etraya | un: robin

As I am sure you have noticed, numerous individuals here are quite young.

[ Robin isn't referring to himself, but maybe he should be; he's outside, beside Accelerator whose frown matches the one on Robin's face. he doesn't speak up just yet, but leaves Robin to continue through: ]

Given the circumstances, it seems prudent to establish a safety net of sorts for those who may require it. Hawkeye had offered Bishop Publishing to 'capes', teens, and early twenties individuals; Accelerator and I are offering Ramsey Farm as a safe space for those who are fifteen years of age or younger. There will be one adult present, Willa Lisieux, and no others will be allowed on the premises.

This is meant to be a safe space for all of the youth who have found themselves here, regardless of their status.

[ Accelerator is chiming in here, for emphasis: ]

Yeah, it doesn't matter if you're a goddamn criminal or think you're a terrible person. This isn't just for 'good' people, or heroes, or whatever. We don't give a shit.

[ Robin tips his head back toward Accelerator, frown still present, but offers no follow up to that. Not yet. Instead, he follows up with a: ]

Do not hesitate to stop by.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Alright. Then what is it you are trying to build, specifically? What does a safe space entail?

A space where kids can be comfortable without having to worry about being in an adult's space, or surrounded by older people. Most places that are open to everyone are, by default, for older crowds and just happen to also allow kids. They're secondary at best, and an afterthought at worst. And when you've been fucking kidnapped and surrounded by a crowd that's unfamiliar and older, it can be even worse. Especially if there are adults here who might be inclined to take advantage of them.

[Which is something he's worried about, since it's common for that to happen back home.]

Doesn't matter if that's just somewhere where they can sit for a while and not be alone, or if they want help with groceries or whatever the fuck. We're flexible.

[ It takes her a moment or two to parse through this, letting him say his piece before she considers how she might respond without triggering him futher. So much anger, suspicion, and distrust - she wonders what kind of life he must have had that he thinks of all adults this way - as if it's fact, and there are no other possibilities? Who hurt this child? ]

A space dedicated to younger children is a fine idea, and I've no intent to prevent you from setting one up. It is not my intention to take the place and turn it into 'another' place for adults to gather in, when it is clear that you would like a place to yourself.

I only mean to offer help and support. You're not alone, so you don't have to face problems alone.

[ ... ]

That said, where did you hear that there are adults who would take advantage of children here?

[He isn't super surprised at the offer of help. The two big reactions he was expecting from adults was either judgement or trying step in.]

We don't need help. I've got a lot of experience being a goddamned babysitter, so we've got it handled.

[He can't speak to Robin's capabilities, but Robin is also a kid he's planning on keeping an eye on. It works out!]

We're being proactive. Better to have this shit set up now than have to react to something later. Besides, this can help with missions, and those have already started.

How, exactly, the farm as a base for children will help with missions when we do not know the nature of the missions beforehand?

[ It feels a little dangerous putting all kids in one spot with no one to help them out! ]

I am not saying you are doing anything wrong, just that it is a lot of work to look after young children. I was not personally aware of how many there are now, but if there are indeed more than the one I've already met here - I'd like to extend what support I can.

I know what it is like to be that young - younger - and without an adult's care. I don't want that experience on anyone.

That doesn't mean we can't use the place to prepare. If a kid wants supplies, information, training, protection. Doesn't fucking matter, we'll do what we can.

[Again, better to be doing something than sitting on their hands and waiting to react.

He scoffs, and while he doesn't exactly like pulling this card, sometimes being responsible means owning up to his status so that he can use it to help people.]

The number of kids here isn't that much. I was responsible for 1.6 million of them back home, this is practically a fucking vacation for me.

[Sometimes you're fifteen and running an entire city, no big deal.]

1.6 million? [ That's exponentially more than there are mutants, even counting the Arakki, is her first thought, as it sort of always is these days when populations and counts are on the table. It sobers her, and shakes her head. ]

And what skills do you have that make you so good at watching out for each of those millions of children? If I may ask.

What, you want a fucking resume from me?

[Adults, yeesh. They screw things up then judge you when you try to fix their mistakes.]

[ Archly -- ] I'd find it helpful, if I am not permitted to come and see you on the premises.

[ ... No, she's older and he's a child. Kitty had been this smart-mouthed too, once upon a time, and she'd dealt with it then. Sometimes it had taken blowing the girl up into the sky when she needed a stern talking-to, but - a calm conversation was usually more than enough. ]

My apologies; I am not doubting your capabilities, or your friend's capabilities - it is just... there's a young girl who is very dear to me who says you've helped her. I'm grateful, but I also want to know she'll be alright when she spends time there, with you.

[Accelerator is silent for several moments. It sure feels like doubt, which is how it always goes with adults. So whatever, it isn't his problem that she's skeptical. He isn't looking to prove himself to anyone except the kids who might be cautious about this whole idea. Everyone else can go suck it.

Also, he needs to clarify something.]

We aren't friends. [They're just trying to coordinate taking care of a bunch of kids, that does not involve friendship at all, gross. Anyways --]

Who the hell are you talking about?

[ Aren't friends... alright. That's fine. Strange for a child to want to work with someone not a friend, but fine. ]

Laura. She's about eleven or twelve years old, speaks both Spanish and English, and... [ has a habit of popping claws out her knuckles and feet ] is very independent. I am trying to look out for her.

I'm sure she will find her way over to you, so... please, I'd like to know that you are looking out for her, too.

[Alright, Laura.]

Yeah, she's included in this thing. [So yes, he is keeping an eye on her. He's definitely keeping an eye on her, given her whole background and its similarity both to his own and to over nine thousand clone girls back home.]

She'll be fine. She's tough.

[ Is she? She's tough, but... ]

Alright. That's all I would ask for. [ And all she can expect, really, given his reaction to anything she says. Perhaps she'll try and drop in anyway some other time, but for now - this would have to be enough. ]

Thank you.

It's a space where children do not have to concern themselves with interference from adults.

( just - cutting in a little here. he understands where she is coming from, but he also agrees with accelerator's points. )

If we allowed one to visit, we would be expected to allow the rest. And if you are permitted to visit, what makes it a space where they wouldn't have to concern themselves with their elders bothering them? No one will be forced to stay, Laura can come and go as she pleases.

[ Ah. She thought this was done and was going to leave it there. ]

... Yes, so you've said.

I know it's important to have a place for yourselves, that's why I mentioned visiting with an advance notice. But I understand the need for privacy.

un: robin | video

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oop that should be 1.8 million, I can't count

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sorry Ororo he was raised wrong as a joke

she's struggling with his disrespect 😭

He's had thousands of adults in his life and every one of them bar 2 let him down, he's very tired

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