Mutants
Mutants are mentioned in 12 articles and has appeared in 0 TIME Covers.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
A year ago, the United States heard claims of an 'x-gene' said to indicate the development of super human abilities. Now, after multiple public displays of such abilities, can we finally admit that mutants exist? TIME.com presents a series on the science and the society in light of the growing controversy around mutants. [Continue Reading >]

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Across the bottom of the screen, in bold white letters above the scrolling news labeled the segment 'MUTANT TERROR AT UCLA'. A brunette woman sat in the chair at a desk, looking up at the camera on her cue. "Now in California: It seems all anyone can talk about is the apparent mutant attack that occurred on UCLA campus on Thursday. Around 1pm, reports of a mutant "

As the broadcaster continued to speak, footage courtesy of YouTube is shown -- muted from any audio accompanying the footage. "What you are seeing is amateur footage of the incident -- a college-aged young woman, apparently on fire is ripping through a section of campus and the neighboring establishments. Now watch closely -- you will see presumably two mutants, a male and female, try to intercept the female. To discuss this incident further, I'd like to welcome our mutant correspondent. Now, Tim, you've been monitoring the situation in Los Angeles. Have there been any arrests?"

"As of yet, no. We're still looking into the identities and ability set of the mutants involved, but there have been no leads. Reports indicate they left the scene before police arrived."

"Mutants are a hot topic right now -- we've seen stories about heroic rescues and debates. How do you think this will affect mutant-relations dialogue?"

"I do think it's important to note that two of the mutants went against the other -- either they knew her or they simply wanted to stop her. I cannot say what effect this will have on mutant-human dialogue."

"Do you think these mutants are UCLA students?"

"That is a strong possibility -- as the attack occurred on campus, at approximately lunch time. However, it's a very popular area so we cannot know for sure. They may have just been locals."

The broadcaster nodded as a map displaying the UCLA campus is shown on the screen, highlighting the area that was destroyed. "While it's not a large portion of campus, it is a densely populated one. As I understand it, all injured are in stable condition at area hospitals?"

"That is correct."

"Commencement is in two weeks -- will this affect any of the ceremonies?"

"Somewhat -- the events scheduled to take place in or around the destroyed area will be relocated and the administration are working toward easing parents' fears about arriving on campus for the ceremonies. It's expected they will come out with a statement early next week."

"Thank you, Tim." The broadcaster forced a polite smile before turning to the camera. "We will get you more on the terror at UCLA as the situation develops."

"A dangerous hostage situation at Cal Poly labs today was diffused not by police, but by a group of mutants calling themselves the Power Pack. Details about their identities have yet to be released, as police were unable to question them following the incident. There has yet to be a comment from the police department regarding the involvement of the mutants, but sources in the department have said that the interference was not necessarily appreciated..."

"Cal Poly authorities are today praising the actions of the group of superpowered invidividuals known as the Power Pack, after the four mutants halted an attack on one of their labratories today..."

"Investigations into the identities of the members of the so-called Power Pack have begun, with university sources claiming they are the children of physicist Dr James Power, who was amoung the scientists taken hostage during the terrorist attack on his labratory today. No one from the Power family has been available for comment so far..."

Down at Pismo Beach, Jack was taking a break from his surfing attempts to bask in the sun when the vibration of his mobile, resting on his bag next to his head, caught his sun-drugged attention and he flipped it open. Family was important, and Jack Power was on his feet and breaking speed limits getting to the campus.


( Terrorists were a thing to not reckon with.  )

lightspeeds

Julie Power really hated her job at the bar, but since she had stupidly dropped out of college and decided to pursue acting, this was about as good as it would get until she could land a decent acting job that regularly paid the bills. Not that she would ever admit that to certain family members. When she got Alex's message, she was in the middle of a rather slow shift and standing behind the bar reading various audition listings, cross the ones off that required her to "bare it all". She let the phone vibrate a few times from its hidden spot under the count before she grabbed it, flipping it open to read the message. As she ran out the door, Julie yelled something about her father to her confused coworker and said she would be back as soon as possible. Hopefully.


( Thanks to ignoring a few traffic lights and stop signs, plus receiving a few flips of the middle fingers from fellow drivers, she arrived at the meeting place in what was probably a record time for the distance traveled.  )

Alex Power was sitting in his car, listening to the radio when he first heard. The news interrupted the broadcast on an interview with the lead singer in his favourite band, and he frowned at the interruption, until he realised what was going on. Terrorist attacks weren't usually broadcast over the news while they were in process, but the group that raided the Cal Poly laboratory hadn't counted on one of the lab assistants who got out working for the university newspaper.

( They also hadn't counted on the children of the scientist they were holding hostage. )

It had been an interesting time since his outing. The press had plagued his house, his phone wouldn't stop ringing, and he'd taken to flying whenever he needed to get anywhere. He hadn't listened to any of his own press, didn't know the people of New York had started playing 'Spot the Angel' once word had gotten out about his flights.

( Warren had actually been dealing with a different crisis. )

"How did they get that photo, Candy?"

( It wasn't the first thing he'd said after seeing the picture. )

"As Santa Monica reels from the devestation of the earthquake in the early hours of this morning, the UCLA campus was terrorized by what witnesses claim was a dragon. After partially destroying two buildings before disappearing, police are looking for any information regarding the event. Speculation is rife about a pubilicity stunt for an upcoming movie, but no one has claimed responsibility so far.:

[During the news report, a grainy picture of a large red dragon is shown in the background flying over the UCLA campus - the sort of picture you'd get from a camera phone.]

"Late last night Santa Monica was rocked with an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. A warehouse at the epicenter of the quake was completely destroyed, with surrounding buildings suffering significant damage. Seismologists are baffled by the quake, as there seems to be little evidence of natural causes. Witnesses at the epicenter have been reporting that a youth somehow caused the earthquakes, and he is wanted for questioning by the police. He is described as being in his late teens, hispanic, approximately 5 foot 10 with a muscular build. Police are appealing to the public for any further information regarding the incident."