Class

'I guess rolling my eyes when someone tells me what to do is a good reaction, Cass might want me to whine or something, but I really don't want to. I hope I don't have to scream, it sounded like Cass wanted me to scream occasionally though… Oh good god, I really hope I don't run into any strict teachers. Or that dude who was giving me a hard time yesterday…'

Annabelle rounded the corner to her next class.

'Am I supposed to be whiny if the teacher tells me to do something? If I remember correctly as long as an Ayeri doesn't mind doing something they don't care if someone tells them to do it, but if they don't want to do it, they won't, and they'll even start causing a scene if the other person pushes them to do what they don't want to do…'

'So, all I have to do is make sure it seems like I want to do what they are asking me to do and it should be fine.'

She shrugged. Looking around the classroom she realized that a few students were already in their seats. Thankfully she didn't see the jerk from yesterday, but she did see the girl who spoke with her during orientation.

"Hey."

"Oh, hey, Annabelle, right?" The girl asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, but what was your name?" Annabelle held out her hand.

"I'm Tara, it's nice to meet you Annabelle. How did yesterday go? I'm sure people weren't exactly friendly. Sorry I know we just met but seeing as we're both Ayeri I thought we could be friends."

'Ohhhh shit…'

"That sounds great. I'm getting tired of people thinking I'm an easy target."

"Because you don't have any energy? Sorry, it's just hard not to notice the lack of energy within your core."

"Nah, it's okay, I lost the ability to use my core a few years ago. Yesterday was okay, there was only one group that bothered me, and the homeroom teacher stopped them. What about you?"

"I can use my powers, so most people don't bother me. Though there was one time right after orientation that some guy thought it would be funny to comment on how Ayeri are the worst because of how temperamental they are. Let's just say he found out exactly how temperamental we can be."

"Hello class, I'm Professor Naet. You can call me Professor, Professor Naet, or Dr. Naet. I'm technically part of the research department, but the professor who usually teaches this class put in her notice and left before we could find a replacement. While I may not be great at the topic of Diplomacy, I at least know enough to teach the introductory Diplomacy 101 until a replacement can be found."

"I'll just be going over rules and then we'll jump right into the first lesson. My assistant will be handing out the syllabus, be sure to read it after class, it holds due dates, expectations, readings and study guides."

His assistant started walking around the room, handing people three-inch sheets of paper.

Just as she was finishing the jerk from yesterday came running into the room. Disturbing Professor Naet and causing a few people to jump in their seats.

"I'm sorry sir, the teacher in my last class wouldn't let us leave."

"B*llsh*t. You weren't in homeroom, what the f**k do you think you're doing lying to a professor. I bet you slept in like the pig you are." Annabelle spoke without thinking.

'Ohmygod what did I just do?' She was horrified.

'Cass would be proud, but I can't believe I have that little control over my impulses…'

"You b**ch who the hell do you think you are?"

"Well obviously I'm a b**ch. Pig. Hey Tara?"

"Yeah?"

"I think I've decided on his new nickname."

She paused until Tara rolled her eyes and asked. "And what is it?"

"Pig, obviously."

"You're so stupid." Tara plopped her face in her hands. Ignoring the look Annabelle shot her afterwards.

"Well, it's supposed to be stupid funny."

"Alright, sure, sure."

"Class!" Naet yelled at the whole room, getting their attention. "First rule, either be on time, or don't come. I don't care if your first class ran late, your alarm didn't go off, there was an accident, etc. I really just don't care. What I do care about is how it distracts the entire class. Mr.?"

He looked at the boy who had come in late.

"Kevin Avis sir."

"Well Mr. Avis, since you are here go take a seat, and after today's classes please find Rou, I'll be talking to him about your tardy, and your lie. Also, please address me as Professor or Dr. Naet."

"Annabelle, correct?" He looked in her direction. "Thank you for telling me about him not being in home room, but please keep in mind that insults are not tolerated in ARD, because it leads to a non-conducive work environment."

"Sure." She crossed her legs on the desk and looked at Naet without flinching.

"Alright, now to begin, in Diplomacy 101 we will be going over the basic structure of the diplomacy program, what types of diplomacy you can go into, and what you should be doing in order to graduate."

"The concentrations in the program are Diplomacy and Critical Theory: which will help you get your foot in the door for a job in which you can eventually make decisions in the diplomacy field. Diplomacy and Galactic Relations allows you to become a diplomat for other planets, this is where you negotiate though if things were to become tense you would need someone from the Peacebuilding branch. The Peacebuilding branch which you to focus on mediation. Okay, let's get into detail on those three before you have to leave for your next class."

Half an hour later Annabelle was getting ready to leave the classroom when Dr. Naet motioned for her to stay behind.