Cerebro, Subject X, Test 01

[tobenormal]

Hank arrived at Cerebro an hour before everyone else as he had to start the computer and generator, both of which tended to take some time to warm up. He also wanted to test the calibrations and run the system through a diagnostic as it'd been a while since he had anyone willing to test it out. The last agent who tried was still in the infirmary complaining of migraines and vertigo.

The doors open and the fans are going as well as it can get very hot in here.

Comments

[balancingminds]

Charles truly hadn't meant to scream, but his head was suddenly full of so many minds. The closest experience he's had was the first time he went to New York City as a little boy and was overwhelmed by all the people.

It takes him a long moment to find himself again and he clutches the hand rails as he orients himself.

He can feel the world and the pinpoints of each mind though focusing on just one is tricky.

[markedformore]

Erik's not sure he likes it, not at all, but he stares in wonderment and pain as he imagines what that great wired contraption must do to Charles. Quickly, he shuts off that caring, reminding himself that he cannot afford to be this weak.

[andproud]

She jumps visibly at the scream, immediately nearing him out of reflex, worry apparent on her features - emotions are something that aren't as easy to mask where Charles is concerned.

"Are you alright?"

[no_more_hiding]

Hank jumps as well as while he was half expecting a dramatic response, he had hoped it wouldn't happen with Charles. He double checks every dial and reading, making sure nothing is out of sorts before holding his hand over the kill switch.

"Charles, should I turn it off?"

[balancingminds]

He's aware of the concern and manages to wave his hand, he can do this a little longer.

As he's starting to get better control and he doesn't want to lose all these connections yet.

[markedformore]

"Turn it off, can't you see that he's being harmed!" Erik growls sharply, stepping forward and giving Hank a warning look that implies if he doesn't do it voluntarily, then Erik will put his abilities to good use and pry the wires and the helmet off.

[no_more_hiding]

"Please be calm," Hank say, half beseeching and half exasperated. "I'm turning down the intensity to ease him out. He's not in any danger and he's not being harmed but if I just cut him off, he might be."

Despite his assurances, he is turning down the dials as quickly as he can while still easing Charles back. "Raven, can you help Charles in case he swoons?"

[andproud]

She's there to support him almost instantly, her hands hovering in the air near him, reluctant to actually touch him while the machine is still on.

She can hear the sound begin to lower in volume as Hank adjusts the dials, her eyes searching Charles's expression for any sign of pain.

[balancingminds]

At first, he's still far away, trying to hold onto all those minds as the connection drifts away. He takes the helmet off while still seeing and feeling more of the world and smiling. This is what he's hoped to do, reach out and connect.

Then the pain comes as his mind readjusts and the strain hits him.

He ends up leaning partly on Raven and the hand rail, "Hell, Hank, that's amazing."

[markedformore]

Erik's displeasure is written sharply on his face. He lingers away from the rest of them, his arms folded over his chest as he regards their seeming pleasure in such little foibles. "If you're done playing like lab mice, I'm going back to my quarters," he informs them, curtly.

[no_more_hiding]

Hank offers Charles a glass of water and turns to Erik, "Oh I think we're quite done. But feel free to be superior wherever you wish."

The words are out before he can stop himself and he nearly finches at them. He does flush in embarrassment but forces himself to ignore Erik in favor of Charles and Raven.

[balancingminds]

"Stop it, both of you. Erik, I chose this and it's not perfect but I am an active participant. Hank, this isn't the time. You're both just feeling too loudly. I'm going to go upstairs, sit in a dark room and not think for a time. Then I'll write up how this all felt and another day, we will improve this. Raven, stay with me,"

As he's talked, he's moved from the handrail to rest more on Raven. He doesn't actually look up to speak with either Erik or Hank as that motion hurts and he debates closing his eyes.

[andproud]

She slides an arm around his to link them in closer, frowning at him in concern before her gaze redirects from Charles' face to Hank's, hovering over his shoulder.

She doesn't say a word, but instead moves to help Charles walk, leaning into him for added support.

[no_more_hiding]

Whether she meant it as admonishment or not, it hits Hank harder than Charles' words and he mouths a sorry but she's already lowered her gaze away from him. Unsure what to do, he goes to clear the doorstop so they don't trip over it on their way out.

Charles will be alright with some rest he tell himself and he's pretty sure he's right.

[balancingminds]

Charles can walk, but its harder to concentrate and he's glad to have Raven close.

As they make their way to his room, he says quietly,

"Thank you. I just need to rest, this isn't too different from those times I've been overwhelmed in a city just more."

[andproud]

Raven doesn't say much in the way of words, doesn't even try to think directly at him even though she knows his mind is likely overwhelmed from the flood of everything before.

Instead, she nods, smiles, helps him to bed and gently reaches down to stroke his hair a few times before leaving him to rest.