sic itur ad astra

prof. steph daniels. astrology. ••• “the human bones are but vain lines dawdling, the whole universe a blank mold of stars.”

[lindsayshalstead]

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“Excuse me – nah, you’re probably right. Especially the detective suit part.” She nodded at the next question. “Yes, that one. She definitely had something to do with his disappearance. A campus officer found her wandering by herself, acting all cray-cray, and sent her home the next day. It was the same night Aaron went missing. One possibility is that Aaron might’ve done something to her and he ran away, which is why no one can find him through a tracking spell. I don’t think Dorothy knows Evelyn’s in the nut house. She told me she hadn’t spoken to Aaron since a few days he disappeared, and that he was seeing Evelyn secretly since her family’s full of crazy pureblood elitists but he didn’t talk much about that. When I saw Evelyn, she was, like, arguing with herself or something. Talking to someone. She was telling them to leave her alone, to stop, that she was sorry. Tess – have you met Tess Jordan? The new herbology professor? Or at least seen some ridiculously gorgeous woman with dark hair, maybe with a plant in her hand or something I don’t know – she’s going to try to get into Evelyn’s mind this weekend. See if she can fix whatever jumbled mess is going on in Evelyn’s brain. Or at the very least, give us a hint about what happened to Aaron.”

Brows creased hard, she listened intently to Morgan describe her encounter with Aaron’s girlfriend. What the hell was she doing in a mental institution? This just added a whole new layer of complexity to the situation that no one needed. “Wait, did you see the person Evelyn was talking to? Do you know if she was on something?” She questioned. This hardly made any sense. “I’d hardly believe that Aaron had done something to her, but I guess there’s no way of us knowing for sure. This entire time I’ve only considered the hunters and what they could have done, but it totally makes sense to start weighing all our options. Did you speak to her parents at all? The doctors?” She asked, rubbing her temples, confused. Then nodding, she continued. “Yeah, ‘course I do. That beautiful mane walked into my classroom her first day, completely lost, it was cute. She seems really legit though, if anyone can get into her mind it’ll be her. You’re going back to New York, you mean?”

[s--daniels]

alexmcromwell :

Alex leaned back in her chair when Steph told her to breath, she followed her instructions. Taking in a deep breath through her nose, she exhaled out her mouth. “Better?” Asking Steph and she eyed the chart as Steph talked. Alex found it odd that Stephanie picked this chart out without even really looking at them. She hadn’t even attempted to do it herself, she’d just picked. “How do you know for sure? You haven’t asked me any of my info.” Questioning Stephanie curiously and she pulled both the papers towards her. “Have you did my star chart before? What makes you so sure it’s this one?” Pointing to the more recent star chart Dorothy had done with the extra star. 

Nodding, she approved. “Better. There’s no way you’ll be able to read anything off either of these charts if your mind is clouded by stress, Lex.” She advised. Then, sensing Alex’s suspicion, she pulled the charts back towards her. “I mean, if you need me to scrutinize and pour over them for a few minutes to seem legit, I can definitely do that for you. But do you really think Big Bag Altman would have hired me as the sole astrologer in this institution if I needed to do that to know?” She asked, brows creased as she questioned the younger student. “I know your birthday because Dyl always runs over to my apartment flustered and begging for flour when it’s time to bake your cake, and I’ve known you long enough to be able to go from there. With the amount of charts I’ve analyzed in my lifetime, Lex, I hope I can identify yours.” She winked, reassuring her as best she could. “I can go into depth about your planets, signs and houses if you really need me to but I’d probably just bore you. I’m not a medium, Alex. I don’t need to ask you a bunch of questions to be able to read this. It’s perfectly normal, I swear.” She laughed. “Keep in mind that D’s still learning, she needs more time than I do. And it’s okay that she forgot a star and then had to add it in, that happens. Don’t freak out and overanalyze it.”

[s--daniels]

Steph: hey, D. i need to ask you about something - come by my office?

