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From the front lines; Magneto, Spitfire
Topic Started: Nov 14 2009, 10:19 PM (392 Views)
Magneto (old)
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Magnokinesis / Flight
Time of Day: 10:00 am
Place in the Timeline: October 2nd 2008


Magnus' jaw was set as he looked over the reports from the JS spies in the European Union council... they were in the middle of a weeks-long argument over the establishment of a new tax on goods coming from Jus Soli. The reasons stated were that the mutant nation was able to make and export goods and consumer products at such a reduced cost that they were able to price them so much cheaper than their domestic competition. With a growl at the words, Erik brushed the reports aside in disgust.

He literally did not understand how the human brain worked; they were actually advocating keeping JS products from the humans' shelves in order to protect their arcane and inferior methods of production. They were making it impossible for their consumers to buy the items they wished at a much-reduced price. The people of Europe would have been able to save more of their money... put it toward improving their lives in other areas. Better houses... better automobiles... better holidays. That alone would generate the extra jobs needed to offset the reduced amount of work as a result of buying mutant goods.

Humans didn't think. They never looked to the future and planned accordingly... only saw the present and the dangers directly in front of them. It was that exact fault in their thinking that had lead mutantkind to start World War III and create a mutant nation that would overwhelm them with economic, technological, and military competition. They deserved to succumb to their own idiosyncrasies and leave the world to the advanced. It was not a path he was willing to travel, but it did not change the fact that they often made his life a living hell.

“Sir?”

A disembodied voice echoed into the room, distracting Magnus from his annoyance as he looked toward the door, “Yes, Reverb?”

“Spitfire has returned from the front lines.”

A small smile flickered as the leader of mutantkind nodded, “Very well. Admit her.”

Jacqueline would be a nice reprieve from the mundane tasks he was required to do as the President of Jus Soli, after all... free time was a rarity for him and having no family of his own, it was nice to spend a little time talking to the young lady. She had spent so long under his employ, he felt a bit as if she were a daughter or granddaughter, though he had never really expressed that sentiment to her.

He pulled his documents back in front of him and perused them once more while awaiting her to enter with her reports.
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Spitfire
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There was mud on her boots. Her uniform was less than pristine and her hair could do with a bit of a wash, but these small things could wait. Spitfire had neatened herself out the best she could, to be presentable to the President, but the speedster knew that he would care more about the reports she carried with her, rather than her hairstyle. Jackie stood in the lobby area, waiting for admittance impatiently; everything was slow by her pace, despite the fact the staff tried to compensate for the increased speed at which she lived her life. Her stomach gave a growl, but she had not even spared the moment to go and fetch something to eat, instead heading straight to the government buildings where Magnus kept himself to himself, and his country’s business.

After what felt like an annoying amount of time, Reverb returned to her, allowing her entry into the office. Glowing almost, Spitfire clutched her bag to her chest and ran through into the office, sending a gut of wind up, blowing around a stack of papers. Childish, yes, but she really did hate waiting. Coming to a stop in the middle of the office, in front of the President’s desk, the teen snapped to attention, despite her lack of military rank, and nearly saluted.

“Sir. I have the field reports you requested,” she opened up the bag she had carried into the room, drawing out a number of files, neatly bound, and waited for the President to request them before she laid them on his desk. He had other things before him and she had no desire to load his desk up with more papers.

Jackie had been serving within the government for almost as long as she had been in Jus Soli. She had been part of the street protests back then, stirring them up. Not against the ruler, never, but against the way mutants were treated around the world, where they could not be protected as she was now protected. After years of drifting it had given her something to believe in and a purpose, a spark that Magnus likes to see within his people. Shuffling the files to check the order briefly, she gave the man a slight smile, glad to be back. She would spend some time here, naturally, before going home to a shower and food, expecting to be relieved of duties for the time it would take her to clean up, eat up and then later she would sleep, if only for a few hours before doing some more work, then drinks with friends.

