xp_logs | Nathan and Medusa, Friday lunchtime

Medusa joins Nathan for lunch and learns about Elpis, Hungary and the flying baby.

It was a good habit he'd gotten into, coming up to the mansion for meals when he was here and Moira and Rachel weren't. Kept him social - and kept him from working at his desk down at the boathouse, Nathan thought with a faint smile. Not that he was really doing much better here in the dining hall, he confessed to himself as he closed the file folder, set it on the 'read' pile, and opened the next, even as he picked up half of his sandwich and took a bite, not really tasting it.

The noise level in the dining hall this lunch hour was high, but he was concentrating hard enough that it had diminished to a background buzz. It was strange to be able to sit amid a crowd and not be bothered. That was a feeling he'd miss when his telepathy came back to stay.

Medusa had picked up her delivery – Thai this time – and was making her way back to her room to eat when she passed the dining hall. There was so much noise coming from the area that she paused and looked in, surprised to see tables full of people talking and eating. Her eyes settled on Nathan sitting alone at one of the tables working on some papers and after a moment’s indecision, she strode over to his table. “Greetings Nathan, may I join you? If you are too busy for company, I understand.”

Nathan blinked and looked up. "Oh, hello," he said, smiling, then waved at the empty chairs. "Feel free," he said, closing the folder. "I really shouldn't be working over lunch, but Sooraya's not here for her conversational English lesson, and I'm afraid that left alone I usually default to work." His smile turned a little wry. "I have too much to do and not enough hours in the day. It's a sad state of affairs, really."

After she sat down, Medusa pulled her food out of the bags and arranged it on the table. “There are never enough hours for all that must be done,” she agreed. “Though I have to admit I have an ulterior motive for coming to sit with you. Scott told me about the NGO you run, Elpis, and I wanted to learn more about it.”

Nathan made a thoughtful noise and picked up his glass of juice, taking a sip before he answered. "Well, first of all," he said amiably, "I don't precisely run it. I founded it, yes - I recently came into a staggeringly large inheritance when my father passed away-" If there was a flicker of some ambiguous emotion in his gray eyes at that, it was there and gone again too quickly to identify. "-and decided that the bulk of the money was best put to a good use. I'd been doing some... freelance humanitarian work for about a year prior to that."

And now that you've glossed over all kinds of fun stuff... "Elpis is on another level entirely," Nathan went on, rearranging his file folders. "It's a full-fledged NGO. We're actually a couple of weeks away from official recognition by the UN. I lucked out and was directed to the doors of some truly sterling potential board members. Joel Rollins, the head of the Elpis board, has had thirty-five years of experience in this field - he's largely responsible for Elpis having become officially and legally established as quickly and smoothly as it had. I," Nathan said with a twinkle in his eye now, "hold a seat on the board out of courtesy. Joel is hoping that five years from now I may have learned all I need to learn to be able to take over his job, but right now I do research and lobbying."

"I am truly sorry for your loss,” Medusa said gravely. "It sounds as though you have taken an unfortunate situation and turned into an impressive one." She used her fork to stir her curry as processed all that Nathan had told her. "In Attilan, it is considered highly important to conduct humanitarian work and founding an NGO, whether you run it or not, is a commendable feat. Mutant rights are not always the most protected and it is imperative that someone looks out for those who have trouble using their own voice."

Nathan managed a nod for her first comment - it was about all he could do. Must remember to talk to Jack about apparently still not being able to talk about Saul without feeling vaguely nauseous.

"We focus on mutants in un- or underdeveloped countries," he went on, his voice even again. "It's not that there's plenty of work to do even right here, but I think the need's greater elsewhere. One of our first official projects was opening a shelter and vocational training facility for young mutants living on the street on Managua." He smiled at the thought of the latest report he'd read. "It's going very well."

Medusa, misinterpreting his discomfort about talk of his father as an expression of grief, allowed a bit of sympathy to enter her eyes. She also noted that Nathan had dubbed the Managua shelter as an “official project,” indicating that Elpis had done work that was not.

“There are already a lot of activist groups in America,” she said. “But similar organizations do not exist across many countries overseas. In Attilan, we were lucky. Our land has a history of tolerance and while not many people know that we are mutants, the royal family has been able to advocate for the rights that exist in our country.”

Nathan gave her a thoughtful look. "Have you ever been to Hungary?" he asked. "Some of us were there, helping out with... um, a difficult situation last year. I honestly hadn't been aware of quite how mutant-friendly a society it was until then."

