Email to Scott and Ororo

[x-forge.livejournal.com]

To: [Summers, S.]; [Munroe, O.]
From: [Forge, JH]
Subject: In light of recent events...



It's been almost nine months since I took over Mr. Lee's position as security specialist for the school. In that time, we've had a number of incidents where students have been endangered. Whether from abduction, assault, willful irresponsibility, or the odd dinosaur incursion, it has become rather obvious that the students and staff here cannot be protected at all times.

Regardless, during that timeframe, the mansion's actual security has been maintained - no one has gone missing from the premises, and we've not had to deal with any hostile visitors. While I cannot take the credit here, I'd like to think that this continuing trend speaks well for my ability to fulfill the responsibilities I am entrusted with. With the aid of certain other staff members, I have been taking it on my own initiative to constantly upgrade and refine the systems and protocols that ensure that this school is a safe haven and a sanctuary for all who reside within its walls.

That being said - there are elements that I cannot control which endanger not only the students, but all of us. There will be people like Dr. Campbell who have no compunctions about using the students as pawns in personal vendettas. People like the Preservers who'll lure impressionable mutants to their cause. People like Magneto and the Brotherhood that have no qualms about turning a young mutant into a tool, or a weapon. There is little I can do to protect our charges outside these walls from these kinds of threats.

This, I have decided, is not a situation I am content with.

I recognize my limitations, both physical and mental. I know that I do not have the presence of mind, nor the physical conditioning to put on a uniform and go out on the latest crusade that tends to bring the X-Men back bruised and beaten on any number of occasions. But what I do have is the desire to rid myself of the limitations I do have that render me, in a word, useless in situations like the recent one that Kyle, Crystal, Marius and Jennie found themselves in.

You could possibly blame Dr. Grey for giving me the impetus to ask this - but I would like to start the training that could prepare me for such situations. This isn't just for my personal safety - there have been times when the X-Men have needed my expertise in the field. These times will likely occur again. You've had assistance in dangerous situations from non-team members before (Doctor Bartlet comes to mind), I would like the confidence in knowing that should I be required in such a situation, that I can be something other than a liability if things get out of hand.

It's funny, almost. I asked our students who were attacked last week what made them able to defend themselves, and they all unanimously said that it was it was what they felt they had to do. This too, is something I feel I have to do.

I'd like the chance to be something more than I am.

JHF

Comments

Reply

[x-cyclops.livejournal.com]

Forge,

Funny how my wife can be blamed for so many of these situations. That said, we should talk. Since we don't want to be dumping you unceremoniously into training, you need to know the different elements of that training, so that you can made some educated choices as to what you do and don't want to do.

I have some suggestions, of course. But that can wait until we talk.

Scott