whoholdsthewhip (whoholdsthewhip) wrote in marvel_nextgen,
@ 2011-05-09 23:17:00

Entry tags:

andrew summers, angelo bennet, giovanna bennet, inactive - cassidy summers, sengai senyaka

Settling In

Things had been moving fast for Sengai Senyaka. First he met with Andrew Summers, head of the Genosha Consulate, and his bodyguard Giovanna Bennet, http://www.scribbld.com/users/whoholdsthewhip/318.html . He had explained his reasons for his coming then, the nature of his often difficult powers, and his own desire to to learn about the conflict between humans and mutants. Summers struck him as a good man, young perhaps, but he defintiely knew what he was talking about. He seemed like the kind of individual Sengai could see himself working under, but he wasn't going to make a hasty decision. Afterwards, Giovanna had engaged him in a sparring session in order for him to attempt to control his powers during a combat scenario. http://www.scribbld.com/users/burnwithlight/1827.html. He was pleased the progress, but knew it would still be some time before he was comfortable enough with his powers. Still, it had been a rewarding experience. He was pretty sure he could could consider Andrew and Giovanna friends, but he tried not to get too attached to the idea. Afterall, he wasn't there to make friends.

He was currently in the consulate lunchroom, sash on his shoulders. After the training session, he looked forward to simply sitting and having something to eat.

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sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 03:46 am UTC (link)

Many of the things Andrew says, he'd read in books about Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.

"I admit, I wondered why Professor Xavier didn't open his doors to everyone who needs his help. They help a lot of people, me being one of them, but...if I'd known there was a place like Xavier's or even Genosha out there when I was captured, I might have tried to escape captivity sooner." Cassidy says.

"And every day since then, I've wondered how many other mutants out there suffer because they simply don't /know/ where they can turn for help or who they can trust. I agree that someone's got to draw a line of sorts in the sand and say '/these/ people won't be harmed anymore. /These/ people are not going quietly away because it makes life easier for a chosen few." Cassidy says.

"A lot of scientific journals I read seem to agree that, at the current pace of reproduction, mutants will be the dominant group on Earth inside of fifty years. You're not going to hear that on the news, but it makes you wonder how things will work out when almost every kid out there can do something spectacular, and we're not a random anomaly anymore." he says.

"But how do give people a reason to accept the person next to them? A lot of people aren't going to listen to anything, no matter how open you are or how sincere."

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assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 04:11 am UTC (link)

"No, they're not. And that's where the great equalizer comes in... give people a chance at something they want, if they give you what you want, and you'll get people's attention.

Offer developing nations who improve their human rights records people who can terraform with a wave of their hands.

Use the fact that Genosha has multiple growing seasons due to mutant population and high science combined to offer food to the starving.

Use our weather controllers in a small area to be able to grow what trade partners need. Sugar, corn, rare fruits... you name it. We can produce it.

We have resources most nations can only dream of... and we're willing to share.

Draw a line in the sand of the beaches of Genosha, and tell people they will not, cannot cross that line by force... but if they offer us fair trade, mutual protection pacts, peace... let us be part of the world, we'll gladly let them reap the benefits of being part of a world with Genosha in it."

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	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 04:22 am UTC (link)
	Giovanna smiles wryly. "'In the end, the world is going to have the best, and genetics will not keep the world from what it wants?'" she paraphrases quietly, hoping as ever that he's right. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 04:37 am UTC (link)

"I have to admit that I never thought of it like that. Everyone helps and everyone wins. This could really work if everyone on both sides could see the benefits." Cassidy says, thinking a bit more.

He wanted to ask if any countries had approached Genosha yet about taking them up on this deal, but that sounded like one of those state secrets they talked about, and Cassidy didn't want to put his brother into a position to have to say no to him.

"Do you feel like you've made any progress with this idea in the time you've been in America?" he asks, instead.

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assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 04:58 am UTC (link)

Thankfully, a lot of this is public record, not something he feels any real need to hide.

"Yes, actually. A lot of nations who pride themselves on their human rights record are cautious, but interested in what we have to say. Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Finland, Norway... plus we have excellent relations with Symkaria, and we're reasonably friendly with Wakanda. I've petitioned for U.N. membership, not because I think we'll get it... Russia will never let that happen, but because I want to see France and the U.S. either confront their issues or have to go on record justifying avoiding doing so. I'm fairly sure the U.S. will reject it, but it'll open up debate and raise awareness. I'm not sure where France will fall."

