xp_communication | Email to Darcy

To: Darcy
From: Monica

Subject: Checking in

Hey Darcy,

So I've been trying to figure out how to word this, with all the shit that went down on the journals, which is why I haven't said anything before. But. Um. I can only imagine what it was like having a telepath threaten you after the whole Laurie thing and I'm sorry I didn't speak up before, but I hope you're okay and you have help?

Um, so yeah, that's it. Mega awkward. But I hope you're okay.

Nica.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

xp_darcy

Hey Nica,

Yeah, that was a lot, right? I should've taken a time out instead of kneejerk posting.

It wasn't great and I'm dreading coming back, but I'll figure something out. At least being on the opposite coast for work all week meant I could both reflect in a calm environment and not have to deal with Quire.

Thanks for checking in on me, I really appreciate it. Are you taking summer classes this term? If so, maybe we can get lunch one day.

Darcy

From:

xp_spectrum

Ugh, it was so much. I mean, I understand this Madin person has had a horrible experience and was doing the whole angry mutant thing, but ugh. Also, hello? Totally mutant environment here, in case you hadn't noticed? But when someone's that angry, there's no arguing with them.

Don't worry about coming back. If Maya's any indication, you'll have a bodyguard 24/7. But perhaps an apology to Madin might not go astray, since they're wondering if they're going to be executed for going against the status quo. Seriously, what kind of fucking place is Australia if that's what they think happens? But yeah, I think Mr. G. is going on sabbatical, which isn't a bad idea with the whole reaction he had.

No summer classes, since I aced my exams. But we should still get lunch because, dumbass as I am, I just realised you used to work in Washington and OMG you have a bunch of stuff you can tell me. Also, speaking of lunch, Sooraya and that Dr. Haller person have been having a lot of lunches together. Thoughts?

Nica.

From:

xp_darcy

Yes, and I forgot in the moment that Madin has lived a much different experience than many of us, but even when that was pointed out by others they seemed intent on doubling and tripling down. I do regret starting from that kneejerk position of telling them to STFU, because we both know that never leads to anything productive, but I don't regret my stance on put up or shut up and outlining the steps they could take to become that visible face they want to see.

Which, maybe they don't want to be the visible face. That's fine, although being under the protection of Xavier's can mean that they aren't going to have the same difficulties as the visible mutants already putting in the time and effort there even without being part of the mansion. And for some reason that vulnerability gap seems to be escaping them.

I pass in basically every single way that makes my life as easy as possible without being a cis white man. I can't possibly relate to the lived experience of someone who is very obviously othered every day of their lives. But I can listen to their stories, and I can use my own privilege to help them out the best I'm able, whether that's dealing with shitty landlords or connecting them to the people that can get them help outside my scope. If they don't want to become the face of a whole community I can understand why, because their lives are already hard without becoming that token visible mutant.

I plan on sending them an apology to that effect as well, even if I doubt they'll believe me. They've seemed to think the worst of me from our very first interaction, and the other ones have all involved Quire and not helped at all.

Australia is very, very unkind to known mutants. If you've seen stories about the immigration detention centres... what they do to mutants is worse. Think Japanese internment camps, at best. I can understand why that would make someone angry and prone to lashing out.

Absolutely lunch. I'm not sure what areas you're interested in, but I can introduce you to some local policy analysts and people that work non-profits, at least. Maybe more, if I pull some of Marci's networking contacts too. I'm happy to help you out.

Probably just friends catching up, but who knows?

-D