“I hope you have been keeping well, while I’ve been away, Sir,” she added, her smile on her face still, as she made the comment. Spitfire meant it as well, having a lot of respect and admiration for the mutant leader. Also, she was usually working closeby, unless he had sent her out on assignment, as she had just returned from, so Jackie was used to seeing the leader most days.
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Magneto (old)
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Magnokinesis / Flight
As soon as one of his most trusted assistants came bursting into his office in her usual manner, Magnus looked up from the documents he'd been going over, forgetting them for now. Jacqueline had returned after days in the front lines, and Magneto had missed the young woman's efficiency as well as her company. She had a sense of humor he enjoyed and a boundless energy he found refreshing. While she showed him proper respect as the President of Jus Soli, there was a slight ring of familiar undercurrent beneath her words – a nice change from the formality that so many showed him.

Offering the young woman a smile in return, Erik extended a hand to receive the files and she had pulled into view and thumbed through the first few pages as he set them down. “Thank you, Jacqueline,” he said as he scanned the casualty report from one of the front line captains. His mouth turned down slightly as he found the death toll of soldiers for the past quarter; it was unfortunate that no matter how advanced a species homo superior was, there were still deaths among them at the hands of humans.

The reports could wait though... standing before him was a young woman waiting as patiently as any speedster could... likely for a nice rest in her own abode after the long mission. Laying the papers down, the President of the mutant nation of Jus Soli pulled his glasses off his face, laid them on top of the report he had just received and leaned back in his chair. “Please... have a seat,” he said with another smile, “I won't keep you long, child, but I did want to hear your thoughts on what you saw from the front.”

The humans in South America had taken the birth of the mutant nation extremely hard seeing as homo superior had acquired more than a third of the entire continent. As a result, several nations had a tenuous peace with Magnus at best, yet he knew that many of the South American governments were paying the guerrillas that constantly plagued his borders. When his diplomats hinted at the possibility, the various heads of state would merely shake their heads and claim that they were having the same problems and vowed to do whatever it took to end their violence. Nothing ever came of their empty promises, leaving Magnus' people to deal with the humans themselves.

The deaths of his people, however, was not something he could continue to abide, and Erik made a mental note to assign Genesis the task of getting him the proof he needed to make an open accusation against the South Americans. Once he had concrete evidence that several of their neighbors were actively conspiring against them, Magnus would personally have to make an example out of one of them – the entire nation.

“How are the soldiers doing? How are the humans killing scores of us? Have we managed to take any prisoners for interrogation?”
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Spitfire
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The frontlines were a very unpleasant place, and Jackie was glad to be back in familiar surroundings once more. The soldiers of Jus Soli were brave fighters, doing what was needed for the country and she supported them, but she was secretly glad she was needed elsewhere. She was no coward, but it was a bloody war, a dirty war on the part of the humans and she had her place to serve here. She gratefully sat down on the President’s invitation, having waited as she knew he would offer her a seat. Her boots could really have done with a clean, she thought as she looked down for minute to distract herself as he took a moment of contemplation, or at least to her quick mind anyway.

He asked her what she thought of the war, putting her in a difficult position. He was the ruler, he had done so much for mutants that in many ways it was so very hard to give him a clear view on things, without some degree of bias towards his rule. Magnus was not exactly perfect, as no one was, but he was better than many human leaders were, in the eyes of their respective people. Mutants were united beyond the country they had been born in; they were united by the advanced nature of their genetic makeup, by their powers and abilities, bound together by their gifts. They chose to be in Jus Soli, they chose to be there, to be led by Magnus. Humans happened to be born in a country, led by some jumped up politician in a suit, whom they happened to have voted or not voted for. It was all simply a coincidence for humans.

Thinking very carefully, the young speedster leant forwards in her chair, choosing the words for her verbal report very carefully. “The troops are as well as can be expected. They make the best of it, the situation is very difficult. It seems to be pockets of guerrilla fighters, but…” she looked up, her blue eyes confused. “They’re guerrillas but they’re far too organised to actually be slapdash go where the money pays sort. As soon as one cell is dealt with it is as if they called their friends in, who take up where they left off. They are surprisingly well armed as well. There are many humans dead, but too many of us, gone, killed by them, by their ignorance and prejudice,” the blonde almost spat the words in sheer contempt for the murders of her people. If the humans just left them alone, they would not act out against them, why would they?

