Chapter 30

'Scarred & Bruised'

'Laughter is the Best Medicine'

'I'm Just an Observer'

Two weeks pass before Boone and Roman would catch up with Dantius on campus. Things get complicated. To start with, dropping Plagueis' class has not made his life easier. Life has been downright miserable.

Dantius avoids the dining hall during peak hours. He would go to the early breakfast at 5:30 a.m. barely a soul is there. The kitchen staff for the day shift is not yet on duty. They do not report for work until an hour later. There is no witty repartee from the food service line staff; no sass-talk either because Viola is not in yet.

The breakfast selection is not great but it will do. A few graduate students, preparing for a trek off campus, gobble down hot java or cocoa and a muffin before they leave. They are on their way to various internships in the city. He recognizes one of the students. It is Finis Valorum, having breakfast while reading some documents on his E-pad. He is working on his doctorate thesis no doubt. Next to the stack of work is a book entitled 'Infrastructure for the Future Galactic Reality' by Doctor Per-Erik Horn. The famous Horn insignia is engraved on the back, which means that the inter-galactic-renowned architect personally signed the book. Dantius does not realize it but he is staring at Finis a few tables away. Finis lifts his eyes from his reading materials and glances over at Dantius. This goes on for several minutes until Finis has had enough of this unsettling moment. He abruptly gathers his things and storms out of the dining hall.

After breakfast, Dantius bundles up. He has a new red down parka. He drapes his academic robe over his arm then takes a brisk walks across campus to his classes. He did not mean to stare down Finis but he could not help himself.

A light blanket of snow covers Theed Campus. It is a quiet morning. The crisp snowflakes make a crunching noise as he walks down the path. He passes the Philosophy department. He takes a quick glance at the building then hurries on his way. One of the stained glass window panels tilts open just slightly. Dantius feels he is being watched but he soldiers on until he is 'safely' out of sight.

The morning class is with Professor Kothir Guffin. Guffin is a respected member within Inter-Galactic Academic circles. He was what every young graduate student wanted to be like. Every undergraduate wanted to learn from him. He was intelligent, interesting and always brought a bit a humor to his lectures. He had an unorthodox way of teaching but the university board never asked him to change his methods because he got students thinking and ultimately got results. He was never boring and the students liked that. There was a waiting list to get into one of his three classes in political science and governing in a changing galaxy. He is the author of several books on governing and galactic policy.

Professor Guffin was of average height, with wiry brown hair and a thick mustache. He never took himself too seriously, opening each class with a joke, eliciting much laughter then segued into the lesson for the day. Dantius actually enjoyed this class, and although he did not always get the joke, he was happy just to be part of a class where the students and teacher both enjoyed each other's company. Even the students who thought he was too edgy took his class because they could brag about it during conversation at the Theed 'Alert Perk Java Shoppe'. This is where all the hip students hang out on evenings and weekends.

Guffin writes something on the holo-board.

"Age of prosperity and peace"

Guffin aims the laser pointer at the board then speaks.

"What comes to mind when we read this?"

A tall student in the back of the class raises his hand.

"The Argument for the Ruusan Reformation."

"Thank you, Mr. Neider. You've been paying attention during our last class. Thank you for not reading 'Hutt and Tails' during my class today."

Someone giggles and nudges Chip Neider. Professor Guffin has his back to the class as he writes taps the board with his laser pointer. He speaks as he does this.

"I am sure your teammate Mr. Cooha'ki would like to help you expand on your answer, Mr. Neider."

There is a long silence. Doug looks around then realizes everyone is looking to him for an answer. He stops laughing.

"Oh, you were serious about that?"

As serious as a Sith at your front door.

Doug Cooha'ki stammers his way through a response. Chip points to a paragraph in the E-textbook on his desk. Doug reads it.

"Uh…it ah…the Ruusan Reform….was intended to...unify… the Republic."

Guffin anticipates a more expansive answer but it is slow in coming. He decides to let Doug off the hook.

"Okay…Does Mr. Neider help you read too? Good enough, Mr. Cooha'ki. I'm going to put you out of your misery."

This elicits giggles from the other students in the class. Dantius snorts a condescending chuckle. Doug stares at him from across the room. Guffin faces the class as a live image of the galaxy appears across the board. The Sectors are illuminated by a trail of bright blue connecting dots.

