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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 7, 2023 18:19:45 GMT -5
Date: Monday, August 7, 2023 Tag: Open! Words: 215 The library had always been one of Sierra's favorite haunts, even when she had been much younger and just starting off at the institute. It had been the best room in the mansion to escape from the other teenagers that ran amok. If there were any others in the library during the time that she was there, well, then they were the types to understand that the library was a quiet place for working and thinking, and Sierra could deal with them.
When she returned to the mansion after being gone for a few years was like coming home, revisiting the library -- virtually untouched aside from being cleaned on a regular basis -- was the clincher. She traced the woodwork of the shelves, felt the plush carpet under her bare feet, enjoyed the books' bindings and ink, and relished the summer breeze that the opened windows brought.
This was home.
She took a deep breath as she returned to her old, favorite chair was still in her old, favorite corner, taking a deep breath as she looked at the program open on her laptop. Filled with details and schematics of the new recruits' suits, Sierra was doing her best to design a couple for the institute's newest students.
It was a bit of a daunting task.
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 8, 2023 5:38:49 GMT -5
Words: 181 Tags: Gigabyte, open Notes: *throws Kurt in more threads*Kurt had been leafing through one of the many books the professor had on hand regarding genetics, brushing up on his own understanding to see if he could discern anything that would help the newest students that had found their way to the institute's doorstep. Of course, he had introduced himself to all of the students, and made sure each of them knew that they could go to Kurt for anything they may want or need, but some were shyer than others.
Some also had more... interesting capabilities than others, as well.
He rounded the corner of one of the bookshelves, his tail twitching behind him as he read before realizing that he was not quite alone in this section of the library.
"Hello, fräulein," Kurt greeted, his tone casual and quiet, conscious of being in a library even if it was their personal one. Still, he wasn't sure what Sierra was working on and did not want to interrupt her train of thought.
Or many trains of thought. Sierra was the type to be multitasking even in her mind.
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 9, 2023 19:21:20 GMT -5
Tag: Nightcrawler, open! Words: 185 "Hello, Kurt," Sierra greeted, her gaze still fixated on her laptop screen. The program was stretching, analyzing the typical fabric created from unstable molecules that the institute -- that Professor Xavier -- always used for the uniforms, new recruits and X-Men alike.
The molecules worked well with adapting to Willow's abilities, shifting with her whenever she transformed, and it was similar to Mason's as well. The molecules camouflaged with the young man's powers. Roy and Eddie didn't have abilities that affected them physically, aside from Roy being able to start liquidizing himself. That wasn't something he enjoyed doing, as far as Sierra heard. Sierra was hoping the molecules would be just as cooperative with the newest students' powers.
Generally, the library was Sierra's refuge, although she acknowledged that the rest of the manor inhabitants used the library as well. Yet, it wasn't often that Sierra ran into anyone else.
She glanced over at Kurt with a small smile, her eyes skimming the title of the book he held, before returning to her laptop. "Was there something you needed? Or are you just enjoying the library as well?"
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 11, 2023 6:40:30 GMT -5
Words: 180 Tags: Gigabyte, open!Sierra greeted him casually and Kurt took that as an invitation to sit down at the table she was working on. He took a couple of seats down from her, careful not to be in her way while putting his book down before him.
He chuckled and said, "With you asking if I need anything, you sound as if you are the librarian of this place." Which, honestly, probably wouldn't be too far off the mark if the institute itself was made into a school. He wondered about that once in a while.
"I was just enjoying the library as anyone else," Kurt said, giving Sierra a small smile. "Forgive me, am I interrupting your work? Or am I allowed to be curious and ask what you are doing?"
He was always curious as to what Sierra was working on, knowing the vast capabilities of her mind. Was she doing something in preparation for Bayville High or was it something with the Xavier Institute? If it was for the latter, he was certain she'd let him know if need be.
