23 ⊗ video ⊗ peeking his lionface back in

[professorlionface]

[Hank is walking through the halls of the Institute, on his way back to his suite. The video angle is from below, he's walking and talking.]

New communicators for a new Network? Check.
Vulcanus on the move again? Very well, then.
Preliminary signs of an imminent Skrull invasion? Marvelous.

Heaven knows we had a hard enough time of it last time, though I'm hardly in any position to begrudge a species the audacity to escape extinction. I know a very charming little Broodling who might agree.

[He reaches his door and fumbles for the keys, still talking as he gets the door open. He's still moving afterwards, like he's looking for something. His expression is growing increasingly distressed.] Seems it's been a rather eventful week while I've been away, and here I expected the most significant issue I'd face upon return was keeping my dates straight! It's not something that's easily resolved in the mind when you experience and entire year's worth of days twice! Just further need for compartmentalization, I'd imagine.

And Logan, in case I need to remind you, I get the big office in this universe.

[Finally he stops, frowning. He gives the room one more glance, then points the camera at the table, where one sole plate sits. The meal's half-eaten, and spoiled from being left out for more than a few days.]

Has anyone seen Amanda?

Comments

video;

[trickshot]

Hank! You're back.

_{( no, really. )}

video;

[professorlionface]

Yes, so we've noticed, but a little distracted at the moment.

You'll forgive me Clint, but I'm trying to find my girlfriend. Even though that term still strikes me as entirely too juvenile.

video

[bests]

You have no idea how good it is to see you again, Hank.

video

[professorlionface]

Well, I'd say likewise if I hadn't seen you so recently from my own perspective.

Still trying to... Sorry, that came out wrong. How are you holding up?

voice

[couldbeavoided]

You're caught up already, then. Welcome back.

voice

[professorlionface]

[Still sounds like he's on the move here, looking in vain.

Only the basics at the moment, but if there's anything more I'll need to know, my ears are wide open.

permavideo;

[radiantly]

Welcome back. I'm really glad you're here.

[professorlionface]

[He finally slumps down on his couch, looking a little frazzled.]

Right. Yes.

Sorry, of course. I'm tentatively saying likewise, I just... No, nevermind.

The school's at least in one piece still, I'll have you to thank for that.

Video;

[themisfit]

Oh, thank goodness.

... I have not, I'm afraid. Not lately.

Video;

[professorlionface]

[Oh, Kurt. Last he'd seen you, you were dead. Or were they singing on stage together more recently? His head is a quagmire of conflicted memories at the moment.]

Y-yes. That seems to be the consensus on the matter.

How have you been holding up?

video, but he's not actually shirtless;

[incywincyhero]

I'm sorry, Hank. Ms. Waller got ported out a few days ago.

[A regretful smile.]

It sure is good to see you again, though.

video

[professorlionface]

I imagined that possibility. It's...the preferable alternative, I suppose, but has it been confirmed beyond doubt?

[He stops, catching himself being gruff, and tries to take on a more friendly air.]

Yes, I am glad to be back, all things considered. Thank you, Peter.

Voice;

[meowminx]

Haven't heard her comment on this mess, which isn't like her.

Voice;

[professorlionface]

No, I don't expect it is. She would be involving herself in seeking its timely resolution!

video;

[hypos]

It's really been a year for you? [ That's his round about way of saying welcome back. Or something. ]

video;

[professorlionface]

Most of it, at least. And a busy one, too, I can't tell you how many different places I've lived in that time!

permavoice

[sniktsbubs]

[ Gruff as ever, but he's happy you're back, Hank. ]

Good to hear you're up to speed. [ On everything. ]

You need help looking?

[professorlionface]

Yes, on everything. You really can't help it with your deathsquads, can you? But I suppose it's at least better to know than to let such dark secrets fester at the very heart of this new attempt we were making.

There may be no need. Peter seems to be convinced that she was exPorted.

voice

[scarabsuited]

Um...

[slight, uneasy pause.]

Are we sure on that Skrull invasion thing? Like, for sure for sure? Because it's not like we haven't had Skrulls here before...Half-Skrulls, even.

voice

[professorlionface]

Like I said, it's only a preliminary indication at the moment. What we have is a single infiltrator who adopted the identity of someone we expected to be in the know so that they could gain information from us.

It could be an isolated incident, but knowing the way they tend to work, that isn't something we can take for granted.

[paper_sister]

Welcome back.

It's been... eventful.

[professorlionface]

I would imagine so! You've been keeping abreast of the situation, then?

[voice]

[rocksforbrains]

Oh hey, welcome back. How screwed are we at home this time? Assuming you even bother to keep track of X-Men stuff anymore.

[voice] oh hey i've been meaning to ask whether santo graduated yet because i thought he might have?

[professorlionface]

Oh, quite the contrary, in fact! Everyone's seen my side of the argument and we left Scott behind to open a new school.

I'm the vice principal.

[symmachy]

Welcome back.

[professorlionface]

Glad to be here, all things considered. How're things on your end, Scatty?

video

[hellionated]

What Broodling?! [ Guess who's already tired of invasive alien species, Beast? This guy. ]

Are those assholes around now too?

video

[professorlionface]

He's a student, and I'll thank you not to continually antagonize him, Mr. Keller!

[Pause.] ...But I suppose you have yet to begin, from your perspective. Nonetheless, I'm preemptively warning you.

permavideo;

[singlemanlytear]

[ eyebrow raise ]

How was your trip home?

Re: permavideo;

[professorlionface]

Oh, you know how it goes. Saved the world a few times, lived through at least two wars, built a school from the ground up.

Nothing too eventful.