xp_logs | From London to Ladysmith via Pretoria: Red-X Inquires

Jenny spends some time with Yvette learning about Red-X.

The Red-X office in the mansion was small and cramped. Xavier had made a mention recently of revisiting Red-X and some of the other programs, and changing how they operated in conjunction with the school. Typically, the elder telepath was vague with his details, and left them with plenty of room to wonder. The existing office may have been cramped, but it suited their needs. Most of their training took place in the field or in the Danger Room, and they went over materials in an empty classroom when there were more than a couple of people involved. Still, it had been adopted, the walls covered in posters from places they’d responded to events at, and more about global social causes. There was plenty of room for Jenny as Yvette ushered her in.

"And this is the Red X office," Yvette explained to her charge. "It is a bit small, I am afraid, but we mostly keep information here for those who are interested in joining."

Jenny just nodded to start with, her eyes a little wide as she looked over all of the posters. So many different places, places she could only dream of visiting.

"So how does it work?" She asked curiously, finally pulling her gaze away from the posters. "Can anyone join Red X? Do you have to be a member to help out, or can anyone do it? How did it start?" Jenny hadn't stopped asking questions since she'd arrived, mostly because she was incredibly curious about everything mutant related, but it also covered her own nervousness in regards to just being here, having fled her home, telling people what she had.

"It was started back in 2004. Professor Xavier and the Red Cross, they started the pilot program. High school students and graduates, mostly." Yvette leaned back against one of the tables, more relaxed and at home than she had been so far during the tour. "It is usually only members, but for the bigger situations the teachers also get involved." She tilted her head at Jenny. "Is the Red Cross allowed in Genosha at all?"

"Oh yes," Jenny replied with a smile. "They do have a presence, though it's a relatively small one. There isn't much call for aid organizations in Genosha. They're just... really strict when it comes to mutant organizations." She glanced back at the posters, clearly curious. "So what sort of things does Red X help with?"

"Whatever the Red Cross does, we do," Yvette replied, nodding at Jenny's explanation of how things worked in Genosha. "But mostly we are called in for the natural disasters or accidents. Fires, earthquakes, blizzards, that sort of thing. Our powers are useful in helping others and the range of mutations in the group means that everyone comes in handy at one time or another."

Jenny nodded, looking thoughtful. She was honestly impressed by the program, mutants using their powers to help out. It wasn't far from how she thought Genosha should be. Mutants serving their country by using their powers, but on a volunteer basis. And not exploited like some of the stories she'd heard.

"And it's just here at the school? Are there other chapters around the country?" Jenny shook herself out of her thoughts, picking up her questioning again.

"There are other chapters around the country, although not as many as we would like. After the attack on New York by Apocalypse, things are more tense than they used to be. People are not always happy to be helped by mutants." Yvette sounded more sad than angry - she could understand the fear people had after the disaster. "There is also the Flight program in Canada - their Beta Flight people do similar work to Red X."

"The attitude towards mutants is changing in Genosha," Jenny replied, offering something of a sad smile to Yvette. "But not out of fear. Mutants have been such an integral part of Genosha's development and economy, now I think people take them for granted. It doesn't matter what happens to them, or what they're expected to do, as long as it's for the good of the country."

"I wonder sometimes, what it would be like to be taken for granted," Yvette said wryly. "But then again, I think I prefer having the choice about helping."

"In this case, it isn't necessarily a good thing." Mutants weren't hated and feared in Genosha like they were in America, but then... the current alternative wasn't much better. "But you were saying, that Canada has a similar program?" Jenny changed the subject, back to what they'd been talking about before. "The Flight Program? What does that entail?"

"I do not know it so well," Yvette admitted. "You would be better speaking to Mr. Kane - Garrison - about it, since he is Canadian and was part of the program. But I believe it is part of the Canadian health system - children are given training under the Flight program when they manifest, to make sure they are safe, and have the choice to continue onto the Beta Flight group if they wish to help with their powers."

Jenny nodded. "Every country has a different approach to mutants, don't they? I think I remember hearing something about..." She paused, a frown, trying to remember the name. "A country ruled by mutants. Where the human and mutant population live together quite happily."

"Attilan," Yvette supplied readily. She smiled a little mischievously. "I went to school with their Crown Princess for a time. Now she teaches here."

"Oh, wow, seriously?" Jenny's eyes widened a little at that. "This really is a very interesting place." She smiled a little. "It is more than just a simple school for mutants."

Yvette laughed out loud at that. "Oh, there is nothing simple about Xavier's, that is for sure."