Chapter 13 - University
Professor Jacob Steiner was late. Throughout the term this would happen periodically and it rarely caused him or his students any concern. But it was the first class of the new academic year: the course he'd designed personally, Accelerated Physics Seminar I. The lesson plan condensed all the material normally taught in four semesters into one; and only highly advanced undergraduates with exceptional achievement in both physics and mathematics were considered for admission. He selected each candidate based on his or her academic accomplishments and an interview. Out of thousands of hopeful science majors, Steiner had accepted ten.
While briskly making his way to Bob Parson's office, Jacob checked his antique Elgin wristwatch. His class was three minutes old and counting. Why did Bob need to meet with him so urgently?
"Bob, I got your message. I'm late for class already. Can't this wait?" Steiner asked, walking up to Parsons' desk.
Parsons handed him a revised roster for Accelerated Physics Seminar I. Jacob was surprised to see eleven students listed. Bob pointed out the addition near the middle of the column of names.
"Jean Grey? Why should I let this girl in my class? I haven't interviewed her, or even seen her transcript… Is this for one of your endowment friends? You know, this is a small, nimble group, a slow student…"
"I doubt you'll find her slow. She's a mutant. The first openly known mutant ever accepted. Jake, she's supposedly brilliant," Parsons explained.
"Oh yes. I saw something about a mutant rights activist in the bulletin. I thought she was in biology."
"She is, for now… But she wants to take your class. A growing interest in physics, Xavier told me."
"Charles Xavier? You've spoken with him?" Jacob inquired.
"Yes, just yesterday. Did you know he taught here twenty years ago? Pioneer in biophysics. Practically created the department. Before he started his Institute. Jean is his brightest student," Bob answered.
"Jean Grey is one of the X-Men… What can she do?"
"She has telekinetic abilities and she's a telepath. I talked to Simmons in bio and Xavier briefed their entire faculty. I didn't want you going in there unaware of her unique situation."
"Telekinesis, that is unique. Perhaps the class should study how the existence of her powers has thrown our entire concept of physics out the window… Does she have a sense of humor? Or will she melt my brain if I hurt her feelings?" Steiner was only half-joking.
"She's a tame one. Xavier has assured the administration she won't cause any disturbances."
Now he was really late – eight minutes. Charging into the room, Jacob scanned those present and recognized only the ten pupils he'd anticipated. Good. He would rather have a bit more time to make arrangements for the exceptional Miss Grey. After closing the door behind him, he put down his bag and prepared to address the room.
The door swung back open with a bang, turning the heads of all the students. It felt like a gust of wind, but no gale existed. Panic took hold of Professor Steiner. Was a telekinetic monster about to burst in and toss his physics class into the air like a bunch of confetti? He sucked in his breath.
A strange young woman entered. 'Strange' was the only word he could think of to describe her because she was unlike anyone else he'd ever seen, quite different from the glossy celebrity he'd expected. She entered trepidly, wearing a trim sort of flak jacket while clinging to her laptop like it was an anchor. His fear disintegrated. She looked small for a mutant warrior. Her blazing red hair was pulled back tightly from her face and twisted up firmly into a chignon. Could that color possibly be natural? She was a mutant, after all. A lose strand curled up oddly towards the ceiling.
Jean Grey met the combined stares of Accelerated Physics Seminar I with a slight smile and drifted into a seat in the back row. A couple of minutes elapsed before Professor Steiner remembered what he was supposed to be doing and began his lecture.