PART 8
Rogue takes her time responding to Scott's annoying paternalism.
Kicking off her boots, she leans against the couch and swallows
the last of her beer. She waits until she's sure that he thinks
he's won her over, then nails him.
"Maslow's Theory of Actualization."
Scott's jaw drops in stunned surprise. Ironic that he
was the one to first introduce Rogue to Maslow's psychological
theories. He had been pushing Rogue to give them a valid reason
to pursue her plans for Remy's rehabilitation. He had pressed
her for a decision based on reason, not emotion. She had delivered.
Scott rubs the tension from his neck. He was fast discovering
that Rogue's logic, like her punches, could be quick and merciless.
Ororo, in the process of refilling Hank's teacup, pauses.
"Maslow?"
As Hank adds sugar and cream to his tea, he takes a moment
to elaborate on Rogue's blunt response.
"Maslow's Theory of Actualization states that as a person's
basic needs are met, he progresses to a higher level of existence.
In the vernacular, Rogue is saying that we should not be putting
the cart before the horse. We must provide Remy with the basic
necessities--food, shelter, clothing--before he can advance
to another level, such as social interaction."
"Ah don't recall sayin' all that, sugah."
"Rogue, is there any reason we can't combine the two?"
"Ah was wonderin' the same thing mahself, Jean."
Ororo considers the two proposals, before joining in.
"Perhaps we could begin desensitizing on a simpler level.
If Gambit has been tormented with water, begin reconditioning
him with a single raindrop."
Professor Xavier finds himself nodding in agreement. After
hours of arguing, the X-men are, finally, willing to compromise
in the best interest of their teammate. Reluctantly, Rogue's
words persuade him to more seriously consider her suggested
course of action. There are, he admits to himself, risks involved
in any endeavor.
"Scott, I'd like for you and Jean to coordinate a program
of reintregation following Rogue's guidelines."
"Of course."
"As to the rest of her suggestions, I certainly have
no opposition to anything which will provide positive reinforcement.
I agree that for the present, Remy needs a highly structured,
non-threatening environment. To that end, I would like a well-stocked
refrigerator placed in his room, clean linens and daily physical
therapy. All activity, for the present, must be precisely
timed. It's important that he come to understand what to expect
from us at any given hour."
"Hopefully, he'll go from just thinkin' about how to
survive, where the next meal's comin' from, to bein' secure
enough to plan a course o' action against his enemy."
"Which would be you?"
Rogue shrugs.
"Ah reckon ah'm the best choice considerin' the situation."
"Professor, if Rogue is successful in focusing our young
Cajun's anger, perhaps we could then transfer that anger from
Rogue to the Genoshans, where it appropriately belongs."
"I agree with Hank, Professor."
"Ororo?"
"I am--intrigued--by the suggestion that Eric and I
participate in the encounter sessions. Rahne found them to
be quite enlightening. Yes, Charles, I concur. I believe that
my presence, along with Tseidel's, will do much to moderate
Remy's anger."
A collective sigh of relief fills the room. The X-men disband,
some breaking into smaller groups to discuss Remy's condition,
others retire to their rooms to prepare for the coming day.
Rogue, feeling a minor sense of victory, heads for the kitchen.
Continued in Chapter
9.
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