Email to Haller

[xp_daytripper]

To: d.haller@xaviers.ny.edu
From:A. Sefton@svmcma.org



Dear Mr. Haller,

Probably a bit formal, but we've never really been properly introduced and all...

Any way, I wanted to ask a couple of things about this idea of yours. Mainly because while I've got a few languages, Sooraya's aren't any of them, and with the whole bus trips into New York and all, it's probably best I have a back up for the security issues and all. But... well, there's always buts, isn't there?

First one is, what kind of range do you have on this? Since I'd be willing to do this if you've got the range to reach New York. I know the Prof could do it but... well, if you look at my files for last year, you'd know I left the school under a bit of a cloud and there's still some sore spots. The Professor's role in all that being one of them.

Second comes out of the first. I know you've said this wouldn't involve deeper contact and I respect that. I've got... bad history with links, mainly empathic, but yeah, it's a bit of a mess in there and I'd rather warn anyone going in. There's some damage, result of a ripped-out link and powers overload and understandably I'm a bit twitchy about telepathic contact. Is there a chance I could maybe talk to you, reassure us both that things would be all right?

Sincerely,

Amanda.

Comments

[x-legion.livejournal.com]

To: [Sefton, Amanda]
From: [Haller, David]


Hello, Amanda. Thank you for taking the time to write.

I appreciate your concerns, and frankly I don't think I'd like to be in your head without meeting you first, either. Generally I don't engage in telepathic contact cold unless it's for something unavoidable like theraputic reasons. Telepathy with strangers is like . . . I don't know, spending the night in a stranger's apartment. Or letting a stranger stay in yours. Not necessarily bad, but a little uncomfortable.

My range is pretty restricted, unfortunately -- maybe one or two miles -- so to facilitate on one of the weekend trips I'd have to physically be in the city. Fortunately my schedule is pretty clear right now. The constant adult presence might be a little awkward, but there are plenty of cafes and things I could sit in. Multi-mind contact like I proposed isn't terribly difficult for me. I can do some sketching, drink some coffee, smoke without being an overtly bad influence, whatever. I'm pretty good at keeping myself occupied and out of the way.

I do have experience working around psychic damage, but if you're not comfortable you're not comfortable. Given some of my own experience I definitely don't fault you for having reservations. If you'd prefer meeting in the city that can be arranged; just let me know when and where is convenient for you. We can get lunch, talk it over, and then see how you feel about it.


By the way, since I haven't said it before: thank you for doing the weekend trips with the kids. I think they really enjoy the opportunity to get out of the school and see New York once in a while. (Also the fact no one's been kidnapped or anything speaks well of you, although watch that jinx it . . .)

[xp_daytripper]

To: [haller, david]
From: [sefton, amanda]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner - spent the day hauling kids around in a mini-bus. *grins*

Lunch would be great - sometime this week perhaps? Call the office at let me know when you're good with it, since my schedule's pretty flexible. We can hash out the issues and see if it's feasible. I know for one I'd feel better knowing all the kids had the full knowledge of what they need to do security-wise, and whilst I'm getting Doug to teach me some basic Dari and it's close to Arabic, there's only so much time in the day and brain in the skull.

And thanks for the thanks. I remember what it was like to be at the school without a licence, needing other people to take me places, and it got pretty claustrophobic sometimes. Having the option to get away meant that little bit more sanity. It's good to know the effort's appreciated, although seeing the kids enjoying themselves? Is the biggest thanks I could get.

As for the security... I went through everything with Forge and Lee, and we tried to cover all the bases. Doesn't mean it's 100%, but the only way to ensure that is to lock everyone up on the grounds and that's not really an option. Besides, working with spies means I've got some pretty nasty bastards to come down on anyone who does try anything. *wry*

Amanda.

[x-legion.livejournal.com]

To: [Sefton, Amanda]
From: [Haller, David]

I'll check my schedule and give the office a call. I don't have much lately, but I do have the occasional appointment that takes me out that way.

The language barrier is a problem. There's a fine line between encouraging the learning process and outright alienation, and when policy and safety are involved that can be . . . problematic. This solution may or may not be workable -- we'll see how it goes.

And no thanks for the thanks necessary. Giving the kids the opportunity to go outside school walls is definitely deserving of it. I've had similar experiences, and I appreciated every bit of contact with the outside world I could get. It keeps you connected, and that's important when you're living in what's basically a microcosm. It can be far, far too easy to lose touch with reality.

As for the security issues, well . . . at some point you need to choose between being "safe" and having a life, and I think most of the staff appreciates that. It's a risk, but that describes just about everything.

But I think I can safely say that if the worst happens it's not just your bosses that are going to be dealing with it.