“Our soldiers are loyal to you sir, despite the losses and the current conditions. Our advantage is that we are a truly united people. General Shaw sends his regards, by the way,” she added in with a sincere nod, speaking of the man whose company she had only in the last hour or so, departed from. Her mind started to drift as she thought again about that bath, and those drinks later. She’d see Ashan as well; she’d missed her fellow speedster. A small smile traced on her face before she snapped back to attention, her mind focusing on the front once more.

“As for prisoners, we have some, not as many as we’d hoped, but they should be under interrogation as we speak, there was a small delay with the psionic interrogators, but nothing serious nor to be concerned about their efficiency. I’ll go back to collect whatever information is collected from the prisoners,” she nodded, knowing that she probably could have waited, but the President had been expecting her and she did not want to keep him hanging around, as he was a very busy man.
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Magneto (old)
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Magnus nodded as the young woman expressed her own misgivings about the South American claims that the guerrillas were acting independently and without their assistance. He had expected for a long time that at least three of the remaining governments had created an under-the-table alliance with one single purpose in mind – to make life for their neighbor as difficult as possible. Shaw had expressed his concerns, and though he had only visited the front lines once, Erik had seen signs of it even then. Now that Jacqueline who – for all her talents did not know near as much as one of his top generals – expressed her own concerns regarding the matter, the President was more convinced than ever that his suspicions were valid. He would have to employ resources to find irrefutable evidence he could bring to the South American people when he accused them of their treachery... and then an example would be made. The world needed to be reminded why Jus Soli existed in the first place.

She then went on to assure him that the men and women serving in their armed forces were as loyal as ever, which brought a faint smile to his features. Unrest had begun to stir within JS walls due to the bad blood between the mutant nation and its neighbors; some mutants seemed to take the same sort of stance Americans occasionally took regarding the birth of their country. It had been stolen from Native Americans, pulled out from under their feet while their women and children were being butchered by the scores. Apparently homo superior still had a bit of evolving to do before weak logic became a thing of the past.

His military though... it was something he could always count on; when a person saw death before their eyes or even had a brush with it, those close calls often steeled their resolve and faith in the thing they had enlisted to protect in the first place. Erik was grateful that he still had many under him that had not lost sight of what was important.

And then there was the issue of prisoners and interrogation... an unpleasant subject for him to dwell on, but one he could not shy away from. As the commander of Jus Soli's military, he could not choose which responsibilities he preferred to actually focus on. A good President dealt with anything that required his attention.

He suddenly felt very tired, his age becoming extremely evident as he became aware of how heavy his eyelids were... of every muscle and joint. His nights were steadily becoming more sleepless as the weeks passed; strange dreams kept waking him from sleep – always variations of the same one where he had the feeling he was being hunted. After years of fighting a full-scale war, establishing a country and working government, and keeping it maintained, he really felt the need for some time away from it all.

Erik shook himself out of his tangent and focused back on Jacqueline, forcing a smile on his features, “Thank you, my dear. I will let you know when Shaw has contacted me with the reports, but if I were to estimate when those would be ready, I would say at least four days... likely a week. Why don't you take three days off. I insist,” he said before Jacqueline had a chance to reply, “I am going to hand a large portion of my routine duties to Reverb and Catalyst for a couple of those days as I have a few personal matters to take care of. Besides, I'll likely need you to work over the weekend. Our Psychic Division is begging me to send someone to find out what's going on in Russia, and you're my most effective way of contacting our operatives there. Something about a large dark spot of psychic energy. So you'll likely do a fair bit of running. I want you well-rested and in top shape.”
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Spitfire
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After her vocal report, there was a pause and for a moment Jackie edged forward on her seat nervously, hoping she hadn’t put her foot in something or something. It was a delicate line to tread, in terms of support as despite there were those like herself, who fully backed Jus Soli and its ruler, there were those who seemed to want to argue about everyone, despite choosing to be in the mutant nation. It was those sorts who the speedster had been so vocal about, amongst other things, when she had been a part of the street protests, where she had been discovered by the mutant leader and plucked out for better things and an even better life. Their country was not stolen, it was earned and they had to carry on earning it.

