"Hey, man. Are you all right?" asked someone, coming over to Joe and slapping him on the back.

Joe continued hacking for a few more seconds before nodding, his eyes bloodshot. He nodded as he caught his breath. "Yeah. I'm fine," he said. "I think I just got my lungs full of smoke," he added as doors opened and more students began filtering into the halls.

"You must have a powerful set of lungs," the guy commented. "Jimmy's smoking all the way at the other end of the hall." The boy left with one of the other students and soon the halls were almost clear.

"Hello. Joe, wasn't it?" greeted Dr. Mayhem from the doorway of his lab.

"That's right," Joe acknowledged.

"Why don't you come in and sit down?" Dr, Mayhem invited. "After that coughing fit, I'm sure you could use a breather."

"Don't say that," begged Joe. "It was taking a deep breath that set me off," he explained, following Mayhem into his lab and taking a seat.

"What brings you to this floor?" Mayhem inquired, lifting a shaggy brown eyebrow.

"Professor Aliem suggested I talk with some of the students who have been involved with his project. He thought I might have an easier time catching up that way," Joe fibbed. "And three of the students take your classes. One, Teddy Roark, has you next period," he added, glancing at his watch and noticing there was only twenty minutes left before Mayhem's next class began. "I was hoping to catch her before class and arrange a meeting."

"Aliem hasn't mentioned needing them today, has he?" Mayhem inquired, frowning.

"No," Joe assured him. "Matter of fact, he hasn't even mentioned the next outing at all."

"Friday, most likely," Mayhem said. "I don't mind my students avoiding classes on Fridays. I use those to recap the week's lectures and answer questions."

Joe stood up. "I'll wait outside," he offered. "I'm sure you need to prepare for your next class."

"I'm ready," Mayhem told him, sighing. "I usually chat with a student between classes but, alas, none were in a talkative mood."

"You sound lonely," Joe commented. "Do you live alone? Oh, I'm sorry," he quickly apologized. "That wasn't very tactful, was it? I shouldn't have asked such a personal question."

"That's quite all right," Joe was assured. "Yes, I live alone but occasionally, I would enjoy having someone to converse with," he said and looked at Joe with an engaging smile. "I don't suppose you've changed your mind and would like to take my spare room?"

Joe shook his head. "I'd like too. Really. I hate spending over an hour each way on the road, but my brother and I are strangers in this city and our parents made us promise to stick together."

"The room is big enough for two," Mayhem beseeched. "It even has twin beds."

"How much do you want for rent?" Joe asked, tilting his head to the side as if considering the possibility.

"Dinner," Mayhem stated. "I hate to cook. If you and your brother will furnish or even better, prepare dinner every other night, we'll call it even."

"Sounds too good to be true," Joe commented knowing Mayhem had an ulterior motive for wanting them to stay with him.

"Ah, don't forget the conversation," Mayhem reminded him. "I do enjoy company."

"I'll have to check with my brother but I'm sure he won't mind," Joe said. "If you're sure?" Mayhem nodded. "When would be convenient for us to move in?"

"This evening?" Mayhem suggested. "I should be home by seven and can let you in and get settled. I'll even have two keys made for you."

"That's wonderful!" Joe exclaimed, beaming. "I really appreciate your offer. Especially since I'm not even one of your students."

"Perhaps next semester," Mayhem suggested, looking to the door as the first few students arrived. "Ah, Teddy. Could you come here a minute?"

A young girl, barely nineteen, walked over, her short auburn hair bouncing as she moved. She smiled shyly at the professor as she neared. "Teddy Roark, I would like you to meet Joe Henderson," Mayhem introduced the two youths. "Joe is one of Professor Alien's new assistants."

"Hello," Teddy greeted him, her brown eyes friendly.

"Hi," Joe replied, standing up. She stood five inches shorter than Joe's six feet and weighed barely a hundred pounds. "I was wondering if I could talk to you a little while?" he asked. "About Professor Aliem's work."

"Class is about to begin," she said with a shake of her head.

"Oh, no. Not now," Joe hastily assured her. "I was thinking after class. In the cafeteria, maybe? Lunch is on me."

"Make it the sweet shop and you've got a deal," Teddy bargained, grinning.

"Great. I'll see you there. Thanks," he added as she left and took her seat at one of the lab tables nearest Mayhem's desk.

"Thank you," Joe said to Mayhem, shaking his hand.

"Shh," Mayhem cautioned. "After spending a few days with me you might not be so grateful," he kidded, although Joe got the distinct impression the professor's words were more prophetic than banter.