Email to Members of Squad Two

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
CC: Professor Charles Xavier, Mr. Erik Lensherr
From: Sage
Subject: Focused Powers Training

Good evening.

As you are all aware, the division of the student body into training squads and the activation of the Danger Gym represent a new phase in the faculty's efforts to assist us in refining our powers. For many, simply having a place to explore the more destructive or conspicuously supernormal aspects of these powers is sufficient. For others, access to an experienced mentor with similar gifts is the principal requirement for effective practical development. However, there are those with unique needs, needs which can be satisfied by neither of these options.

Our squad-mate, Incubus, requires minds to work with in order to explore and advance his gifts. Obviously, holograms and cardboard targets are not adequate to this purpose. Therefore, I am requesting volunteers for supervised, regular training sessions. I offer myself for this purpose, as well; however, as my brain functions atypically compared to the human norm, it is not likely that I constitute a suitable subject for what is intended to be a general-purpose regimen.

As we will be responsible for each other's safety in the field, I have elected to present this request to the squad for initial consideration. I realize that the prospect may not be personally appealing for many of you, but it is crucial to the future efficacy of our team in the field that Incubus be as highly trained and knowledgeable in the use of his abilities as those of us with less invasive enhancements.

I thank you all for your time.

Regards,

Sage

Comments

[om_angel]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Angel
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

Interesting idea, but not one I'm personally interested in volunteering for. No offense, Tessa.

-WW

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

I take no offense. Thank you for the prompt response.

Regards,

Sage

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Serenity, Sunspot, Angel
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

It's a good idea--a necessary one, I'm thinking--but I'd need some more info.

Then again, not sure my brain is all that useful anyhow, seeing as it's preeetty atypical too.

-P

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

Indisputably necessary. What further information do you require?

And I concur with your secondary assessment; your usefulness as a general subject is questionable, at best. Though Incubus may possibly derive some circumstantial benefit from working with unique or non-standard mental processes, our principle objective at this time must be to assist him in refining his fundamental skillset for more broad-range use.

All qualifications aside, I am gratified by your receptiveness.

- Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Serenity, Sunspot, Angel
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

I realize you're just gauging initial interest now, so nothing this very second. But obviously there's gonna be a whole lot of specific "Damon wants try to do this, this, and that, for this set amount of time, with these safety protocols in place, with these people observing, blah blah", and then a whole lot of negotiation on the subject before anyone actually gives a real yes.

So that's what I mean by more info: possibly I could be convinced, depending on what you're looking to do and how you're looking to do it.

But apparently it's a moot point. Still, might be good for other people to think about.

-P

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

The point is not entirely moot. It is simply a matter of recognizing that any work Incubus does with you will necessarily be an effort to learn how his abilities affect unusual thought patterns, brain chemistry, etc. The utility of such an exercise is possibly quite limited, but not at all without value.

And yes, definition of parameters is critical for all sides. The level of trust required is a daunting obstacle. But I remain convinced that, as a squad, it advances our common interest to make some attempt at accommodation.

- Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Serenity, Sunspot, Angel
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

Then if you guys get desperate, we'll talk. Like I say, I can be convinced.

And that last thing you said is exactly the reason why.

-P

Reply to Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

Tessa, I actually like Damon sometimes, but he sets my "Bad Dom" alarm off like no one I've ever met before. And while I'm pretty goddamn hyper-sensitive about that stuff, I'm not the only one who's noticed he gets off on trolling and scaring--read controlling people.

I know you'd shank him if he stepped over any lines during practice, but if you make it clear upfront that there will be enforced consequences for him deviating from a mutually agreed-upon (Damon, you, and the volunteer) plan, you might have better luck.

Not much better, because he's kinda burned his bridges already, but seeing as this is pretty important it might be worth a shot.

-P

Re: Reply to Tessa

[om_sage]

To: Quicksilver
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

Pietro,

At least you recognize the importance of ensuring that we are all adequately trained in the use of our powers.

Personally speaking, I often find Damon Salvatore's personality tiresome, if not outright grating. But my subjective responses are not at issue. A time will come, inevitably, that we will have need of his abilities, and it is in service to that eventuality that I currently bend my efforts.

Should I fail to find sufficient enthusiasm within our squad, I will turn to the school in general for assistance. If that, too, should fall short of what is necessary, I will give due consideration to other options.

As you observed, this is important. Bruised feelings and private distaste should not be permitted to disrupt the advancement of our common cause.

With greatest affection,

- Tessa

Re: Reply to Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

You're totally right about all of that, girl--not that I'm surprised. Still, I'm not sure I'm making my point. Bruised feelings an private distaste shouldn't be permitted to disrupt shit, but they will be, and that's what I'm trying to say.

Basically: Ring of Gyges situation totally applies. If you want volunteers, they're gonna need to know upfront, before they even dare to express a tiny bit of interest, that Damon fears (or should fear) some kind of justice. He sure as shit doesn't act like he cares about morality for the sake of his own personal happiness. Also, Socrates was a jackass, in that one, cuz that's not even a thing. Maybe he does, but it's irrelevant, cuz no one will believe it at this point. He's gone to some major pains to make sure they never would.

I'm not pressing the point cuz I think you don't know. I'm pressing it because I want this to work and it's the only way I can see it happening. Otherwise, it'd require someone with zero sense of self-preservation (which would just seem like taking advantage of an idiot) and/or the kind of altruistic and self-sacrificing spirit that generally leads to walking on water, healing of the sick, and--most importantly (since we already got both of those)--Canonization to emerge from our student body and volunteer.

All the hearts (even if you hate my idea I love you anyways),
P

Re: Reply to Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

PS:
... or we're harboring St. Inara of Xavier's. Apparently.

Re: Reply to Tessa

[om_sage]

To: Quicksilver
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

Indeed. An interesting development, but not unwelcome.

And I do not hate your idea. I am simply of the opinion that we face far greater dangers than Damon's infantile narcissism. It seems more expedient, to me, to decline to provide those traits the fuel of fear and attention. Our energies are more efficiently spent elsewhere.

Affectionately,

Tessa

Re: Reply to Tessa

[om_quicksilver]

To: Sage
From: Quicksilver
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training PRIVATE

Okay, okay, Tessa, I get it. I still say you're trying to prevent a thing that already exists, though. Or denying that it does.

Maybe Inara's confident/trusting/saintly enough that it doesn't matter.

<3 P

[om_sunspot]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Angel
From: Sunspot
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

I do not think it would be wise for me to involve myself in this, to be honest.

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

Understood. In this matter, I ask no more of you than you feel you are capable of providing.

Regards,

Sage

[om_anthem]

To: Sage, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Angel
From: Sunspot
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

I wouldn't be comfortable with this. Sorry.

-Blaine

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: Focused Powers Training

No apology is required. It is much to ask.

Regards,

Sage

[om_serenity]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Quicksilver, Sage, Serenity, Sunspot
CC: Professor Charles Xavier, Mr. Erik Lensherr
From: Serenity
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

I might be interested. Let me sleep on it.

Inara

[om_sage]

To: Angel, Anthem, Husk, Incubus, Quicksilver, Serenity, Sunspot
From: Sage
Subject: re: Focused Powers Training

Of course. This is not a decision to be made in haste, or without due consideration.

Regards,

Sage