Saying this as though an eight-foot-tall furry who sips herbal tea with his pinky out, wears absurdly tiny reading glasses, has strong opinions about English translations of the Odyssey, and also fucks like a werewolf wouldn't rule this site like a king.
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
āIām aware of the kind of hatred that comes with being hated, I appreciate the gift.ā She spoke in her frank Jedi tone.
It was shared amongst Consulars that they were all outcasted from being āregularā Jedi due to their frank nature and often muted emotions. She was not encouraged to outwardly show anything other than cold.
āIām grateful, for the opportunity to truly give something that could benefit both planetary systems.ā
Ā āWell, splendid.āĀ Hank beamed. A feeling of hope and confidence in the next generation, both here and on Earth, swelled within his chest. āI do believe that this is the beginning of a very beautiful and advantageous relationship.āĀ
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
āOf course Henry,ā Juniper gave another firm nod as she picked her daughter back up.
āNow, is there anything else on the table for discussion?ā
āOf course, we will provide the same courtesy if this alliance is to work there has to be the common expanse of protecting and supplies that all systems would require under the banner of an Empire.ā She furthered, āIf we are not protecting our people then what are we?ā
She knew all that it was like to worry about an impending invasion, she was present when Malgus destroyed the Jedi temple on Coruscant. She still suffered from the nightmares of being trapped under the rubble and her subsequent rescue.
āYes, there is one other thing.ā Hank reached two prodigious fingers into the pocket of his suit jacket and plucked out something that had been tucked away there. He held out a large green and red seed.Ā āPlease, consider this a gift. Should you plant this seed in ample soil, it will establish contact between your planet and our own network of translocation biotechnology.ā
Beast nodded appreciatively. āThat is an extremely encouraging statement.ā Having experienced several incursions from outer space, the mutant hero knew that the X-Men and SWORD, while perfectly capable, would certainly make use of any help from their new allies.Ā
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
āI know what it is like being considered an other. As someone who was born a Sith I was automatically set apart from my peers in the same creche.ā She continued.
Juniper knew what it was like to be considered different, she was always treated separately from the other younglings in her creche. She could pick up on the sadness but decided not to question it.
āYou would be correct, my empire covers a vast expanse of Wild Space. I would say a willingness to defend and protect our people as I would be willing to spare troops in order to defend your system.ā
She gave a small smile as she set her daughter down but the child still clung to her leg tightly. Juniper knew what it was like to lose a lover. She gave a comforting squeeze of his hand to show her support.
āI of course will be able to trade and bring in the needed defense for your system and be able to allow education freely with the capitol of Zakuul.ā
Hank nodded sagely. Although he didnāt smile outwardly, it was encouraging to hear that Juniper could empathize with him and vice versa. That was an encouraging sign for their prospective alliance.Ā
He was uncertain why sheād touched his shoulder comfortingly. Perhaps a look of sadness had flitted across his face when he had reminisced about Abigail. Regardless, he appreciated the gesture.Ā
āWonderful!ā Beast said enthusiastically, thinking of the many times his home system had been invaded or threatened.Ā āAnd thank you for the clarification. Itās reassuring that you would spare us the same courtesy as you would one of your own member systems.āĀ
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
Juniper shook her head as the child shook his finger with her hand. Kiyi buried her face into her motherās shoulder.
āSheās been around other blue furry people before, so it is of absolutely no surprise to her of your appearance.ā
She walked with him to the holo platform to pull up the map.
āIs there anything else you would like to know about the Alliance?ā She was not exactly comfortable with the full story of how she lost her childās father. It still hurt her soul.
āThere are several different options, Iāll be glad to join with your forces if you agree to the terms set upon by my advisors.ā She continued, āThe security risks are high but I do believe we can find a ground to agree upon if your people are willing to work together with aliens and Imperials.
Hank beamed, his heart filled with joy. This child was so fearless and kind, regardless of her natural shyness. He hoped that time and experience would not tarnish her sense of acceptance. Not to mention, the mutant scientist hoped that Kiyi would have paternal role models in her life, despite the loss of her father. āYouāve no idea what tremendous relief that comes as. Not everyone is so tolerant on my homeworld.āĀ
Beast stared in wonderment at the vast star map displayed before them.
