#017 stops at the open hallway and scans the area for her objective. She spots Albert Cross sitting amid a group of friends. #017 swiftly memorizes the faces of those she failed to recognize, but Mr. Wilkins was doing the same and following up with files for #017 to study later.

Matron Tilly waddles towards #017 and says, “Why hello, Miss Starr and Mr. Wilkins. This is the student’s cafeteria; the faculty cafeteria is on the floor above.”

#017 nods in thanks as Mr. Wilkins says, “Thank you, Tilly, but I would like to get to know my students a bit more. However, Miss Starr will gladly join you.”

“Okay,” Matron Tilly happily said, before leading a sullen #017 away. #017 gives Mr. Wilkins a pointed look promising a forceful reckoning later, but still motions with her hand to ensure that he records everything.

Mr. Wilkins happily waves goodbye to the two female figures, before loosening his tie and confidently smoothing back his head fur. “Hello, Ladies,” Mr. Wilkins mumbled to himself, before confidently trotting to a table full of female students. Before Mr. Wilkins can react, the females have already surrounded him and are cooing over him. Soon Mr. Wilkins is being cuddled in the laps and bountiful chests of the campus beauties to the envy of the entire male population.

While Mr. Wilkins is enjoying the time of his life, #017 reluctantly follows Matron Tilly. Matron Tilly blissfully chatters to #17, “I was so surprised to find out that Mr. Wilkins was the teacher. My, oh my, I thought I just had seen everything, when I got the shock of my life.” Matron Tilly let out a burst of laughter, before more seriously asking, “Anywho, my dear, how are you doing? Are you fitting in?”

#017 tactfully replies, “Yes, I find that classes are quite enjoyable. And Mr. Wilkins is quite the popular figure, I’m sure he will continue to be an excellent teacher.”

Matron Tilly opens her mouth to say something when a short, slim man with tawny hair places his arms around Matron Tilly. However, the most startling features are his eyes, he has one golden eye and other being blue. But that single golden eye confirmed the theory of his being a changeling. “I hope my wife hasn’t been filling your head with lies about me? Because I can assure, you I am a gentleman!” The professor said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Matron Tilly giggles and says, “This is my hubby, Professor Ibis and he is a professor in the Culture Department. He and I’ve been married for seven years now, and yes, he is an avian changeling.” Matron Tilly pauses and turns towards her husband. “Oh, yes, darling, this is Miss Starr.”

Professor Ibis smiles knowingly and says, “So you’re the creator of Mr. Wilkins. I can assure you, most of the professors are most interested to meet the both of you. And if I may ask, I can clearly see that Mr. Wilkins is not accompanying you, where may he be found?”

#017 drily says, “I’m sure he is presently surrounded by his female students.”

Professor Ibis laughs. “I’m sure, he’s the only professor allowed to do so without being charged with sexual harassment.”

#017 politely nods as Matron Tilly nudges her husband in his ribs. “Pardon my comment, but it’s the first day,” Professor Ibis sincerely stated.

#017 says, “I can only imagine given your department, you have my sincere condolences.”

Professor Ibis smiles warily at the accurate statement. “I do like you, Miss Starr. Care to join my wife and I for lunch?” Patron Ibis plainly said. Matron Tilly gazes up at Miss Starr with expectant eyes.

#017 politely accepts. “Yes, I will, thank you.”

“Good, good. Now follow me, ladies,” Professor Ibis said as he leads his wife by the arm. #017 trails behind him as Professor Ibis leads the way into an elegant dining room with tables and servers. The faculty members merely need to be seated and order, before having the meal served directly to their table.

The faculty members barely glance up from their conversations and meals. Most of the faculty members sit according to their departments, but a few like Professor Ibis crossed over. The few crossovers were members usual of the same evolutionary group. At a table, many elegantly dressed individuals of the Sanguniem Vorpal sit and dine on red wine.

Professor Ibis sits down a few tables away with his wife and Miss Starr. While they study their menu’s Matron Tilly continues to chat and point out the various faculty members in the cafeteria. #017 pays attention to the cheerful chatter despite her hunger. Having lived enough lifetimes, #017 knew that hunger could give one position away or even be the cause of weakness.

Matron Tilly giggles and points to a handsome couple entering the diner. “Those two are dating-,” Matron Tilly said, unable to finish her sentence when #017 abruptly stands up. Her chair slides roughly back as #017 frowns and pauses glancing around.

“I apologize, but I just remembered I left something of importance in the classroom. I would very much enjoy having lunch with you tomorrow,” #07 swiftly excused herself and rushed out of the cafeteria.

The married couple stares at each other in perplexion as Matron Tilly says, “Well, that was strange.”

“Yes, it was. But I’m sure she wasn’t lying as she seemed to be genuinely surprised. And I don’t believe that Miss Starr is one for showing such emotions,” Professor Ibis observed.

“Yes, that must be it, dear. After all, she did promise to have lunch with us tomorrow,” Matron Tilly happily said, before busying herself with the menu.

Professor Ibis silently smiles in reply and reaches over for his wife’s hand and places a kiss on her knuckles. Matron Tilly smiles blissfully and places the menu onto the table. Until the sever arrived, the loving couple stared into each other eyes quite happily to the dismay of many of the single faculty members.