2. OLD AND NEW ACQUAINTANCES

2nd semester at Foxbury starts. Someone has just moved into Bastian’s dorm.

Bas: Rom? Is that really you?

Rom: Hey man! I got accepted into Biology—can you believe it? A distinguished degree!

Bas: That’s awesome! You were always interested in veterinary —I'm so happy it worked out.

Bas: I’m about to start lectures, but I’d love to show you around later. What do you think?

Rom: I’d love that. I don’t have classes until tomorrow, so I’ve got plenty of time today.

Bas: I have a feeling this is going to be a great semester! Friends together again, almost like the good old days!

Rom feels the same, but for slightly different reasons… I wonder if someone’s going to end up with a broken heart here.

While Bas spent time running between lectures and doing homework during breaks, Rom got ahead and prepared his class presentation.

Bas: And this is Foxbury’s library. It doesn’t look big from the outside, but it’s really well-stocked.

Rom: You’re actually showing me the library? Bas… come on.

Bas: Just wait, I need to check something quickly.

Girl: Is that Sebastian Drozd? Cristian, go talk to him. We need to recruit him.

Cristian: You’re Sebastian, right? A perfect 4.0 GPA last semester?

Bas: Yeah… Do we know each other?

Cristian: No! Sorry, I’m Cristian Valdez. As a member of The Brainiacs, I’d officially like to invite you to join our club.

Bas: The Brainiacs? Really? Could my friend Rom sign up too?

Cristian: We only accept at least second‑semester students with minimum a 3.9 GPA. Does your friend meet those requirements?

Bas: Well… not exactly. He’s just a first‑year.

Cristian: I’m sorry. Rules are rules.

Bas: Could I have some time to think about it?

Cristian: Sure! We meet every day at 3 p.m. here in the library. You also have my number if you have any questions.

Cristian: But you know, it’s really worth it! We’ve got a lot of perks, like experienced members earning extra points in all courses. And we’re an elite group—everyone wants to join us.

Bas: Thanks, I’ll think about it.

Cristian: See you soon!

Bas: I don’t know… I don’t know anyone there. I’d prefer if we joined together.

Rom: Man, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry. And I don’t know if I’d be a good fit for the Brainiacs club. Plus, I’ll have tons of coursework in my first year, so extra activities are out for now.

Bas: Exactly. And I wanted to join the Bot Savants. If the Brainiacs meets daily, I’m not sure I’ll have the time.

Rom: You need to think it through. Can you manage it? And most importantly, do you really want it? Don’t force yourself.

Bas: But you know, they are the Brainiacs after all. I’ve heard about them—they really are elite. Membership opens a lot of doors, and you can’t just join—you need an invitation. The invitation itself is an honor. I’m not sure I can pass that up.

Rom: You’ve got time to decide. Besides, you always handle things—this will be no different. And now, Bas, please. Take me to a bar or somewhere students hang out to blow off some steam. We’ve both been sitting in the library long enough.

Pepper's Pub

Rom: You’ve really never been here? This place looks awesome.

Bas: Somehow there was never an opportunity… Listen, I just need to quickly hit the bathroom.

Rom: No problem—I’ll wait at the bar.

Later.

Bas: I’m back. Link? What are you doing here? I thought there was a dorm party tonight.

Link: Oh, it’s you. Change of plans. But the real question is what YOU’re doing here—I’ve never seen you… anywhere other than campus.

Atlas: Well, well, well, what do my eyes see. Sebastian Drozd.

Bas: Atlas Michaelson.

Atlas: Long time no see. I didn’t know you were at Foxbury too. And what about Laura… do you stay in touch with her? You guys were friends in high school, right?

Bas: Yeah, in high school, yes. But lately, we’ve lost touch. College and all…

Atlas: Yeah, sometimes that happens. That’s too bad—she was really special. So how have you been? First year?

Link: Come on, Atlas, this is my roommate—told you about him.

Atlas: You didn’t mention his name! I would remember we knew each other from high school.

Bas: Actually, I’m here with a friend, so sorry— we’re heading out now.

Atlas: Oh, come on, stay! The more the merrier. Hi, I’m Atlas.

Rom: Nice to meet you. I’m Romuald—Rom for friends.

Atlas: And this is Irving, and I think you already know Link. We’re all in the Bot Savants—well, me and Irv are, since Link left a while ago.

Atlas: He wanted to become a soccer star. But here we are—sticking together since then.

Link: Geez, Atlas, you always have to share everything with everyone.

Atlas: I’m not saying anything bad.

Bas: I think we really should—

Atlas: Oh wait a moment!

Atlas: Would you like to join the Bot Savants? We’re missing fresh perspective and new ideas. I remember your science fair project—I liked it. You’d be a great fit.

Bas: Uh… thanks, I’ll think about it.

Bas: And now we really have to go.

Atlas: But you just got here—we haven’t even had a drink together yet.

Link: Don’t stop them, Atlas—they’re scouts. Probably haven’t even done their homework—let ’em go. And let’s change locations—this place is dull tonight. I’m bored.

Atlas: Link’s bored, what can we do. Okay, let’s go too. It’d be great if you joined us. We meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the Larry's Lagoon. See you, Sebastian.

Bas: Good they left—at least we can stay here. And one thing is clear: under no circumstances will I be in the same club as Laura’s ex.

Rom: So, the Brainiacs then?

Bas: Looks like it.

Rom: Are you sure? I thought you cared more about that robotics club.

Bas: I kind of did, but I can do robotics without a club—and seriously, I don’t want to spend time with Atlas. Besides, as I said, Brainiacs membership is a real honor.

Bas: And now watch and cry.

Rom: Have you played this before?

Bas: No, but it’s pure physics. I just need to calculate the trajectory correctly and… oops.

Rom: Yeah, that was really great! Haha! Now you watch and learn. Don't worry, by the end of college I’ll turn you into a bowling champion.

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