fandom_lounge | Free Period for Teachers -- Wednesday, October 26th

[CJ walks in after class. Ignoring the food, she heads straight for the coffee. She pours herself a cup, ads some milk to cool it off, and drinks it down in large gulps. Then she pours another.]

Coming in not long afterwards, Tara sees CJ sculling coffee, and bites her lip. Moving to stand quietly beside her, she asks, "do you want to talk about it?"

Hi Tara...nah. I'm just tired. Getting an artificial boost. I was up late last night. Something the DOctor said to me...

[Abruptly changing the topic]

Say, can we finish our conversation that was interrupted the other day? I'm really concerned about your Ethincs assignment and how it's effecting some students.

"Sure," Tara nods. "Would you like to tell me your concerns?"

Tara, I'd love to hear your explanation, because one of my students is deeply troubled by this. Your definition of master and slave is unclear I think, because from what she told me, you say there is a certain comfort in being the slave.

Certainly I see that as true in a dominant/submissive relationship, where the submissive is truly the one with the power. However Elizabeth and I have both seen the realities and the horrors of true slavery, the trafficking of humans...children...where the slave has no power, no say, and their life is forfeit.

I'm not sure you addressed this fully, and my student wants to drop your class because of it.

"Elizabeth Weir," Tara nods. "CJ, can we sit?" She does so, trusting that CJ will do the same.

"The issue that's being addressed in this exercise is slavery. It's true that - all too often, and with incomprehensible horror - abuse is often a part of slavery. That seems to be the case with the slavery Elizabeth is familiar with. It's not, however, true of all slavery, and to discuss the issues of freedom and free will that slavery brings up, I have to get the students to separate those issues from abuse. That's why the rules of the assignment forbid anything that either party feel uncomfortable with - physically, mentally, or emotionally."

She sighs. "CJ, in ancient Rome, where slavery was institutionalised, many slaves begged not to be freed, because as slaves they were guaranteed certain rights, including food and shelter. As freemen, they would starve - so yes, there was a comfort to being a slave. But my students can't talk about that kind of slavery - or any kind of slavery - when they link it so inextricably with abuse."

I understand what you're trying to teach, Tara...I'm just afraid that when a little girl dies in your arms, you're never going to get past the idea that slavery and abuse are linked. I'd hate to see E drop your class...would you be willing to work with her, perhaps on something seperately?

"Of course," Tara replies seeming surprised at the question. "I gave her a research assignment to do instead of the exercise, and she said she was fine with that. Cameron Mitchell also had problems with the exercise, to the degree that he was uncomfortable researching slavery. I've made an arrangement with him that he will choose another topic over the term, that he'd like to explore in more detail, and we'll work together to come up with an appropriate assignment for it. I'd be happy to do the same for Elizabeth."

Tara sighs, covering her eyes for a moment. "CJ, I know she was reacting strongly, but I didn't know she'd had a child die in her arms. There's a difference between challenging student's perceptions and just..." she stops, lost for words.

Tara...you couldn't have known. It was only with a lot of work...the whole term's worth of building trust, coupled with catching her at a very weak moment that I think she allowed herself to tell me. I'm finding I need to tread very lightly...especially where power relationships are concerned.

I had a student react very badly to my request she participate if a mock Milgram experiment, using a collar. It was a trigger for her.

Thses kids have such varied pasts. I knew E wasn't like everyone else...but I had no idea the kinds of horrors she's seen.

"Chiana?" Tara guesses. "I'm growing to accept that every week I'm going to trigger something for someone. I can't stick to the safe topics, CJ. It's ethics - there are no safe topics. I just need to find a way to get my students to the point where they'll talk to me if they have an issue, and be honest with me about what they can do. If Elizabeth had said she couldn't do the replacement assignment, I swear I would have worked something else out with her."

I'm sure of that, Tara. I'm wondering...would you mind if I brought her in? Sort of as a mediator, someone she trusts? Not that she doesn't trust you, but she's been in my class a lot longer and she knows what to expect from me. I made her my assistant, you know. She's really the brightest girl I've evermet. I think if she'd take the chance, she'd get a lot out of your class.

"Thank you, CJ, that would be wonderful. She doesn't trust me - I know that. But if she wants to stay in the class I will do everything I can to make it happen."

[The Doctor enters quietly and takes some Caesar salad. He speaks as quietly as he came in.] Careful, Ms Cregg--you may end up with caffeine poisoning, and then where would our speech department be? I'm certain the faculty would be at a loss.

Your concern is noted, sir. I appreciate the sentiment. May I inquire how your day is, thus far?

