“Well, this is just fantastic,” I said, dabbing the paper towel on my split lip, wincing in pain as my blood soaked into it. The Quad and I were brought to theDean’s office for what I assumedwas to bea rather intenseinterrogation session. Hell,I’dbe lucky to evenremaina student after that. Still, getting kicked out of college wouldprobably bethe best-case scenario in this sort of situation. “I’ve never been in here before,” I said aloud, the Quad turning to stare at me.I ignored her and spent a few moments looking at a couple of bookshelves that decorated the walls around us. “Eh,it’sabout whatI’dexpect. Right down to the fat goldfish in a bowl looking at me with its dumb little face. Only, I thoughtI’dbe in here for some sort of praise, or for an award. But no...I’mhere because of you.” I said, not hiding the disdain on my face as I turned to look at her.
“I did not ask for your assistance,”shereplied tersely, crossing both sets of arms across herchest. Her blue eyes looked down at me, glowing with irritation no doubt, her mouth slightly opento show me her fang-filled mouth.
“Let’sget one thing straight here, I was not trying to help you. I could care less about you or any of this cultural exchange crap.I’mjust trying to graduate on time, but Ican’tdo that if I fail that class...again!” She scoffed, riling me up even more. “And you know what? Ididn’tneed your help either, sowhy’dyou intervene?” She looked towards the floor.
“I can fight my own battles, that is all. I did not want amanto fight for me.”
“What the hellis that supposed to mean? Gottasay, not liking the emphasis on one of those words you used.” Before our argument could continue, we were interrupted by the door opening behind us. Stepping into the room were two individuals.
The first of whom wasDeanRichardson. He wasdressed smartly in a tweed jacket, vest, tie, and some slacks.And while he had grown bald in his middle age, a massive black beard with streaks of white covered his face.Despite being a bit round in the stomach,his arms and chest were packed with muscle, causing the fabric of his clothes to stretch to compensate for them.
Trailing behind him was, to my surprise,afemale Quad.Now that I think about it, Idon’tthinkI’veseen a male one yet.
Setting that aside for now, she was wearing a pencil skirt and blouse, both of which didvery littleto hide her hourglass figure.Her white hair was tied up in a large bun, which was being fixed by two of her hands while the other pair was typing on a holographic interface floating in front of her.It vanished from view once theDeanhad sat down in his leather chair, turning her attention to us.
“Do you know why you are both here?”DeanRichardson began. The question wasrhetoricalas hedidn’tallow us to speak. “You are bothhere for injuring your fellow students and making a mockery of the cultural exchange program.”He shook his head and sighed.
“So, we should’ve just gotten the tar beaten out of us?” I countered. TheDeanlooked as though he wanted to saysomething butthought better of it and turned toward the Quad standing next to him, who was easily another foot taller than Freyja.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I amHildaRa’tho, and Ioverseethe cultural exchange program.” She paused to let us introduce ourselves but neither of us felt up to the task. Clearing her throat, she continued. “Your actions here today have made my job and the job of yourDeanvery difficult.Thankfully, it can be remedied.”
“How so, my elder?” Freyja asked. “Will I be allowed to stay?”
“Yes, despite this disaster both of you shall remain students. The Bevusian government has agreed to pay the tuition of every student who attends aschool involved in the program. The hope is that this will stem any, or most anti-Bevusian sentimentamongst the student body.So,fearnot,you arenot being expelled.” I mentally cheered, the worst had been averted.
“Well, glad that was settled. So, if youdon’tmind...” I stood up to leave, but Richardsonheld up a handfor me to stay.
“Of course, punishment iswarranted. You did injurea few classmates, and before you say anything, they will be punished as well.The officer who called this inidentifiedthem, and we planon reprimandingthem too.It was clear from his testimony that neither of you instigated the situation to begin with.” Freyja and I nodded.
“So, what is the punishment for us then, my elder?” Freyja inquired; her posture unchanged throughout this entire exchange.
“For this incident,Mr. Richardson and I have decided that you shall both be suspended from classes for two weeks. You are free toremainon campus, but we ask that youavoid causing more trouble,is that understood?”
“Yes, my elder.”
“What are you, a robot?” I chuckled,causing Freyja to frown.“Well,all things considered, I guess we lucked out, thank you.”Hildarolled her eyes beforescowlingat me.
“Let’smake one thing abundantly clear Mr. Reyez.You and Ms. Freyja are on thethinnestof ice. One more mistake like this and you will both be expelledand face potential legal consequences. Andyou, Ms. Freyja, will be on the first ship back toBevuPrime.Do I make myself clear?” Even though hertonehadn’tchanged, the air in the room became heavier and even Richardson’s body seemed to instinctively pull away from her.
“C-Crystal.” I finally said.
“Excellent, you are dismissed.”She said, the airbecominglighter again.
“But before you go,consideringwhat happened today, the rest of today’s classes have been canceled as we plan to make some changes around here for Monday. So, enjoy the long weekend.We feel partially responsible forwhattranspiredtoday, we should have had more security and briefed the student body better on the program.But remember you two, thin ice.” Richardson then waved us off, and no sooner had he done so was I already out of the room as I had zero intention ofbeing involved with any of them for longer than was necessary.
“Do you think the program will be fine after this?”Hildaasked after Freyja left. Richardson rubbed his temples before responding.
“Well,we’regoing to cost your ladies upstairs quite a bit of cash hiring security and paying all that tuition. But yes, I thinkwe’llbe fine. Hiccups are to be expected,it’sonly been a year since...your people took charge.” Richardson said that last bit carefully, fearful of incurring her wrath. Instead, the Bevusian chuckled as she crossed her arms.
“Relax, Iwouldn’thurt a man, you know that.Wouldn’tbe much of a challenge anyway.”