Steph: actually, nvm. i'll swing by your room tonight.

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“The stars paired you up with a multi-talented chick,” she remarked with a smirk. “Obviously I didn’t have fun. You weren’t there. And next time I go that doesn’t include me trying to go all Columbo, I’ll invite you,” she promised. She sighed at Stephanie’s next question. “I found a mentally unstable Evelyn Stratford talking to herself in a hospital room. And also another reason to be so grateful I don’t have pureblood elitist parents.” 

“Well I mean, you know I love all those human homicide and detective shows so I’d probably make a better Columbo than you, let’s be real. I even have the sexy detective suit and everything from when I was Detective Clouseau for Halloween one year - let me tell you, it was a hit. Those New York idiots wouldn’t even know what hit ‘em.” She laughed, sitting back in her chair and crossing her arms. “Evelyn Stratford? You mean his girlfriend, the one who was sent home?” She asked; she’d heard the story briefly through Dorothy but hadn’t bothered to ask more questions. Maybe she should have by the look on Morgan’s face. “Wait, what was she saying? Do you think she might have something to do with his disappearance? Shit, I didn’t even bother asking D about her. I tried to pry information out of her but she’s so distraught, understandably so, that I didn’t question her for long. No mention of Evelyn, though.” She asked, leaning forward again, intrigued.

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“That’s me, certified bestie. Business card official and everything,” she said with a proud grin. She took the fork from Stephanie and helped herself to a bite. “Lost in the mail just like that Hogwarts letter,” she teased back. “I didn’t go there for fun, if that makes you feel better. I went there to look into something about Aaron.”

“Certified bestie, certified dildo creator - you really are a jack of all trades, M.” She joked, taking another forkful of cake. Then her face grew playfully disappointed as the Hogwarts joke was made. “I still need to send mail for Dumbledore about that - we definitely need to come to terms.” She said, head shaking and a slight eye roll. “Riiiiight, as if Morgan Drake went to the city that never sleeps and had no fun. If that’s true, you definitely should’ve invited me, friend.” She teased, giving her a knowing look. “Did you find anything important?”

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

She grinned at Stephanie’s reaction. Exactly what she was expecting when she bought the cheesecake. “Why else am I here? I didn’t get you cheesecake just because I’m a good friend,” she teased. 

Opening the box the cheesecake came in, she gasped again. “And you didn’t just get me a cheesecake, you got me a fucking strawberry cheesecake. Are you my best friend? Yeah, you’re definitely my best friend.” She swooned, reaching for two forks, sliding one over to Morgan and digging right into the cake with hers. “So New York? Thanks for the notice, dude. Oh, and that invite? Must’ve gotten lost in the mail, huh?” She teased, mouth full of cake.

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“My darling, I bring something almost as good as either of those things. I bring you…” She dramatically pulled out the box of cheesecake she hid behind her back. “Real New York cheesecake.”

Jaw dropping to the floor, she almost had to pick it up it dropped so low as her eyes widened in joy. “Stop. It.” She gasped, hopping over towards Morgan to grab it from her hands. Bringing it over to the island counter, she disappeared into her built-in cellar for a moment and pulled a fresh bottle of bourbon from one of the shelves, popping out and revealing her find with a childish grin. “We share good food and drink, yes?”

[s--daniels]

danielasrivera :

Daniela smiled. “What a greeting. Almost makes me want to take the whiskey bottle I have in my purse back to my place,” she teased with a playful smile. “I don’t have any donuts though.” 

“No. No, no, no, that bottle will be just fine here in my hands, no donuts necessary.” She sputtered, taking her words back and throwing her friend a joking smile. “I mean, not like we haven’t had fun without donuts before, yeah?” She winked. Taking the bottle from Dani’s hands, she opened it and poured them both a tumbler on ice, handing one to her co-worker. “Not that we need one, but any particular reason for the surprise whiskey visit tonight?”

