StV: Student Feedback, Part Four

"So," asked Jonathan Saint-Vincent, "what do you think of Sophia's brother?"

Greg Hendricks frowned. "I don't want him on my team, if that's what you're asking."

"I was not asking that," Jonathan assured him, but it's interesting that that's your first response.

"Good. In general?" Greg was still frowning. "I don't like him. Maybe he wasn't actually trying to kill my people, but saying that he was trying to maim them instead isn't as much of a defense as he thinks it is. I'd like to see him gone."

"He's asked to stay on as a student at the school."

"...Of course he has. I take it Sophia doesn't mind?"

"She claims it was her idea."

"Well, it wasn't. It was Cedric's. At least, he was the first one who brought it up." Greg paused, thinking. "Are you sure he isn't up to something?" 

"Not at all," Jonathan answered easily. "His mind-shield is all but impenetrable. But if he does intend to cause trouble, he's saving his efforts for something big -- aside from the sparring session with Nightmare, he's been going out of his way not to make trouble."

Greg shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. "She shouldn't be here either. She's a murder waiting to happen."

"She's a very angry young woman," Jonathan acknowledged, "but she does have her reasons -- and she's careful about her targets. In any case, that's not your decision to make."

"I know," he said. "And this one isn't either, it seems. But since you asked, and since you've been asking my team: no, I don't trust him and I don't want him here. He's a thief, probably an attempted murderer, and possibly a spy for Imperia. That said, if you are going to let him stay, I'll do my best to make it work. Right now, Veil's the only one who really hates him... though I think Paula is watching him a lot more closely than she lets on."

Jonathan smiled at that. "She would be, yes."

"Of course she would," Greg agreed. "Is there anything else?"

"Not at the moment," Jonathan admitted. "And you're right, I do intend to let him remain at the school."

"Then I'll do my best to make that work for Team Dragon. Sophia isn't asking for him to join us, is she?"

"Not at all. Jade, however, seems interested in seeing how he works with Team Phoenix -- in part, I suspect, because of how well Sophia worked out with Team Dragon."

Greg had been in the process of standing up; he stopped and settled back down into the chair. "You're going to let her put him on the same team as Nightmare?"

"Those two do seem to have an understanding," Jonathan observed.

"That's because they're both psychotic," Greg said sharply. Then: "No, I'm sorry, that was..." He swallowed. "...uncharitable. I... I know it's not my business, but I'd like you to keep me updated on that, Sir. Particularly if my team is going to be practicing with them."

"That only seems fair," Jonathan agreed, "and as long as we're here you should know that Cloudburst will be joining Team Kraken to see if she fits in over there."

Greg frowned. "I don't know Cloudburst," he admitted. "But all right. Thanks. I do appreciate your consulting with us about this. If any of my team has any additional thoughts, we'll be in touch."