Email to Warren and Arthur

[om_panax]

To: Angel, Escher
From: Panax
Subject MRM Results: Lists

Here are the lists I've prepared of different students and potential roles we might sound them out about fulfilling in the future, in terms of mutant PR. These lists are based entirely on powers apart from the first one, of necessity, for the moment. That will change as we gauge interest and other skills in the future, obviously.

Disclaimer: Obviously these are just ideas. Some of these students will want to be nowhere near anything open. Some of them will want to remain in the background. And some of the ones I've listed in 'should remain in the background' categories will refuse to.

I know you guys know that, but this can be construed as some high-handed bullshit. And this is coming from me. Erring on the side of caution.

Additional things to consider that we've talked about, but not all together:

Some mutants, no matter how potentially useful, we may want to encourage to stay in the background. Obviously everyone is useful and/or welcome to be useless as they like, but there's a big advantage to some of us being covert that outweighs any PR factor. Sage, Oracle, Agent, maybe me spring to mind. However, since this is also a skill-based issue more than a powers-based one, I'm going to leave that for later.

Agent made a good point a week or two ago: we might also be able to capitalize on the fact that some mutations come with drawbacks and negative consequences for the mutant; it's not all wine and roses. Obviously that would need some serious care, as issues go, but something to consider as we look at these names, too.

Hit me with thoughts, additions, corrections, whatever. Step one to deciding whom to approach about what...

---

ROCK STAR MUTANTS: Mutants who have some kind of position of power or influence in the media or community. Good examples, etc.

• Northstar (Haven't talked to him about this, but I will. Aurora probably comes with him, to some extent.)


• Sunspot (Reservations. He's still considered a terrorist at home. Warren, you know him.)


• Angel (Look at you, perfect poster boy.)


• Britannic (Everyone wants to be old money. We talked about Psylocke already, Warren, but yes.)


• Vector (I don't know him, but his net-famous demographic is one we need. Reservations about the powers, see below.)


• Dazzler (Haven't talked to her about it, but I get the feeling she'll like the idea.)


• Oracle (Family connections might count.)

Vault and Janus have too many issues attached to their notoriety, plus I'm pretty sure Vault is unstable, to put it kindly.

This list does not take into account other factors that might render one of us not already on the list a potential public darling, of course. Something else for later.

---

USEFUL MUTANTS: Mutants whose powers could be good for search and rescue, disaster relief, or other very visible and helpful volunteer "we are useful to you and you love us" things.

• Northstar


• Anthem


• Sunspot


• Quicksilver


• Skin


• Escher (Arthur, not sure how the gravity thing works, but possibly?)


• Nightcrawler


• Shatterstar (Some reservations. Either of you know him well?)


• Gambit


• Cyclops


• Angel


• Cache


• Upstart


• Chroma


• Justice


• Backlash


• Stone (Talked to her briefly about it--she loves it.)


• Diamond (Tried to sound her out, but she was hostile. Mainly to me.)


• Husk


• Aurora


• Talon (Obviously this is assuming a lot.)


• Polaris


• Scarlet Witch


• Surge


• Shadowcat

Obviously some who do not have necessarily useful powers will be in this category, but again, that's something to sort out once we've moved on from the talking into the doing.

Medical and shifter powers, unfortunately for the moment, I would put more in the...

---

PANIC FACTOR: Mutants whose mutations, while useful, might cause more freaking out than anything else. This does not correlate to danger, necessarily, just potential public panic AKA OUTRAGE.

• Touchstone


• Elixir


• Wither


• Ghost


• Janus


• Moony


• Shade (Talked to him briefly about it; pretty sure he will be pleased with this. Arthur?)


• Incubus


• Havok (Arthur, he's on your squad, right? What do you think, with the control issues?)


• Bragi


• Vector


• Serenity


• NTW


• Psylocke (Since she's a potential rock star, if she wanted we could spin it. Probably an issue for later.)


• Ariel


• Sage


• Starbuck


• Malice


• Fatale (Not sure what her deal is either, but it's apparently something dramatic and unpleasant with touch.)

---

UNCERTAIN: Either don't know their powers or am not sure how good they are with them/where to use them.

• Anole


• Vault


• Ricochet


• Velikaia


• Cherub


• Haven


• Revenant


• Captain


• Panax

Comments

[om_escher]

To: Panax, Angel
From: Escher
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

If you're going from a pure panic factor standpoint, you're probably going to want to include non-baseline appearances (Anole, Skin, Nightcrawler). I wouldn't say keep them out of sight, but people will react.

Upstart might factor in for the 'rockstars', he's got the financial backing at least.

As for the particular questions:

-I might be able to get into places others can't, if you consider that useful.

-Don't know Shatterstar well enough to say.

-Hard to say one way or the other with Eames, but he'd probably be happier in the background.