“I have been to Budapest,” Medusa said, pausing as she thought about her trip. It had not been a long visit, but thinking back on the trip, she realized she had not heard much anti-mutant sentiment while there. “I shall have to let someone from home know. I am sure it would be beneficial for them to know we share similar principles regarding the treatment of mutants.” Indeed, she would be contacting Blackager this evening to tell him. He would know who to inform in the government to pursue a possible friendship between the two countries.

"Istvan Barath would probably be the one to contact," Nathan said, tickled by being able to share a pleasant surprise, if that was what this would turn out to be for someone or multiple someones from Attilan. "He's the minister for Mutant Affairs, and a mutant himself. Very impressive gentleman." He grinned suddenly, ruefully. "He and I got a chance to talk for a few minutes while the paramedics were checking to make sure I hadn't broken any ribs in the course of the day's excitement."

"Resulting from the difficult situation, I imagine?" she said, arching an eyebrow ever so slightly. “I shall tell the prince about the contact and will let you know if anything results from it.” She took a bite of her chicken, eyeing Nathan appraisingly. “No wonder you feel as though there are not enough hours in the day. You teach, work on this NGO and…deal with delicate situations.” Her life on Attilan had been full with just studying and taking care of her royal responsibilities.

"I do have a family, as well," Nathan said in amusement. "My daughter is thirteen months old. My wife runs a Mutant Research Center on Muir Island, in Scotland... she's probably the foremost expert in mutation in the world. Doctor Moira MacTaggart? I'm not sure if the name would be familiar." He took a bite of his sandwich, chewed and swallowed before he continued. "Generally, on Muir they focus on helping special cases, or those with severely maladaptive mutations who can't be accommodated someplace like Xavier's."

Medusa nodded at the name, the family having looked into the research center for Blackager. “Yes, I believe our geneticists may have been in touch with her or some of her colleagues in the past. Not all mutations are as beneficial as others.” Her expression grew troubled for a moment, but it passed quickly, replaced by her public face. “It must be difficult, having your loved one so far away,” she said, keeping her tone neutral.

"Moira divides her time between here and Muir," Nathan said, but didn't deny that it was difficult at times. "It's harder with Rachel, our daughter, actually... she's only ever gone for a few days at a time, but still..." He shook his head a little, smiling very faintly. "Moira and I were good friends for a long time before we were married. For a lot of years, I would come to Muir once, maybe twice a year. We learned to make the most of the time we had together."

“Perhaps that is what you have to do when in situations where you cannot be with the one you wish to be,” Medusa said, her hair shifting slightly. “It is good that you do not have to ever go more than a few days without your daughter though. I am sure she would miss her father terribly if it was a longer separation.”

"And I would miss her. Although it's probably good that it's not very often just her and me home alone together," Nathan said with a brief chuckle. "I'm a horrible disciplinarian. She has me wrapped around her little finger."

Medusa smiled, then took another bite of her curry, thinking of the treats her own father had slipped her as a child. “I am lucky that despite the distance, I do not have to endure long separations from my own family. Crystal and I will be traveling back to Attilan this weekend for her birthday and even though it has only been a few days since I left, I am anxious to return again.”

"I haven't gotten to know your sister very well. It's been... well, something of a hectic summer even by my standards," Nathan said dryly. "I suspect she's glad to have you here, though. American culture can be something of a shock, and we have something of an odd little subculture around here, I suppose."

A tiny frown appeared on Medusa’s face. American culture was indeed confusing. “I have to admit, even I am confused and I have more experience outside of Attilan than Crystal.” She shook her head slightly. “We both will adjust though, as long as people can be patient with us.”

"I was your age when I had to acclimate," Nathan said, choosing his words carefully, even as his smile lingered. "I think you'll be surprised at how quickly you can. It can be infuriating, given that you're the one who's expected to be flexible... but the people here are a good sort, largely. You can expect at least a certain level of patience from most of them. We're well-used to students coming from different cultures, after all."

“Are you not from here originally?” she asked curiously. “I am looking forward to meeting some of the students from other countries. Perhaps they will not seem as strange as…well, as the girl who asked me what kind of nut I am.” She took a sip of her lemonade, then added “I think it would be interesting to see how some of the students here would function in Attilan.”

"I didn't have what you'd consider a normal upbringing," Nathan said, and opted for the 'less is more' approach. "I was born in Alaska, but I've spent a lot of time abroad. I've been here at the school for... oh, two and a half years, now."