The promise of some days off was almost expected, it was very in character for Magnus to give her a little leave after a particularly arduous task, as despite having a good deal of control over her mutant abilities, like anyone, she needed time to regain her strengths and take a little bit of time to herself. “Thank you, Sir,” she responded with a keen nod. He looked a little tired, she thought, not for the first time feeling a little touch of worry for him. He was their leader and he was strong, but he was not infallible, no one was, but still, the next lines out of his mouth was almost something of a surprise, although she did not feel he was in any way wrong for this decision.

Opening, then closing her mouth, she looked at him almost strangely. “Sir? Well – I hope you also use the time to rest,” Spitfire said, almost gently, knowing that she was one of the few people who would get away with saying such a thing to Magnus. Thankfully the conversation had taken a diversion anyway, with forewarning of a trip to Russia. The talk of a psychic dark spot and the fact that the Psychic Division were so keen for someone to journey there…Shuddering, the blonde got her attention back on track. It might be a little big headed but she was one of the best, the most able to reach many far-flung corners of the globe, and while she was not the fastest speedster on the globe, she made up for what speed she lacked in boundless enthusiasm and patriotism.

“Russia? I would need a good rest before making my way there, that’s for sure. It’d be cold this time of year…” her mind started working, hoping that someone could make sure there would be a decent coat there for her, as she was unable to weigh herself down too much when running with such things as luggage, as she didn’t really trust shipping stuff around before her, things were bound to get lost… “I can make the journey in good time, with enough rest. Who am I to report to on arrival?” the speedster requested, knowing she would need telling several times for it to sink into her quick stream of thoughts. “Has there been any more information on this ‘dark spot’? Could it be the product of some Russian experimentation? They are a largely secretive nation in many respects.”
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Magneto (old)
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He shook his head, “There really isn't anyone for you to report to. We have a small contingent of psychics stationed in the Ukraine who are monitoring the situation. You'll do well to stop of there to recover from the trek and gather any more information they might think useful. There is only so much that can be conveyed over official reports, and I am sure that there is more they would like to say on the matter.”

He leaned forward in his chair and steepled his fingertips as he looked at her gravely, “But your primary task is reconnaissance. The psychic team can do nothing more for us, and their inability to provide us with more information leaves me worried. I want answers and I want them quickly, which is why you are so perfect for the job. I want you to travel to the coordinates, and tell me what you feel and see. Visit the local villages... get a sense of how the locals are... watch for any unusual signs of activity.”

He frowned slightly at his own orders. This was not a mission he would normally give such a valued member of his staff, and he was sure she'd find it a slightly unusual request, but the predicament disturbed the President, and he needed to know something. It was important, he didn't know why, and that alone was enough to frustrate Magnus to no end. He was a man of logic and reason... it was seldom he depended on feelings and gut instinct for anything, yet this was something he couldn't shake.

“This is an extremely important mission, Jacqueline, and very secret. It stays within these walls, do I make myself clear,” he handed the young woman a dossier with her instructions and all the information she would need.
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Sitting back straight, the speedster chewed her lip thoughtfully, trying to keep her mind in the now and not think so much on the promised break from her duties, not only the rest she would be able to get and the fun she would be able to have, but also the horrid, itching feeling she got fro, not being around. Jackie was something of a workaholic, who liked to think she did her job well, so a long break made her twitch slightly. However, as more details were shed on her mysterious mission, the more that nerve was evaporating and she lent forward to catch his every word.

