Medusa and Scott, Saturday evening
Sep. 2nd, 2006 05:24 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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xp_logsMedusa takes Scott up on his offer for a meeting. Scott is careful with what he shares and Medusa learns about some of the opportunities around the school. Scott also points some things out to her that she hadn’t thought about.
Medusa strode down the hallway, her mouth in a straight, thin line. She now understood Crystal’s frustration with some of the mansion’s residents. She just didn’t understand how people could be so rude for no other apparent reason than that the two girls came from the Amaquelin family. As she drew to a halt in front of the office, she pushed the thought to the back of her mind, something to be dealt with at a later date. Composing her face into a small, neutral smile, Medusa knocked on the headmaster’s door. He at least appeared to have manners and had offered for her to stop by to answer any questions she might have and tell her a little about the school.
"Come in," Scott called. He'd been replacing a few files in the proper drawer when the knock on the door came, and paused to close the filing cabinet before turning and extending a hand to the school's newest redhead. They're catching up to the blondes again...
"Hello, Medusa," he said with a brief, if sincere smile. "I'm Scott Summers, the headmaster - welcome to Xavier's." He waved his free hand in the direction of the chairs by the window. "Would you like to sit down?"
“Yes, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you Scott,” she said as she took the proffered seat. She eyed him curiously, though an observer wouldn’t notice anything unusual about her gaze. So this is one of the “broken” ones. “I know you must be busy preparing for the start of school and I appreciate that you took time out of your schedule to meet me.”
Scott lowered himself into the other chair. He had been stiff and sore enough this morning that he'd taken something, Amelia's lecture on the subject aside. It had helped - a little. "I'm actually glad for the break," he said, the smile coming back and staying a little longer this time. "Today's to-do list is under control, and I like to make a point of meeting new residents fairly soon after their arrival. Are you happy with your room? That wing of the mansion's been remodeled within the last two years, so we've got more of a range of accommodations available. I think that's why we have as many resident graduates as we do."
Compared to her old room, the one she had been assigned was small, but she understood that it was generous by American standards. It was quite adequate for her needs and she did not plan on staying long, so it would suffice for now. “The room is fine, though I do have to say I was relieved that I am not required to have a roommate like my sister.” Her hair floated gently around her. “Are there a lot of college age students who also reside here?”
"Right now?" Scott's expression went distant for a moment. "... eight. A couple of whom also teach. Back at the beginning of the summer," he explained, "that number was considerably higher. But we've had a number of our graduates find some very unique opportunities elsewhere recently. We're sorry to see them go, of course, but it's the nature of an institution like ours."
Medusa nodded, pleased to discover that there were other people her age in the mansion, though if they were all like Lorna, she would not be making many friends here. Curious about the opportunities others had found, her manners kept her from pushing for details that were not offered. “In addition to being headmaster, you teach, correct?” And run around in leather bondage gear, if what Crystal says is true.
"I do. Shop class, and an introductory engineering course - that was the focus of my first degree," Scott said. "It's a somewhat unusual course to offer at the high school level, although there's been a push recently in the US to see it added to the curriculum. It provides a useful basis for university study in that field."
“How interesting. If someone knows that they want to pursue that field, it would probably be off great benefit to be get a head start before entering college.” She pursed her lips slightly. “I have to admit, I am not truly aware of how the American school system runs. I believe it differs from the way the school system on Attilan is run and I myself was educated through private tutors.”
"The American educational system is... complicated," Scott said, his lips twitching. "And Xavier's," he went on, "is an unusual institution by any standard. When I was a student here, it wasn't really a school, per se. Those first few of us were educated in a way that probably resembles your experience on Attilan."
Medusa tilted her head slightly to one side. “I did not realize the school was ever any different than it is now.”
"It started off years and years ago with two mutants," Scott said, and reminded himself that editing was a virtue. "The Professor and an old friend - both mutants, of course. They saw a... lack," Scott said, "of appropriate support for young mutants just coming into their powers."