"So the millions of sectors were reorganized within the Republic and dwindled them down to one thousand twenty-four. So how are we doing thousands of years later? We have peace right? There is no war…We're doing alright? Right?"

"Everyone forgot about the Trade Federation."

"Who said that? Mr. Palpatine. You've been quiet so far this semester. Good to hear from you. So, what's the problem with the Trade Federation?"

"The Trade Federation has representation in the Galactic Senate. They are cannibalizing poorer sectors and will gain more power down the road."

"Do you believe that?"

"It's happening…not a lot but it will get worse. I know that the students on campus are rallying for the Galactic Senate to stem their influence. Something should be done before it's too late."

"Yes, we do have a socially conscious and politically active student body. How do you think things got to this point?"

"I don't think the Ruusan Reformations are working in the interest of the people."

"What would you do?"

"Me? Uhm…oh I only know what I hear on the holo network I wouldn't presume to know…"

"But you have an opinion. What would you do?"

Dantius does not like to be stumped but all eyes are on him. Doug chuckles and whispers to Chip. Guffin ignores them. Dantius regrets he ever spoke. He knows he is about to get crucified for his comments.

"I would rescind the reforms and set up a new constitution."

"Ah…so you're a politician."

"Oh…no, not at all."

"But you're talking about stripping the galactic senate of every policy they put in place. These are drastic steps you're talking about."

Guffin take a leap and jumps on the desk.

"Why do I stand up here? Anybody?"

Doug raises his hand.

"There's a scurrier on the floor?"

The sound of hushed giggles spread across the room. Guffin looks out at the rows of students.

"So, is that why you always sit up there in the back row, Mr. Cooha'ki?" There is more laughter from the class." I'm going to suggest you curb your wisecracks unless you have some constructive contributions to bring to this discussion. I stand upon this desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way. Mr. Palpatine is looking at things in a different way, however, if we really what to know if he will stand by his words…" Guffin gestures with his laser pointer at Dantius. Join me, Mr. Palpatine."

Dantius hesitates then looks around the room.

"What? Me?"

"Why? Is your father here?"

Everyone laughs. Dantius slowly leaves his seat and walks over to the desk. Guffin points to the floor below.

"So, Mr. Palpatine, what do you see?"

"Just the floor."

"Okay… now join me up here on the desk."

"The desk?"

"Yes, the desk. Hurry, this isn't a 2-hour class."

Dantius grabs the bottom of his academic robe and lifts it as he takes a leap onto the desk. Doug calls from the back of the class.

"Hey 'Paste, you dork! You're not up high enough. Go to the roof!"

Guffin responds.

"We'll have none of that, Mr. Cooha'ki. Pay attention, you may learn something." He points to the floor. "Alright, Mr. Palpatine, what do you see now?"

Dantius looks down at the floor. He knows that he had better not say 'floor' again. He thinks for a moment.

"Uhm…the floor looks different. There are patterns in the granite that had not noticed before."

"Thank you, Mr. Palpatine. It's called perspective. Don't just look at the 'floor,' ladies and gentlemen, and accept what you see. Move around get another view of the galaxy. So, Mr. Palpatine what can we do to improve government?"

"We need to work with the members of the galactic senate to improve cooperation and to stem corruption."

"You don't believe the reforms addressed that?"

"No…no I don't."

"You sound like a politician. Are you running for student government?"

"Oh, no…I'm too shy for that."

"Well, whatever you do, do it well." Guffin addresses his students. "Speak out and make your mark, people. You are the future of this galaxy. Mr. Cooha'ki, I am not sure what to expect of you, I leaning towards expecting the worst; prove me wrong." He turns to Dantius. "Mr. Palpatine, you may step down now."

"Oh!"

There is laughter from the class as Dantius realizes he is still standing on the desk. He had not noticed that the professor had stepped down already and is speaking from the lectern. He was just beginning to feel comfortable standing high above his fellow classmates. The class continues uneventfully.

The second class for Dantius is applied mathematical theorem. Ninety minutes of this and half of the class, save the math nerds, are asleep. Dantius thinks they should hold these classes in the late afternoon when everyone is wide-awake and has had at least two full meals in their bellies. The sounds of crackling snack wrappers is heard throughout the classroom as students need another jolt of energy to stay awake. Dantius starts to zone out too as he daydreams of Sigrid. One part of the class did hold his interest. It was an example using the theorem in military strategies. The premise was ingenious and fascinating. The idea of the lecture was to get enough reinforcements to launch a simulated strategic attack.

