The Professor and the Knowledge Thief
Arlette Aldridge was twenty-four, forever curious, and willing to make wild and impulsive decisions to sate said curiosity. Such as today, where she was sneaking into a Columbia University class lecture because she heard the topic would be mutant genetics. Neither enrolled in the class nor the school the consequences for being caught would be high but she was willing to make the risk. It held the chance to answer questions about herself that had plagued her since she developed her powers; what exactly did it mean to be a mutant and how did it happen? Other sources that tried to answer the question had called mutants, and by default her, everything from demons to mistakes caused by evolution. Hopefully, Professor Xavier's lecture could give her the answers she craved and more.
Dressed like a college student and carrying a backpack Arlette strolled on to the campus as if she belonged there and headed toward the science building. Nina Markov, the granddaughter of employer attended, the school knew of her interest in mutant genetics (but not why) had suggested the harebrained scheme. So far no one said anything to her and she had even received a few waves as if someone recognized her from class. Even getting into the science building was as simple as queuing up with a group and following them in.
Finding the large lecture room with relative ease Arlette picked a seat toward the back with enough to people to camouflage her but close enough to a door in case she had to dash. Pulling out her notebook she briefed over her crib notes-proved by the lovely Nina-to make certain she could answer basic questions ask of her. From there she readied herself to learn.
I hope I get my questions answered with this lecture she thought. Better yet I hope I'll learn something that will help me control my mutations beyond what I have now. It sucks not being able to stop cuts from healing up if there's people around me or if I didn't get the chance to clean them properly. I also want to know how my hypnosis works beyond what I've assumed about it. I want real control of it.
