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.

(Read comments) - (Post a new comment)

	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."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

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."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	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."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	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."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

burnwithlight
2011-05-13 07:42 pm UTC (link)

Gio just nods to Andrew. She knows they're up against a lot. It just makes her so mad. The lives of the human military personell killed by Magneto to save others were more important than the lives of the mutant -- and human! -- civilians slaughtered or endangered by governments for convenience in rounding up mutants.

People who were or liked mutants were worth less, and it made her want to break something. Or someone. But nod was all she did.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

not_adorable
2011-05-13 07:45 pm UTC (link)

Angelo almost has to say something, but he sees the exchange of gazes between Andrew and Gio and buttons his lip. A Bennet keeping their words guarded is something you have to work at, when it comes to conflicts with Magneto doctrine.

"Some of them are... perhaps not the best sort of image for 'out' mutants; but their popularity is an asset." Is the best Angelo can offer regarding X-Factor~~, especially that loose blonde girl~~.

And there's the whole thing with Mister Howard and his claims yet to be resolved.

"For better or for worse, this is a city to evoke change. Not the flagship one for innate personal aspects of one's being, like San Francisco, of course, but still one of the most valuable locations to possibly work from."

And now, Angelo has to drag reality into his brain, going against personal preference.

"As Andrew has gotten at..." He locks his jaw, then takes a breath. "Certain mutants feel they should be feared by humans, even if they have no designs of social supremacy." He doesn't quite manage to name names. "And bringing the 'wrong person with a handgun or car' comparison into a debate does not help. It is difficult."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

whoholdsthewhip
2011-05-13 07:54 pm UTC (link)

Sengai could see the look on Gio's face and knew she was holding her tonbgue. He decided to take Andrew's suggestion.

"I'm simply trying be realistic myself. In the end it's a matter of majority versus minority. I am a mutant but I am also Tamil. We are native to the island-nation of Sri Lanka, but we are the minority. The Sinhalese have ruled our country from its inception, leaving the Tamil out of power and on the fringes. I was born into an 'us vs them' mentality before my powers even manifested." Sengai said, becoming a little upset as his eyes grew brighter. "The fact is they outnumber us, so by logic 'their' lives matter more than 'ours'. It's a hard fact, but a fact."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

sound_and_fury
2011-05-13 08:10 pm UTC (link)

Cassidy listens to Sengai's words and can't help but speak just now.

"You can't let that color your whole outlook forever, though, sir. I wasn't born into circumstances like yours, but I was born into the 'us vs. them' thing, too, except in a different way. Sinister believes in instilling fear in others. He doesn't really care about ruling the world; he just wants more people he can work his evil on.

But Andrew said earlier that the biggest problem we face as people is the death of hope. Just because something has always been a certain way doesn't mean it can't change on a dime. I always thought I'd spend my life being other people's punching bag, but one day...that stopped and I didn't know what to do next." Cassidy says.

"Now, you and I both have a chance to change things for the better, whatever that is, and to fix the things we see as being wrong. Maybe I'm being naive, but doesn't that at least make you feel like /anything/ is possible, if we're all willing to work and fight for it?" he asks.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 08:35 pm UTC (link)

Andrew nods gratefully to Sengai. He appreciates the people backing him, as Gio well knows, but in situations like this, detractors are the ones who provide something to talk about. Preaching to a choir is easy, and rarely means much.

"That's my point exactly. As long as people can put things in a box, make it greater than or less than - its easy. If they can brush it into the shadows, moreso.

African Americans in the United States are still a minority here, but made their struggle visible in the 1960's, and refused to be marginalized. And then they equated their struggle to that of the garbage workers union, that of other minorities... and suddenly things began to change. But until someone shared his dream... and walked down Main Street, USA, thousands strong, very little changed.

We see the same scenario played out all over the world. Kurds, Sunnis and Shias... Israel and Palestine, South Africa, Hong Kong, Tamil and Sinhalese, Mutants and non-Mutants.

