Telepathy Tutoring: Michael Aster's Office, Issue One

[Samantha McManus]

"...no, I suppose I haven't."

"And I'd imagine none of these really know who you are. You don't quite have a reputation."

[Michael Asters]

"All things considered, I'm going to take that as something of a good thing. A few years out of the spotlight tend to do one a world of good."

[Samantha McManus]

"Rather lacks the punch of 'White Queen' or 'Phoenix' though, aye?"

[Michael Asters]

"Or 'Morrigan,'" Mike said, chuckling. "Still, I've got all year to become notorious. How have you been, Sam?"

[Samantha McManus]

"I've some Yank bastard with magical delusions sending beasties after me, and Domanic Taylor trying to get back into my life yet again."

[Michael Asters]

"So in other words, the universe is trying to return life to 'business as usual.'"

[Samantha McManus]

"Dom is at least being pleasant about it. We caught dinner and a show the other night."

[Michael Asters]

Mike couldn't help chuckling. "How very couple-y," he said. "Both chosen with Dom's usual flare for style, I suppose?"

[Samantha McManus]

"I chose the restaurant, he chose the show."

"Can't really go wrong with the Ivy if you're in London after a show."

[Michael Asters]

"Sadly, I can't say I know London well enough to agree or disagree."

[Samantha McManus]

"Rather the crowd they cater to. Their meal schedule revolves around the show times."

[Michael Asters]

"It certainly makes things convenient," he admitted. "So I assume that it's nice being closer to home?"

[Samantha McManus]

"Yes and no. Physical proximity aside, the UK very much isn't Ireland."

[Michael Asters]

"I wouldn't try to say it is, but at least now if you want to visit home, it's a day trip instead of a vacation."

[Samantha McManus]

"And what about you, Mike? Honestly, between you, Dom and Becca it's like we were scattered to the four winds."

[Michael Asters]

Mike seemed to consider this. "I... don't think I have any regrets. I went out, I saw the world, I helped with the recolonization efforts... take that one however you like, I suppose. I can't really consider it wasted time, although I suppose my choice of... guidance could have been better."

"But that said, it's still good to be back home, even if home's been expanded to England."

[Samantha McManus]

"It's really an ambitious project Charles has undertaken here."

[Michael Asters]

"Everything the man does is ambitious," Mike agreed. "I suppose that after this, it'll be our generation's turn to show our ambition. I just hope that he and Erik have left avenues unexplored for us to use."

[Samantha McManus]

"I don't think any of us have particularly been resting on our laurels."