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sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 05:17 am UTC (link)

"France seems like it's more willing to bow to outside pressure or examples to keep the peace; their historical record supports that, so you'll probably see them jump on the bandwagon. Globally, food is a resource that /everyone/ needs...but I think you'll get a positive result out of the United States.

In the end, they'll probably be the first ones to say yes and Russia will have to groan and bear it. They may not accept things directly from you, but they'll buy it secondhand from anyone who deals with you." Cassidy says.

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assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 05:23 am UTC (link)

"Oh yes. They'll be trying to figure out how to benefit. The current political climate won't let the U.S. support letting a country run by Magneto into the U.N., and Russia opposes everything we do openly... old history. They will never forgive Magneto for sinking that submarine... and were our positions reversed, act of war or no, I'm not sure I'd disagree.

Right now I'm not expecting to win this fight. I'm entering it just to make my enemies state their positions openly, and find out where we can make headway.

I don't forsee great successes overnight... but 20, 30 years down the road? I think its the path with the greatest chances of eventual success."

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	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 05:26 am UTC (link)
	Gio exchanges a slight glance with Sengai. Something ran in the family, certainly. "However France falls, they'll certainly take their time about it," she mutters. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 05:29 am UTC (link)

"Well, the fact that you've started now gives you the best chance of seeing this happen in your lifetime. Maybe I'll be able to say I had this conversation with you someday if I ever get asked about it, for posterity and all." Cassidy chuckles.

"Let me ask you this question: What do you see as the greatest threat to our world and how would you change it, if you had the power?" Cassidy asks.

"Okay, sorry, that was two questions."

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assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 05:44 am UTC (link)

"If people are asking about it someday, it will be because I had good people beside me." he replies seriously.

"For the rest: The center of every man's existence is a dream. Death, disease, insanity, are merely material accidents, like a toothache or a twisted ankle. That these brutal forces always besiege and often capture the citadel does not prove that they are the citadel." he replies, quoting Chesterton.

"The greatest threat to our world is not only forgetting to dream, but accepting the challenges as the world... and not striving to overcome them. We need to dream big, and act big... even in steps, and believe things can get better - face the devils that might be instead of being comfortable with the devils we know.

And how would I change it? By sharing my dream with those who will listen, those who might share some portion of it. With my bodyguard, with her brother, with my grandfather, with my father... someday, perhaps, with my brother. Because a dream shared is a stronger one. And its by sharing dreams and working towards them together that change, positive change, can become real."

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sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 06:00 am UTC (link)

Something in Andrew's words resonates inside Cassidy, not just mentally, but spiritually. His books on Eastern Philosophy said many of the same things, but the words on the page didn't really have the same.../feeling/ as hearing someone speak a lot of the things Cassidy had been thinking about, but didn't know how to put into words.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Cassidy says, quoting Margaret Mead.

"Thanks, Andrew. You've give me a lot to think about, just with those things." he says.

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	assaultnbattery 2011-05-13 06:02 am UTC (link)
	Andrew can't help but smile. "Agree or disagree, making people think is why I came to America." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 06:09 am UTC (link)

"Why don't you take your message to the airwaves? Or hold a rally of some kind? I'm sure there are a lot of people our age who would listen. People that vote and get involved politically. That sounds like a lot of untapped potential to me.

Those are the people that are going to be in power in twenty years, rather than the old guys from a generation or two ago who run things now." Cassidy says.

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assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 06:15 am UTC (link)

"Why? Honestly, its because, as Giovanna will testify, I have a full schedule in damage control when mutant issues come up, dealing with meetings, hand-holding political allies - and while I may be a pretty good political scientist, I'm a terrible organizer. Gio still regularly has to watch my schedule. I'd love to be Jamie Madrox or Quicksilver and have time to do everything... but if I'm going to extend myself, I need to do it the old fashioned way and get help."

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	sound_and_fury 2011-05-13 06:54 am UTC (link)
	"That makes sense. I notice you don't have a large political staff. Don't you have aides and what not like most politicians do? Can't they help out?" he asks. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 11:50 am UTC (link)
	"So far, we really haven't expanded that way because there's not that many Genoshans willing to handle coming to America, able to handle that kind of job, and legally allowed in the country. Speaking as the more average Genoshan, America is somewhat scary." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	assaultnbattery 2011-05-13 04:14 pm UTC (link)
	"She's exactly right. My parents would be allowed here, probably, but don't want to deal with the fallout and family situation. But... suffice to say, the U.S. is somewhat paranoid about offering diplomatic immunity to Genoshans right now." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

whoholdsthewhip
2011-05-13 07:01 pm UTC (link)

"In truth I can understand their caution. I mean, how do you guarantee a mutant is no danger? It would be easy to imagine any number of unpleasant incidents occuring. Besides, from my father has told me, Russia has more than political reason to poose Magneto." Sengai prepares himself for any backlash that may cause. "My father has killed innocents, he has never denied it. However I wonder how many families lost a loved one that was on that submarine."