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 11, 2023 14:05:15 GMT -5
Tag: NightcrawlerWords: 181 Kurt took a seat at the same table as she, and Sierra's gaze didn't stray from her laptop. "I don't recall seeing you in here often when we were teenagers," she said, the hint of a smile still on her lips. "I suppose me playing the role of librarian wouldn't be too out of the ordinary, though, would it?"
Her friend asked her what he was working on and Sierra took a brief moment to lean back from her laptop. "Some uniforms for the newer recruits," she said. "The unstable molecules for the uniforms and our costumes are wonderful, but I'm trying to determine how best to utilize them for a few of the students.
"For Corrine, for example," Sierra continued, "do I try to craft a uniform that has the holes for her bone protrusions, or will the molecules be intelligent enough to mold around her protrusions?"
She didn't seem to be really looking for a response, for she gave Kurt a small shrug before gesturing towards the book he brought to the table. "May I ask what you're researching?"
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 12, 2023 7:23:00 GMT -5
Words: 292 Tags: Gigabyte, open"Perhaps not," Kurt agreed when Sierra mentioned her playing the role of the librarian. If they had reopened the Xavier Institute as a school itself rather than working with the local high school, then Kurt believed Sierra would thrive in the librarian role. Her vast knowledge, partly thanks to her abilities, and organizational skills would be a boon in the role.
Granted, she was currently doing the same thing.
Kurt raised an eyebrow when Sierra detailed what she was doing, explaining the uniforms for the newer students and giving Corrine and her abilities as an example of what Sierra was trying to do.
Even if Sierra didn't seem too bothered with receiving an actual response, Kurt ventured, "Is it possible to try for both? Would it be a waste of fabric to try creating both versions?" He paused. "Perhaps it would make sense to create the uniform that we're hoping will be smart enough to mold around the protrusions. If that works, wunderbar. If not, then we can recreate the uniform.
"And I do mean we," he added. "I would love to help. I do not want you to believe this is solely on your shoulders."
She asked what he was researching and Kurt said, "Brushing up on genetics, really. Generally, mutant abilities are dormant until about puberty age, but I feel as if some mutants in the present day are developing earlier. Roy, for example. The caretakers at the Ohio orphanage told us the story as to why he was abandoned. I don't believe Roy knows, nor do I believe the caretakers fully believe the story, but evidently even as a toddler he was able to breathe underwater. Then there is the sensitivity to the sun and heat, of course."
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 12, 2023 19:32:28 GMT -5
Tag: Nightcrawler, open Words: 215 Sierra tilted her head, leaning back in her chair, as she pondered on Kurt's suggestion regarding Corrine's new recruits uniform. "That would be ideal," she said slowly. After another heartbeat, she added more decidedly, "Yes, that's what we'll do. The unstable molecules should be intelligent enough, but if not, perhaps they'll create enough grooves to help us remember where each of Corrine's bone protrusions are. It'll be easier to create the necessary holes for her."
As Sierra spoke, the information on her laptop's screen began to move, parts of the program editing itself accordingly.
When Kurt spoke about helping with this project, Sierra gave him a crooked smile. "If I need help, I will remember to ask for it," she promised. "At this point, however, it's more so just inputting the design for the uniform itself. But thank you."
She raised an eyebrow when Kurt described his reasoning for being in the library, speaking of genetics and using Roy's own life as an example. "I honestly haven't thought of that," Sierra admitted. "The fact that some mutations are happening earlier in a person's life was never a thought that passed through my mind..."
Which was an odd thing to say aloud, admittedly.
"Have you found anything that may help you with an answer?" she asked.
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 13, 2023 21:00:18 GMT -5
Words: 288 Tags: GigabyteSierra seemed to agree with Kurt's idea regarding at least Corrine's uniform. He smiled, proud of himself, but it turned bemused when he realized that Sierra's laptop was still making a few sounds indicating that the program was continuing despite her hands not being on the keyboard.