Dantius survives the boring class and heads out of the building. He has to go to the study hall to review his notes for his history exam next week.

The snow has stopped. Someone calls him.

"Hey! Dano! Here have you been, Dude?"

Dantius keeps walking; hoping whoever is calling his name will stop.

"Dude! Wait up!"

Dantius finally stops because he can feel the breath of the person pursuing him.

"I have been busy. Mid-terms are not far off, you know."

"Yeah, but dude, we never see you at breakfast or lunch, or any other time. Are you moonlighting or something?"

"No."

"Oh, I forgot, you're one of the super-rich. Working in the dining hall kitchen is beneath you."

"Nonsense. This is a new semester. Things change. I've got a lot of work to do."

Roman chimes in on the conversation.

"You still have to eat, man. Your prof's must be ridin' you like a bantha. Banthas don't move so fast so they can't be riding you that hard…it's a joke! Get it?"

Boone laughs at Roman's comment.

"He got it, Ro, he's just not laughing." Boone looks at Dantius.

"Would it kill you to laugh for a sec? Sometimes you act like a grumpy old man."

Dantius' paranoia gets the best of him. He thinks that Roman and Boone are laughing at him.

"Are you making fun of me?"

Boone is bemused by the reaction Dantius has.

"Dude, chill. We're just having a little fun with you."

"Well, it sure felt as if you were making fun of me."

"Suit yourself man."

"I have to go. I have a lot of studying to do."

"Okay, later, man. I don't want to keep you. Later."

Roman echoes the sentiment.

"Yeah, later."

Roman and Boone walk off together leaving Dantius on the walkway. Roman realizes something.

"Hey, dude, my family is rich. How come you don't dis me the way you dis Dano?"

"You don't have hang-ups, man."

"I can have hang-ups."

"No, you're cool just the way you are, man…just dumb as a box of rocks."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thanks, dude."

"That's what friends are for, man"

A blast of cold winter air whips through the trees. Dantius looks up. He turns and sees Boone and Roman heading back in the opposite direction on the walkway. They are shoving one another into the snow. They then proceed to hurl snowballs at one another. Dantius snorts angrily.

"Fools!"

Dantius did not know why he was so rude to them. They have always been nice to him. Perhaps he needs to take a new attitude towards them. After all, it was Plagueis who suggested that they would be useful to him one day…but not today.

Dantius' day is about to become decidedly bad. He does not see it coming. The impact was so violent that he almost spins around. Blood is gushing from his nose. Unbeknownst to Dantius, he has attracted a crowd of gawking students. Most are as surprised as Dantius is shocked by the identity of his attacker.

Vernu is standing a few feet away from him. She is trembling and choking back tears as she stares at him. Her dainty hands are balled up into fists at her sides. Finally, she speaks.

"Is that why you broke off our engagement…so you can behave like a foul animal? You disgust me! And to think that I truly believed in you? My parents were right. You're not good enough for me."

"Vernu? I can explain."

"Don't, don't. It's already disgusting. You could have saved me the humiliation."

Her brother Uli hurries to catch up with her but the damage is done. He grabs his sister by the arm. Vernu is ready for more in case he rises from the ground but Uli intervenes.

"Vernu, let's go." He points to Dantius. "Stay away from my sister and my family. I'll give you double what she's already done. You little creep."

The crowd has increased in size due to the change in classes. Dantius looks up at the throngs of people. By this time, Boone and Roman hurry back to check up on their friend. Roman shouts back at Uli as he leaves with his sister.

"He may be a creep but he's our creep! Go pick on someone with color in his face."

Boone grins.

"Geez! Gotta give the girl props. She sure knows how to sucker-punch a guy. Damn! She got you good….and she's hot too. What the hell did you do to her?"

Dantius manages to get back on his feet and grabs his rucksack out of the snow. Boone and Roman follow him inside the student government center and go into the washroom. He grabs a wad of paper towels and holds them to his nose to stop the bleeding. Roman watches while sitting on the adjoining wash basin.

"Did you date her? Geez, man, how are you getting these babes? Oh, man, she got your eye too. She sure left you scarred and bruised. Hold your head back and pinch your nose….now lift your left knee."

