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fandomhigh2013-01-09 10:39 am
bitten_notshy) wrote in fandomhigh2013-01-09 10:39 am
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Supernatural Studies, Wednesday, Period 1
Jack was standing at the front of the classroom as the students filed in. He didn’t look much older than they did, but between the natty blue suit and his general air of authority it was clear he thought he was in charge of the classroom. It was his first time ever in front of a class in this way, but he refused to be nervous.
“Welcome to Supernatural Studies,” he said, once everyone was in their seats. “I’m Jack Priest. You can call me Jack, or Mr. Priest, or even Professor Priest if you’re the type. I graduated in 2010, so some of you may still remember me as a student.”
He rather hoped not; it might get awkward.
“And this” – and now he smiled – “is your official scholarly introduction to things that go bump in the night. For the purposes of this class, we are defining supernatural as anything that cannot be entirely explained by science or the laws of nature, or that goes beyond baseline human experiences and abilities.”
“Some of you are no doubt from home worlds where there’s nothing supernatural at all. Others are from places more like my home world, where magic is accepted to the point of seeming a bit dull. Whatever your world is like, I guarantee you there’s at least one thing you think is absolutely true about the supernatural that someone else in the classroom would swear is totally false. I trust you’ll all respect the diversity and not waste time arguing about it; I also trust no one here will make things up for fun.”
“The second thing I’d like to request is that we don’t, as it were, ‘out’ each other as being supernatural. It’s fine to talk about your own special skills and background, but if you happen to know the person sitting next to you is a shapeshifting imp, please keep it under your hat. It’s important to me everyone feels comfortable here, and that means respecting everyone’s privacy.”
Including Jack’s. He had no intention of discussing his own lycanthropy with the class unless he had to.
“That’s what I have for now,” he concluded. “And as this is the first week, I suspect the world would end without introductions. Please state your name, grade, and one thing that’s true about supernatural forces in your home. If your universe has nothing supernatural that you know of, share a common myth or legend about a supernatural creature. If your universe has nothing supernatural and no myths or legends, explain why you’re here to start with.” He pointed at a student. “Begin.”
“Welcome to Supernatural Studies,” he said, once everyone was in their seats. “I’m Jack Priest. You can call me Jack, or Mr. Priest, or even Professor Priest if you’re the type. I graduated in 2010, so some of you may still remember me as a student.”
He rather hoped not; it might get awkward.
“And this” – and now he smiled – “is your official scholarly introduction to things that go bump in the night. For the purposes of this class, we are defining supernatural as anything that cannot be entirely explained by science or the laws of nature, or that goes beyond baseline human experiences and abilities.”
“Some of you are no doubt from home worlds where there’s nothing supernatural at all. Others are from places more like my home world, where magic is accepted to the point of seeming a bit dull. Whatever your world is like, I guarantee you there’s at least one thing you think is absolutely true about the supernatural that someone else in the classroom would swear is totally false. I trust you’ll all respect the diversity and not waste time arguing about it; I also trust no one here will make things up for fun.”
“The second thing I’d like to request is that we don’t, as it were, ‘out’ each other as being supernatural. It’s fine to talk about your own special skills and background, but if you happen to know the person sitting next to you is a shapeshifting imp, please keep it under your hat. It’s important to me everyone feels comfortable here, and that means respecting everyone’s privacy.”
Including Jack’s. He had no intention of discussing his own lycanthropy with the class unless he had to.
“That’s what I have for now,” he concluded. “And as this is the first week, I suspect the world would end without introductions. Please state your name, grade, and one thing that’s true about supernatural forces in your home. If your universe has nothing supernatural that you know of, share a common myth or legend about a supernatural creature. If your universe has nothing supernatural and no myths or legends, explain why you’re here to start with.” He pointed at a student. “Begin.”
Re: Lecture [1/09]
"Busted?"
Right, because the odds that Snoopy McSnoopsalot could actually hear him were slim to nil, right?
Re: Lecture [1/09]
But Toby was just gonna casually, slowly, look over at that particular empty seat. Although Jack might notice that Toby's gaze never actually met his own.
Re: Lecture [1/09]
Oh, he was so tempted to walk over and wave a hand in front of his face. A cold, cold hand. Come on, buddy. Staring at the space where the invisible guy you don't believe in is sitting is bad form.
... Or something.