I13DT: A Different Kind of Hero Worship

[Will Stanton]

Will nodded. "You're right, of course...thanks, professor. You haven't made things easier, but maybe you've made them clearer."

[Samantha McManus]

"It's not that I'm unwilling to take a more personal hand in this, it's just that I think you're skipping a few steps, aye?"

[Will Stanton]

Will nodded. "I understand, professor. I'll...go and think about things, I think."

[Samantha McManus]

"Don't hesitate to come back any time you need to talk."

[Will Stanton]

"There IS one thing I wonder if you could do for me before I go."

[Samantha McManus]

"Oh?"

[Will Stanton]

"Yeah. In case of any meddling cosmic powers breaking into my office again, I thought maybe a blessed totem might be in order, so I could wave it at her face and scare her off.

Could you do something like that...with this?" Will said, unzipping his jacket and revealing an old Samantha "Morrigan" McManus action figure, still in its original blister pack.

[Samantha McManus]

"...where on earth did you find that?"

[Will Stanton]

"Ebay. I was looking for something to thank you for intervening on my behalf, and I found this little gem.

You don't even have a kung-fu grip though, Sam. I'd write an angry letter of complaint."

[Samantha McManus]

"I was embarrassed they even made these, but PR insisted."

[Will Stanton]

"Hey, we all have our own forms of worship, don't we?" Will chuckled. "Don't want you to feel old, but having a shifter in the Avengers was inspiring."

[Samantha McManus]

"And that's why I tolerated the PR team. While every Avenger was absolutely capable, I can admit that we did want to present a positive image, especially of mutants."

[Will Stanton]

"You did a lot of good. Inspired a lot of people.

And have an awesome action figure. I want an action figure now."

[Samantha McManus]

"All in due time, aye?"

[Will Stanton]

"Anyway, I figure if I set this on the edge of my desk, people will think twice of messing with me, if you, I dunno, infuse it with your cosmic juju."

[Samantha McManus]

"I'm... not quite certain how I'd manage that. I might have to consult with someone."

[Will Stanton]

"Ah, your priestess of the night?" Will smiled.

[Samantha McManus]

"Professor Weaver might have some insight, aye. She's not my priestess, though."

[Will Stanton]

Will nodded. "Well, I'll tell you what...

I've got to take this back to my office because...I'm having someone grade it. You know, make sure it's still in good nick and was worth what I paid for it. If you--or her--want to do something with it, swing by and I'll have it waiting."

[Samantha McManus]

"I'll let you know, aye."

[Will Stanton]

"Mmm. Alright, thanks professor. I'll let you back to your regularly scheduled mayhem, already in process," Will said, gears turning in his head.

[Samantha McManus]

"Take care, Will."