“That is true. Not everyone is lucky enough to come from a supportive home.” The barest trace of a frown crossed her face as she wondered briefly how different her and Crystal’s life would have been if their parents had not been mutants. “I can understand the need for a place like this.”
"We've grown very quickly in the last few years," Scott said. "Thankfully we've been fortunate enough to have some truly exceptional staff, both resident and non-resident."
One of Medusa’s eyebrows arched up gracefully, a slight shift in the motion of her hair the only other physical reaction to his words. “I see. I have not had the opportunity to meet many of the staff yet.” She left it unstated that “exceptional” was not the term she would use to describe a certain teacher. Her face softened slightly and she added, “Nathan seems very dedicated to his students though. I’m looking forward to discussing languages with him as often as we both have time.”
He didn't miss the eyebrow-arch. Just like he hadn't missed the exchange with Lorna. Interesting that she's met Nate already, though... "Nathan is... an extremely gifted language teacher," Scott conceded with another brief smile. "A new student arrived at the end of July from Afghanistan, speaking only Dari and Pashto. Now she's interacting on the journals. Although Nathan and free time," he went on somewhat dryly, "are not close acquaintances. I don't know if he mentioned, but he founded a mutant affairs-focused NGO this summer. Elpis is a fairly remarkable organization already, but some of us are a little worried about the pace he sets for himself."
Medusa’s initial disappointment over hearing that Nathan was frequently busy was quickly replaced by interest in the nature of his organization. “Really? How fascinating.” She wondered if Elpis was a national or international NGO and made a mental note to question Nathan the next time she saw him. “The world has need of such groups. Attilan is very mutant friendly, but not all countries are equally agreeable to mutants.” She frowned, remembering some of the derogatory language she’d heard directed at others during her travels.
"Three of our graduates work with him in the office down in the boathouse," Scott said, then surprised himself with a chuckle. "One of the opportunities I mentioned, although this one's on-campus, of course."
She nodded, then smiled. “Of course. Are there other organizations on campus that people are involved in?”
"There's a student group called HeliX, although most of the original members are now graduates... they work on a local scale, improving awareness of mutant issues and the like. The one to talk to about that, if you're interested, is John Henry Forge, our soon-to-be security specialist. He's in Australia right now at a conference, but he'll be back in a couple of weeks."
Filing away yet another new name, Medusa nodded again. She was not sure she wished to become involved with a student group, but it always paid to know the security professionals responsible for your protection. The past two days had been the first in her remembered life that she had not had a guard of some sort nearby watching her, but her family had been assured that security was well taken care of at the mansion. “Is there anything I need to know about the school? Rules or regulations I may not be aware of?” she asked.
"Well, I'm guessing you went through the basics with Mr. Lee upon arrival and he issued you your phone and told you about the need to clear guests and the like?" When she nodded, Scott shrugged a little. "That's basically it, in terms of the specific rules. Obviously as you're not a minor student, you're not bound by their curfew, although we'd strongly prefer that if you're not going to be back in the mansion at night, you let us know. You're well in control of your powers, I understand, so there's no need to warn you about misusing them in the halls..."
The look on Mr. Lee’s face when she had asked if there were other models of the standard cell phone had been slightly disturbing, so she hadn’t pushed the issue and decided not to bring it up now. Something about Scott’s phrasing caused her to pause and she made eye contact with him. “Powers use is allowed though, correct?” She could not imagine her parents would send her to a place where she would have to restrict her activities, but she would never have expected them to send her anywhere to begin with.
"Oh, of course. You're not here to learn about your powers," Scott pointed out, "and as you've got them under control and are not a danger to yourself or anyone else... well, honestly," Scott said, his tone changing slightly, to something more contemplative as he straightened in his chair, "I suspect you could be a very good model of how to live successfully with mutation and treat it as just another part of you..." He paused, waving a hand in slight exasperation. "I'm making no sense. Let me try that again. I think what you've experienced at home in Attilan, a social context where mutants are accepted and trained well, gives you some valuable insight. There's still a lot of stigma concerning mutation here in the US... too often, our students see their powers as a burden, or a curse."
