The Dreamweaver Chronicles -- Part VIII

Chloe managed to give Logan a small smile as they passed each in the hallway. However, the smile quickly turned into a grimace and the girl hurried on to her destination. ‘Probably the infirmary,’ he thought.

He knocked before entered Xavier’s office. Charles was wheeled in front of the windows, absently massaging his forehead with a hand. He turned and gestured Logan to take a seat.

“Logan, to what do I owe this visit?”

He didn’t take a chair. “Cyclopes took a hit in the Danger Room. It’s nothing but a minor burn, and he’s in the infirmary being patched up by Hank and Jean. Thought you might want to know.”

“I do,” Charles replied. “I’m gladly that Scott not seriously injured. How was the team’s performance this afternoon?”

“They’re still adjusting from losing Evan.”

“Yes, we all are. Orroro still blames herself at times.”

“She’s a tough lady, Charles. She’ll find a way to handle it.” He decided to change the subject. “So, how was your session with our newest recruit? It looks like you could do a visit to the infirmary yourself.”

“I must admit I’ve never quite encountered such a mind before,” Xavier replied with a slight smile.

Logan grinned. “The kid’s full of surprises, huh?”

“Quite. I knew that she must have reasonably strong shields to handle the onset of her telepathy as well as she did, but they’re stronger than anything I would have imagined.”

“So, is Chloe like Jean? Does she have telekinesis as well?”

Xavier shook his head. “She is purely a telepath. At the moment, it appears that she is only able to project.”

“Her illusions.”

“Exactly. Maybe in time, she could learn to adjust her shields to read others. Her shields are just too strong for her to do that now.”

“So, should I ask Hank for something for your headache?”

“No, I’m fine, Logan.”

“Why don’t you let me have first shot at Chloe tomorrow?” At the professor’s intrigued expression, he elaborated. “If she’s beat from a Danger Room session, it may be easier for you to work with her.”

“An interesting idea. You should come up with a solo run. I don’t think Chloe’s ready to work with the others yet.”

“Agreed. I’ll see what I can come up with.”

“Don’t make it too dangerous, Logan. I would like for her to be in one piece.”

With an evil grin, the other man left the office. However, Xavier had no true worries. While Logan was hard on the students, he always kept them safe. Chloe would be in gruff but caring hands.

* * * * *

Like the day before, Logan was waiting for the students as they returned to the Institute from school. “Change in schedule for today,” he announced, getting everyone’s attention. “Younger students have a DR session in an hour. Older students will work-out after dinner.”

“But vhat about my digestion!”

The outburst earned laughs from everyone but Logan, who glared in the boy’s direction.

“Quiet, elf. Now, everyone hit the books.”

Jamie gulped when Logan stared pointedly at hint. Students began drifting to their rooms. Chloe was on her way to the professor’s office when she heard her name called.

“There’s been a change in plans,” Logan told her. “Change into some gym clothes and meet me in the basement in ten minutes.”

“I’m supposed to be meeting the professor,” she protested.

“Charles already knows, kid. You can meet with him later. Now, get moving.”

Knowing better than to argue, she reshouldered her bag and jogged to her room. She wondered what Logan had waiting for her in the basement. Then she realized that she would find out in a few minutes.

* * * * *

“Come on, Chloe! Pick up the pace!”

Chloe shot the control room a glare. “Easy for you to say,” the girl muttered.

She hurdled the obstacle and barely dodged a paintball. A wall suddenly emerged from the floor, making her change direction and face another volley of paintballs. She grunted as a shot connected with her hip.

However, she could see her goal clearly. A red flag stood a few feet away. Ignoring the burning in her lungs, she forced herself to run faster.

More paintballs fired at her, which she did her best to avoid. More obstacles appeared in her path. She dodged and overcame them as quickly as she could. With a cry of triumph, she finally reached the flag.

However, her cry of triumph turned to a cry of surprise as she was blasted with three paintballs. The Danger Room then stopped the simulation. Logan entered soon after.

“What were those last paintballs for?” Chloe demanded between pants for air. “I had reached the flag.”

“Just because you reach the objective, doesn’t mean you’re out of danger.” He eyed her, counting the relatively few paintball marks. She had done well, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. “You’d better remember that.”

“I will.”

“Better hit the shower. Charles will be expecting you in his office soon.”

She headed to the thick doors on tired legs. Now she understood why the other students dreaded the Danger Room sessions with Logan. She hoped she wouldn’t have to repeat the experience for a while.

As if he read her mind, Logan called, “See you here tomorrow, kid.”

The doors whooshed open, revealing the young students suited up for their sessions. They grinned at her orange paint-spattered appearance. Bobby seemed particularly amused.

“You look good in orange, Chloe.”

She glared at him and his mouth seemed to suddenly disappear. His eyes widen in panic while Chloe fought the urge to smile. “You can be such a jerk, Bobby.”

