Westchester's Mutant Academy was immersed in a lively, noisy atmosphere. Young students whispered among themselves, discussing the news that the professor was pushing for the Mutant Registration Act. They had also watched his earnest speech on the White House lawn. Faced with the changes to come, these fledgling young birds felt lost, yet faintly harbored beautiful hopes.
"Bobby, do you think the professor will kick us out?" John lay sprawled across the desk, as if springs had been installed in his body. He could not keep still for even a moment.
This restless young man was a notorious troublemaker at the school, the complete opposite of the reserved and steady Iceman Bobby. Yet surprisingly, the two had become good friends.
"How could that happen? Ms. Grey already said we can choose freely. The school won't drive anyone away."
Bobby's voice was muffled. His feelings were complicated right now. Although life at the school had been good, he longed more to return to his warm home and be with his family and friends.
To conceal his identity as a Mutant, he had traveled all the way from Boston to New York, staying beneath the professor's protective wings to avoid cruel persecution and capture.
"So what are you going to do?" John asked eagerly. "I secretly asked Colossus Peter. He wants to join Mr. Sipes's Umbrella Security Squad. I heard that if you do well, your annual salary can reach six hundred thousand dollars... God! After a few years of hard work, you could buy a small apartment in Manhattan."
The Fireman chirped away like a little bird that could not stop talking. Bobby propped his chin up with one hand, his mind filled with tangled thoughts. He did not know how to choose. Unlike John, he had come to this school