Medusa frowned, her brow creasing slightly. “A curse? How horrid. I cannot imagine life without my gift and consider it a blessing. I know there are some mutations with unfortunate side effects though, so if those students see their powers as a burden, I could understand that.” Still, to Medusa, some power was better than no power at all.
"You're here on an exchange program," Scott said thoughtfully. "It's not just an exchange for your benefit - or it shouldn't be, ideally. You may feel like a fish out of water," he said a bit whimsically, "but there are people, both here and likely at Columbia as well, who would do well to learn more about the lake you came from."
Medusa’s expression and tone could best be described as hesitant. She had not discussed anything like this with her mother prior to her arrival. She knew she was here to learn, but to teach? Even if it was only in a manner of speaking, to show by the example of how she lived her life…it was a strange thought. "I am always glad to answer questions people have about my homeland, as long as they are asked in a courteous manner."
Scott regarded her with a smile that was somehow understanding without being pitying. "It's quite the adjustment, I'd imagine," he said more quietly. "We've had... a number of students who've suffered from culture shock to one degree or another. All I can really say is that it does improve." His lips tightened for a moment, worry reflecting in his real eye. "I'm glad for your sister's sake that you're here," he said more softly. "I don't think she knows quite what to make of the school at times. Which is understandable - we're hardly a 'normal' slice of American society."
The smile that Medusa offered in response was her polite one, but only those who knew her well could tell the difference between it and the true one. “Adjustments are always difficult and sometimes I wonder if people truly appreciate that. I wonder how some people here would function if they were thrust into the culture of Attilan.” A subtle shift in her hair coincided with the mention of home. “I know that it has not been easy for Crystal here, though at least she can feel as comfortable about her abilities here as she would at home.” Compared to her expectations from Crystal’s description, the headmaster was impressing Medusa, so she chose to share something she may not have otherwise. “I am unsure how she would react in a place where being a mutant was frowned upon…we always sheltered her from that aspect of life.”
Scott's expression tensed again, this time with a less readable emotion as he looked out the window at the grounds. "It's a difficult time right now," he said. "After what happened in San Diego... I wouldn't restrict the students to campus, the climate's not that bad, but the messages from the media, or even from people on the street in New York - or here in Salem Center - are difficult to avoid."
“Luckily, the backlash from the earthquake has had minimal effects in Attilan. Other countries have not been so fortunate.” The country had received an influx of immigrants after Magneto’s announcement and she couldn’t help feeling the two were linked. “Is it not safe then to use powers in public?” She would need to speak with Crystal and make sure that she was keeping herself out of harms way; the younger girl had a tendency to let her emotions interfere with her control.
"I'd recommend discretion, at the very least. We have some very well-established anti-mutant groups in this part of the country, and they have been known to be violent."
Medusa nodded, her face solemn. She would need to Blackager about this new development. She had always known that anti-mutant groups existed, but they had always seemed so far away. Yes apparently, here she was, living in close proximity to them. “Now I understand why the security system here is so developed.”
"I don't ever want anyone living here to be afraid," Scott said, and thought, with an inward sigh, of Tommy. "That's not always a goal I can achieve. But by stressing caution, rather than fear, I keep hoping we'll all be able to work towards it."
“That is a noble goal,” she said. “If it is an unfortunate one to have to pursue. I do not understand groups such as these, hating people for what they are, especially when some gifts can allow people to do such wondrous things.” She thought of her parents and how they were able to use their abilities to benefit so many people.
"It's easier to fear. And I didn't expect this to turn into a philosophical conversation," Scott said with a wry smile. "Not that I'm disturbed by that. Thinking these things through, and talking about them - not just among ourselves but with others, is probably the only way to make any progress at all."