She nodded and offered him a small smile. “What is a normal upbringing though? I always thought I had one, but then I came here” a tendril of hair gestured around the room “and discovered that my upbringing is very foreign to how people here were raised.”

Her hair tickled him. Figuratively, of course. But it was just such a neat power. "There are a lot of people here that would be envious if they stopped to think about it. About your upbringing, I mean. To have grown up, trained in the use of your power as a matter of course, accepted for who and what you are..."

Her smile grew sad. “That is something I can truly not imagine having any other way…my parents were thrilled when I discovered my gift.” Though not about how it happened. “We have heard stories of people reacting poorly, though on Attilan most families are pleased when a child displays an ability. It is considered a blessing.”

"The US is... less welcoming, although there are exceptions. It depends on the family, really. When you look at the students here, they've had the full range of manifestation experiences, which is... remarkable, if not unexpected. We get quite a number of proud parents, on Parents' Day," Nathan said thoughtfully. "We also get quite a few who want to be supportive, but are... uncertain, or worried. And then," he said with a sigh, "there are the students who have no parents to come. Or none who will come."

Medusa shook her head in disgust. “Do they not see how wonderful their children’s gifts are? How they can be used for such good in the world?” She sighed. “I know there are those who abuse their abilities and use them improperly, but that is because they did not learn to act in a better manner. If parents do not accept their children, how can they expect them to want to pursue the good within themselves?”

Nathan's lips twitched in something that wasn't quite a smile. Oh, the stories I could tell you... He wasn't going to, though. "Moira and I are doing all we can to raise Rachel the right way," he said, instead. "It's challenging. A thirteen month old telepathic telekinetic is a handful."

“A telepathic baby would be a challenge,” Medusa said as delicately as possible. She would remember to keep her shields tight around that one. While she doubted a baby could have any malicious desire to peak into her mind, she was not comfortable with anyone having a look without her express permission. “Teaching her a balance of control, pride in herself and respect for others must be rather difficult.”

"The Professor is helping enormously, of course. We're keeping the development of her telepathy from outpacing her understanding... the telekinesis is a little easier." He laughed suddenly. "She started flying when she was about five months old. Suffice to say that when she's outside, she's tethered. Especially now, when I can't just levitate and chase her."

Medusa blinked in surprise at the mental image of a baby on a leash. While another person may have laughed, she merely smiled in amusement. She was of the opinion that most small children should be kept on leashes anyways, powers or no powers. “It must be rather difficult to take her in public,” she said once her amusement had subsided.

Nathan's face fell before he could help it. "We... don't, really, since the news about San Diego came out. It's just safer," he said with a sigh. "Even properly tethered, she's capable of levitating small objects."

Despite her opinion of children, Medusa was shocked. “That is no way for a child to live,” she said, wincing slightly at Nathan’s expression. “Perhaps…well, if you ever have the desire to visit Attilan, you should take her with you.”

Nathan managed a smile. "I'd like her to see Attilan someday, from what I've heard of it," he said, then went on more briskly. "And she does get out in public. Just not here. We have no such worries when she's in Scotland. Moira's family is loved and respected over there; anyone who wanted to hurt her or Rachel would probably have to get through most of the population of northern Scotland to do it."

Medusa nodded, her face once again composed into a neutral expression. She had allowed more emotion than normal to seep into this conversation, but something about Nathan’s persona encouraged her to relax. “Scotland is beautiful and she is lucky to have a place where people are that protective of her.” Looking at her watch, she was surprised to see how much time had passed. “It has been a pleasure speaking with you, but I need to finalize arrangements for my trip home. Perhaps we can meet again when I return? I am still anxious to start a new language.”

Nathan smiled. "Happily," he said, waving a hand at the pile of file folders. "Arabic or Mandarin, had you decided? I can dig up one of the basic grammars I used for my introductory courses... I'm sure we've got a few copies still kicking around here somewhere."

“Arabic,” Medusa said decisively. “I do not speak any Middle Eastern languages and my goal is always to diversify my knowledge base as much as possible.” There would be time to learn Mandarin later. Rising from her seat, she smiled at Nathan. “Do not forget my offer as well. I shall come up with something explaining the Greek alphabet and put it in your box. I must admit, I have never taught before, but I do promise to try my best.”

"I don't doubt it. Enjoy your trip home, Medusa," Nathan said. "I'll catch up with you next week." No sooner had she bid him goodbye and departed than Nathan's hand crept back towards the pile of file folders.

Well, it wasn't as if he was doing anything else right this minute...