[Professor Omeluum and Professor Blurg have remained seated, keeping the redheaded woman company. In truth, she had insisted on springing some questions on the couple regarding the campus, the science building that she and the literature department would be sharing, and other miscellanea. They were more than happy to assist their new colleague which was all the better for her. The longer it kept him at bay, the better.

But mere minutes pass and the biologist pair have other places to be and their own business to attend to. They give their farewells and as they pass Professor Dekarios, give a nod of acknowledgement to the astrophysicist.

He's so close. Her mistake from a week ago is approaching and she doesn't see any other way out. And it has to be her imagination, her own stress tricking her, but there were still people in the room and that meant many eyes that could linger and many mouths that could talk.

Act. NATURAL.

When Professor Dekarios is close enough, she turns and tilts her head with an inscrutable expression on her face. Next, she stands up and looks him straight in the eye and speaks first before any suspicious silence and gazes between them can fill the air.]

Hello. I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves.

[The new professor sticks out her hand towards her senior colleague.]

You've heard my name, but I'll say it again just in case.

[There's a low burning fire in those emerald eyes, but unlike that night, it's chillier and severe.]

Professor Amelia Eva Steinbeck. I'm glad to make your acquaintance.