[audio]

[charming_jerk]

[GUESS WHO'S BEING AWKWARD OVER THE NETWORK AGAIN, DINGDING YOU ARE CORRECT. Johnny hates asking for help. Hates it. But he's at a loss here.]

So, uh. I need someone's help with somethin'. I don't expect anyone to volunteer for this. I mean, I sure as hell wouldn't but I dunno how else to do this shit. Maybe, like, I can get a volunteer and someone else can play ref...

Anyway. Um. So this place let me keep the power I used to have, except they made it suck less. Thing is, I still don't know how to use it too well, an' it ain't like a physical weapon I can just go and train with. Basically I... talk people into doin' stuff. All I gotta do is look at 'em and talk to 'em, and they'll pretty much do whatever I say. Least, that's how it used to go. I dunno how strong it is, what people will or won't do, things like that. And I kinda wanna know, in case I ever, ya know, need to use it against the "bad guys", I guess.

...

Now ya know why no one's gonna volunteer. But if anyone's got any suggestions, lemme know?

Comments

[charming_jerk]

Yeah. Ain't like I wanted it. Popped up a few years ago. At least the Initiative seemed to have made it easier to control, so far.

[studieswaitressing]

You could always try practising on animals. Or does it not work that way?

[charming_jerk]

Nah, that don't work. I think it's because... I dunno, it's just complicated.

[studieswaitressing]

...well, as long as you prove that you're trustworthy I'm sure people will help you learn to control it.

My brother deals with this sort of thing, you know -- helping people with special abilities. You should talk to him -- Charles Xavier.

[charming_jerk]

Hopefully. I mean, I can't argue for a second with people who don't wanna volunteer for this.

...Yeah? Maybe I will. What's your name?

[studieswaitressing]

You can call me Mystique.

[Mutants have to help other mutants out, right?]

[charming_jerk]

[Technically, he sort of is a mutant. Not that he'd appreciate that thought.]

Mystique. Got it. I'm Johnny. And thanks, I guess.

[studieswaitressing]

[Whatever bro, being a mutant is way better than being human.]

No problem. I hope you -- figure stuff out.