Dantius speaks as he tries this. He speaks in a muffled voice.

"Will it stop the bleeding?"

"Heck, I don't know, but it sure looks funny."

"And you claim to be my friend."

Boone wets another wad of towels and presses it against the bleeding nose. He gestures for Dantius to apply pressure. The three remain in the washroom for almost half an hour. Dantius cannot stay any longer. He has an appointment to keep. He grabs his things and continues on his way alone. He finds he has to explain himself when he arrives.

"So, what happened to you?"

"Of all the people he had to deal with today, Doctor Melfi was not the person he wanted to see him like this. She has that E-pad of hers; writing notes to Dean Kingsfield.

"I fell."

He gives him that 'look' over the rim of her glasses.

""You fell? Into what? A cruiser?"

"I slipped on a patch of ice."

"Looks more like someone introduced their fist to your face. Did you piss someone off today?"

"No. I did not piss anyone off. I'm fine. Can we talk about something else?" He sees her writing. "Are you going to write that down too?"

"Do I need to?"

"No. I'm fine."

"How are your friends?"

"I guess they're ok."

"Were they around when you 'fell'?"

"They didn't need to help me. I can take care of myself."

"Yes, I can see that. Why aren't you in the infirmary?"

"Oh, you would love that! 'Patient failed to keep appointment…needs to be committed.'"

"Now, Dantius, you're being irrational. Why would I do that? It is obvious that you are hurt. I would be negligent if I allow you to stay her without getting you proper medical attention. I can call a Jedi healer to take a look at you…."

"No, I can go by myself."

"Look at you, you're bleeding."

"Don't worry; I won't ruin your nice sofa."

She takes another note pad and scribbles something.

Dantius can hear her high heel shoes on the granite floor. He does not hear her footsteps anymore, and then realizes she is now walking on the thick-pile area rug in the middle of the floor. She walks over to him. Despite his injury, he picks up the scent of her perfume, Lake of Dreams Winter Rose. His mother wore one of the original scents. It is expensive and smells it too. Whatever happened to taking the Jedi vow of poverty? Apparently, she never got the memo. She must be cleaning up with all the student patients she sees. What a racket she has going.

Dr. Melfi hands him a doctor's note attached to her card. He notices that he neatly manicured nails are lacquered a shiny mauve tone. The color compliments her Jedi robe. She must have a robe to match every outfit. Apparently, Jedi doctors have a different dress code from the Jedi doing all the truly hard work.

Dantius keeps his eyes focused on the ceiling. He does not want to make eye contact with Melfi for fear she will sense his vulnerability. He grabs the referral, hops off the couch and heads for the door as quickly as possible.

As he leaves the building, he knows where he is 'not' going. Word travels fast on campus. He does not want to go to the infirmary. They would ask too many questions. He is pretty bashed up and there are few other places where he could go for help. He definitely will not travel across town to 17 Bassa Bridge Way. He needs to keep his distance until is sure about Plagueis' plans for him. There is only one place he can go where he will not be asked a barrage of questions.

Walking into the free clinic makes him recall the day he spent with Sigrid. His only concern is that Markus may not remember him and he will not receive the service he got when he was with Sigrid. That would be embarrassing.

"Sid?"

Dantius looks up. Markus does remember him. The two shake hands. Dantius uses his left hand to hold an ice pack against his face. The triage nurse had given it to him in exchange for the bloody wad of paper towels. Dantius is speechless, partly from surprise at seeing Markus but also, the left side of his face has started to swell up and it is numb in spots. Markus does most of the talking.

"What happened to you?"

"Uhm, can you fix me up before I have to go to my evening class?"

"I'll certainly do my best. Whose handiwork is this if you don't mind me asking? You were hanging around those degenerates at the frat house?"

"Why do you suspect them?"

"I have repaired a lot of broken noses in my time as an intern. Let's get you into an exam room, shall we?"

This is a switch. Markus never asked so many questions during the last visit. Something must have changed to arouse this sudden curiosity. Dantius shuffles behind Markus to an examination room at the end of the hall.

Markus helps Dantius remove the down jacket. And sets it on a chair along with his rucksack and academic robe. Dantius hops up on the exam table while Markus grabs a data pad chart and sits on a stool.

"So, how's it going, kiddo?"

