It's lunch time at the Xavier Institute. Hank thought Logan would want to debrief after their latest mission -- but he seems more focused on devouring his meal as fast as possible. So when Hank catches your eye, he smiles and gestures you over. "Please, have a seat. I wouldn't mind the company."

"Hmm. I've served a great number of teams in my life. Avengers. Defenders. An X-Men member, of course. But sometimes I wonder if I should journey to the stars." Hank taps his chin. "Kitty often speaks of her time with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Perhaps I should spend some time with them, too."

"𝙊𝙝, 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 -- !"

"Indeed! Interacting with multiversal variants is...jarring, to say the least. But also quite enlightening! I'm glad another iteration of myself seems so alike in scientific interest."

"Hah! Well, the biased perspective is undeniable, but the compliment is appreciated nonetheless."

"Several of my students have discussed the idea of dying their hair to different colors. Then the conversation, of course, turned to if I have ever done the same to my fur." Hank rubs his chin. "Hmm. But what color to dye it...?" -- it's hard to tell if he's joking or serious.

Hank wrinkles his nose. "No, I -- I don't usually engage in anything like that. Despite my alias, I wouldn't want to give in to any instincts that...well, base, personally speaking. I prefer to keep my wits about me and find my simple pleasures in more modern methods."

"Scott and Ororo have made fine leaders of the X-Men over the years. I'd follow either of them anywhere, but..." He rubs his furry chin. "...I can't help but wonder if I would be suitable to command the X-Men, for a change. At least, theoretically."

"And you're Shuri, of Wakanda. It's an honor to be present among royalty..." Hank smiles. Bending his arm and doing a half-bow. "-- but, truth be told, I'm even more happy to meet another scientific mind. I've read some of your publications. Very fascinating research."

"Consider yourself lucky. There's still some among the X-Men -- Scott and Emma first and foremost among them -- that...still don't exactly see the Avengers as allies. But I know better. We're all on the same team, protecting the people of this planet."

"No, it's not. And...many Mutants have similar stories. But we have our own community, perhaps even our own sense of family, here. Perhaps you'll feel that way too, in time." Hank smiles. "-- I should get started on this paperwork. And give you some time to get settled."

"Very true. And, while the X-Men and the Avengers haven't always seen eye to eye -- " An understatement, to say the least. "-- just know that if you need my help, Janet, I'll be there. For you, Simon, Steve, or anyone. Once an Avenger, always an Avenger."

"Hah! Well you know Simon is one of my dearest friends as well. I miss him -- all of you -- greatly. But...my Mutant family needs protection. Needs me. These days, more than ever." Hank smiles. "-- though if you have a get-together, or some sort of dinner, please let me know."

"Of course. Not to worry. We have...several students, and faculty, that have no family of their own. I'm -- not very close with my own parents either. Especially since...well, I look as I do." He gives a soft smile. "So you're in good company, don't worry. We'll make this work, I promise."

"Good. We'll of course need you to sign some paperwork -- and...I don't want to assume your home situation, but if you have a parent or legal guardian then we'll have to reach out to them too, of course." He furrows his brows. "Though I know, for some here, family is a...complicated matter."

"Ah. Well, I have experience with hiveminds and otherworldly entities. I've examined the sentient bacteria called Sublime, the alien symbiotes of Klyntar, and the telepathic, plant-like aliens known as the Cotati. So I hope my expertise can be of some assistance." "Please, lead the way."

"Scott and Ororo have made fine leaders of the X-Men over the years. I'd follow either of them anywhere, but..." He rubs his furry chin. "...I can't help but wonder if I would be suitable to command the X-Men, for a change. At least, theoretically."

"I am very familiar with a tantrum from Victor Creed -- they can't be any worse than his counterpart here in my timeline. But I appreciate the warning." Hank smiles. "I can tell they mean a lot to you. I'm glad they have you."

"It does feel like it, Janet. But don't worry -- I may spend most of my time among my fellow Mutants these days, as an X-Men member, but I haven't forgotten my time among the Avengers either." Hank smiles. "Those were good days. Busy, and dangerous, but good."

Hank blinks. Then narrows his eyes. "...it sounds like it may be dangerous. But I can't comment on it until I've seen it for myself. Why don't you tell me a little bit more about this 'parasite' you've taken...?"

Hank looks from the picture then back up to Luna. Rubbing his forehead. "I understand. It -- seems like a difficult situation, for all of you. And it seems like something your family needs to resolve within itself. I'm -- I don't think it's right for me to decide for you. Or for him."

"You have been kind, yes. But...my kindness is to use my science ethically and fairly. I don't...think it would be fair to Logan, to make such a decision for him. Logan, if he's anything like the one in my timeline, has already endured much at the hands of unwanted science."

"Aracanobotany? Now that is a very unique field of study, Matthias. I'd be more than happy to take a gander at your research thus far. But, to be quite honest, I'm not exactly an expert in anything arcane. That's a different doctor, over in the city." He gives a soft, fanged smile.

"..." Hank lets out a long, deep sigh. "My, but you all are quite persistent..." he chuckles. Shaking his head. "I'll have to tell you the same thing I told Victor. This...would be a major change. And if I was to do it, it would have to be at Logan's own request. It's not right otherwise."

"Not quite, but the process leads to the final product. And you never want to be hasty -- especially dealing with alien elements. You don't want to introduce something potentially deadly into the environment -- or the atmosphere." Hank raises a brow. "...oh? And what would that be?"

"Not quite. I'm studying how it interacts with elements from Earth. Animal. Plant. All of it. I have to make sure it's not deadly, under specific circumstances, before I can start to use it in deeper research." Hank chuckles. "I'm not sure about its scent. It's sealed air-tight."