“It is why discussions between normal humans and mutants are so important.” She broadened her smile. “But let us not bring the conversation down this evening. These topics are a bit heavy for a first meeting.”
"True. We've wandered a bit far afield." Scott shifted in his chair - and couldn't quite suppress a wince. "Did you have any more questions? About practicalities? Our kitchen serves very good meals," he said, distracted enough by the growing ache in his muscles that he managed to entirely forget the whole Crystal/Lorna issue. "Although you do have a kitchenette in your room, too, if I remember what suite you're in correctly..."
Medusa was fairly certain she would not be getting any of her meals from the kitchen. Unless…she allowed herself a small smile at the thought of sending her hair to run the errand for her. “I also have a phone and I believe Crystal knows the best places to order from around here. There are also restaurants in town, sim? So I will not go hungry. Is there shopping nearby?”
"Salem Center is well-equipped, and of course, you've got New York only a short trip away as well. You may find yourself spending a great deal of time in the city, given that you'll be attending classes there..." He smiled a bit. "You should let me know what your class schedule is," he said. "I might be able to give you a ride in and back one day a week... no one apart from Professor Xavier knows this just yet, but I'm going to be taking a course at the teacher's college at Columbia this fall." He didn't have the time or the inclination to work on an MA in Education Leadership - Charles's suggestion - full-time, but doing it part time had appealed to him very strongly. He'd been a little surprised by how much.
His statement reminded Medusa of the strangeness of this place, where the teachers were also students. “I will have to check on my schedule. I…” she could not admit to a stranger the true method with which she had been brought to the school “…do not remember the courses and times off the top of my head.” She rose to her feet and bowed her head slightly to him. “I will take your leave now, unless there is something else we need to cover.”
Scott rose as well, moving stiffly, and extended his hand again. "Please, let me know if there's anything I can do to help you settle in," he said. "I'm glad we got the chance to talk."
Shaking his hand firmly, Medusa noticed the rigid way he moved, but did not comment. “As am I.” Her impression of Scott did not fit with the image she had built based on Crystal’s description and she was anxious to talk with her sister to try and fit the two pictures together.
Medusa strode down the hallway, her mouth in a straight, thin line. She now understood Crystal’s frustration with some of the mansion’s residents. She just didn’t understand how people could be so rude for no other apparent reason than that the two girls came from the Amaquelin family. As she drew to a halt in front of the office, she pushed the thought to the back of her mind, something to be dealt with at a later date. Composing her face into a small, neutral smile, Medusa knocked on the headmaster’s door. He at least appeared to have manners and had offered for her to stop by to answer any questions she might have and tell her a little about the school.
"Come in," Scott called. He'd been replacing a few files in the proper drawer when the knock on the door came, and paused to close the filing cabinet before turning and extending a hand to the school's newest redhead. They're catching up to the blondes again...
"Hello, Medusa," he said with a brief, if sincere smile. "I'm Scott Summers, the headmaster - welcome to Xavier's." He waved his free hand in the direction of the chairs by the window. "Would you like to sit down?"
“Yes, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you Scott,” she said as she took the proffered seat. She eyed him curiously, though an observer wouldn’t notice anything unusual about her gaze. So this is one of the “broken” ones. “I know you must be busy preparing for the start of school and I appreciate that you took time out of your schedule to meet me.”
Scott lowered himself into the other chair. He had been stiff and sore enough this morning that he'd taken something, Amelia's lecture on the subject aside. It had helped - a little. "I'm actually glad for the break," he said, the smile coming back and staying a little longer this time. "Today's to-do list is under control, and I like to make a point of meeting new residents fairly soon after their arrival. Are you happy with your room? That wing of the mansion's been remodeled within the last two years, so we've got more of a range of accommodations available. I think that's why we have as many resident graduates as we do."