[s--daniels]

alexmcromwell :

“Oh it’s nothing just homework.” Trying to play it off as best she could. Alex wasn’t sure she was ready to tell anyone about the weird thing that happened to her during the potion. It was probably all in her head anyways. “It’s nothing.” Okay that was partly a lie. Looking over at Steph cautiously and she reached in pulling out the star chart Dorothy had done ages ago. She knew Dylan had said she’d look into it, but life had been busy. Plus who better to ask than the Queen of the Stars herself. “Actually….” Pulling out the book as she trailed off and she put the chart on the table, she pulled out the other chart Dorothy had done as well. “I don’t understand this. A few months ago I kept trying to make star charts, but I haven’t learned this language well enough. Dorothy made both of these for me. See this one has an extra star.” Ponting to the newest star chart Dorothy had done. “I hadn’t though about this in a while honestly just– I need to know which one of these is right. Can you help me?”

Alex couldn’t lie to her; in fact, it was rare that anyone could lie to Steph, considering she had an insanely accurate intuition. So she was glad that the younger Cromwell sister conceded without her having to prod any further. Pulling the chart closer to her, she examined it with creased brows; she’d seen it before. This was the chart Dylan had brought to her a month back. Why had it made its way to Alex’s hands? Surely they knew it would only make her worry more. Nodding at the extra star on Dorothy’s chart, she wondered if she should divulge the information she knew about how it had been added there. But then, picturing Dylan pleading to her not to tell her sister before they knew exactly what the chart meant, she decided not to. “Okay, Lex. First of all I need you to take a moment to breathe because we won’t get anywhere if you’re panting like you’ve just run a double triathlon and I can’t understand a thing you’re saying.” She said with a comforting smile. “And second, I don’t see anything you need to be worried about.” Pointing to the chart with the extra star, she continued. “It’s this one.”

[s--daniels]

“Let’s cut the crap, dude. If you didn’t come here to bring me either a donut, a glass of whiskey or both, why are you here on a Monday night?”

[packerlands]

[s--daniels]

go best friend, that’s my best friend. @morgan-drake

[s--daniels]

alexmcromwell :

“I’m sorry did you say something? I completely missed it all.” Closing the book in front of her. Pulling the book closer to her as she moved it off the table and it disappeared into her bag. She wasn’t ashamed of the book just right now she didn’t feel like getting into another explanation about the stars and how they could potentially effect her. “Anyways how are you?” Trying to make sure the subject stayed on something else.

“Yeah lil’ Crom, you missed me asking why you so urgently put that book away.” She warned with curious eyes. “I’m fine, but I’m also of the opinion that your book is probably much more interesting than my mood right now. I know stars when I see them, dude. Spill.”

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“The Star Queen herself has spoken. The stars must obey.” She returned the hug gladly. “There are plenty of others who were able to, I had no excuse not to. More than your good looks? But you’re a woman, my man Trump says that’s all you’re good for,” she teased. She was relieved to hear the deep conversation was over for the moment. She much rather preferred joking around than being so serious and depressing. “Donut tell me this moment’s over already,” she joked before clearing her throat. “Donuts. Right.”

“Let’s not bring Trump into this. Back to donuts.” She laughed with an exaggerated eye roll, then laughed harder at Morgan’s horrible joke. “Okay, let’s go before this gets any worse. I’m driving. Come on.” She said, standing up and hopping around excitedly as students stared; not that they weren’t used to it with her. Grabbing her friend’s hand, she picked up her computer and lead her out of the DH.

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

Morgan smiled at her softly. She couldn’t even begin to describe how much Stephanie’s words resonated with her. She hoped with all her heart they’d know each other until they were old enough to be in a Golden Girls reboot. “Thank your stars for me too. With you and everyone else in my life around, I couldn’t go to a dark place even if I wanted to. I love you, butthead.” 

