Mooovin' On Up

Posted on Tue Aug 24th, 2021 @ 5:30pm by Tammy Thompson & Charles Xavier & Scott Summers
Edited on on Mon Sep 13th, 2021 @ 9:16am

2,835 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: X-Odus
Location: various
Timeline: July 6, 1990

It was 2 days after the 4th of July. The place is Corralles, New Mexico, the home of Tammy Dolly Thompson aka Surge. The time is shortly after 10 am in the morning. Tammy was a beautiful young woman. She had developed and filled out much like her namesake Dolly Parton. She was 18 years old and a mutant. She could transform herself into radio waves and ride them. She had accepted a scholarship to the Xavier school for gifted Children. With her powers she had her own transportation. She could travel from New Mexico to New York in a matter of minutes. That was assuming she didn't make any stops along the way. This was it. Her family had gathered around to see her off. Her dad, Jim, mom , Dolly Mae and her little sister Crystal, who was 4 years younger than Tammy. Her duffle bag hung at her side

"Are you sure you'll be ok up there in new york, Honey?" Her mom said as she tried to fight back the tears.

"Mom , don't worry. I'll be fine. This is a chance to refine my powers and do some good on a bigger scale. Hey I'll miss you too mom!" Tammy hugged her mom.

"I am very proud of you Tammy!"Her dad said. "You are all grown up now. Not a little girl anymore! You have a good head on your shoulders and a good heart! I know you will excel up there! You show them what you can do!" Jim Thompson hugged his oldest daughter.

"Tammy...I..i.. " Her little sister was struggling with what she wanted to say.

"I know Crys! I'll miss you tons, sis! But you gotta take care of things here! Time for surge to take the world stage! Plus I know I am gonna learn a lot about my powers and new ways to use them! And there is Sparky. You gotta take care of him too. I know he'll miss me too. That crazy dog! " Tammy sighed and hugged her sister. Now she was fighting back the tears. This was a huge step for her. Leaving her home and family behind and headed all the way to the east coast!

She stepped back and with a thought she was gone. Hurtling at the speed of light she as the song "East Bound and down" went through her head. In less than a second was already long past Houston and headed down to San Antonio for a pit stop. Now she didn't have to stop but she always wanted to see the Alamo. It was incredible. She wondered what it was like for those men who so valiantly sacrificed their lives to protect. Davy Crockett! Jim Bowie! Names that have gone down in history After taking the tour, she was on her way again. Well not too bad. About and hour delay. After all, she really had all day. She had just let them know she would be arriving today!

From there it was up to Nashville! Unfortunately it was too early for the Grand Ol' Opry to be running! Still she couldn't resist popping in and taking a look. She flew right through the walls and materialized on stage. She just stood for a moment or 10 and took it all in. This historic place when legends had been made.

As she stood there she imagined herself as a young Dolly Parton, performing on this stage. Mmm that must have been something. She started singing "Jolene" in a perfect imitation of Dolly Parton. A security guard heard her and said "Miss Parton". Embarrassed Tammy de-materialized and was on her way again. Still that was fun! She actually sang at the Grand Ol' Opry! Granted she was mimicking Dolly Parton's voice but still! That was soo cool!

She was eastbound and down, headed for New York. It was about 12:15 eastern time. Well enough sight seeing. She was there.

As Scott Summers was passing by a radio, it suddenly stopped playing whatever it was playing and the following came out "You're listening to KCOW! The only Radio Station that moos!" The sound of a braying cow mooed through the radio. "Now get ready for the surge! Here is Jerry Reed with Eastbound and Down!"

"East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'
A-we gonna do what they say can't be done
We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run
Keep your foot hard on the pedal
Son, never mind them brakes
Let it all hang out 'cause we got a run to make
The boys are thirsty in Atlanta
And there's beer in Texarkana
And we'll bring it back no matter what it takes
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'
A-we gonna do what they say can't be done
We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'
A-we gonna do what they say can't be done
We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run
Ol' Smokey's got them ears on
He's hot on your trail
And he aint gonna rest 'til you're in jail
So you got to dodge 'im and you got to duck 'im
You got to keep that diesel truckin'
Just put that hammer down and give it hell
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'
A-we gonna do what they say can't be done
We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I'm east bound, just watch ol' 'Bandit' run."