Compared to her old room, the one she had been assigned was small, but she understood that it was generous by American standards. It was quite adequate for her needs and she did not plan on staying long, so it would suffice for now. “The room is fine, though I do have to say I was relieved that I am not required to have a roommate like my sister.” Her hair floated gently around her. “Are there a lot of college age students who also reside here?”
"Right now?" Scott's expression went distant for a moment. "... eight. A couple of whom also teach. Back at the beginning of the summer," he explained, "that number was considerably higher. But we've had a number of our graduates find some very unique opportunities elsewhere recently. We're sorry to see them go, of course, but it's the nature of an institution like ours."
Medusa nodded, pleased to discover that there were other people her age in the mansion, though if they were all like Lorna, she would not be making many friends here. Curious about the opportunities others had found, her manners kept her from pushing for details that were not offered. “In addition to being headmaster, you teach, correct?” And run around in leather bondage gear, if what Crystal says is true.
"I do. Shop class, and an introductory engineering course - that was the focus of my first degree," Scott said. "It's a somewhat unusual course to offer at the high school level, although there's been a push recently in the US to see it added to the curriculum. It provides a useful basis for university study in that field."
“How interesting. If someone knows that they want to pursue that field, it would probably be off great benefit to be get a head start before entering college.” She pursed her lips slightly. “I have to admit, I am not truly aware of how the American school system runs. I believe it differs from the way the school system on Attilan is run and I myself was educated through private tutors.”
"The American educational system is... complicated," Scott said, his lips twitching. "And Xavier's," he went on, "is an unusual institution by any standard. When I was a student here, it wasn't really a school, per se. Those first few of us were educated in a way that probably resembles your experience on Attilan."
Medusa tilted her head slightly to one side. “I did not realize the school was ever any different than it is now.”
"It started off years and years ago with two mutants," Scott said, and reminded himself that editing was a virtue. "The Professor and an old friend - both mutants, of course. They saw a... lack," Scott said, "of appropriate support for young mutants just coming into their powers."
“That is true. Not everyone is lucky enough to come from a supportive home.” The barest trace of a frown crossed her face as she wondered briefly how different her and Crystal’s life would have been if their parents had not been mutants. “I can understand the need for a place like this.”
"We've grown very quickly in the last few years," Scott said. "Thankfully we've been fortunate enough to have some truly exceptional staff, both resident and non-resident."
One of Medusa’s eyebrows arched up gracefully, a slight shift in the motion of her hair the only other physical reaction to his words. “I see. I have not had the opportunity to meet many of the staff yet.” She left it unstated that “exceptional” was not the term she would use to describe a certain teacher. Her face softened slightly and she added, “Nathan seems very dedicated to his students though. I’m looking forward to discussing languages with him as often as we both have time.”
He didn't miss the eyebrow-arch. Just like he hadn't missed the exchange with Lorna. Interesting that she's met Nate already, though... "Nathan is... an extremely gifted language teacher," Scott conceded with another brief smile. "A new student arrived at the end of July from Afghanistan, speaking only Dari and Pashto. Now she's interacting on the journals. Although Nathan and free time," he went on somewhat dryly, "are not close acquaintances. I don't know if he mentioned, but he founded a mutant affairs-focused NGO this summer. Elpis is a fairly remarkable organization already, but some of us are a little worried about the pace he sets for himself."
Medusa’s initial disappointment over hearing that Nathan was frequently busy was quickly replaced by interest in the nature of his organization. “Really? How fascinating.” She wondered if Elpis was a national or international NGO and made a mental note to question Nathan the next time she saw him. “The world has need of such groups. Attilan is very mutant friendly, but not all countries are equally agreeable to mutants.” She frowned, remembering some of the derogatory language she’d heard directed at others during her travels.
"Three of our graduates work with him in the office down in the boathouse," Scott said, then surprised himself with a chuckle. "One of the opportunities I mentioned, although this one's on-campus, of course."
She nodded, then smiled. “Of course. Are there other organizations on campus that people are involved in?”
