o12. closed.

[forgodssake]

CHARACTERS: Charles Xavier and various appointments.
LOCATION: Around and about.
WARNINGS: TBA.
SUMMARY: A July catch all of meetings of various stripes, most of it pre-plot, some of it forward dated and prior to modplot logs.
NOTES: Just a resting place for threads that needed a home over the course of RP.

Comments

[deservesadaisy]

Hunger is, perhaps, misleading. It's slightly more complex than that.

[The thought occurs to Ivan, briefly, that he's never tried to properly explain this before.]

Satisfy an addiction comes closer. I've never partaken of the stronger modern opiates, but I understand the craving level is somewhat representative. But it's...

[He glances away, out the window. Whether he's trying to distance himself from the blood in Charles' veins or settle on his next sentence might be unclear, to most. (It's definitely both.)]

We feel unwell, when we abstain. Psychologically, but it also leaves us weaker. Sluggish. It isn't like a drug addiction where you can clear your system and the main danger is relapse alone.

[forgodssake]

[ There is a pinch at Charles' brow when it's clear he isn't understanding it as well he should -- but that's reasonable, what with the lack of vampires running around Westchester, New York, and only has him be quiet, and listen. Both to what Ivan is saying, and to what he is thinking. ]

I think I follow.

[ Sort of. He can't imagine that itch driving someone to murder, but he isn't here to treat a lack of self control. At least, not today. Still, there is a destructiveness he can relate to. ]

What conclusions have experts in your world drawn, about what it is about live blood that suits you?

[deservesadaisy]

I don't know about experts, [Ivan says, almost wary.] Generally the humans studying our kind were trying to sort out better ways to kill us, but most of humans didn't believe we existed at all. As for vampires ourselves, we hold varying theories, but I don't think anyone has tried to do an empirical study. Not enough volunteers, I suppose.

[In the name of not being completely unhelpful:]

From experience, life is key. The longer the blood's been away from a beating heart, the less use it is. And human, though I've discovered since I've been on the ship that bipedal monster will do in a pinch. I think they were orcs, possibly, I was busy not getting clubbed to death. Not werewolf blood, though - werewolf blood is worse than nothing.

[forgodssake]

[ There's a shade that passes behind Xavier's expression that denotes being bothered by the idea people trying to find ways to kill, specifically, blood-sucking undead monsters, but Xavier also doesn't feel as though he is talking to a Dracula novel.

His hands tuck into pockets, leaning shoulder against window. ]

Well. As you said, not all vampires function the same biologically. We're going to have to-- classify you, in a way, get a sense of how you specifically function. We have someone on our team who deals in magic pertaining to blood, and while the goal won't be to force you to rely on her all the while, pending success, it'll present a useful place to begin.If it's an effect we can replicate scientifically, using the technology here-- well, that will be the aim, in the end.

[ Pause. Then; ]

Do you like hunting humans?

[ His frank wording and clear stare ask for honesty, and don't seem to hold judgement. The questing tone in his voice also makes room for a potential no, or correction of his drastic simplification.

But still. ]

[deservesadaisy]

[Ivan looks at Charles a long moment, as if trying to read him. He's not psychic, but he's old and he didn't get to be so by failing to observe those around him. It strikes him that lying, in the current situation, won't serve.]

Yes.

[He doesn't qualify or apologize. Not exactly. But he will explain something else.]

I would never have chosen this, if given a choice, for a number of reasons. But I died, before coming here. Again, as a vampire. I couldn't go back. So my choices are to find a way to manage the condition or to give up. What I like is currently irrelevant.

[forgodssake]

[ Charles knows the answer before Ivan says it, and so there's no ripple of reaction on his face, save for a slight softening around his mouth and eyes. Grateful that the vampire is smart enough to be honest with him.

He isn't himself hard to read. ]

Fair enough.

[ He folds his arms, a rustle of leather and cotton. ]

What about Mitchell. Is he much like you, when it comes to-- attitude? He was quite direct with me, once we realised there wasn't much choice in the matter.

[deservesadaisy]

[Almost despite himself, Ivan laughs mirthlessly at the mention of Mitchell - quietly and just once.]

Yes and no. Mitchell's attempts to stop hunting humans predate his stay on the Tranquility. He and I are physiologically alike, but we cope with it differently.

If he told you he'll cooperate, though, I expect he was being honest with you. That sort of deception wouldn't be his way.

[forgodssake]

We didn't quite make it that far -- more that he was honest about his limitations. But I suppose that's good to know.

Is there anything you'd like to ask me?

[deservesadaisy]

If we reached a point where I wanted to go my own way without supervision, for whatever reason, would you put me down for the greater good rather than let me?

[It's Ivan's turn to ask a question without evident judgment. He can hardly blame Charles, after all, for weighing the many against the few, or even simply siding with his own species against a predator. But he wants to know if his cooperation is a one-way ticket, all the same.]

[forgodssake]

No.

[ Charles is quick to answer, but it doesn't sound like thoughtless denial -- just firm, as if following a code of divine simplicity. ]

That's not what we do. It's not what I do. If I'm made aware that you're a potential danger, I'll inform Security, and assist them where I can. But I don't believe in monsters, Ivan, and you're not one.

[deservesadaisy]

[One doesn't need telepathy to catch the mild twitch of skepticism in Ivan's expression.]

A remarkably enlightened position for someone I've just told I enjoy hunting humans. But I suppose I'm appreciative all the same. There are many, if not most, who'd put me down first if given a chance and sort out the labels later, on the paperwork.

[He's still not entirely certain why Enfys didn't do that, for the record.]

[forgodssake]

If you're hesitant in trusting my enlightenment, trust that I don't consider myself an expert vampire hunter.

[ He knows that's not exactly relevant. He wouldn't need to be. Still, Charles will take 'appreciative' and runs with it. (He's not sure he wants to explain Erik.) ]

I'll call on you soon, after I settle arrangement with my staff.