Stan's office - Mutant Studies wing

[Stan Bowen]

"That's good. Just keep it quiet for the first few weeks. I've got too much to worry about, to add screaming parents to my list."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I promise, I will not get caught doing anything I shouldn't." Amanda said jokingly.

[Stan Bowen]

<<a few days later>>

Stan was exiting his office, closi g the door and locking it for the night, exhaling after a long day. He needed a beverage.

[Amanda Weinrich]

"you look like a man who needs a drink." Amanda remarked as she locked up her own office.

[Stan Bowen]

"Those are very good eyes you have, Doctor." He replied, turning Amanda's way and smiling.

"Care to join me in town for a pint?"

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I could do that, if you'll also join me for dinner."

[Stan Bowen]

"we'll, that seems a tempting offer.." He replied, interested.

after a few moments, he replied "Sunds good, but not too late.. I need to check on my son and daughter tonight."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Of course not." Amanda said "Just dinner and a pint to wash it down. How do your kids like it here?"

[Stan Bowen]

"They're settling in okay, it seems."

He turned, walking down the hall with her towards the exit.

"I'm still a little worried about my youngest, but I think he'll be fine."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"What is wrong with him?" Amanda asked.

[Stan Bowen]

"He's a little withdrawn, and a bit shy, mostly." He replied, sighing.

"And he is attached to a particular item of clothing."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Oh!" Amanda said "He's the kid with the wizard hat."

[Stan Bowen]

"Yes," Stan sighed. "The kid with the wizard hat."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I think its awesome. And less embarrassing than some of the shit my siblings did."

[Stan Bowen]

Stan chuckled weakly.

"Right now, I just want my family to be sound and stable. They've been through way too much for anyone to deal properly."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"At least they're here, where you can take care of them."

[Stan Bowen]

Stan nodded.

"There was talk they would finish school back stateside. I'm glad that fell through."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Yeah, no disagreement there." Amanda said "There is a reason why I'm here, and its not just for the cool digs."

[Stan Bowen]

"Other then the view of the sea?" He replied, smiling.

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Even other than the good beer."

[Stan Bowen]

"So why did you accept your position, Doctor?"

[Amanda Weinrich]

"It was a job offer, travel to New York isn't that bad from London, and it gets me away from the MRA."

[Stan Bowen]

"For me, it was a chance to get my family together, again.. Things have been tumultuous these past few years."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I can't even imagine what it must have been like." Amanda said sympathetically.

[Stan Bowen]

"It's been, challenging." Stan replied, trying to maintain professionalism.

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I'm sure it has." Amanda said, and then, sensing it was a good idea to change the subject said "Its a good location for the school. Close to London, but not too close for comfort."

[Stan Bowen]

"Indeed. I always preferred solitary campuses... It's good for research and study. Less distractions, less prying eyes."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Prying eyes?" Amanda said, jokingly "Now I am starting to wonder what you're doing in your lab."

[Stan Bowen]

"A bad choice of words, I swear!" He replied, smiling.

"I just mean I've had my fill of MRa protesters."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"Yeah, I can understand that." Amanda said "I'm glad it hasn't gotten off the ground here."

[Stan Bowen]

"And hopefully, it won't ever."

[Amanda Weinrich]

"I hope you're right. I know a lot of people in New York who are scared, and a lot who are angry, and I don't know which ones worry me more." Amanda replied "Especially since the Morlocks are not going to register. No way, no how."