"Vhip is doing well," Kurt replied in answer to Scott's question. "All he needs is a little more experience with da teleporting. He has the basics down pat."
"And invisibility?"
"Zat I couldn't say. Ve didn't cover zat."
"I understand. Thanks."
Kurt nodded and the two parted ways. Scott then headed to his office where Shannon was waiting at the door.
"Sorry I'm late," he said.
"That is okay," Shannon replied.
The two walked inside.
"I wanted to ask you about Mark," Scott said, sitting down. "He's gotten his hours in the Danger Room up?"
"Yes, but..."
"But what?"
"He's done the time, but he hasn't done -"
"the crime?" Scott finished.
Shannon smiled.
"Pretty much. Mostly he spends the time figuring out the best place to hide. Which is all very well and good - I wish some of our more aggresive students would learn the value of avoidence, but Mark is taking it to the other extreme. I am afraid when he is forced to fight, he can't even beat a simuation on the lowest level. Logan and I have tried to pursude him to be a bit more enthusiastic, and I know that Logan has gotten very frustrated with him a few times - I am glad the Danger Room has safeties! I suppose, it is not the lack of aggresiveness that bothers me - it is the lack of ability to defend himself."
"Which is exactly the reason why time in the Danger Room is complusory," Scott nodded.
"I am afraid that if we were to repeat the Terminator incident, Mark would still react the same way."
"And that we don't want. He needs some back bone... I wish I had cottoned onto this sooner."
"You must not blame yourself Scott. He was trying to help you maintain order in a time where there was much chaos amongst the students."
"I should have been -"
"This is not a discussion of what should have been," Shannon reminded him. "This is a discussion to determine the future. Logan and I are quite at our limits - we've run out of ideas to motivate him."
Scott sighed and nodded.
"How's Whip doing?"
Shannon paused at the suddent change of subject.
"Well," she replied, "his current fighting ability is not much better than Mark is, but he is new. And he is also making an effort."
"I want to make sure that all the students get all the attention they need," Scott responded to Shannon's unanswered question.
"You do not want a repeat of the current trouble with Mark," Shannon nodded. "I understand."
Silence.
"Shannon... are Whip and Mark in the same session at all?"
"Usually. When Mark is not soloing his make up hours, he is with his class."
"What do you think of teaming Mark and Whip up together? Don't you think their abilities would compliment each other?" Scott was starting to get excited. "Whip needs some more experience teleporting and going invisable. Mark's powers are about observation. This would be a challenge to Mark's powers -"
"Which he always claims as his reason to not needing to learn to defend himself," Shannon nodded. "As I said, the two are about the same level, fighting ability wise..."
"Suffient motivation don't you think? For both of them, even, because Whip would also learn how to not get caught."
"Exactly. Very good idea, Scott."
"Thank you," Scott smiled. "I'll have to rearrange their schedules a bit, but that should be fine. Oh, and Shannon? Thanks for taking on the Danger Room. I know it was only going to be temporary..."
"It is fine, Scott," Shannon replied. "I have actually been enjoying it."
"Well, that's great. And not meaning to add to your workload or anything, but what do you think about teaching an archery class? Just for those who are interested..."
Shannon nodded.
"It is a useful skill," she said. "It may even benefit those who have ranged powers requiring hand-eye co-ordination."
"Exactly my thought."
And the two continued their meeting.