"There's a student group called HeliX, although most of the original members are now graduates... they work on a local scale, improving awareness of mutant issues and the like. The one to talk to about that, if you're interested, is John Henry Forge, our soon-to-be security specialist. He's in Australia right now at a conference, but he'll be back in a couple of weeks."
Filing away yet another new name, Medusa nodded again. She was not sure she wished to become involved with a student group, but it always paid to know the security professionals responsible for your protection. The past two days had been the first in her remembered life that she had not had a guard of some sort nearby watching her, but her family had been assured that security was well taken care of at the mansion. “Is there anything I need to know about the school? Rules or regulations I may not be aware of?” she asked.
"Well, I'm guessing you went through the basics with Mr. Lee upon arrival and he issued you your phone and told you about the need to clear guests and the like?" When she nodded, Scott shrugged a little. "That's basically it, in terms of the specific rules. Obviously as you're not a minor student, you're not bound by their curfew, although we'd strongly prefer that if you're not going to be back in the mansion at night, you let us know. You're well in control of your powers, I understand, so there's no need to warn you about misusing them in the halls..."
The look on Mr. Lee’s face when she had asked if there were other models of the standard cell phone had been slightly disturbing, so she hadn’t pushed the issue and decided not to bring it up now. Something about Scott’s phrasing caused her to pause and she made eye contact with him. “Powers use is allowed though, correct?” She could not imagine her parents would send her to a place where she would have to restrict her activities, but she would never have expected them to send her anywhere to begin with.
"Oh, of course. You're not here to learn about your powers," Scott pointed out, "and as you've got them under control and are not a danger to yourself or anyone else... well, honestly," Scott said, his tone changing slightly, to something more contemplative as he straightened in his chair, "I suspect you could be a very good model of how to live successfully with mutation and treat it as just another part of you..." He paused, waving a hand in slight exasperation. "I'm making no sense. Let me try that again. I think what you've experienced at home in Attilan, a social context where mutants are accepted and trained well, gives you some valuable insight. There's still a lot of stigma concerning mutation here in the US... too often, our students see their powers as a burden, or a curse."
Medusa frowned, her brow creasing slightly. “A curse? How horrid. I cannot imagine life without my gift and consider it a blessing. I know there are some mutations with unfortunate side effects though, so if those students see their powers as a burden, I could understand that.” Still, to Medusa, some power was better than no power at all.
"You're here on an exchange program," Scott said thoughtfully. "It's not just an exchange for your benefit - or it shouldn't be, ideally. You may feel like a fish out of water," he said a bit whimsically, "but there are people, both here and likely at Columbia as well, who would do well to learn more about the lake you came from."
Medusa’s expression and tone could best be described as hesitant. She had not discussed anything like this with her mother prior to her arrival. She knew she was here to learn, but to teach? Even if it was only in a manner of speaking, to show by the example of how she lived her life…it was a strange thought. "I am always glad to answer questions people have about my homeland, as long as they are asked in a courteous manner."
Scott regarded her with a smile that was somehow understanding without being pitying. "It's quite the adjustment, I'd imagine," he said more quietly. "We've had... a number of students who've suffered from culture shock to one degree or another. All I can really say is that it does improve." His lips tightened for a moment, worry reflecting in his real eye. "I'm glad for your sister's sake that you're here," he said more softly. "I don't think she knows quite what to make of the school at times. Which is understandable - we're hardly a 'normal' slice of American society."
The smile that Medusa offered in response was her polite one, but only those who knew her well could tell the difference between it and the true one. “Adjustments are always difficult and sometimes I wonder if people truly appreciate that. I wonder how some people here would function if they were thrust into the culture of Attilan.” A subtle shift in her hair coincided with the mention of home. “I know that it has not been easy for Crystal here, though at least she can feel as comfortable about her abilities here as she would at home.” Compared to her expectations from Crystal’s description, the headmaster was impressing Medusa, so she chose to share something she may not have otherwise. “I am unsure how she would react in a place where being a mutant was frowned upon…we always sheltered her from that aspect of life.”