āI would be interested in being elucidated more regarding the constituency of your member worlds. Iām given to understand that you control a not insignificant amount of this galaxy.āĀ
He gave a smile, exposing his long, sharp canines, and shook his fuzzy head. āI do not believe that mutantkind will have any issue working alongside those different from themselves. On my home planet, we are still perceived as other by the majority of the populace. For this very reason, we are amicable to forming alliances with outsiders.āĀ Besides, it is our right,Ā he thought. Mutants were the first to colonize Mars and name it the capital of the Sol system.Ā
āNo doubt, you and your advisors will be dealing much more directly with our regent, Storm, and the head of our interstellar defense force, Abigail Brand, once these negotiations cease. Both women are close friends of mine and incredibly competent leaders. I believe you will be in very good hands.ā A tinge of sadness hit Hankās heart. He and Abigail had ended their romantic relationship mutually. Their responsibilities and priorities took them both in different directions. However, it didnāt stop him from sometimes wondering what could have been.Ā
āWhat terms would you have of mutantkind, besides of course, the already discussed exchange of technological and scientific knowledge?āĀ
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
āWe have mastered the art of Intergalactic travel with the use of Starships,ā Juniper explained as she made her way into the elevator to the War room.
āI donāt usually meet alone, after three different assassination attempts on my life thereās usually an entire security team. Which explains why you may have seen seven different identical people to me. I have a group of decoys that we switch out whenever needed.ā
She wasnāt entirely sure what the other would say but she hoped he wouldnāt mind.
āThough today was different, Iām the Empress. The actual me and not a decoy.ā
Juniperās attention was caught as someone started calling for her.
āMommy! Mommy!ā a small dark-haired child ran up to her.
āKiyi!ā the Empress knelt down and picked her daughter up. āIām sorry about her. Ever since I got her back sheās been attached at the hip. Before you ask, Iām a widow. I lost my husband when Kiyi was a baby .ā
Hank nodded.Ā āCertainly. Iām familiar with the concept. That is something the Sol system would be open to gaining access to in exchange for our medical and floronic translocation technology.
āWeāre able toĀ teleport between different locales using a unique variety of plants,ā he elaborated.Ā
Ā āWell, I can appreciate your need for such precautions,ā Beast began as the doors to the elevator opened and they stepped out into the War Room. Heād wondered about the doppelgƤnger he had spotted earlier, but thought it impolite to ask. Besides, living around shapeshifters and people who could duplicate themselves for most of his life had dulled his sense of surprise regarding such things. āI am honored that you would meet me without all of said protections in place.āĀ
āIām very sorry to hear that, your Majesty. You have my condolences.ā The X-Man was even more impressed by Juniper now, knowing that on top of running the entire Alliance, she was a devoted mother. Hank looked to the little girl balanced on the empressās hip, giving her a toothy grin.
āHello, Kiyi. My name is Henry. Itās very nice to meet you.ā He extended one large hand towards the child, palm facing upwards in a sign of greeting. His thick fingers were nearly the same width as the girlās forearms. One thing Beast enjoyed about traveling to space was the vast diversity of species to be found there. While he may stand out on Earth, here he appeared to be a member of but one of many varied races. No doubt, this child, despite her young age, had already met numerous alien peoples.Ā
On Monday, March 28, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB1557āthe notorious ādonāt say gayā billāinto law. This bill is part of an unprecedented wave of legiā¦
On Monday, March 28, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB1557āthe notorious ādonāt say gayā billāinto law. This bill is part of an unprecedented wave of legislation targeting queer and trans youth, with potentially deadly consequences.
Florida may be Americaās favorite trash fire, but weāre not willing to give up on our home state; and weāre DEFINITELY not willing to give up on the queer and trans kids who live there.
So weāre fighting back.
All April, weāll be raising money for Equality Florida. Between our own contributions and the generous support of anonymous donors, weāre in a position to match up to $6000 of your contributions AND offer some very cool prizes.
HEREāS WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO:
Make a donation to Equality Florida and email the receipt to [email protected] with the subject line EQUALITY or tweet it to @xplainthexmen.
AND HEREāS WHAT YOUāLL GET:
IF YOU DONATE UNDER $25 ā Youāll have our eternal love and gratitude, as well as the warm, fuzzy feeling of making a difference.
IF YOU DONATE $25 OR MORE ā Weāll thank you on the podcast. (Note: theseāll be straightforward thanks, not the silly kind we do for patrons.)
IF YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE ā Miles, who is adamantly Not an Artist, will draw you an earnest and possibly terrible social media X-avatar.
IF YOU DONATE $100 OR MORE ā Weāll record a custom voicemail greeting for you.
IF YOU DONATE $200 OR MORE ā Jay will knit you a hat.
IF YOU DONATE $500 OR MORE ā Weāll record a Hawk Talk on a subject of your choice.
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
āIām the Jediās diplomat, yes the previous emperor, Valkorion,ā She gave a small shudder at the mention of his name.
āWe are in the process of raising those from the lower depths towards the upper levels. We donāt usually raise our weapons but at times it is necessary.ā
āThe planet of Zakuul is also in the process of transition in a new renaissance. They just got out of dealing with three different tyrants. They needed a firm and kind ruler.ā
She didnāt mind the ignorance, Juniper was used to it. She had an idea of what she could possibly do.
