Mandatory and Willing

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean lifted one hand, waving it back and forth in a “so-so” gesture. “He’s switched trainers more than the average student, although I don’t know if that would qualify as regularly. One of his trainers left, not because of him but for personal reasons; it led to necessary switching.” Since the telepath was wholly removed from the training department, he couldn’t give comparative statistics on trainer to student ratios. He could only compare with his own experience, four decades ago; he’d only had one trainer during his time at Hammel. He then nodded, since that was a fair characterization. “I think he hasn’t yet meshed with someone.”

Sean recognized the look of love on the younger man’s face, and he was glad to see it and to know of another relationship that had lasted a long time and in which affection had remained. The telepath was a romantic that way, and his heart was always warmed by functional, long-term relationships. He gathered from the way that Vincent described his wife that she practiced physical medicine, and the list of powers that were useful to that were limited. “Is she a biological manipulator by any chance?” That was a common occurrence; so many biological manipulators became doctors or veterinarians or botanists, depending on the scope of their powers.

At the next question, Sean nodded again. “I think I understand what you mean. The short answer is that most minor infractions go through me. I have a rather eclectic job description at this stage in life, and so disruptive behavior, fights, substance abuse...students get sent to my office for that. I’m not a fan of retributive punishments, so I try to invest them back into the community or help them better themselves.” It worked for the most part, although some people were more resistant.

“Anything involving the Board of Trustees’ attention or that might make Hammel vulnerable goes through the Headmistress.” Such as the felonies at his seminar in 2011. Those had to go through the Headmistress because suspension was on the table. He then tilted his head slightly, "Have you met Yvette Morgenstern yet?"

[Vincent Meian]

Vincent tilted his head momentarily at the use of an unfamiliar word, but nodded all the same. He understood the context, therefore could reasonably assume that the psychiatrist was agreeing with him. Young men could have a difficult time trusting people who were not like them - he knew that well.

"Perhaps he will have more luck this year," he answered neutrally. He honestly hoped the boy found a good trainer; pyrokinetics were volatile in their powers, and if he could not master them he was likely to hurt someone unintentionally. "I have not received my assignments as of yet, though I am sure that I will soon. If this Rixon boy needs a trainer, I would not mind teaching him as well."

When Sean mentioned his wife's power, the Japanese man nodded. "Yes, I believe that is how she describes it," he replied. "She has an additional ability as well; some type of... I am not sure how to say it, but she feels what is ailing someone as if it were her own pain. It aids her in the healing process." He was concerned with this aspect of her abilities, but knew it help her work more efficiently. Besides, her powers (like his) were tightly controlled - she would not have an issue unless something dire were to happen.

He listened carefully to the situations Sean described, noting each in his mind studiously. Anything short of suspension or expulsion would be directed straight to Dr. Neville; for those two things or outside influence, he should report straight to the headmistress.

"It is a good system," he mused, thinking over the community service idea. "Though we try similar tactics in Japan, it seems not to have the desired effect, possibly due to our own lack of supervision..." He realized he was speaking aloud and stopped abruptly. "I apologize - I do not mean to speak ill of others with my observations."

Vincent blinked in mild surprise at the question and thought for a moment. The person whom he'd spoken to as a liaison was male, though the name sounded familiar. "I believe we have spoken, though not personally," he answered slowly. "Most of the process of our transfer was taken care of by someone else - a third-party. Morgenstern-sama spoke with my wife and I both in a... conference call?" He nodded to himself and continued. "I am to meet with her via appointment, which I have placed on the first day of classes."

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean knew that the younger man’s offer was sincere, however, he still chuckled lightly. Vincent was so new and thus hadn’t been beaten down by constant exposure to Sam and his other friends, what remained of the so-called “Idiot Brigade.” “If Sam is assigned to you, I’ll tell you everything there is to know about him that doesn’t break the rules of confidentiality. That should help you in training him.”

The telepath listened with interest as the younger man described his wife’s secondary ability. He was always interested in other people’s powers, particularly those with a mental component. Sean wasn’t an expert in powers the way that Clarisse was, as the Frenchwoman had made a career of the study of powers and side-effects. However, he was well-versed enough in mental powers, due to personal interest. What Vincent described of his wife’s secondary ability made logical sense to accompany a biological manipulator, a form of biological empathy, but it was also uncommon from what he knew. He could also understand how it would be distressing to a loved one, while also useful to her chosen field, the former which he overheard from the other man’s mind while the latter was merely listening to his spoken words. “I can see how that would be a great asset. It also must have been difficult to train.”