He should be used to that by now.
"I hope that you will remember to ask for help if you need it," Kurt said, "but also remember to ask even if you do not need it, fräulein. We are all a team. I do not want you to overwhelm, and possibly hurt, yourself by trying to take on too much at once."
At the very least, Sierra admitted to not having even thought of the possibility of mutants in the present day developing their powers much sooner. Kurt tried to hide his surprise at that, not that he ever believed that Sierra would think of such a thing. It just wasn't part of an everyday conversation, so why would she think of it? It was just odd that there seemed to be something that Sierra did not know.
Kurt needed to stop thinking of his friend as someone who had all the answers. Her mind was vast, yes, but it was not fair to place the burden of knowledge -- or the expectation of it -- on her.
As an answer to her question, Kurt said, "Not really, no. It's basic information on genetics itself, not touching on evolution in species too much. I'm certain there are books in here somewhere that may have more information, but I haven't reached them just yet.
"It does make me wonder if we're doing the most we can to help young mutants, though," he admitted.
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 19, 2023 17:42:38 GMT -5
Tag: Nightcrawler, open Words: 249 Kurt reiterated that he would prefer Sierra to ask for help, even with things that may not be dire, and she paused a moment before nodding. "Of course," she said, "but I do hope that you'll remember that we may not share the same opinion as to what kind of tasks need more than one pair of hands. What you believe should be a team effort may be something I consider a solo task."
In Sierra's opinion, she believed she was doing better in her adult years than she had as a teenager when it came to reaching out and being part of a team. Still, there was always room for improvement, she was sure.
Kurt mentioned that the book he was currently reading didn't have any new information, and Sierra nodded to his comment about there being books somewhere in their library that would have more information.
Then Kurt shared a curious thought about how the current Xavier Institute was helping their students.
"It is a different landscape than when we were teenagers," Sierra said. "I do believe we're making a difference to those who are under our roof. We've given them like-minded friends, a home, a safe space, and the opportunity to be with their peers both here and in the high school."
She paused. "I have wondered, though," she said slowly, "if we should have reopened the Xavier Institute as a school itself. Homeschool the new recruits. There are pros and cons to it, of course."
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 21, 2023 6:37:08 GMT -5
Words: 225 Tags: GigabyteKurt mulled over Sierra's words about what kind of tasks and things would warrant her to ask for help. "Understandable," he said, acknowledging that something he would ask others for help may not be the same type of situation where Sierra would seek out others. "The conclusion to that sounds like we should all strive to keep communication open as much as possible."
Keeping each other in the loop sounded logical to him.
He smiled as Sierra mentioned that she believed they were doing right in regards to the teenagers under their care, but he agreed with her when she mentioned that it was a different landscape for mutants than when they had been teens themselves. Kurt's tail twitched as he thought about the idea of opening the Xavier Institute as a school itself.
"That is an interesting thought," he said slowly. "I believe going to Bayville High allows our charges to get used to the world and their peers, a decision I do not regret. But if the Xavier Institute was a school, many young mutants may find it comfortable to be schooled in a place where they could be absolutely open as themselves. We would need the staff to help, of course."
Kurt paused at that before asking, "You haven't been able to try asking Cerebro for other mutant signatures lately, have you?"
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 22, 2023 20:45:42 GMT -5
Tag: NightcrawlerWords: 263 Sierra acknowledged Kurt's words about keeping communication open between them with a nod, understanding his meaning. Allowing the talk to turn to the topic of the Xavier Institute itself being a school, Sierra turned her attention away from her laptop, mentally saving the current program and shutting it down. As the machine gave a gentle beep as it went to sleep, Sierra leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms in front of her as she thought.
"I agree that it is a sound idea to send our new recruits to Bayville High," she said. "It is important for them to experience the world and for the world to experience them. However, I do wish that our students were not part of the generation that faced the world knowing that mutants are among them. It's a heavy task on their shoulders, and it's a shame they did not get the choice of whether they wanted to participate.
