Vince Frankenclone had been expecting a packed schedule. Only to feel disappointed that it never came.
Despite everything Scudworth had said, this week had started off just like any other week. Although, he can't complain. That just means the students aren't in as much need of guidance.
Right now, he's sitting at his desk while going through some stuff on his computer. It has been an hour since he last spoke to a student. It was a conversation not unlike many he's had before. It ended before he knew it and he opened the door for her.
The door always remains shut during a conversation until he opens it for them. He likes to think of it as a symbol of showing that there are others willing to help. Even if it's just with the smallest things.
He was in the middle of composing an email for another faculty member when the alarm on his phone started to go off. He needs to stop and have lunch.
When he first started off, he just gets so distracted in his work. Whether it's reading or writing, a full day can go by and he simply just forgets to take care of himself.
He eats all he can at the end of the day only to start work the day after feeling sick. He remembered the disappointed look on Scudworth's face and that's when he made a vow to himself to properly plan his days ahead.
Although, it's one thing to plan something. It's another thing entirely to stick with it.
It's just one of those times where he just forces himself to get off his chair and walk towards his mini fridge. Sometimes, he likes to keep cans of soda for the more 'special' students. But mostly, it's for keeping his food cold.
He doesn't know if it's the unknown DNA that he possesses, but he prefers his food when it's not hot. Everytime he visits the local sub shop, he never asks for his sandwich toasted.
He laid out his lunch in front of him: A tuna salad sandwich and a Rice Krispie treat. He couldn't ask for anything more.
He was about to dig in when he heard a knock on his open door. "Knock knock." Scudworth said as he let himself in.
"Ah. Principal Scudworth." Vince puts down his sandwich. Not at all irritated by the sudden visit. "How may I help you?"
Scudworth chuckles. "Oh yeah. I knew I could count on you for help. But I think a more… refined setting is in order.
Put that sandwich back in your fridge, Frankenclone! Lunch is on me today!"
Vince raises an eyebrow. "Really? You've never done that before. Tell me, what's the occasion?"
Scudworth reaches into his pocket and takes out his car keys. "The students are in high spirits! Come on now! We have much to discuss!"
It was just as Scudworth had said. Eating out at the Olive Garden was just like eating at the private kitchen of an Italian stereotype. At least the cooled off breadsticks and salad more than made up for Vince's lost time.
While Scudworth was busy dining on what the restaurant called, 'The Tour of Italy,' Vince couldn't finish the second half of his Eggplant Parmigiana. He's not a big eater. Having learned his lesson.
Scudworth looks up from his food. "You uh, you want the rest to go?"
"Beats a microwave meal." Vince takes a sip of his water. "Anyway, you have something you wish to discuss with me father… Ah, I mean Principal!"
Scudworth takes a moment to wipe his face with a napkin before speaking. "Ah yes. About that. You see I'm sure you've heard by now about that showdown that took place in that football field this morning?"
"Hmm." Vince recollects his thoughts. "There was a fight. Somebody was… supposedly tied up on a goal post in some kind of… crucifixion. Whatever has happened, nothing seems out of the ordinary." Giving it a second of thought, he spoke again. "There is a lot of hot sauce involved. That much I know."
"Here's something else: Leif Erikson is now in the custody of the Shadow Government and at the end of the day, he'll be returning to RR without any memory of the happiness he felt since joining them."
"Without any… memory? This Shadow Government can do that?"
Scudworth doesn't stop smiling. "With any luck, he'll end up leaving. With the rest of them scratching their heads wondering what is going on." He takes a second to compose himself.
"You see… Vince. The clones play a big part in the future. All young people do. I believe that there is something special in every single one of them. They don't just sit down and memorize things. Like during my youth. We were taught to do as we're told.
Young people are now encouraged to think for themselves. They create all kinds of things. From art to videos on the internet. For the first time in a long time, I finally feel like the world's on its way to being on the right track. One that focuses on progression rather than tradition. The needs of people are recognized. And nobody goes on to judge anybody else by where they came from.
Not a perfect world… but the closest thing to one."
Vince sat in his seat. Absorbing every word the Principal had said. It was like Scudworth had been reading him like a book and then laying everything out neatly for him to see in a new light.
But he still wasn't done. "I'd like to talk to you about an exemplary student. You're familiar with Abraham Lincoln, right?"
Vince nodded. "I've… overheard some of the gossip. But I've never spoken to him once. So I can't give you any insight about what he may or may not be thinking."
Scudworth rests his elbows on the table. "And what if I tell you that he is, intentionally or not, at the center of all the violence happening in the school right now? Getting himself into an… unnecessary fight. While also potentially encouraging others to do the same."
"What are you saying?" Said Vince, now looking a little more uneasy. "Why do you think he's encouraging the other students?"
"In more than my sixty years of living, I've learned a few things about how leaders inspire people." Scudworth sighs. "I know the term 'influencer' is thrown around a lot recently, but what I'm talking about is genuine influence. It is because of his actions that the students are happier. Before long, they're probably going to end up pulling some weight of their own… You know what I'm saying?"
"No." Vince shook his head. "No. I don't. While I do believe that all good leaders lead by example, I won't go so far as to skip to conclusions. With all due respect Principal, you must have faith in these students. As they're old enough to understand right from wrong. We at least agree on that, don't we?"
Seeing the Frankenclone's expression, Scudworth decides to lighten up a bit.
"I can't disagree with that. Very well… I will TRUST the students to do the right thing… Son."
His expression then changes. Exactly to what Scudworth predicted.
"Going forward, I'm also trusting you to show the students what it is to do the right thing. This is no different than the task given to every person that decides to become an educator. You do see yourself as an educator… don't you?"
Without hesitating, Vince closes his head and gives Scudworth a slow nod.
"I will be the best educator I can be, Principal Scudworth. Thank you for your very kind words… And for the meal."