As the song started Tammy materializes in front of Scott. "Whooo! Made it!" She looked at at Scott. "Ohh ummm, uhh, hi? This is Xavier's School for gifted Children, I hope? If not I sure took a wrong turn somewhere!" She smiled. Dang! Even with the shades he was good looking! She found herself blushing somewhat!

Scott looked up from his chair where he'd been sitting with hands folded. "Hi. Yeah, you're at the right place." The long look on his face said far more than his sparse words did. "Look, uh... Professor Xavier is probably in the library giving a lecture. You should probably find him.

With that, Scott lowered his head again and just stared at the floor.

Tammy couldn't help but notice his behavior. Something told her he needed some support. "I'm Tammy Thompson aka Surge! At your service." She bowed deeply, almost comically hoping to lift his spirits even a little bit. "And you are?" She said with a smile.

I don't know anymore, he wanted to say. Instead, he replied with a terse, "Scott." Then, taking a breath, he added a droll, "Welcome to Mutant High."

"Umm thanks. So Scott, you look like you're a man who could use someone to talk to. I know we just met but I am a good listener and I don't pass judgement. If you are so inclined, I am ready and willing to sit down and listen." She flashed him a friendly smile. He'd probably say 'no' but still she had to offer. on the off chance he'd say 'yes'.

Though she was bathed in red just like everything else in the world thanks to Scott's glasses, he could see Tammy was nonetheless a remarkably attractive girl. It made Scott's heart rend as that thought made him think of Jean.

"I've made some mistakes," Scott said vaguely. "A couple big ones, in fact. I don't know if I can fix them."

"I understand. My dad told me that we all make mistakes and we can't always fix them. Sometimes the trick is to live with them. Now that said , it doesn't mean we can't try to fix them. I'd be happy to help if I can." She smiled at him. Seemed like a decent guy. Cute too, that did help.

The offer made Scott smile despite himself. It was a small, wry grin that wouldn't go away no matter how much he tried. "Thanks, but I think this is one of those things I need to do for myself. Come on. I'll take you to the professor."

Scott got up from his chair in the reading nook off the main entrance and led Tammy toward the office.

Tammy saw him smile and couldn't help it. She smiled back. "Ok but my offer still stands. If you need an ear to listen, you are just need some company, well you know where to find me." She said as she followed Scott to the professors office.

---

Even though Professor Xavier was busy, he always kept a telepathic awareness for anyone on approach to his office. He and Scott were not on the best of terms at the moment, but it seemed the messy business from before was not the purpose of Scott's visit. There was a guest with him. Perhaps more.

Charles set down the paper he was reading and folded his hands.

"Enter," he said.

Lowering his hand which was two seconds away from knocking, Scott let out a wry chuckle and shook his head. "Seems like we're expected," he said to Tammy as he held the door open for her to enter.

"Oh wow! Aren't you a gentleman. Thank you Scott!" Well if he wanted to impress her, he was off to a great start.

"Hello, Scott," said the Professor. "And hello, Miss."

""Umm Professor Xavier I presume. Tammy Thompson, sir. Aka Surge. You invited me here. I'm a new student." She held out her hand to shake his. He definitely was not what she was expecting but still that didn't mean he couldn't teach her about her powers.

Charles shook her proffered hand with pleasure. "Yes, Miss Thompson. We were expecting you. I see Scott has taken the liberty of showing you around?"

"Well not really. We didn't really have time for the grand tour. I just kinda popped out of the radio by him. We introduced ourselves and talked a bit. He's a pretty neat guy, I think! Maybe afterwards he can give me the tour." Tammy said as she looked at Scott and smiled.

It took every fiber of Scott's being to not look away, but he said nothing. The resemblance Tammy held to Jean was not exact but it was close enough for a mutual understanding to pass between the mentor and student despite the tension between them.

"Splendid," said the professor in response to his own question. "I can see due to your special ability that there is no hiding the finer points of the mansion, so I will not attempt to do so. While we are a school for the gifted, we also offer training for mutants who seek a more hands-on role in building a future of peaceful coexistence." Xavier studied Tammy for a moment. "Do you find that you struggle with your ability?"