Sean waved off the apology again, although this was more of a general matter than one that affected him on a personal level. He attributed it to cultural differences, since such remarks were standard fare in his experience. “It’s fine. Not everyone takes to it, and not every situation is ideal for it to take effect.” He then smiled somewhat ruefully. “But as the product of a school system that allowed corporal punishment, I do think this is the best alternative.”

Conversations with Vincent Verax and Sam Rixon aside, Sean didn’t believe in corporal punishment. He never had, and nothing could change his mind there.

It was the psychiatrist’s turn to nod. Yvette’s methods were her own, and they were beyond his reproach, as he was in no position of authority. He had his opinions about some of the changes that had come into place with Claude’s retirement, but none of those undermined Yvette’s ability to do her job. “I hope that the meeting goes well,” he said, although that was more for the sake of general politeness. He had no reason to think that the meeting wouldn’t go well.

[Vincent Meian]

"Thank you," he replied, bowing his head in a gesture of gratitude before returning his gaze steadily to the mind reader. "I appreciate the help." He was used to troublesome students, though he was certain that cultural differences could cause some strife between him and his students. That someone was willing to offer information that would make things easier was a great boon.

He thought on his wife more at Sean's seemingly casual comment, his countenance darkening slightly with worry. "She is a strong woman, my Nakia," he answered quietly. "She trained quickly and well, yet she requires even more will than I to maintain her... barriers. She cannot touch anyone without feeling their pain to some degree, and so..." He stopped himself from saying more, though his thoughts strayed to his older daughter for a moment before he began anew. "It is sometimes... difficult for her, being a mother. This also makes being a father much more of a burden."

He loved his children - he truly did. And he loved his wife more than he could express. But seeing her having to refrain from touching their oldest daughter hurt him deeply, though he knew he could not understand how the two of them felt. He mentally shook himself, attempting to cast off the dark cloud of his feeling and continue.

He nodded quietly in agreement on corporal punishment of students. Only in combat classes had he resorted to striking a student, but that was solely for learning purposes and not for disciplinary actions. The two were mutually exclusive and had no business being treated the same. Though there had been a few times where the idea of pain being currency for idiocy had crossed his mind...

He felt confident of the meeting as well and told Sean as much. He was certain that he had been allowed the transfer for his and his wife's skills; there would be no reason for the meeting to falter.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

“You’re welcome,” Sean said, offering the other man another smile. “I might not be an expert in most areas, but I do have more than passing familiarity with Sam.” For better or for worse.

Sean’s expression was one of sympathy. “I understand,” he said, and he wasn’t patronizing or merely polite with those words. He had great empathy for those whose powers could never be turned off completely, could never been controlled completely, and whose powers took a toll on their very self. After all, as he explained to other people privately, he was a telepath and behaved like a telepath, thought like a telepath, experienced the world like a telepath, and it was impossible to extricate himself fully from his powers.

He also had great empathy for people who had to maintain barriers around their families. It was antithetical to the typical narrative of how families were supposed to operate, and it also put a great strain emotionally on parents and children alike, given how many people were tactile. “And I’m sure it must be difficult for both of you. All we can ever do is our best, even when it means operating with constraints from our powers or side effects.”

The telepath had never engaged in any training from the side of the instructor. He gave advice to psychic students who asked him for tips, but he otherwise recommended all students speak with Clarisse or with their trainers instead. He also only taught the sexual education seminar and some psychology, and thus, there was no reason for him to have ever struck a student. In fact, he had never struck another person before.

Even at the worst of it, and he aimed to keep with that trend.

Although Sean also had great empathy for any and all of the teachers who had had to try to teach Vincent Verax or Sam Rixon, particularly at the same time. Or several of the other more problematic students over the years. The telepath didn’t envy the teachers for their daily tasks.

“What else can I answer for you?” He asked, meeting Vincent’s eyes.

[Vincent Meian]

A small, uncertain smile touched at the corners of the Asian man's mouth, and his hands rubbed together, feeling the scars as a sort of security. He believed Dr. Neville - Sean - when he said he understood. From what little he knew of telepathy, it was not a gift one could simply "turn off". "I believe you do," he replied softly. "And I thank you for your empathy. We are not... We function, and we communicate. Our daughters know we love them, though sometimes we cannot show it. I think that will have to be enough."

For a while the two spoke of relatively meaningless things - more fine-tooth detailing on the rules and regulations, specialties of other staff members, school and office hours, things of the like. Vincent took in the information well, compartmentalizing information like he tended to do in the military for later analysis. There was almost forty minutes gone from when he walked in the door that he realized that the doctor may have other people he needed to speak to.

