[COLOR=CC0099][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]   P R E S E N T[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR]
[CENTER][IMG]https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQysOVRBpPyLqtvI2YLNTJUDSobVAFLh_KpJax3lre75caEfZ7Kpg [/IMG][/CENTER][COLOR=CC0099][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3] X A V I E R   I N S T I T U T E   O F   H I G H E R    L E A R N I N G[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][color=silver]March 15[sup]th[/sup], 2017 - 5:02 AM | [i]North Salem, New York [/i][/color][/sup][/INDENT]

[quote][i]Muscle [b]atrophy[/b] is when [b]muscles [sub][color=red] waste away[/color][/sub][/b]. The main reason for muscle wasting is a lack of physical activity. This can happen when a disease or injury makes it difficult or impossible for you to move an arm or leg.

-Exerpt from a journal of medicine.
[/i][/quote]


What they don't explain is the immense pain that comes with the natural decay of muscles. As he sat there laying in what should be the most comfortable he would be all day, Charles laid in his bed clutching his legs as they rang out in glorious agony. As he went about his daily routine, for which he was able to do on his own power, the constant reminder of the WHY he does what he does continues to rear it's ugly head. Within the hour Charles straightened his tieas he positioned himself more comfortably in his chair reaching over to the pain medication and glass. If he was honest with himself, he hated taking the stuff but with everything he had lined up he would need all his concentration on his work. A sudden loud knocking at the door drew his thoughts out of himself,

[b][color=00BFFF]"Charles, the plane is leaving soon and we can't miss the meeting with the senator."[/color][/b]

Hank, as always, keeping everything running on a ship tight schedule. 

[b][color=CC0099]"I'm coming Hank, just finishing up here."[/color][/b]

In truth the fact he was taking medication for pain was his best kept secret and he planned for it to stay that way.


[COLOR=CC0099][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3] C A P I T O L    H I L L[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][color=silver]March 15[sup]th[/sup], 2017 - 8:45 AM | [i] Washington, D.C. [/i][/color][/sup][/INDENT]

The hallways of Capitol Hill were always swarming with people, under normal circumstances it would be difficult to navigate the seemingly endless maze of hallways corridors and offices. However, when you are considered the greatest mutant rights activist, the world's most powerful telepath and your being pushed by a six foot mutant that could rip you in half both on and off the Senate floor, people tend to move aside for you. While Hank was being cordial enough for the both of them, Charles was in no mood to deal with people today. 

His mind was riddled with the thoughts of the humans around him, while not a major issue the dull roar was little more than a minor irritant. They were early for their meeting which was exactly how Charles liked it, he always kept himself ahead of everyone's schedule. It keeps people on their toes. Among the sea of yes men and political kiss ups Hank began giving the run down of the day's events.

[b][color=00BFFF]"...And besides with everything else we have planned, we just don't have enough hours in the day."[/color][/b]

[b][color=CC0099]"So who is this Senator Hunter anyway?"[/color][/b]

[b][color=00BFFF]"Nicholas Hunter, senator from Iowa. Virtually unknown until he ran for state Senate in Des Moines in 2003. He eventually ran for governor where he increased state revenue 16% in his first term. A staunch supporter of the anti-metahuman movement, having coauthored the Mutant Affairs Control Act in 1989. He alongside Senator Robert Kelly have essentially paved the way for most anti-metahuman legislation since the late 80s."[/color][/b]

A wave of seriousness washed over Charles. His opponent was quite formidable indeed as it appeared that Mr. Hunter was one of if not THE most influential anti-mutant activist. Although he was just as formidable in the defense of the rights of his people as well, so much that when Hank knocked on the door to his office Charles was bold enough to smile in confidence. That smile quickly faded when the one face he never expected to see appeared before him,

[b]"Why hello Charles, it's been far too long!"[/b]

[b][color=CC0099]"Colonel Stryker, it certainly has been some time. Last time we met, I believe it was at Georgetown University Hospital."[/color][/b]

The slight towards his son was received and not taken lightly by Reverend Stryker as a slight chuckle was heard from behind him, 

[b][color=66CCCC]"Come now William, even you of all people could appreciate the irony of the comment."[/color][/b]

Senator Hunter motioned for Charles and Hank to come further into the office as he was seen with yet another unforseen individual to a meeting that should have been a one on one meeting. Things seemed to be taking a turn for the worse.