“The general idea of this class,â€? Doc War said as he turned from the board and replaced the stylus in one of his many coat pockets, “is to teach you all the basics of science, in hopes of preparing you all for the theoretical sciences that are offered in your next year, should you survive your first.â€?

He chuckled and the coarse wetness of his voice reverberated disgustingly around the room. A few kids laughed nervously but most just continued to stare at the odd teacher. Ignoring the class, Doc War began a tirade about the course outline and lesson plan.

“What do you think?â€? Alex said to David, in hushed tones after a few minutes of the lecture had nearly bored the grin off his face.

David raised an eyebrow and scowled, in his mind he could not figure out why this oddball insisted on talking to him and was acting like they were friends. He also could not figure out why he was feeling less and less annoyed with him.

“I think that tomorrow I am going to find a seat as far away from you as possible, O.K.?”