Wanting a Bigger Cage

[Gideon Rede]

Gideon knocked on the door to the headmistresses office. He was not feeling entirely at ease as he did so.

[Samantha McManus]

"Come in, Gideon."

[Gideon Rede]

Gideon stepped into McManus' office looking a little tense.

"Headmistress," Gideon said in greeting after entering your office, "I understand the mission went smoothly."

[Samantha McManus]

"As much as it could with what we were dealing with. Still, I'm glad we got our people out."

"What can I do for you?"

[Gideon Rede]

"I was hoping we could discuss loosening some of the restrictions on my house arrest," Gideon said evenly.

[Samantha McManus]

"That's fair. Where would you like to start?"

[Gideon Rede]

"I was hoping to reinstate some use of the danger room," Gideon said, "Obstacle course, power practice, and recreation simulations only. No combat or mission based scenarios."

[Samantha McManus]

"I certainly think I can accommodate that."

[Gideon Rede]

"I was also wondering if I could be allowed to leave campus for Maldon," Gideon said, "With a suitable escort of course."

[Samantha McManus]

"You're asking me to appoint you a chaperone?" She quirked an eyebrow.

[Gideon Rede]

"I'd assumed you wouldn't be alright with me wandering downtown Maldon alone," Gideon said.

[Samantha McManus]

"Perhaps not at this juncture, it's just a bit of an odd request."

[Gideon Rede]

"It does make me feel like I'm 8 years old to ask, Headmistress," Gideon said, "But what use is pride in my situation, eh?"

[Samantha McManus]

"At any rate, if you're amenable to the idea I think it can be arranged. Understandably I won't always have someone to spare, so you'll do well to plan ahead a bit."

[Gideon Rede]

"Of course," Gideon said, "And thank you, Headmistress."

[Samantha McManus]

"Is there anything else bothering you?"

[Gideon Rede]

"Too many young telepaths without shields asking me for help," Gideon said, "Aside from those minor interruptions what is bothering me has not changed over the last few months, Headmistress. Though I would not have expected it to."

[Samantha McManus]

"Even among mutants, telepathy is rare. It may not be the smartest thing for them to do, but surely you could see why they'd try, aye?"

[Gideon Rede]

"I see why, yes, and in some ways seeing them get past their fear of my reputation gives me hope," Gideon said, "I taught two of them a basic thought shielding exercise before trying to impress on them the importance of talking to you about any issues they are having with their powers."

[Samantha McManus]

"Aye, seems they've been a bit shy on that, so far."

[Gideon Rede]

"It isn't easy asking for help from somebody with your reputation or with your position at the school," Gideon said, "And given recent events I can hardly fault you and the others for being busy. Though I know you will not accept it I am willing to help if you want me to, Headmistress."

[Samantha McManus]

"It's alright. I appreciate the effort, nonetheless. You've come a long way, really."

[Gideon Rede]

"It must be easier to see that progress from the outside," Gideon said, "For me it still feels like the first step, eh."

[Samantha McManus]

"I can't fault that attitude, really. It'll serve you well."

[Gideon Rede]

"One can only hope," Gideon said, "Though I suppose if it were otherwise we'd be having this conversation on Muir rather than in your office, Headmistress."

[Samantha McManus]

"There's a willingness here that you rather didn't have before. I do appreciate it."

[Gideon Rede]

"You saved me from a fate worse than death, Headmistress," Gideon said, "My willingness is the least that I can offer you."