And here's the last guy

[Roland Sackville]

The sounds of pumping iron echoed through the complex as Roland tested out the workout machines.

((open))

[Janice Gilbertson]

Janice stepped into the gym and cocked her head with curiosity when she saw who else was there.

"...didn't expect to see you here, Professor."

[Roland Sackville]

"And --ungh!-- why would that be?"

[Janice Gilbertson]

"I ah... didn't think you sweated, much less intentionally," she said with a lopsided smile.

[Roland Sackville]

"Girl, you really don't know much about me, do you?" he chuckled.

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Guess not. Then again, I know you have a sword..." she shrugged.

[Roland Sackville]

"...I have a couple, yes," he said, carefully.

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Sort of thing that sticks out. I don't think it's your power, like it is with Kevin."

She leaned over to set up one of the machines, and a small but curious golden medallion dangled from her neck.

[Roland Sackville]

"We all have things that stick out from time to time, don't we?" he commented.

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Guess so, no matter how hard we try."

[Roland Sackville]

"And I don't think it's mutation that defines what we can do, is it?"

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Probably not. Mine is a bit of a non-starter."

[Roland Sackville]

"Is that right? What is it you do?"

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Make things go wrong. It's not very easily appreciated."

[Roland Sackville]

"From what I've seen, the X-whatevers rarely need that power."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Well that's cheery," she chuckled as she sat down.

[Roland Sackville]

"They don't pay me to be cheery. I only do that in my spare time," he sat up, grinning.

[Janice Gilbertson]

"So is there a story behind the... interest in fencing?"

[Roland Sackville]

"Oh, I've got a number of stories. But they'd probably bore you."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"I don't know about that. I'm pretty fond of reading."

[Roland Sackville]

"Ah, yes, reading. Surely, there's a better hobby for a girl your age."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"What's wrong with reading?"

[Roland Sackville]

"I've found it a poor substitute for experience."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Bit less dangerous."

[Roland Sackville]

"Bit less useful."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"So what do you think I should be doing with my time?"

[Roland Sackville]

"Well, I suppose that depends on what it is you like to do. I mean, I could make some suggestions once I know what sort of girl you are."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"But apparently, not reading."

[Roland Sackville]

"Reading is for bespectacled men in their countinghouses. You strike me more as the doing sort of person, even if you try to hide it."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"...maybe so. I guess some things... well, not everyone needs to know."

[Roland Sackville]

"It's hard to keep secrets for long."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"Especially some... bigger ones."

[Roland Sackville]

"It's possible, of course, to keep even the biggest secrets covered up, if you're careful enough."

[Janice Gilbertson]

"I don't know if I am, at this stage."

[Roland Sackville]

"Well, I can tell you you certainly aren't."