3. THE BRAINIACS

July 17, 2025

Foxbury Library

Cristian: So you did show up after all!

Bas: I think your organization has a lot to offer, and I’d be honored to join The Brainiacs.

Cristian: That’s great! We’re not a big group — besides me, there’s Michelle, Martin, Judith, and Anna. Anna isn’t here today, she’s in her final year and had some things to take care of at the registrar’s office. Judith and Martin are on their way now. Got any questions?

Bas: Actually, I’d like to ask about responsibilities and benefits.

Judith: I can answer that. I’m Judith, by the way. So, responsibilities include daily group study sessions and helping each other out. Also assisting professors during office hours. Plus, we share knowledge with the archive machine.

Judith: Oh, and of course, we also do charity work — we give tutoring sessions for a symbolic fee.

Bas: Tutoring? For who?

Judith: Anyone who needs it.

Bas: Random Sims?

Cristian: It's an important part of what we do. Is that a problem?

Bas: Uh... no... I just didn’t expect that.

Judith: Don’t worry, it’s really not that bad. During the sessions, you only tutor one Sim at a time, so it’s easier than teaching a whole group. All the earnings go to support the Institute, and it looks great on your résumé. You’ll do fine.

Bas wasn’t so sure. Even during this introductory meeting, he already felt pretty awkward at times. And now he found out he’d have to teach strangers on a regular basis. Time would tell if joining The Brainiacs was really the right choice.

In the meantime, his days were packed with responsibilities. Not just studying and Brainiacs activities, but also representing Foxbury on the E-sports team. He gave it his all, but exhaustion often won out. No wonder, considering his days often ended well past midnight.

Still, he didn’t want to give anything up. He wanted to prove to himself — and to others — that he could handle it all. Bas was definitely an ambitious Sim.

Judith: I think Bas's paper term should focus on topics he's experienced firsthand. The subject “Does the sudden jump between speed modes violate Einstein's theory of relativity?” is perfect. It explores the theory of time at an atomic level, and it can also tie into space sciences.

Michelle: But “Interdimensional portal teleportation and the law of conservation of energy” would be a much cooler topic.

Bas: I think Judith’s right. I’ve never used a portal, but I use the speed-up mode all the time.

Judith: Alright, then that topic is settled. What’s next for today?

Judith: You adjusted to our group really quickly. You’re dedicated and responsible. You earned full Brainiacs membership status. From today, you’ll get bonus points in all your classes.

Bas: Wow, thanks! That’ll definitely come in handy!

Judith: And I wanted to ask you something…

Bas: Yeah?

Judith: The Foxbury game is the day after tomorrow, and after that, we’re all going out for drinks at Pepper’s Pub to celebrate the end of exams. But before the game, there’s a pre-party on the Commons. Would you want to go there with me?

Bas: Oh, Judith… You’re an amazing girl, really. And I like you a lot. Just… only as a friend. Plus, we’re both in the same organization. I don’t think it would be a good idea. Things could get complicated. I’m sorry.

Judith: Oh, sure. No worries. Forget I said anything.

Bas: Are we really okay?

Judith: Yeah, really. Don’t worry. I had to try — didn’t work out, that’s all. So, see you tomorrow? Take care, Bas.

On Thursday, Bas finally found time to have lunch with his friend.

Bas: Why the long face?

Rom: Ugh, I don’t know. I’m constantly busy. You are too. We haven’t even had time for one stupid drink. I thought uni was supposed to be a non-stop party!

Bas: Welcome to real college life.

Bas: But hey, I’ve got an idea. I heard there’s a party tomorrow before the game. We could go there, and then catch the game after? And then we’ve got the whole weekend ahead! What do you say?

Rom: But you promise we’re not going to the library or doing any studying?

Bas: Haha, promise! Just a regular student party!

Rom: Alright then, I’m holding you to that.

Bas still had one more thing to do today. Surprisingly, despite his initial awkwardness, he found a strange satisfaction in tutoring.

Student: This is stupid.

Bas: That’s quantum physics.

Student: Ugh… why am I even trying?! I’ll never understand any of this.

Bas: No one really understands quantum physics — it describes a world where the rules we know and accept just don’t apply. It’s like EA game testing. Everyone knows games should be tested. EA knows it too. But they still don’t do it. So we get black photos and void Sims. And in space, we get black holes.