āWe could go out and visit some of the new restaurants people are opening up. Iād prefer if you see for yourself since youād like a more anthropological report.ā
āIād prefer being more hands-on and of the people. It is not the Jedi way to leave suffering.ā
Beast listened intently and nodded as the empress explained her own personal history and the political situation with this new version of the Alliance.Ā āI believe I understand what you mean,ā he muttered, stroking his sideburns thoughtfully.Ā āMy people, by which I specifically mean mutantkind, not Earthers generally, are also undergoing something of a Renaissance. We have used our unique biotechnology to revolutionize medicine and transportation, among other fields.āĀ
He neglected to mention the mutants that had cracked the code on resurrection. It was Krakoaās standing position to keep that a secret, even to its allies. Sharing such knowledge could be very dangerous.Ā
Hank offered a smile and motioned forward with one large hand, palm upward.Ā āPlease, by all means. Iām eager to partake in any local cuisine. And on the matter of non-interference in the face of suffering, I must agree with your position. My dear friend and mentor, Charles Xavier, had a dream that we mutants could live alongside non-mutant human beings peacefully. As one of his students, I have strived to demonstrate what good we can do in the world- in the universe. We X-Men, as we have taken to being called, do not stand idly by when those in need, mutant or non-mutant alike, are in danger.
āI believe that help can extend even this far into space, to another galaxy.ā He smiled again and let out a small chuckle.Ā āBy which I mean, we would be happy to open up trade relations with you, should you so desire.āĀ
A toothy grin was now plastered across his blue, furry face.Ā āAlso, may I say, the fact that I have been able to travel to another galaxy is something of a dream come true.ā
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
Juniper looked to her lightsaber clipped to her belt, as she led the way to the meeting room.
āItās the standard Jedi Consular robes, I would have worn my military uniform but that likely would have been seen as a threat. As a gift, we have ordered you a pair in a much larger size. I crafted my lightsaber in the caves on this very planet.ā
She didnāt mind the questions, of course, anyone would wonder who wasnāt familiar with the Jedi religion.
āI needed a much more powerful weapon in order to defeat a Tyrannical Emperor.ā
āAs the Third Barsen'thor, I typically wear the robes of a regular consular only with a different pattern on the hanging sashes.ā
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor
Juniper of course had only briefly read the available dossier that was given to her but her new your majesty title still got to her. She still very much considered herself just a person. She carefully shook his hand with a polite smile on her face.
āPleasure to meet you, Ambassador Beast, as you already know by now, I am Eternal Empress Juniper Tirall, Itās quite a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Itās quite alright I can assure you.ā
Juniper did not feel afraid, instead, she found him to be quite polite and rather kind to her. She wanted to enjoy this. It felt so natural for her to finally be out of her Empress robes and back into her Jedi Consular gear.
āNow, letās sit and start the discussions shall we? Itāll be a nice change to finally be able to share both resources and necessary equipment. I can assure you there is no better place Iād rather be than forging a new alliance.ā
Ā Beast smiled back, showing off his prominent canines. His furry blue hand practically enveloped hers. He felt a little out of place next to Juniper in his three-piece suit. Her robes appeared much more comfortable and functional than his outfit.Ā
āNor would I,ā the mutant hero said. He let go of her hand and made a sweeping motion.Ā āPlease. By all means, lead the way.ā As they began to walk down the hallway, Hank let his eyes wander to the weapon clipped onto Juniperās belt.Ā
āIf youāll satisfy my idle xenological curiosity, might I inquire about your attire? Iām afraid Iām not privy to much information regarding the particulars of your culture. Is there a significance to these items?āĀ
Hank McCoy paced back and forth in the hall of the sprawling alien palace. He fiddled with his cufflinks and adjusted his necktie for the fourth time, ensuring it had the proper dimple in the silk fabric. This was an important mission for mutantkind and he wanted to make a good first impression. Ororo had entrusted him with being the diplomatic envoy to the Eternal Alliance.Ā
Since the establishment of the Sol system embassy by the mutants on Mars, since renamed Arakko, there had been made many efforts to connect the Sol system to the rest of the galaxy. This was one such branch of outreach that the mutants of Earth were interested in. Other such meetings had been arranged with the Shiāar Empire and the Kree-Skrull Alliance. A powerful galactic player such as the Eternal Alliance would be invaluable as an ally and friend. Securing this relationship would be a great leap for mutantkind and Sol as they took their first steps into the galactic sphere.Ā
The founding member of the X-Men stopped as he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see the woman he was here to meet. Hank bowed deeply before extending one of his large hands in greeting.Ā
āA pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty,ā he began.Ā āI am Ambassador Beast of the Sol system. Ambassador Storm regrets that she cannot be with you here and has sent me in her stead.āĀ
@barscnthor