"I'm aware we cannot hide the students away in the institute," she added with a wry smile. "Perhaps one day it will come to the institute opening as a school, if only because there will be so many mutant students that it would make the most sense."
Kurt asked her about Cerebro and Sierra paused before shaking her head. "Not lately, admittedly," she said. "I've been preoccupied, and... it is a rather powerful computer. I can mainly speak with Cerebro rather than use its full capabilities. That was all the professor himself. However, should you wish me to, I can give it more of a try."
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 24, 2023 7:05:01 GMT -5
Words: 176 Tags: Gigabyte"In that sense," Kurt said, returning Sierra's wry smile with one of his own, "I wish our generation was also not the one to have to deal with mutants being publicized." Indeed, Kurt himself hadn't taken that very well as a teenager, all but ready to hide behind his image inducer before being brave enough to stand with his friends and family. It was a shame that he felt occasionally even now.
"But since it has happened," he continued, "all we can do is decide how we will react to it. I certainly hope we are guiding the students to acting well."
Sierra mentioned that she had not tried to connect with Cerebro in quite some time, understandably being busy with other work that's on her shoulders. Knowing how Sierra would push herself, Kurt said, "If there is anything you can try, Sierra, with Cerebro, that would be wonderful. However, I want someone to be there with you. Should something happen -- you get overwhelmed, the supercomputer's defenses attack you, whatever -- someone else needs to know."
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Post by Gigabyte on Aug 25, 2023 6:16:29 GMT -5
Tag: NightcrawlerWords: 204 Notes: Wrap up? Thank you! "'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us,'" Sierra said softly, her smile matching her tone. "Gandalf, from Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring. That's who you just sounded like."
Kurt grew a bit more serious, speaking of Cerebro and how he wanted her to have back-up just in case, and she raised an eyebrow. This was certainly not the first time in the past few months he had expressed such a thing.
"I remember you," she said slowly after his spiel was over, "as the prankster, the class clown, when we were younger. Now, look at you, acting all protective. I'm... not used to that, I'll admit."
She glanced down at the carpet for a moment, her arms crossed as if she were cold, before staring back up into his eyes.
"When I go and meet Cerebro," Sierra said, "I will be sure to have someone accompany me. Perhaps you wouldn't mind being my escort, hm?"
With that, she gathered her laptop and stood up from the table in preparation to leave the library. Over her shoulder as she began leaving, she said, "We'll talk later, Kurt. It's about time for supper, don't you think?"
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Post by Nightcrawler on Aug 26, 2023 14:52:16 GMT -5
Words: 275 Tags: Gigabyte to see Notes: Thank you for the thread!Kurt blinked when Sierra began reminiscing about his behavior in the past. He still liked to believe that he was viewed as a class clown, so to speak, one that did his best to be sure everyone was cheered up. However, he supposed he had grown up in the last fifteen years or so, especially after he took on the role of headmaster.
Still, he was sure he had always been protective of his teammates, his family. It was one reason as to why he had been the class clown, to help protect them in his own way. Scott had always been the leader, Rogue the rebel, Kitty the genius... Kurt had just been doing his part the best way he knew how. He didn't think he had changed that much, not that the change was for the worse.
Kurt was puzzled momentarily from Sierra's words, but upon reflection, he supposed that, to her all those years ago, he was nothing but a prankster. They had never been too close. Friendly, polite, but not close enough to call each other friends. She had never seemed to want anything more than an acquaintanceship, and he obliged, not wanting to scare her from the tentative thing that they did have. She would never have known any other side of him other than the clown.
Kurt intended to change that.
"I would be honored to escort you, fräulein," he said, complete with an exaggerated bow after getting up from his own seat. Of course, a clown was part of his personality that would never change. "I agree about supper! Let's go see what's in the refrigerator, ja?"
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