The X-Project

To: [Jean]
From: [Jim]
Subject: Kevin Ford

All right, I just spoke with Kevin and there's a problem. At my suggestion he's been using his powers more, to get used to them and see if he can control them. Well, he just showed up and told me that it's reached the point that if he doesn't use his power it's . . . I don't know if painful's the right word, but he described it as feeling hollow. With connotations of "hungry." Understandably, he's disturbed. Especially since it seems paired with obssessive thoughts of touching organic materials. Including people.

So he's going to come see you tomorrow morning. I suggested Moira, but he spent so much unsuccessful time at Muir and he's so stressed about this that I think dealing with her right now brings up too many bad associations. I don't think he has a problem with information hand-offs, but is it possible for you to be the primary doctor on this one? He asked me to give you the basic run-down because he's not comfortable articulating most of this right now, but he knows he's going to have to give you details.

I've got no idea what this could be. It sounds like an addiction, but I never heard of anyone getting addicted to their own power without magic or Kick to screw with it. From the way he described it the symptoms sound physiological, but I've got to wonder if there's a psychological aspect too. He specifically mentioned that he liked to feel the decay under his hands. He spends so much time covered up otherwise that I'm actually wondering is sensory-deprivation is a factor here, but I can't sort out what's psychological from what's physical. I have a feeling you'll have more luck there than I will.