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not_adorable
2011-05-13 07:06 pm UTC (link)

Angelo purposefully swerves around that question, smiling as he replies to Cassidy.

"America is, obviously, a difficult country to work with at times, but pragmatism dictates it is the 'big kid on the playground'. We've made as much peace with that as can be expected.

As for proving that mutants are not inherently dangerous..." He looks to Andrew, as if hoping for some of his eloquence to rub off.

"I believe the best we can do is not to try to drive the point across so heavily. We simply need to be another person walking down the street, rather than walking down the street with the safety of a weapon in the locked position and painted neon orange. It is simply the nature of h- of people to become suspicious of particularly specific statements of reassurance."

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	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 07:15 pm UTC (link)
	"I don't know, Sengai. A lot of people loved innocent civilians we've known to be murdered by the CIA, or deliberately endangered by government operatives trying to bring in mutants. If we start playing that game, other countries have a lot to answer for." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 07:18 pm UTC (link)

Andrew nods firmly, possibly surprising Sengai, if he was expecting backlash. If people expect him to try and dodge difficult questions, they don't know Andrew.

"You are absolutely correct. There are no guarantees, and there are a lot of things people can point to to demonstrate how bad mutants are. People have died due to mutant activities. Apocalypse, Sinister, Magneto... and the finest shining example mutantkind has to debate the point occasionally appear at conferences, produce scholastic memos, and hide in a school educating those lucky enough to be found and picked out.

They have /very/ good cause to be suspicious. And further, I will not defend Magneto's actions. I understand why he perceived them necessary. I agree with the international court who stated that his actions were done in defense of a 'mutant nation', and had he not sunk that submarine, it likely would have resulted in other deaths... but that is no comfort to the families of sailors who were following orders. And I know, if the situation arose again, with nations threatening Genosha, he would do it again.

And that's where he and I differ. I don't believe in mutant rights; I believe in human rights. Magneto has killed people - who he perceived as a threat to him and people under his protection. Russia and other nations have killed political dissidents. We have wars of genocide over religion. We've had holocausts - and many of those nations are U.N. signatories.

We need to be people, a nation that has something to offer the world. Be willing to defend ourselves, but not be aggressive... and eventually, do more good than harm, but not from a secret, hidden location available to a few, or for ratings and a paycheck - but because we're part of the world, and want to make it better... from a visible location where the media can reach us.

That's the only way we're ever going to put a lie to the 'mutant menace' created by the actions of a few, to have just as many visible examples to contrast them with, and eventually force people to judge us as individuals... not all Germans are Hitler... not all mutants are Magneto.

Right now, I'm doing what I can, as best I know how. Eventually, I'd like to do a lot more."

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	whoholdsthewhip 2011-05-13 07:23 pm UTC (link)
	Sengai nods a little in surprise. His father had told him Magneto had many zealots among his followers. He was happy to see that wasn't the case. He turned to Gio. "I apologize if I upset you. It wasn't my intention." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 07:28 pm UTC (link)
	It darn well is the case! Did Andrew just compare his grandfather to Hitler? Magneto's mistakes were always meant to save people, and they were what was understandable after everything they knew outsiders would sink to. But she sucks it up like a big girl. Sengai didn't mean to be hurtful. "I know you didn't. I'll be fine." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	sound_and_fury 2011-05-13 07:33 pm UTC (link)
	"I'm guessing you guys are not big on that whole X-Factor thing, huh?" Cassidy asks, with a chuckle. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 07:36 pm UTC (link)

Andrew fixes his gaze on Gio. "Public perception, not truth. If Magneto were out to destroy all non-mutants, I wouldn't work with him. But like it or not, that is the size of the image problem we have to work with... and if its shocking... good. Because we need to realize what we're up against when we say we're Genoshan to anyone who isn't."

He returns his gaze to Sengai. "While I obviously don't want to see anyone offended, when talking to me, I prefer people not guard their words. I welcome your input. The only way we're ever going to get anywhere is shared perspectives, and realization of everything we're up against. Unlike my uncle and my grandfather, I don't just not mind people questioning me - I encourage it."

And then Cassidy. "Actually, I love X-Factor. They're visible, they're accessible, and they do good works. I just disagree with the principle of doing it out of ratings and paychecks. Its too easy to discredit - but its a step in the right direction."