Dr. Ellison returns, papers in hand, to find all four of you sitting in silence. "I see you have had a lively conversation in my absence."
Dr. Wilcox grunts.
"I had the chance to get to know Dr. . better," Dr. Eze says.
When he doesn't say anything else, Dr. Ellison looks to you. "Was that so?"
"It was extremely informative," Darcy says.
Dr. Ellison sits down with a sigh. "I am not a sitcom father, oblivious to the coded conversation people are having around me." She steeples her hands. "If one of you would kindly fill me in on what transpired while I was gone."
"Oh, Dr. Wilcox was giving me pattern advice." You hold up your wrists to show the fading red marks around them. "I had a bit of an accident in the lab earlier today."
Dr. Ellison's stern demeanor gives way to concern. "Are you all right?"
You lower your hands. "It's nothing major. A force pattern got away from me. Dr. Wilcox gave very pointed tips about how to avoid this happening in the future."
Dr. Ellison studies you. "I see."
Dr. Wilcox coughs. "I do try to help the younger faculty."
"But since we've got more to do, there's no need to go into details," you say, staring at Dr. Wilcox. "At least, not now."
Dr. Wilcox flushes.
Dr. Ellison looks as if she's not buying what you're selling, but only says, "Very well."
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