“But if the psychics can’t do anything…” she shook her head, not quite sure of what was expected of her; her position often led to some strange tasks, but recently things were a little different. Honestly, it worried her a little, as well as flattered her that he would send her on a mission of such magnitude. Leaning forward, she opened the file and speedily read through the first few pages before snapping it closed and holding it on her lap.

“I understand, sir,” she wanted to ask him ‘what sort of unusual activity’ and add that she didn’t speak Russian, but a telepath would likely be able to give her a crash course in the language if she asked nicely enough, and it wasn’t the sort of awkward issue that she wanted to raise right now, when she could go at yap at someone else about it and not bother the President.

“What reason should I give the psychics? Or are they not on the list of people to avoid talking to?” she gave a slightly lopsided grin as she asked what felt like an obvious question, but it didn’t hurt to be too careful. Already her feet were starting to itch as she started to mentally plan her route to Russia, via the Ukraine. It would be long, and tiring, but Spitfire liked a challenge and she also liked, well, appreciated the trust placed in her to complete such a task.

“I’ll keep this secret and return well within my deadline, with as much as I can learn for you. I shall be your eyes, Sir. On one condition,” she gave her President a bit more of a familial smile, and looked behind her for a second, before facing him once more. “That you, get some rest in these few days. You look tired.” The speedster, had she been in public would have bitten back on that comment, or even several months ago in private she would not have dared take the liberty, but things changed, and not only did she feel free to speak her mind, but she knew he appreciated it, even her small concerns. Still, she did have to wonder what exactly he was sending her into...
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Magneto (old)
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He would have loved to promise her that he'd get some rest, but the fact of the matter was that he wasn't sure it was a promise he could keep, and he didn't give his word lightly. Oh... he would sleep. He would delegate as he always had, but lately every time he closed his eyes, he was continually disturbed by disturbing images. Death and decay seemed to hang just beneath his eyelids, reminding him of the foundation Jus Soli rested on.

Magnus forced a smile on his care-worn face for the sake of the young woman, “I promise to do my best, Jacqueline. Unfortunately, our best isn't always up to the task.”

He hurried on, not giving her a chance to protest and demand a more satisfactory answer from her President, “The psychics are already aware that you are on your way. Gather any information you can from them before you penetrate the area, and Jacqueline... don't forget that you could make a very significant difference despite their failure. Sometimes when one of our senses fail, it is best to use another.”

He rose out of his chair and gave her another reassuring smile, “Now... go home. Take a shower. Get some rest. Go see your friends and enjoy your time home. That is an order, young lady.”
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The President gave her a smile, not one that she had come to know as a genuine show of emotion from having worked so closely by him, but something that came from effort more than anything. Jackie knew him and she knew that something else was going on. It would worry her, even with her attention span, but there was little she could do right now other than her work for him and for the nation. There would be no success with slacking off and doubt, as worried as she might be, she would keep her confidence in Magnus. About to comment on his promise, swearing that it would be good enough for her, the man went on quickly and Spitfire was only able to utter a syllable, quickly closing her mouth so that he might continue.

“Very good Sir, I’ll report to them in all haste,” the blonde nodded, taking in all his instructions and filing them in her efficient, quick mind. As well as already planning her route in her head, she was thinking about provisions, equipment and clothing. Of course there would be items to suit her needs at the station, but perhaps not as well designed as she processed, specifically for her needs. The climate would be very different, but she knew she’d have something in her wardrobe to wear, she never seemed to throw anything out and her flat was definitely showing signs of that now.

“I’ll give this my best efforts. You know you can count on me, Sir,” she nodded quickly; her head a slight blur and gave a slightly resigned smile as he ordered her home. It would be nice to get clean and see her friends. “Alright, but if you need me you know I’m available to be here in the blink of an eye, no matter what,” the girl said seriously and clutched her dossier to her chest, checking that it was firmly closed, so that she would not lose any papers in transit.

“Take care of yourself while I’m gone, Magnus. Try and survive without me,” she winked with a customary cheer to try and lighten the moment, before opening the door and disappearing out with a flash. Time to go home…

-end-
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