"Why, Bomomsay Clestenrogo," Darcy says. "I didn't expect to see you getting cookies." She looks you over. "Aren't you a little overdressed?"
Darcy is in a white button-up shirt, jeans, and red suspenders. It's on the edge of being dressy while being much more approachable than your navy jacket and gray pants. You envy Darcy's style and confidence, then feel stupid for that envy.
Darcy doesn't give you a chance to respond. "Sorry to disturb your snacks, everyone, but I'm here on a mission." She slides into an empty chair next to you. "I'm looking for students to work with me in my lab." She picks up a Thar Be Chips chocolate chip cookie and considers it. "Someone who wants to make a real difference in the world. No big." She takes a small bite of the cookie and looks around the table.
Oh, Darcy
The students don't know what to make of Darcy's frontal assault. One of them stands, says, "I got class soon," and leaves.
"Sure thing." Darcy takes the student's departure in stride. At least, that's what it must look like to everyone else in the room. When she runs her hand through her hair, though, you know she's more nervous than she's letting on.
"What do you research?" one brave student asks.
Darcy gestures with her cookie. "Glad you asked. I was part of the first research team to map the energies between dimensions. Those energies have ripples. I'm looking at ways to use those to improve channeling."
That's Dr. Whipple's research she's building on. The research she did during the fellowship she cheated you out of.