"This is the very beginning of the research cycle. Frustrating and exciting in equal measures. It may prove to be a big breakthrough! Or it is a simple plant with little value to our world. The potential is fascinating in its own way." Hank chuckles and adjusts his glasses. "At least, to me."

"Perfect. I'm glad you like it. If you put together a list of things you need, within reason, we'll try to get them. And if you were staying anywhere previously, you can write it down and we'll send for your things." Hank nods. "Welcome. I hope you'll like your time here."

"Well. I'm not sure! Depends on how the flower's biology adopts to our atmosphere and if it would have any adverse effects on our environment. It's non-toxic, so, perhaps, there's some medicinal properties yet to be discovered." He smiles and nods. "It is...also very nice to look at."

He chuckles. "Science Magic? No, nothing quite arcane. You've got the wrong superhero doctor if you're looking to learn more about the magical and supernatural." Hank gestures to his research station. "I'm examining some alien bacteria. In hopes of understanding xenobiology more proficiently."

"Yes, as long as Professor Xavier is alright with it. Which I can't imagine he wouldn't be. I've known him since I was a teenager, and I know he'd be happy to offer shelter and teaching to someone who needs it." Beast smiles and nods. "Here you are. This room should do nicely."

-- he was probably just so starstruck he forgot. Or maybe just afraid of his large, furry, clawed hand startling her. "Well -- I'm glad you asked! This is a rare species of plant from an alien region called the Shi'ar Imperium. I was examining its biological makeup for any trace elements."

"Ah yes, that's right! I just heard of you in an online article I was reading. A record number of sold out shows, especially in Seoul. Congratulations." Hank blinks behind his glasses. "Howlett? Oh. You mean Logan. I wasn't aware you two knew each other. But thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

"Is that so? I may be a man of science, but I also am a patron of the arts. I've been known to enjoy a theater performance, myself. Perhaps some time you could tell me about the shows you've been a part of." He gestures them to follow. "-- and these are the dorms. Reasonably sized, I promise."

"Mm. Well -- some blends I like hot, some I like cold. I've had -- a long night, so I was hoping a brisk, cool drink would sharpen my senses a bit more." Hank adjusts his glasses. "It's not everyday our school hosts such a popular celebrity. It's nice to meet you. I'm Hank -- Hank McCoy."

"Full names, yes. I find them quite useful for first meetings. Though I mercifully spared you all my titles and doctorates..." Hank chuckles. "Likewise, Matthias. I don't suppose I can help you with something? Most come to me when they need some scientific or medical expertise."

He smiles and nods. "Yes! Professor Xavier paid for a beautiful campus." "We don't have much of a Drama department, not yet, anyway, but some of the students, and staff, put on some concerts and shows. You're more than welcome to take part, if you'd like."

"Oh! Please, excuse me! If I'd known I'd be hosting a celebrity in my lab I would have cleaned it up thoroughly..." Hank chuckles. Stacking some of his papers and shoving some devices into desk drawers. Hank smiles and nods. "You...have my thanks." He offers her the warm cup of coffee.

He nods. "We're on our Winter Recess now, so some students have returned home, but we offer year round boarding, including on holidays and Summer vacation. We have our own cafeteria and several rooms for recreation, such as a library, music hall, theater, nature path, pool, and gym."

"I will warn you that some of our students, like me, have mutations that make them appear different. Some are colors not typically found in humans, like blue or purple. Some have animal-like features. One student appears...completely translucent. But don't be nervous. Everyone is welcome here."

"Hmm..." Hank is rubbing his forehead. He was up all night in the lab, examining a new hybridized, alien plant. And he has a splitting headache from sheer exhaustion. A sip of coffee. "This would taste better iced. Where's my dear Bobby when I need him the most..." he chuckles to himself.

"Of course." He smiles and nods. "Well -- perhaps I'll give you a tour then. Please, follow me." Hank starts to lead them through the halls of the large school. "As I said, this is the Xavier Institute. While we are an accredited school, we specialize in housing and helping young Mutants."

"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to practice." "I'll speak with Professor Xavier, he's the founder and owner of this campus, and we'll see about getting you a room here, if you need a place to stay. Or you're welcome to transport yourself, if you have lodgings already" Hank offers.

"Don't worry, we have classrooms to study and plenty of facilities for training. We'll figure out how to -- " Hank blinks. Adjusting his glasses. "A shapeshifter! Incredible. We have a few of those ourselves. You'll find some good company here, I'm sure."

Hank matches their smile with a smirk of their own. "Good. And I'm sure any faculty here would tell you the same. I'm -- what they call a Mutant. And our gifts give us different abilities. Sometimes we look different, like me, too. So we're used to helping people with managing their gifts here."

"I understand, Rayne. As you can see I -- I have a form many find frightening. And it's made me want to try to...change myself, sometimes." He smiles. "-- but here at the Xavier Institute, we specialize in helping others control and understand their gifts. It's our whole mission."

"Rayne. Well it's nice to meet you. I think --" Beast blinks. "...it?" he repeats. "What -- what do you mean, it? If there's some help you need, this school is well-equipped to help you with it. We have people here of all abilities and struggles."

He chuckles. "Trust me when I tell you this, Logan, you are fine just the way you are, my friend. I -- struggle with such thoughts myself, truthfully, but I don't think any added height would make you any more or less yourself."

Hank adjusts his glasses and chuckles. "I like to think so. Why do you ask...?"

Hank just offers a tight-lipped smile and nods. He is most certainly traumatized in excess -- what Mutant isn't? -- but he's glad to know it doesn't read as such across his surface impression. "Matthias. Nice to meet you. I'm Hank McCoy." He extends a rough, furry hand.