-Even without the control issues, I'd keep Havok on that list for now. I might even put Cyclops on there with him.


In general, the sooner we can get someone to act as a public face for us, the quicker we can head off the next 'research facility' having government funding.

[om_angel]

To: Panax, Escher
From: Angel
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

Great lists. I think you've got a good start, actually.

Consider me on the list...I'll do it. Now that being said, I'm still very adamant about us doing this in a way that doesn't trace us directly back to this place. Whatever financial means that may take for us, I'll provide to the best of my ability. Something we ought to really start thinking about though, how-wise.

Betsy, I've spoken to about this. It's not something she's ready for, but she's supportive of us. Perhaps we would be better off letting her in on the background of things? At least for now. Brian on the other hand is absolutely worth pursuing.

And my two cents:
- Cherub I think we could move to the list of helpful mutants. I've had the opportunity to spend quite some time up in the sky with her, and while she is working on improvements, she has a good handle on things. Plus her powers aren't too much different than Sunspot's (it's like a solar energy-storing type of power). I don't see her starting any sort of panic.

- Haven...power nullifier according to the journals. Since that directly correlates with the existence of mutant powers in general, I'm iffy about that. It could make her a potential target seeing as how she can "shut us off". Thoughts?

- Gambit. Not sure how I feel about him being on the useful list. While I can see what kind of benefits his power could have in extreme circumstances, I'm not entirely sure the public would see it that way without some very detailed persuasion. He makes things blow up, no? These days people have the tendency to associate explosions with acts of terror. 9/11, Boston, other airline hijackings, etc...I'm on the fence here. Might cause more alarm than warm feelings. Thoughts?

- Sunspot. Potentially a problem? I like the guy a lot, I consider him a friend. He's going through a lot of personal stuff right now, and it's hard to tell if he's got the mind or energy to put some effort into trying to get out of the terrorist branding. Also doesn't have very good control over his powers at the moment. For personal reasons I'm conflicted about saying no, but on the same token, from a PR perspective, I'm very, very hesitant about including him. Perhaps we can consider putting Upstart in his place?

- Shatterstar. I don't know him. Alison does, however. I'd be willing to sit and chat with her not only about her own status, but his as well. Or we could both, Panax?

I *want* some feedback on these points so please share if you've got it.

[om_panax]

To: Escher, Angel
From: Panax
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

You two are my favorite people right now.

Right, enough of that mushy crap. On to the points.

*Physical mutation thing. I'm on the fence about this. It did cross my mind, but I'm iffy treating it like it's something different from regular-looking/human-passing mutation from the start.

That said, it doesn't erase the truth, which is that it is panic inducing. If we're talking about all this from a baseline standpoint, Skin, Anole, Nightcrawler, and Elixir (already there, but) need to be on that list.

I hate to say it, but from the same standpoint, Angel gets a pass for obvious reasons. (There will, of course, be some religious right kickback and/or scary adulation, but that's manageable by comparison.) Glad one of our rockstars has an obvious physical mutation, though.

More on this later.

*Good point about Upstart; we'll put him there. I always forget he's useful, even though he's been very useful to us. Ungrateful Lydia.

I like the idea of approaching him instead of Sunspot. I had no idea he was having trouble, but in combination with the scene in Brazil, probably for the best not to suggest anything rash at this time.

*In re Shatterstar, whoever gets to Alison first can bring it up (or, yeah, we can both go since we're all friends and I know she'll be on board), and then we can talk to the kid. She does seem to function as his protector, so I like it.

*Arthur, I do consider that useful, especially for search and rescue situations. And that's pretty much what Eames said to me. Perfect.

*Good points about Cyclops and Gambit. I got one-tracked, thinking of it as a rescue situation (avalanches, collapsed buildings--dangerous, but in extreme situations useful). Cyclops' visor provides pretty fine control in squad practice, and Gambit's powers are very fine-tuned (to the point where he can do some really delicate things with it), but more on this later, too.

*Cherub. Good to know, we'll move her too.

*Haven. Excellent point--that would put her at a higher risk than the rest of us from hostiles, certainly. Arthur what do you think?

And of course:

*War, you're my hero. We all should get together and discuss, since you really are the perfect lead in, and like Arthur says, the sooner the better.

You know my feelings on the Bets thing. 100% behind anything she wants, forever. (Still, I won't pretend my heart doesn't palpitate at the idea of the effect the Prettiest Mutant Rock Star Couple would have on the world. When and if.)

Unquestionably, yes, it must ALL be done without tracing things back to the school. Sage and Oracle can certainly (and will certainly) help. Also recommend we get Agent's advice. Once you decide what you want to do from a public standpoint, we can talk about how to engineer that from a security standpoint with them, possibly?

