The shifting scenery from the train window did little to take Calvin's mind off of the nervousness that had been with him throughout the trip. His excitement had quickly shifted into a state of awkward discomfort when he began his journey to Paragon City, Rhode Island. Maybe it was the blue-green hue to his skin, but people looked at him so strangely. As though they were worried he might be ill, or dangerous. He was used to a degree of scrutiny; the facility in which he'd grown up had run regular tests on him. But there was something much less....scientific....in the eyes of these strangers. He'd seen it before, when the men in dark suits came to visit. They'd always made him uncomfortable.
Calvin shuddered slightly and brushed away the unpleasant association. He stared out his window again, trying to lose himself in the scenery. The sky was overcast, and the rain soaked soil could be smelled through the vents of the Amtrak. The dense greenery of the trees was made dark and unwelcoming by the cloud-saturated sky, and Cal began to miss the bright, clear skies of home. The familiar clothy smell of the old Army jacket he'd worn so much made him think of the long stretches of gypsum desert near the research facility he'd called home. He thought fondly of his "Parents," such as he'd come to know them. Dr. Sharma, Dr. Kisslinger, Dr. Redd. For as long as he could remember, Calvin had been raised by the resident researchers in a small New Mexico facility near the desert where he had been found.
Calvin's mind wandered back to the dunes and foothills that he would often hike with Dr. Parker. It was on one such foray that his Metahuman abilities first became truly evident. Dr. Parker had taken him to a large salt flat, where she had been analyzing microbe colonies. Cal was so taken with vastness, the feeling of openness, that he began to run across the wide plains. He closed his eyes, intoxicated by the movement. It wasn't until Dr. Parker called out to him that he opened his eyes, and realized that he was no longer on the ground. He quickly tumbled to the ground, and was taken home by Dr. Parker. Though the experience left him shaken and bruised, he was encouraged to experiment with his abilities. In time, it became clear that he was capable of abilities that needed development and guidance. Beyond that, it was determined that in order to mature healthily, Calvin would need to be around children his own age. Though a few inquiries and requests, it was arranged for Calvin to attend Saint Joseph's school.
Calvin snapped back awake as the train pulled into its stop. He took his bag and departed, and as he stood in the station, looking around, he realized that he had no idea what to do, where to go. Panic began to well up in him for a moment, and he felt that his coming here had all been a terrible mistake. Then even in the din of the station, a woman's voice spoke to him, warm and calming.
"Calvin? Calvin Kepler?"
Calvin turned to see an attractive woman in a grey suit coat and skirt, who smiled at him and extended a gloved hand.
"Welcome to Paragon City. Please, come with me."
Swallowing and forcing a smile, Calvin took his bag, and followed, wondering what awaited him.
Calvin "Cometborn" Kepler
Moderator: Student Council