Destinies: University
by Karen Jephson


Laughter filled the air as the young people ran across the quadrant, trying to make it on time to their next class, or meeting up with friends and lovers. Hope and joy lifted the spirits of the college as the bright young things of the next generation followed the paths to their chosen destinies. The sun seemed brighter, the sky bluer, even the birdsong somehow seemed imbued with an extra thrill that summer.

Those feelings did not carry through to the sombre office some feet above the grounds. Thick drapes seemed to pull at their ties, eager to prevent any of the sun's rays invading this hallowed place and causing damage to the furnishings and decorations of generations. Panelled walls combined with the thick carpet to deaden any internal noises, adding to the feeling of reverence. A large, oak desk appeared to fill the room, drawing the eyes of any visitors to it. A large, worn leather chair fulfilled the role of throne to the Master of this den of greatness, a few, less comfortable chairs dotted around the room. On one of these sat the supplicant of the Master, his head bent toward his superior as they planned the downfall of so many.

"..barely passed the last exam and has missed several lectures this term."

"Yes. So hard to know with these scholarship children if they have the mettle. Oh well. Call her in for a review. Put her on final notice."

The smaller man scribbled notes on the piece of paper before him, an air of satisfaction in his movements. He and his Master worked hard to make sure only the right kind passed through the hallowed arches of their college, but the deans would insist on allowing scholarships. At least they were able to weed out the less capable. "I'll inform the Dean; I believe she's one of his favourites." The two shared a small smile, anticipating the frustration of the Dean in losing one of his 'special' students.

"Now," the Master shuffled some papers, "our Mister Giles."

"Yes." The assistant took on a more sombre look. This was one they wanted to do well, but who refused to listen to his betters. "No change, I'm afraid. In fact, I believe his behaviour is becoming worse. I believe he did not study at all for the last exam."

A look of anxiety crossed the normally implacable features of the Master. "He didn't."

"No, no." The assistant reassured the other man quickly. "Fortunately, he is intelligent enough to pass without study, but his marks are not very high."

The Master nodded. "And his other studies? How do they go?"

The assistant shook his head. "Unfortunately, his attention in that area is even worse. His instructors inform me that he has missed several lessons, choosing instead to meet his friends for a drink at the local Public House." The Master tutted. "I'm afraid it seems young Mister Giles does not embrace his calling." The assistant paused as the Master steepled his fingers and rested his chin against them. The next matter was delicate indeed. "And then there is the matter of his mother."

The Master looked up, startled. "He's had word?"

"His father has written several letters. It appears she has become worse, and may need an operation. Fortunately, we have been able to intercept the letters before they reached their destination."

The Master nodded his head. "Good. Good. I think it best that our young friend receive no more distractions for the time being. He can be told of his mother's condition after midterms. Ask him to come and see me. I believe it's time I reminded him of his responsibilities."

The assistant nodded, making notes on the file he'd placed in front of him. He paused. "His father.I'm afraid Roderick may decide to visit Oxford personally, to see why there has been no response."

"Yes, he always was impetuous." The Master leaned forward, flicking through some papers. "Tell him.tell him that his son is aware of where his duty lies, and that some things must take priority. I'm sure he'll understand." A slight smile crossed the Master's lips.

The assistant allowed himself a fuller grin. "Excellent idea, Master. Now, about young Mister."



Rupert Giles paused at his paperwork, stretching his upper torso. The written notes and strewn books bore testimony to the amount of study he'd completed that afternoon. He looked out of his window wistfully, watching the light clouds make their leisurely way across the sky. He sighed, wishing not for the first time he had somebody to share his room with. He understood the need for discretion, and he knew some of the other residents were jealous of him. But still, it would have been nice to have somebody to talk to.

A scratching at his door roused him from his day dreaming. Jumping up, he bade his visitor to enter. The sight of the assistant dampened some of his mood, an apparent chill following the little man into the room. "Ah, Rupert. Still at it I see? Good. Good. I've just come from the bursar's. The results of the midterm are in."

Rupert's eyebrow lifted in mock surprise. "I thought they wouldn't be posted until Monday?"

"Yes, well. Position has some privileges, what?" The assistant winked, as if expecting Rupert to share in his feeling of power. "Under the circumstances, we thought it best to monitor how things are. Congratulations. Much better."

"What? I received two distinctions rather than one?"

"Three, actually," the assistant beamed, not appearing to have noticed the sarcasm in the younger man's voice. "And we've had positive reports on your, er," his voice lowered, as if afraid somebody might be listening in, "additional studies. Very favourable indeed." He paused, waiting for an appropriate response. None was forthcoming. "Right. As reward of your hard work, the Master has decided to allow you to return home for a short visit. Only a few days, mind."

Rupert's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes. Your mother's recuperating from her operation, and."

"What?!"

"Oh, that's right." The older man chuckled, a nervous edge in his voice at the look on Rupert's face. "I-it was decided that news of your mother's illness might distract you from your studies. We needed to ensure you got past the midterms, what?"

"My father."

"Understood the need to set correct priorities." The assistant stepped back, the younger man's anger a palpable thing in the small room. "A-and it all worked out well in the end. You've exceeded our expectations, and your mother survived her operation. I'm sure she'll enjoy a visit from you now." He nodded, then turned, suddenly eager to escape the room. As he shut the door, he didn't hear the snapping of lead as a pencil was broken in half.



The Master looked up as the assistant entered the room. He was still concentrating on the paperwork before him, so did not note the slightly agitated look and walk of the other man. "Ah, there you are. I've just been setting out a study plan for Mister Giles. After his excellent results, I think it time we increase his workload."

"Master," at the breathless panic in the other man's voice, he looked up. "He's gone."

The Master's brow creased in confusion. "Gone? Who?"

"Rupert Giles. He-he's left."

"Ah. You mean he's decided to accept our offer to visit his parents."

"N-no sir. I mean, he's left the university. Cleared out. H-he told his friends he won't be back. Said something about 'not sacrificing everything for some spoilt brat he doesn't even know'. I-I fear he was very angry about our deception, Master."

"Oh dear." The Master sighed. "And there I thought he might have made a semi-decent watcher. Send out the alarm. I'm afraid he must be brought back, even if he has blighted his career. Such disobedience cannot be tolerated."

"Yes, Master." The assistant bobbed his head in agreement. "I'm sure we'll have him back by the end of the week, if not before nightfall." Neither man realised that it would be months before they saw Rupert Giles again.




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