'Kiddo'? Dantius does not expect this since Markus is only a few years older than he is. What's the deal with the 'kiddo' stuff? It seems as if Markus is only trying to make casual chit-chat to put Dantius as ease but the badly beaten student is in no mood. On the other hand, it pays to be 'friendly' because, as a certain acquaintance put it, 'these insignificant' individuals could prove to be 'useful' in the future. "Be charming." Dantius came up with this on his own….and he puts on his best 'charming' face, bruises and all.

"Oh, I'm just enjoying life as a student away from home."

"That's good to hear," Markus comments as he stands and examines Dantius' injuries. "Most students in your situation would find this hard to cope with and fold their Sabacc cards and run home. Glad to hear that you're sticking with it. You won't regret it. College years are the best years in a college student's life. Having said that…tilt your head to the side for me, please?" Dantius complies. Markus applies gentle pressure around the orbit of the eye. "Care to talk to anyone about this?"

"No."

"Sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay…but you seem to be getting your ass kicked over again."

"I said I can take care of myself…really."

Markus is skeptical. He knows that Dantius is lying about something. He hands him a business card.

"Just in case…call…there is no shame in speaking out. Don't hold it in and allow your anger to fester. It could lead to the dark side."

Yes, he has heard that warning on several occasions from various sources. Of course, he will never talk about it. He is not about to reveal that a petite girl and possible heir to the Naboo throne pummeled the crap out of him in public. It is humiliating.

Markus continues the examination. He looks up Dantius' nose with rhino scope. Dantius speaks in a muffled voice.

"Is my nose broken?"

"Quiet. No, it's still intact, just a lot of bruising and some broken blood vessels…your face will be swollen. Looks like someone knocked the 'force' out of you."

"What?"

"I think that you should wear a patch over that eye. If only for a few days…"

Dantius interrupts.

"No1 I can't. Do anything, but please…anything but a patch…"

"Your eye needs time to rest or it is liable to get worse."

"I'm a big enough target already?"

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about this?"

"No. You wouldn't understand."

"You'd be surprised."

"Listen, I just need to make it through the rest of the day. I can rest. I don't have any classes tomorrow."

Markus steps back.

"Perhaps there is something I can do…wait a sec. I need to get someone to take my patients."

Markus leaves the room. Dantius waits in the room alone. He hops down from the exam table. He grabs the ice pack and reapplies it to his nose and eye. The utility cabinets are stocked with various emergency room items, swabs, gauge, and antiseptics. There is a chrome and glass jar filled with tongue depressors. He takes one and tries it out.

Years ago, when he was a small child, his mother took him to see the pediatrician. There was an epidemic going around, a mutation of the Blue Shadow Virus, afflicting only children. The symptoms were similar to the original strain but the mutant strain resulted in children displaying disturbing and erratic behavior. Mrs. Palpatine feared that the strange behavioral problems displayed by her son were the beginnings of the disease. However, after a thorough examination by the doctor and a battery of lab tests came back negative.

The doctor did, however make note of high Midi-chlorians levels in the child's blood but the cells were dormant and appeared unremarkable. Mrs. Palpatine did not know whether to be happy about the news that her son was not sick or terrified about this gift. As it turned out, Dantius' 'gift' was not advanced enough to earn him a spot in the Jedi Order. It was suggested, however, that he learns to channel his talents constructively.

Dantius sticks the tongue depressor deep inside his mouth then presses down. He tries to get a good look at his throat in the mirror over the sink. Dantius drops his lower jaw then suddenly gags. He hears someone coming and panics, dropping the stick back inside the glass cylinder, and then hops back onto the examiniation table.

Markus returns. He flashes his friendly smile.

"Well, it looks as if I have time to help you after all."

Several minutes later, Dantius is lying on his back as Markus prepares to treat him.

Markus laces his fingers as he stands next to the exam table. He cracks his knuckles as if he is limbering up to perform some heavy lifting. Dantius squints up at him out of the 'good' eye to see what is going on. His confidence is waning as he watches Markus close his eyes and takes a deep breath.

"Excuse me, what are you doing?"

"I am about to perform a procedure that may seem unorthodox but it has been proven to work."

"So, you've done this before?"

"Heavens, no."

"So you're using me as your lab scurrier?

Dantius starts to sit up.

"Well, if it works, I can get my early certification."

"For what?"

"Healing Therapist."

"Hey1 I thought you're going to medical school to become a doctor."