"I think that I understand everything we have discussed," he stated, standing up once again. "If I question anything else, I will be sure to come to you first." He liked Sean from the impression he had received of him; the older man was a professional, but not cold - he spoke in a very fatherly but not condensing (condescending) manner, and his interest and concern seemed very genuine. He bowed deeply to the man before walking to the door, but hesitated as his hand reached for the knob.

"Are psychological evaluations also part of your duties, Doctor?" he asked at length, looking back to the American. His light brown eyes were troubled, and his expression seemed more weary than anything stressed. "If so, perhaps you have questions that I alone can answer."

Vincent did not like talking about his past. He didn't shun it, like many people he knew; being poked and prodded about it, asked repeatedly over and over for almost twenty years, and judged on his insight of it alone... that wore on him though, made him less happy about it. If Sean needed to know of it, however, he would not hide - this man seemed to have good judgement, and if he believed he could protect the students of this school by evaluating Vincent... well, so be it.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean nodded his understanding. He was sure that they coped, but coping was coping, often less than ideal, even when it was the best that could be done. “We can only ever do our best with what we have. I’m sure that your daughters do understand and will understand even better when they’re older.” Hindsight and retrospect often brought clarity, particularly when coupled with the mature brains of adults.

When the younger man stood, so did Sean, as was polite. He didn’t offer his hand for a handshake, as he might with someone else; given that some of their conversation had involved the difference in customs, there was no reason to add to that culture shock when he knew better. The psychiatrist did return the bow, before offering Vincent another smile. The younger man was nice, polite, and genuinely interested in the work and, by extension, the students. He would fit in well here, and Sean was glad of it. He would also be glad to discuss anything Vincent needed, at his convenience. “Please do. If I can’t answer the question, I’m sure I can at least put you on the right path to finding an answer.”

Sean was prepared to bid the other man a good day. However, as Vincent paused at his door, he assumed that there was something else on his mind. The cryptic question confirmed that. While psychological evaluations were part of his job in certain cases, he wasn’t called in to conduct them without cause. As such, he met Vincent’s eyes and explained, “They are, as the situation dictates. Since you were already hired, I wouldn’t have to conduct one on you the same way that hospital employees need to undergo periodic physical exams. I conduct them if given cause to do so.”

He paused a moment to let that sink in before he asked, “Is there something that you want to talk about?” His question was free of judgment and coercion. He wanted Vincent to understand that this was an open-ended offer, and that he wasn’t required. Leaving his office and declining the talk would not constitute cause for a psychological evaluation.

[Vincent Meian]

The younger man wavered for a moment, deep in thought. It would be wise to have someone to counsel him in this new country, though his files could dictate anything he wanted to talk about today. It would also help Sean in understanding him, but was it really of any concern to him? The ex-soldier hadn't had nightmares or flashbacks in months, and they were more infrequent these past years. He'd had no psychotic episodes, no depression, and no spontaneous usage of his powers in years. Unless something changed, there would be no need for a psychoanalysis.

"...No," he said after a moment. "Perhaps another day, when there is more time for us to speak." Vincent rested his hand on the knob finally and searched his colleague's eyes carefully for a moment. When he realized that he was not going to be held for further questioning, he bowed his head respectfully to the older gentleman. "Thank you for your time. I have learned much today."

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean waited for the younger man to answer his question. While he wasn’t actively listening to Vincent’s train of thought, and he certainly wasn’t probing to discover secret information, he did overhear a bit of the younger man’s inner monologue. He overheard enough to have a vague idea of Vincent’s motivation behind asking the question.

It wasn’t anything that he would mention unless the younger man initiated a conversation about it.

However, when Vincent finally answered the question, it was plain that the conversation wouldn’t happen today. If at all.

“Very well,” the telepath said, offering the younger man a nod of comprehension as well as a small smile. “You know where to find me if you do decide you have the time and volition to chat.”

That was as much as Sean would say on the topic.

“And again, welcome to Hammel. I’m sure your first day will be just fine.” He was as sure of that as he could be when making determinations, absent precognitive powers. From what he had seen of the younger man, he was sure that Vincent would do well here as a teacher. As for the cultural differences, he was sure that he would get the hang of the particulars eventually.

“Have a great day.”

Once he was left alone in his office, the psychiatrist returned to the other tasks he had for the day. Just in case, he did make a couple of notes about Sam, should Vincent find himself teaching the pyrokinetic. He wanted Vincent to be prepared.