Issue 1 Downtime

((Open))

Stan was seated in the quad, wolfing down on a simple cheese sandwich as he counted minutes on his watch.

Someone else was counting minutes but for a different reason. Melissa came jogging around the corner, looking at the timer on her phone. She hauled up short when she caught sight of Stan though and slowed, stopping the timer. "Dr. Bowen!" She extended a hand, "So good to finally get a chance to meet you."

"Yes?"

Stan looked up, obviously a little distracted.

"Miss.. Castro, right? From Miami?"

"That's me. Here to further my education. Now if I can just figure out where to further it to."

"Well, don't worry too much about that on your first week. We'll help you figure that out in time."

He smiled, wolfing down another bite.

"Are you finding your way about with no issues? I know European schools can be a little different from American ones."

"To be honest, I haven't done any sort of academic work since high school, so I'm a little rusty, but no problem navigating the system so far."

"Well, whatever you decide to do, we'll help you to realize it."

He took another quick bite.

"You've got talents and skill, which is a good starting point. I read some of the articles on your exploits."

"They're all exaggerated accounts I'm sure. I am hoping to keep trying at the hero work while I'm here, just maybe not so high profile."

"Well, the X-Men are always available.. Or were you thinking something less organized?"

"I haven't exactly been in a team environment, so I'm entirely sure how well I'd work there. Any tips from a pro?"

"Make use of the resources around you. Headmaster McManus is one of the best Psionics I know, and I can help with you determining the limits of your TK based powers. Get to know the X-Men, and train with them, even if you don't want to formally join. If you'd like to learn by teaching, there are a few XI students who could use an experienced hand to guide them."

"The teaching thing does sound intriguing, but I think I'd be afraid of screwing them up."

"Well, I could check in, see how you are doing occasionally. You wouldn't be on your own."

"Kind of weird hearing that I won't be on my own," she said with a chuckle.

"Welcome to Xavier's, Ms. Castro."

Stan smiled, picking up his messenger sack filled with graded papers.

"I've got to go, but stop by my office later. I'd like to continue this conversation."

"Sure thing, Doctor Bowen."