"I am, but medical school costs money. I can work part-time as a healing therapist and not be broke by graduation. Why are you looking at me like that?"

Dantius is still not convinced.

"What if I just keep a cold compress on my face overnight?"

"I suppose you could…I mean, it's not as if someone is going to jack up your face again."

"Okay."

"I promise you, it will only take 30 minutes…no more."

Dantius closes his good eye. The injured eye is now swollen shut. He feels a warm tingling sensation in his face. A haze of sparkling dust particles float over the examinination table. The tingling sensation subsides. Dantius' face suddenly feels cold. Markus finally speaks.

"Okay…looks like we're done."

Dantius sits up and rotates his lower jaw while touching his face. Markus watches him.

"Well, I did what I could."

"Can I have a mirror?"

Markus points across the room.

"There's one at the sink."

Dantius hops off the examination table and hurries over to the sink. As he looks in the mirror and touches his face, it is numb. The swelling around his eye has subsided.

"I can't feel my face."

"Give it some time."

"How much time?"

"You need to have patience. Everything will get better in time. Here's a list of care instructions. Stop by if you need someone to talk to."

"I'll be fine. Thanks anyway."

Dantius exits the clinic. He is late for his study hall session. His slot has been filled by another student. Dantius is furious. He argues with the reservation clerk.

"But I had that spot reserved weeks ago."

"I am sorry, Mr. Palpatine, but you forfeited your spot by arriving late."

"But I need the study crystals. I have an exam next week."

"There is nothing I can do for you today. Your space went t the next person on the waiting list. You may reserve the crystals in three days."

"That's too late! I need the study hall session scheduled for tonight."

"As I said, you may reserve the crystals and the session in three days."

Dantius leans in and reads the name tag that the reservation clerk is wearing: Chima Sunrider.

"Ms. Sunrider, may I call you Chima? What if I speak to this person? I'm sure they will understand how important this is for me. Who is it?"

"I cannot give you that information, Mr. Palpatine."

"Why not?"

"That is private information. And I don't appreciate your tone."

Dantius suddenly changes his attitude. It is time for the charm

"I apologize. On second thought, I think I would like to book a new session."

"One moment." Chima Sunrider is a woman in her mid-forties stares at the persistent student. She sweeps a lock of auburn hair behind her ear before the crystal holoscreen rises from the counter. Dantius uses this moment to sneak a glance at the sign-in sheet. He presses the button. The names begin to download on the screen.

"What are you doing?"

Dantius looks up. He is stunned. Ms. Sunrider catches him. She shuts down the reservation module. Dantius panics.

"Noooo! " He reaches across the counter to stop her. Ms. Sunrider brushes his hand away and then presses the delete button on the sign-in sheet.

"You'll have to come back in three days."

"But…"

Just before the screen fades out, Dantius sees what he was looking for. He backs away from the registration desk.

Dantius sneaks a glance at one of the study rooms and sees Kiri Secura in the room he had reserved. He storms off before she has a chance to turn and see him. He grabs his rucksack and academic robe then storms towards the exit. He walks pass the faculty meeting room. Plagueis is standing in the doorway chatting with several other professors.

Plagueis sees Dantius and breaks away from his colleagues.

"Would you excuse me for one moment? I see one of my students in distress."

Plagueis pursues Dantius down the corridor and down the steps.

"Dantius!"

Dantius hesitates then turns.

"We have nothing to say to one another."

"Now Dantius, stop this. I come to offer you help."

"You can't help."

"You need the research materials for your history exam. I can help. You've had a bad day. You have been treated unfairly. Here is a data key. It will give you access to the faculty research rooms. Take it. I will not ask anything of you. But I want you to know that my office is always open to you…no strings. This is no time for ego or pride. I'll only make this offer t you once."

Dantius is torn. He knows that any dealings with Plagueis are not free of conditions.

"Thank you."

Plagueis bows and goes back up the steps to the faculty meeting room. Dantius stuffs the card into his pocket then waits until Plagueis is out of sight. After taking a deep breath, Dantius ascends the stairs and walks through the faculty wing. He swipes the data card at the glass doors and enters. The research materials available to him here exceed his expectations. He settles down at a desk and begins his work.

His face feels much better now. The numbness is gone. His mind is clearly on his studies. He is not thinking of his friends, family, jilted ex-girlfriends, or Theeddorf Canton.