Scott's expression tensed again, this time with a less readable emotion as he looked out the window at the grounds. "It's a difficult time right now," he said. "After what happened in San Diego... I wouldn't restrict the students to campus, the climate's not that bad, but the messages from the media, or even from people on the street in New York - or here in Salem Center - are difficult to avoid."
“Luckily, the backlash from the earthquake has had minimal effects in Attilan. Other countries have not been so fortunate.” The country had received an influx of immigrants after Magneto’s announcement and she couldn’t help feeling the two were linked. “Is it not safe then to use powers in public?” She would need to speak with Crystal and make sure that she was keeping herself out of harms way; the younger girl had a tendency to let her emotions interfere with her control.
"I'd recommend discretion, at the very least. We have some very well-established anti-mutant groups in this part of the country, and they have been known to be violent."
Medusa nodded, her face solemn. She would need to Blackager about this new development. She had always known that anti-mutant groups existed, but they had always seemed so far away. Yes apparently, here she was, living in close proximity to them. “Now I understand why the security system here is so developed.”
"I don't ever want anyone living here to be afraid," Scott said, and thought, with an inward sigh, of Tommy. "That's not always a goal I can achieve. But by stressing caution, rather than fear, I keep hoping we'll all be able to work towards it."
“That is a noble goal,” she said. “If it is an unfortunate one to have to pursue. I do not understand groups such as these, hating people for what they are, especially when some gifts can allow people to do such wondrous things.” She thought of her parents and how they were able to use their abilities to benefit so many people.
"It's easier to fear. And I didn't expect this to turn into a philosophical conversation," Scott said with a wry smile. "Not that I'm disturbed by that. Thinking these things through, and talking about them - not just among ourselves but with others, is probably the only way to make any progress at all."
“It is why discussions between normal humans and mutants are so important.” She broadened her smile. “But let us not bring the conversation down this evening. These topics are a bit heavy for a first meeting.”
"True. We've wandered a bit far afield." Scott shifted in his chair - and couldn't quite suppress a wince. "Did you have any more questions? About practicalities? Our kitchen serves very good meals," he said, distracted enough by the growing ache in his muscles that he managed to entirely forget the whole Crystal/Lorna issue. "Although you do have a kitchenette in your room, too, if I remember what suite you're in correctly..."
Medusa was fairly certain she would not be getting any of her meals from the kitchen. Unless…she allowed herself a small smile at the thought of sending her hair to run the errand for her. “I also have a phone and I believe Crystal knows the best places to order from around here. There are also restaurants in town, sim? So I will not go hungry. Is there shopping nearby?”
"Salem Center is well-equipped, and of course, you've got New York only a short trip away as well. You may find yourself spending a great deal of time in the city, given that you'll be attending classes there..." He smiled a bit. "You should let me know what your class schedule is," he said. "I might be able to give you a ride in and back one day a week... no one apart from Professor Xavier knows this just yet, but I'm going to be taking a course at the teacher's college at Columbia this fall." He didn't have the time or the inclination to work on an MA in Education Leadership - Charles's suggestion - full-time, but doing it part time had appealed to him very strongly. He'd been a little surprised by how much.
His statement reminded Medusa of the strangeness of this place, where the teachers were also students. “I will have to check on my schedule. I…” she could not admit to a stranger the true method with which she had been brought to the school “…do not remember the courses and times off the top of my head.” She rose to her feet and bowed her head slightly to him. “I will take your leave now, unless there is something else we need to cover.”
Scott rose as well, moving stiffly, and extended his hand again. "Please, let me know if there's anything I can do to help you settle in," he said. "I'm glad we got the chance to talk."
Shaking his hand firmly, Medusa noticed the rigid way he moved, but did not comment. “As am I.” Her impression of Scott did not fit with the image she had built based on Crystal’s description and she was anxious to talk with her sister to try and fit the two pictures together.
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