They watched her as she headed toward the elevator. The illusion disappeared in a few moments. Logan was surprised to see a contrite Iceman enter the Danger Room.


Evaluations (cont'd) Chloe managed to give Logan a small smile as they passed each in the hallway. However, the smile quickly turned into a grimace and the girl hurried on to her destination. ‘Probably the infirmary,’ he thought. He knocked before entered Xavier’s office. Charles was wheeled in front of the windows, absently massaging his forehead with a hand. He turned and gestured Logan to take a seat. “Logan, to what do I owe this visit?” He didn’t take a chair. “Cyclopes took a hit in the Danger Room. It’s nothing but a minor burn, and he’s in the infirmary being patched up by Hank and Jean. Thought you might want to know.” “I do,” Charles replied. “I’m gladly that Scott not seriously injured. How was the team’s performance this afternoon?” “They’re still adjusting from losing Evan.” “Yes, we all are. Orroro still blames herself at times.” “She’s a tough lady, Charles. She’ll find a way to handle it.” He decided to change the subject. “So, how was your session with our newest recruit? It looks like you could do a visit to the infirmary yourself.” “I must admit I’ve never quite encountered such a mind before,” Xavier replied with a slight smile. Logan grinned. “The kid’s full of surprises, huh?” “Quite. I knew that she must have reasonably strong shields to handle the onset of her telepathy as well as she did, but they’re stronger than anything I would have imagined.” “So, is Chloe like Jean? Does she have telekinesis as well?” Xavier shook his head. “She is purely a telepath. At the moment, it appears that she is only able to project.” “Her illusions.” “Exactly. Maybe in time, she could learn to adjust her shields to read others. Her shields are just too strong for her to do that now.” “So, should I ask Hank for something for your headache?” “No, I’m fine, Logan.” “Why don’t you let me have first shot at Chloe tomorrow?” At the professor’s intrigued expression, he elaborated. “If she’s beat from a Danger Room session, it may be easier for you to work with her.” “An interesting idea. You should come up with a solo run. I don’t think Chloe’s ready to work with the others yet.” “Agreed. I’ll see what I can come up with.” “Don’t make it too dangerous, Logan. I would like for her to be in one piece.” With an evil grin, the other man left the office. However, Xavier had no true worries. While Logan was hard on the students, he always kept them safe. Chloe would be in gruff but caring hands. * * * * * Like the day before, Logan was waiting for the students as they returned to the Institute from school. “Change in schedule for today,” he announced, getting everyone’s attention. “Younger students have a DR session in an hour. Older students will work-out after dinner.” “But vhat about my digestion!” The outburst earned laughs from everyone but Logan, who glared in the boy’s direction. “Quiet, elf. Now, everyone hit the books.” Jamie gulped when Logan stared pointedly at hint. Students began drifting to their rooms. Chloe was on her way to the professor’s office when she heard her name called. “There’s been a change in plans,” Logan told her. “Change into some gym clothes and meet me in the basement in ten minutes.” “I’m supposed to be meeting the professor,” she protested. “Charles already knows, kid. You can meet with him later. Now, get moving.” Knowing better than to argue, she reshouldered her bag and jogged to her room. She wondered what Logan had waiting for her in the basement. Then she realized that she would find out in a few minutes. * * * * * “Come on, Chloe! Pick up the pace!” Chloe shot the control room a glare. “Easy for you to say,” the girl muttered. She hurdled the obstacle and barely dodged a paintball. A wall suddenly emerged from the floor, making her change direction and face another volley of paintballs. She grunted as a shot connected with her hip. However, she could see her goal clearly. A red flag stood a few feet away. Ignoring the burning in her lungs, she forced herself to run faster. More paintballs fired at her, which she did her best to avoid. More obstacles appeared in her path. She dodged and overcame them as quickly as she could. With a cry of triumph, she finally reached the flag. However, her cry of triumph turned to a cry of surprise as she was blasted with three paintballs. The Danger Room then stopped the simulation. Logan entered soon after. “What were those last paintballs for?” Chloe demanded between pants for air. “I had reached the flag.” “Just because you reach the objective, doesn’t mean you’re out of danger.” He eyed her, counting the relatively few paintball marks. She had done well, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. “You’d better remember that.” “I will.” “Better hit the shower. Charles will be expecting you in his office soon.” She headed to the thick doors on tired legs. Now she understood why the other students dreaded the Danger Room sessions with Logan. She hoped she wouldn’t have to repeat the experience for a while. As if he read her mind, Logan called, “See you here tomorrow, kid.” The doors whooshed open, revealing the young students suited up for their sessions. They grinned at her orange paint-spattered appearance. Bobby seemed particularly amused. “You look good in orange, Chloe.” She glared at him and his mouth seemed to suddenly disappear. His eyes widen in panic while Chloe fought the urge to smile. “You can be such a jerk, Bobby.” They watched her as she headed toward the elevator. The illusion disappeared in a few moments. Logan was surprised to see a contrite Iceman enter the Danger Room.


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