"I wouldn't say struggle, Professor. I got the basics down but i want to fine tune it. That and maybe look for new ways to use my powers that I hadn't thought off before. I guess I just want to be the best that I can be so i can help more people," she replied.

Xavier beamed with delight. "That is a goal both noble and honorable, and it would be my pleasure for you to join us. We can supply you with whatever accommodations you might require and induct you into our training regimen within the week."

"Gosh thanks. Well maybe Scott can show me some place I can hang my hat so to speak and then maybe something to eat would be a great start. Took a bit of energy getting here. Granted I didn't come straight here. Did a little sightseeing along the way. Always wanted to visit the Grand ol' Opry and the Alamo. So a nice room, something to eat would be a great start and maybe introduce myself to the other students sometime today. Gotta get to know everybody sooner or later y'know!" Tammy said with a smile.

"I think that sounds like a marvelous proposal," the Professor said. He shared a mischievous smile for Scott that flashed below flared eyebrows. "Go on, Scott. Show Miss Thompson to a spare bunk and make sure she knows where the galley is."

Scott pursed his mouth and swallowed what it was he had been about to say. "Yes, Professor Xavier," he said with a dip of his head. "Come on," he said to Tammy. "This way."

"Lead and I will follow she said." as she smiled at him. She sure would follow him. Of course he couldn't tell what she was thinking as she watched his caboose. Yeah it was a nice view all right!

"Galley is on the ground floor, down the hall and through the right door past the kitchen," Scott said, pointing to the oaken doors that led to the west wing. "Dining room is across the hall, but you're welcome to eat from the galley any time before lights out." He set a foot up the stairs and paused. "I can take you as far as the girls dorm, but from there you're on your own."

"Ah ok. So does everybody get their own room or do we have to share? I mean I kinda like to have my own room but if I can't, that's ok. I know I'm the new girl here and all." Tammy asked. Now sure she would love her own room but she had to follow the rules. "BTW, what's the difference between Galley, kitchen and dining room anyway?"

Scott turned back and gave her an incredulous look. Seeing she was serious, he lightened up a little. "The kitchen is where meals are prepared, but the galley is where the food is stored. It was probably the servant's kitchen or something back in the old days, but now it's just a place to grab a quick snack. The dining room is where we all sit and eat together if we have the time or desire. Lots of students like to be alone and Professor Xavier respects that. We all run different schedules, so there's not always the same crowd." Sighing, hoping that was sufficient, Scott concluded with, "As for your room? I dunno. It depends on how many girls we've got. On top of the professor having an open door policy where he lets people come and go, there's been...a shuffle recently. You might check with Nurse Farwynd and see if she can arrange something private for you... you know, if it's a medical thing. Otherwise, first come, first serve."

"Ok, thanks for explaining the difference. i wasn't sure what the difference was. No not a medical issue. Just used to having my own room. So guess it's catch as catch can huh? If I see an empty room, grab it? that's what I'm hearing?" She wanted to make sure. "And just trying to cover the bases here, what if there are no empty rooms?"

"You either end up with a roommate or you won't," Scott said with a shrug. He was trying to be friendly, but...there was just so much shame hanging over his head that this new girl couldn't understand.

"OK. Well tell you what, you wait right here for say 10 minutes. I'll find a room, set out some things to make ti mine and then I'll come back and you can take me to lunch, ok?" She said with a smile. Yep, things were looking good so far.

The frown on Scott's face turned into a scowl. "No. I'm sorry, but no. I...I've got some things I gotta' do." Jean... Behind his ruby-quartz glasses, invisible to all others, his eyes moistened with unshed tears. "See you around ... Tammy."

With that, he turned away and headed for more seclusion in which to brood.

"Oh count n it Scott!" Tammy said and disappeared as she zipped through the walls into a room that had not been taken. She materialized and started unpacked. Ok so Scott wasn't ready to do lunch with her. Well whatever hung over him she would have to help him get over it. Of course she didn't exactly know what it is and Scott wasn't talking. She had hoped to get to know him better but not today apparently that wasn't going to happen. Well she was patient and would wait. She knew what she wanted and right now that was Scott summers.

So after setting up her new quarters, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway to see who and what she could see on her way to lunch. Just because Scott wouldn't eat lunch with her didn't mean she couldn't go get something to eat herself and maybe make some new friends along the way.

 

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