Us versus them is very easy. Its played out countless times over the ages. And as long as we take Xavier's path its easy to remain marginalized... and as long as we take Magneto's, its easy to be villainized.

I'd rather point out that we are here, we cannot be ignored, and we will not go away... but we are also humans right along with being mutants, and we can be here to help if you'll let us.

You talk, with anger, about hard truths and what is reality. Let me offer one of my own:
What was reality in the 1940's for one minority in the United States is not the truth in 2011 - but we needed a long, hot summer to get there.
What was truth in South Africa in the 1970's is not the truth in 2011. But we needed Nelson Mandela to go to prison to get there.
What was reality in 1938 western Europe is not true today... but it took a horrorshow of epic proportions.

There are a thousand more horrid realities around the world today. They exist, they are as terrible and regrettable today as they were in any other time period. And its easy, very easy, to accept they will always be.

But the hard, hard truth is that time has shown us that Reality can be changed, by sufficiently determined people who are willing to work, fight and sacrifice for their cause.

What is true today does not have to be true tomorrow, but it will never be easy.

And that's the reality I know."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2011-05-13 08:40 pm UTC (link)
	And Gio finally smiles again. She loves him so much, and he shines when he's like this. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

whoholdsthewhip
2011-05-13 08:44 pm UTC (link)

Sengai takes a moment to absorb all that Andrew has said. Finally he nods with a smile as he shakes his head.

"You certainly know how to get people's attention, Mr. Summers. I will..try not to let my life experiences cloud my judgement on this." His eyes visibly dim a bit in accordance with his emotional state. "I only worry about what level of sacrifices that will have to be made before the point is understood to those who oppose our efforts."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

assaultnbattery
2011-05-13 08:56 pm UTC (link)

Andrew relaxes a little, starting to look towards his tea cup, not pleased that it seems to be empty.

"Andrew, please. We're all equals, and hopefully friends here. I'm an idealogue... getting people's attention is what I do well... while being horrible at remembering to eat and knowing what day it is.

You said the important thing though, the 'our efforts', part. Because as long as its me, I'm only going to get so much done.... Giovanna has been a consistent godsend to be sure. She does a lot of the things well that I'm terrible at. Angelo helps keep us well fed... everyone has something to contribute.

That's the one thing Xavier has done pretty well with Uncle Scott, Cousin Rachel and others, and I give him credit for. Because as long as this is my dream, then this is largely where it stays, in politics and international relations.

Its when it becomes an 'our dream' that the world can change."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	sound_and_fury 2011-05-13 09:03 pm UTC (link)
	Cassidy can only nod at Andrew's words. He seemed to have a very tight-knit unit here, which Cassidy was glad for. He didn't know how or where he'd fit in among Andrew's responsibilities, but he was certain he'd come back and see them all again very soon. He liked being able to discuss these ideas in an open setting with people who listened. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

not_adorable
2011-05-13 09:16 pm UTC (link)

Andrew will only be able to glance at his cup for a few moments before Angelo is refilling it for him. He is very good at getting people's attention.

He absolutely beams at the compliment, even if it's a little more on the mundane side of his aspirations.

Putting the teapot aside, he walks up to Cassidy, and simply smiles and offers him a hand. "Things don't always have to be dire. We're always happy to welcome any contribution, as long as it's given earnestly." ~~Gio puts up with plenty of his behavior based on earnest alone.~~

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2011-05-14 01:48 am UTC (link)
	Gio sighs just a little. That was her baby brother for you. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	sound_and_fury 2011-05-14 04:22 am UTC (link)
	Cassidy shakes Angelo's hand and offers him a smile. "Well, I'd like to get to know everyone here, if I can. You've all known my brother longer than I have, so maybe I can learn to fit in around here from all of you." Cassidy says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	burnwithlight 2011-05-14 04:24 am UTC (link)
	"Well, I can tell you right now, any attempt to set him up with a girl will meet with severe disapproval from his security detail." Giovanna smiles when she says it, then her face changes. "There is something I wanted to ask you, Cassidy." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)