11:05 EST

"…And now allow me to introduce Dr. Eugene Riley!"

(Applause)

"Thank you. Now, many people have thus far expressed their disbelief as to the existence of Homo-Sapiens Mutatis, otherwise known as mutants. I can understand the doubts and concerns that have been raised here today. Trust me, I was rather skeptical myself. That is, until having the opportunity to examine one…"

"Wait a minute! Betsy, did he just say what I think he did?"

"Unfortunately, yes he did. Now I understand why the professor wanted me to come to this press conference. We've got to find the mutant this 'doctor' been 'examining'. Who knows what has happened to him or her."

At the same time:

'Mac, is this guy serious?"

"No way, Harm! He's a crackpot the 'believers' have hired to fool people to their side of the issue."

"What if he's not? What if mutants are real?"

Damn it, Harm please don't start buying into this now. I need you to stay on the side of the 'non-believers'.

"Ok, and what if Santa Claus and the Easter bunny are real too? Don't tell me you're really believing this?"

"I don't know, Mac. What if there's real scientific evidence to back the existence of mutants? I mean, 100 years ago nobody would've believed we'd be able to go to the moon or fly anywhere. Who's to say what can and can't happen?"

tbc