InsaneJournal

Who: Alex Rogan and Samantha Carter
When: After Alex returns
Where: UC Irvine Campus
What: A guided tour
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete



Sam had been asked to show the new Professor around the campus so she was waiting by the main reception for him to arrive. It had been a last minute request so she wasn’t even sure what subject he would be teaching but she would no doubt find out soon enough.

She was looking forward to it actually, it was always nice to meet new colleagues and with any luck he might even be part of the science school so they’d have something in common.

Alex arrived early, bouncy in his eagerness, and grinning. This was fantastic! He stretched and smiled as he shouldered his bag and then looked around for the professor who was going to be showing him around. When he spotted a likely candidate, he approached her. “Pardon me, miss. Are you Professor Carter?” He stuck out his hand. “Alex Rogan, at your service.”

Sam smiled, “That’s me, please call me Sam” she said as she shook his hand, “It’s nice to meet you. Sorry this is all a bit last minute, I think the Professor who was supposed to show you around is off sick today so you’re stuck with me”

“Of course, Sam. Thank you, please call me Alex.” He smiled to her, eyes warm. “Not at all. Most of the best things around are last minute and make-shift.” He chuckled. “At least as an inventor I tell myself that.”

He nodded to her again. “I’m quite glad of it. Not that they are sick, mind you, but that I am with you. You’re Astrophysics, yeah? I’ve developed quite an interest in stars and stellar sciences.”

“An inventor? How brilliant” Sam commented sincerely, she always thought people who came up with new ideas needed more recognition.

“Thank you. Yep, that’s me. I take some of the degree Physics classes too but astrophysics is where my interest lays. You’re in the science department too, right? Sorry, I didn’t really get much of a chance to register anything this morning except ‘please greet the new professor and give him a tour’”

Alex blushed bright red. “Not brilliant so much as just innovative, I think?” He nodded. And he nodded again at her question. “Yes. I teach scientific engineering, space sciences like those developed for the space shuttle, and Quantum Physics, as well as a Basic Physics class or two in trade.” He shrugged. Why not? It would be fun!

"Brilliantly innovative?” she suggested with a smile. He was sweet, she thought, a nice addition to the faculty. “Oh well then I think we’re going to get along very well”

He stuck out his tongue at her;. “Now you’re just being silly.” He grinned at her again. “Thank you. For the welcome, and for being you.” Alex nodded. “I want to learn everything I can here.”

Sam laughed, yep they were definitely going to get along fine. "Oh you're welcome. You'll be learning for a while, I am too. I think we always will. Nobody can know it all to start with after all"

“Thanks.” He grinned and nodded. “I like learning, a lot.” He smiled with excitement, mind revving with new ideas and plans. “How long have you been working here?”

“I started here August last year” she told him, “Before that I was researching. I really enjoy it though. This level is nice because you know they have chosen to be in the class and are interested in the subject. How about yourself?”

“Exactly! I can’t wait! I want to teach and just give out what I have to give. I want to make it a good experience for them,” He hesitated and blushed, then admitted quietly. “This will be my first time teaching. I’ve been working at a science project in Europe for a few months, and I found out that sometimes getting your dreams is not as important as getting the person you love.”

“I’m sure you will. You definitely have the enthusiasm” Sam told him, “Ah I see. Left your heart back here while you were away huh? I hope things are going well?” She thought it must be by how happy he was but she had to admit she was curious.

“Yeah. And now they are very good. I came back across the world, and she opened her arms and it was like I had never been away.” He felt tears pinprick his eyes, He was a lucky man, he knew, and he was glad of it.

Sam smiled, “That’s wonderful” she said, “A happy ending, or beginning really would be better to say”

“Definitely a new beginning.” Alex was hoping it would go fantastically.”Maybe for the rest of my life.” He smiled at that idea. Then he sobered. “What is your favorite part of teaching?”

Sam thought it was very sweet the way he was so obviously head over heels in love. “Honestly, I kind of love all of it - but I actually really like marking the assignments. It might sound strange but I think it gives us an insight into how each student thinks. And every now and then you come across one who reminds you of yourself” she smiled.

“Makes sense. I look forward to learning all sorts of things. I just want to find new ways to give to this world, and to enjoy my time here, with students, and with friends, and with Portia.” He nodded. Alex had had enough of being sad. Time to be happy.

"Well you definitely have the right attitude, I have no doubt you'll be great. Most popular professor in no time" she nodded, he was sweet and somewhat eccentric, the students would love him.

Alex stuck out his tongue at her./ “With your warmth and smarts, I bet you already are that.” He nodded. “Now… what’s your favorite story from teaching?” He was eager to learn.