steady breath and Jorge turned back to the homeless crowd behind him. ”Everyone, please, start getting into the jet. We’ll take you straight to the stadium so that you can get the proper aide.”

He gave them all a smile, albeit a tired one, and gestured towards the jet. A few seemed a little unsure but, seeing no better option, they trudged on. He waited until the last person was boarding, a chiseled faced, white-haired military type who seemed, by far, the worse of the wear. He said nothing when Jorge had rescued him from atop his trailer home and still was quiet the entire trip over. Now he merely looked Jorge over, tiredly, before he turned around and joined the others in the jet.

Jorge sighed. He really was doing his best. But now wasn’t the time for hurt feelings. He moved on, heading back to the sleek jet.

The jet was roomie but there were still a lot of people. Mostly the elderly and disabled took the open seats, the other choosing to stand up and hold onto the safety straps that the detective had released from the ceiling once he realized how many people they would be taking on. He did a quick headcount, ensuring that everyone was here, before he turned to glance out the ramp. There a brief moment of shaking when he felt felt the wind buffet the side of the jet, but as soon as that started, it was done. Now he could hear the footsteps of Ghost as she made her way onto the jet.

>"Is everyone here?”

Jorge nodded. Even though she wasn’t asking him, the fact that no one said anything about left behind loved ones was encouraging -- or tragic. He wasn’t quite sure what to feel yet. He just wanted to get out of here at this point. When Ghost was within sight, he gave her a thumbs up that everyone was accounted for and made his way to the front.

Slipping into his seat, he sighed as he put on his headgear. He really kind of wished that Ghost would have taken the helm for this but he was the one being graded here. It was easy to fly a jet when it was only him and Ghost on board, but this, with all these civilians, would certainly be a test. So, with a calming breath, he attached his belt, and started too flick switches on the dashboard, including one to retract the ramp and close the loading door.

>>"Alright then everyone strap in or hold on!”

He smirked, tapped the com. ”Thank you to everyone for your patience. As my colleague said, please prepare for take off. We’ll be at the stadium before you know it. Taking off in… three… two… one… boom…”

Another flick and the jet roared to life. Jorge ground his teeth, thought back to his training and started to lift them off into the sky, leaving the sunken neighborhood behind. The stadium wouldn’t be the best scenery afforded to them, but at least there would be supplies, warmth, food, and hopefully...family. Jorge glanced to Ghost when she finally came up and took a seat next to him in the co-pilot seat. It was time to go...

Disasters were terrible. Whenever Jorge saw them on the news and watched the footage of families that had lost everything to something way beyond their control, he felt a part of his heart shrivel up in sympathy. How was that fair in this world? You work so hard, you spend your life creating your nest egg, setting up your house, or moving to the one place you really want to live, and look what happens? Nature suddenly decides that your house needs to be moved down the street, or, in this case, your neighborhood needed to be drowned under several feet of torrential water. It was tragic, to say the least.

But, Jorge couldn’t let it bring him down. He often had a complex about needed to rescue the world all on his own but he had to remind himself that that wasn’t his job. He already was a police officer and an X-Man and a father, and soon to be a husband; he had his own world to look after. There was only so much of himself that he could give the world. He was only one man.

And, right now, he was one man on a mission to try and offer relief and help to the the people of Livingston, Louisana. The call came in that several floodings had practically drowned the town and disaster relief was having a hell of a time getting in to help people. Even though they were several states away, what was the point of having a jet if you weren’t going to use it? However, it was slim pickings between active members of the X-Men, but at least they were among the most useful in this situation.

Jorge sat at the control panel of the jet, his eyes peering through the windows, looking between them and the flat screens that fed him diagnostic and flight pattern information. This was actually a big deal for Jorge as he had not really had the opportunity to fly the X-Jet on his own before. He usually had another member at his side, providing a bit of a safety net should he need it. Today he was on his own -- well...mostly…

>>"Ugh. Why does everything have to come down to what political side you're on? I just want to help people and let that be that."

”Thanks…”

He smirked. Ghost, the X-Men’s residence wind-manipulator, was with him. She was the lead on this mission and, between the two of them, they should be more than able to handle the job. After all, when you have the combined ability of a typhoon, who else would you send on a disaster relief mission? Still, Jorge had to be careful around Ghost as the woman’s personality was that...energetic.

A snort flared his nostrils as he peered at the screens, reaching over to push in a button and ensure that they were still flying straight. He was glad that Ghost had turned off those monitors as the last thing he wanted was to listen to a bunch of political mumbo-jumbo. There were clearly more important matters on his mind, including the fact that there was a doppleganger of himself left back in New York City. But Gemma, Chase, Marisol, they were safe, he knew that, he wouldn’t have left otherwise.

Though he was focused ahead, he could feel the liquid in Ghost’s moved closer to him, peering over his shoulder. He needed to be careful as he had a sneaking suspicion that she wanted to give him some congratulatory pat on the back, maybe even something more childish (Mirror told him to watch his back, especially when he was ding a good job.).

>>"So, how's it feel for your first flight officially at the helm?"

”Pretty smooth so far,” he said with a careful nod. ”Turbulence was a bit rough for a second back there but something tells me you had a hand in taking care of that?” He smirked in her direction.

It was strange. For how different their personalities were, the two of them tended to work best together. When it came down to doing their jobs, both were extremely focused X-Men, willing to do what they needed to do to ensuring that innocent lives were spared. Ironically Jorge never liked working with partners down at the precinct, but when it came to the X-Men, despite his grumbling, he rather enjoyed having Ghost’s company. He knew that if she were watching his back, they were both making it home safe.

>>"The relief cargo didn't even shift too bad on take off."

”That’s good,” he said, listening as Maya moved to claim a seat and stretch out. She was in her X-Men uniform, something that Jorge still refused to do. He wasn’t some idealisitc twenty-something anymore. Rather the man was dressed in a simply t-shirt, rugged jeans, and work boots. The only piece of clothing he wore that made it even seem like he was a member of the team was the leather jacket he wore and the X-Badge proudly clipped to the front. He glanced to Maya before he turned his eyes forward again. ”New uniform looks good. I still don’t know how you fought in those heels.”