...You may. It's been amusing, so far. Mr Crichton did an impromptu presentation that was both well thought out and used available materials well. I never knew that a desk chair made such an adequate machine gun.

That's...fascinating, sir. May I ask, did he set a fire? Or do you just smell like wood smoke...as part of your daily life?

Fortunately, Mr Crichton isn't that skilled in the pyrotechnic arts. Did you not attend last night's bonfire, Ms Cregg? It was very entertaining, though I can't seem to get the smell of burnt wood out of my hair...

((I'm off to lunch and class, back later...I want to know what I said that kept her up half the night, dammit...or wait, I think I know.))

I was there...but I was spending time with the handsome and rogueish Literature professor. [leans in and whispers slyly] We were being conspiratorial.

I did spen some time on the beach with a fine fellow who told me abou tthe stars. It was quite romantic. Do you have any romance in your life, sir?

That would be Professor Chaucer? He does strike me as quite of the devilish sort when he has something up his sleeve, and quite devastatingly attractive. [speaks quietly] Dare I ask what you were plotting, or is it too secret for these ears?

Actually, I found myself telling stories to an audience, including a rather lovely woman of my acquaintance. Whether a romance will brew of it is anyone's guess. [a slight smile.]

Well, it is secret, but I'll tell you if you keep your lips sealed. [looks around an whispers] We're going to see if we can get my girl Shane into school. It won't be easy, the dean is firm about rules. But I'm persistant when I want something. I see it through to the end.

[Clears her throat] I wish you the best with your lovely woman acquaintance, Doctor. I'm sure if she knew how you speak of her, romance would surely follow.

Your secret is safe, Ms Cregg. Always. [He leans back and listens, an eyebrow raising slightly. When she's told him, he smiles and whispers back.] How kind of you--a very good thing to be plotting indeed. You can count on my support, should you need anything.

And I hope for likewise results for you with your male friend. He sounds quite knowledgable--he'd need to be capable to keep up with your bright mind, madam.

I'll accept your help, gladly, sir. as to my gentleman frind...he is quite capable of keeping up with me. He has a wit and a charm like no other, and we make a...hmm, what's the word? Ah, a fetching pair. [she smiles warmly] My friends say we were made for each other.

Do they? That's fantastic. I'm quite glad for you. [He smiles at her, deadpan expression almost starting to crack.] It sounds like you fancy him quite a bit, then.

Perhaps I do...but I'm sure you don't want to hear about my lovelife, sir. Let's talk of more interesting things. Tell me...what do you know about cabinetry? [wicked grin]

[He puts on a pondering expression.] Why, Ms Cregg, it's strange that you would ask. For I know a good deal about cabinetry--I was trained in the fine arts of both woodcarving and assemblage.

[She leans in toward him] That fascinates me, sir. I have a deep and abiding interest in the expert craftsmanship required to produce fine cabinets. Would you mind telling me more?

That, madam, would take hours of elaboration, and would probably bore our compatriots here. [He gestures to the staff.] Perhaps we could take tea sometime--tomorrow, perhaps--so that we could speak of the varying cabinetry styles throughout the universe?

But I would not wish to impose.

Tea? Tea...oh hell, I forgot. I'm having tea with Professor Chaucer today. Perhaps...would you care to join us? He's going to read me poetry, and be conspiratorial and charming. I'd love it if you would.

Professor Cregg, I would be honoured to join you. [He looks into her eyes and smiles.] What sort of poetry would be your preference?

Why, poems are written to woo women, sir. I prefer ones about my grace, wit, charm, and intelligence. However, it never hurts to hear about how one looks through the eyes of another. [She gives him a small, half-smile] Why do you ask, sir?

I was considering attempting the form myself...for my certain friend. [His smile matches hers.] But I was finding acquiring the right words to convey emotion rather difficult. I am glad to hear your advice.

I'm always good for advice, sir. Look me up anytime you need it. My apologies, but if I'm going to impress Professor Chaucer at tea, I need to go home and prepare. Shall I expect you?

[He nods.] I shall look forward to it. Good afternoon, Ms Cregg.

Dream walks into the lounge, dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans today and carrying a book.

He turns to the caterer. A cheese omelet and a glass of white wine. Please.

Food recieved, he idly picks at it as he reads his book of Arabian folk tales.

Charlie walks in, orders a bagel with a cheese spread, and goes to sit down somewhere comfortable to further work on Angelus' extra credits project.

Sara wanders in, requesting a vegan pizza, before beginning to grade this morning's quizzes.

Free Period for Teachers -- Wednesday, October 26th

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