Vogue
Posted on Sat Jun 26th, 2021 @ 10:59pm by Jade Farwynd & Charles Xavier & Cameron Hood
696 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Episode 1: X-Odus
Location: Westchester Air Field, New York
Timeline: June 27th, 1990
As the privately chartered plane came to a bumpy landing, it brought an end to the four hour plane ride from Houston. New England was a far cry from Texas in virtually every way. Having lost an hour due to the time difference, the charter pilot lowered the down ramp into a dusky tarmac.
"Thanks for flying with us, Professor," the pilot said from the ground. "If you need another trip, just hit up the secretary."
While Xavier exchanged parting niceties with the pilot, the flight crew unloaded Jade's go-bag from storage and offered it to her. Meanwhile, a black luxury Town Car pulled up near the plane.
Jade nodded her thanks and slung the bag over her shoulder, letting Xavier disembark from the plane first. "So new England, huh?"
"More or less," Charles said. "A vestige of old colonial times. New France, New Amsterdam, New Spain, all fell away in time, but New Englanders have forged a proud identity despite the irony of the name." Cracking a smile, his thoughts going out to Cameron the actual Englishman, he said, "But worry not. In Westchester County, you won't stand out too much."
"I'm Aussie..." she chuckled, "I always stand out." Jade adjusted her bag as she followed Xavier down the ramp. "That our ride?" She pointed over to the Town Car.
Cameron was leaning against the car, reading a newspaper when the voices of the professor and an unknown voice with a familiar accent reached him "I think we'd both stand out." Cameron replied with a smile, putting some extra umph in own accent. He straightened and folded the newspaper close as he approached. A hand extended to the woman, "Cameron Hood, nice to meet you."
"G'day mate, how ya going?" Jade returned with a chuckle she didn't expect of herself. It was nice to hear accents that were closer to home.
Eventhough the USA was her home now too, in her heart, she knew she'd always be Aussie.
"Jade Farwynd, good to meet ya." She said as she shook Cameron's hand. "What's your deviant nature then?"
"A strong desire for pints of lager." Cameron grinned, "And this." He let go of Jade's hand and took the newspaper, forcing it to compact into a dense knife. "I turn things into weapons." He then handed her the newsprint knife.
Jade took the knife, spun it around in her hand as they walked. "Ripper." She said handing the knife back to him. "Old Blighty eh? You too, Prof?" Farwynd glanced over at Charles.
"Not for some generations," Charles said with his Mid-Atlantic accent. "I had a feeling you two would get along, though."
Jade shrugged, "easy to bond over a stubby." She said as they reached the car.
Part of her wanted to show off her own skill. The other part was very wary of doing so in a public place, eventhough this was a private parking spot, or so it seemed.
Sure, these two were mutants and they were going to the famed School for Gifted Youngsters, but still, hearing about it and being there were two different things, and quite surreal.
"While I enjoy a fine brandy as much as the next gentleman, I do ask that my staff members maintain a certain equilibrium while on campus," the professor said. "With that being said, perhaps we can enjoy a nightcap in my office."
Jade chuckled as they shuffled into the car. "Could do, Prof. Could do."
The professor helped himself into the Town Car and left his wheelchair where it sat for Cameron to stow. "You may sit where you prefer," he said to Jade. "It is not a long trip to the Mansion from here."
The wheelchair disappeared easily enough in the boot, it didn't even demand any cussing from Cameron. The Brit slid himself in the front seat of the big American car. The engine rumbled to life moments. "Everyone buckled in?"
"All tucked in," Jade replied as she settled in next to Xavier, "no worries. So, Prof, tell me about this school of yours."
The Lincoln smoothly rolled away to the exit, Cameron quietly bobbing his head to 'Vogue' by Madonna.
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