---

In re the "more later" points above:

I think we need to come up with a comprehensive grading system in terms of outrage/panic to account for all factors that contribute to it--possibly several categories based on outrage level ranging from mild to riot-inducing. Including physical mutation and the extremity/likely perception of it. Then we can come up with some kind of plan to introduce these different categories at appropriate times, with appropriate events or responses to events.

But I do want to stress that we're not looking at actual danger presented ("hazard", apparently, in common risk communication consultant parlance) by these mutations. We're looking at potential panic induction ("outrage", my god, the way these people bullshit is criminal), which is utterly illogical and has only the most incidental statistical correlation with actual danger.

So while Gambit, for example, is extremely hazardous powers-wise, he's not likely to induce the kind of outrage someone like Incubus or Wither might, especially if spun properly. (Well, possibly, with the red eyes as a factor, but just as an example.) I think we could come up with a system to help us get a handle on this concept mathematically.

And also, there are people who might want to keep certain aspects of their powers under wraps for outrage reasons and let others be known. A whole other problem, but worth noting, probably.

[om_angel]

To: Panax, Escher
From: Angel
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

- Non-Baseline Mutants:
Not keeping them out of sight is imperative. We can't imply any sort of point of not including them but going forward with mutants that "pass as baseline human". Arguably, they have more to gain by the public accepting them, as some of them have been in hiding for close to a year now (if not longer). Relying on technology to just go outside for four hours at a time isn't acceptable. They're safe here at the school but that doesn't always say much for quality of life, at least mentally? I want to find a way to make this work for them, even if not right away, I would like it to be fairly soon after once we've got a feel for the way things are going. Assuming any of them are ready for that, of course?

Lydia, as you said, I feel slightly drawn into this category. That doesn't automatically make it a high priority for me, but from a political standpoint it does. I know no one's intention is to sub-categorize anyone but we DEFINITELY have to think about treading lightly there so we don't unintentionally start doing that.

Perhaps we need a new angle altogether for this group? I do like the idea of a grading system and would be inclined to start work on that asap. Potential panic for any physically mutated types is a given, I agree. I think we may have a better idea of this once we get this underway.

- Upstart has his head in the clouds sometimes (haha!) but I have every faith in that brain between his ears. I think we could benefit from his viewpoint. I could talk to him, if you like?

- I am very on board with getting feedback from Sage and Oracle. Agent, too, if you recommend him. I don't know him well, but if you say he's good I'll take your word for it. Once we speak with them I am all for getting the ball rolling on this. As Arthur said, sooner is better than later.

[om_escher]

To: Panax, Angel
From: Escher
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

Less keeping them out of sight and more just understanding that people will probably freak out, and we'll have to work that into any calculations. If any of them are willing (besides you, Warren), I'd almost say put them out there as part of the first rush. There's no point in pretending we're not different when that's exactly what we're trying to say.

I know Agent fairly well, it's definitely worth bringing up with him.

Like pointing out the obvious, but we should probably have a talk with the headmasters before we get started, even if we are keeping everything separate from the school.

[om_panax]

To: Escher, Angel
From: Panax
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

I agree with both of you with the physical mutations. And there are some who have sort of minor ones, too: Polaris, Gambit, Northstar and Aurora--that Ricochet kid, even. Those will be factors too.

I like the idea of using an actual outrage potential grading system to work towards getting their introduction (both major and minor physical mutations) into the first wave in an orderly fashion, Arthur. Maybe that's something we could be particularly focused on.

Not ignoring the risk, but making it our first and largest "Outrage Management" situation. Y/y?

We'll have a better idea of what we have to work with once we speak to some of them and gauge their interest, obviously (that goes without saying for everything in this discussion, though), but I think we'll have better luck if there's at least a skeleton plan in place first.

Absolutely talk to Upstart, War. He tends to go petulant on me.

Speaking of my squad dynamics, Agent, yes. Arthur, I think he's really important to keep as an ace up our sleeves on this. I also think he's always going to be into the more covert side, so that suits me. I can tell you what we've already discussed any time; he's into the entire concept.

And yes. The headmasters really can't stop this once it starts, but especially since 1. they are providing the means for us to do this together simply by creating this school and 2. they really, really need to be in on security issues for obvious reasons, that should be a priority.

... is anyone friendly with any of Lensherr's kids? Would that help, or just make it worse? Hmm.

[om_angel]

To: Panax, Escher
From: Angel
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

So basically right now there are lots of folks to talk to. Think I'll help start in that area.

And when should we aim for the discussion with the Headmasters? And while you make an excellent point, Lydia, that they can't stop this from happening, what sort of route are we going to take with them should they be very against the whole idea? Worst case scenario thinking. Obviously we don't want to be burning any bridges.

[om_escher]

To: Panax, Angel
From: Escher
Subject: Re: MRM Results: Lists

Why not? I'm not saying we should, but if they want to run a school they can't exactly do it without students and there aren't all that many of us. Honestly, we've got the upper hand as far as that deal goes.