“They accept the thanks and have agreed to work in your favor forever and ever from here on out - I demand it.” She said, with a curt nod followed by a wink. Lips turning up into a reassuring smile -she was glad to finally have cracked a small one from her friend- she pulled her into a hug. “I’m really sorry you had to endure all that, M. You’re strong enough for the both of us and gosh, am I glad for it. But lean on me when you need - I’m worth more than my jaw-dropping looks, y’know.” She laughed. “Enough deep chatting for the hour, yeah?” She teased; she could go on all day, but she knew Morgan probably needed a break. “Donuts?” She asked, pulling away and waiting a beat before answering her own question. “Donuts.” She confirmed, eyes wide and mouth gaping into a grin.

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

“Dorothy will mangle the rest of him. Dream team.” She nodded slowly, thankful for the gesture. She didn’t doubt Stephanie would do that. There had been times she considered getting her memory wiped, but she knew if she did that, she wouldn’t have the same motivation she had now to do something against the hunters. “Sometimes it’s just luck,” she told her. Not everyone at Ashland, including her, was a master at combat after all. She ran her fingers through her hair at Stephanie’s last question. “I lost a few friends but there was one I was really close with. Her name was Natalia. We went to high school together. I didn’t see her die, though. Heard about it after the fact. Somehow that’s better.”

Steph wondered if she should suggest Morgan get her memory wiped; she knew Tess could probably do it and that it had provided relief to many people she knew after traumatic events. But she held back, understanding that much like herself, the pain only fuelled Morgan’s work and motivated her to find the weapon sooner. Listening to her talk about her late friend, one side of her mouth went up in a sympathetic frown. She just couldn’t imagine it. “Gotta just pull at whatever sliver of silver linings you can get sometimes, I guess.” She said, agreeing that it was somehow better that she hadn’t actually witnessed her friend’s death. “Doesn’t make it easier or lighten your grief though, huh?” She asked, more rhetorical than anything. “Either way, she was damn lucky to have you, dude. For as long as she did. And I can confirm that because I’ve only had you for a year and I’m keeping you as close as I can for the rest of ever.” She continued. “If it’s worth anything, I’m honored and so grateful that the stars plunked you here with me, no matter the reason.”

[s--daniels]

morgan-drake :

Morgan chuckled at the doughnut suggestion. “That, or he’s having some serious girl issues and is in hiding. Can’t wait to kick his butt when he comes back for making me worried.” She tapped lightly on the keyboard, lips forming a thin line while Stephanie gently prodded her to talk. She knew Stephanie wanted to help, and she appreciated it. She wasn’t sure how talking about it now would be beneficial, but maybe it was time to give it a try. “There’s not really…” She cleared her throat. “There’s not really much to say, besides seeing my students, and my friends, and even people I didn’t know too well but whose faces I still knew all the same just, get shot down like animals in front of me. Almost died myself. But it’s not really about that right now. I mean, it is, in the bigger picture, with what Marcus and me have been working on but right now, this second with Aaron… there’s just this fear I’m going to lose another one. It’s a fear I have every day, like RIAP’s going to get attacked one day and it’s going to happen all over again. Losing people left and right. I wish I could unfeel it. I loved those kids. I love these kids. And all the friends I have here.”

“Yeah, tell me about it. You kick his ass for leaving, I cut off his balls for making Dorothy, and by extension me, worried.” As somber as the mood of the conversation was, she was glad Morgan was always up for going along with her horrible attempts to catalyze a smile. Biting the inside of her lip as she listened intently, her brows creased in concentration. The fear of an attack, of losing anyone in this big family they’d created, was one they all deeply shared. But for Morgan, Steph knew, it was even deeper. “I wish I could unfeel it, unsee it for you, M. Seriously.” She replied. Even the slight thought of losing Morgan or Marcus, among everyone else, to a hunter attack made a boulder lodge into her throat and she willed it down, focusing her attention on her friend. “I don’t know how I’d survive it.” She continued. “Did you lose any close friends that day? I know it’s probably a stupid question since you were probably close with most of them but.. anyone in particular?”