Cryptozoology 101

The lecture theatre for Cryptozoology 101 is one of the older, battered ones that was abandoned by the science department when they moved to their new facilities. Years of graffiti is scored into each of the wooden side-tables that students are supposed to take notes on. There's only a smattering of people in here; most people take the class for easy credit and ditch as fast as they can.

The pale, elderly professor at the front has a droning, dry voice that could lull any listener to sleep. His white hair and pale, wide eyes tend to make students wonder if the guy was actually dug up out of his grave to teach this class. That's how boring he is. He could make the most horrifying animal seem about as interesting as a goldfish.

"...And finally, we come to the Coelacanth, possibly the most famous of all the living fossils... this fish was rediscovered in 1938... off the coast of South Africa. Before this it was thought to be entirely extinct, having died out in the Cretaceous period... A fascinating creature, the Coelacanth can grow up to 2 metres in length, and the largest have been known to feed on the smaller species of sharks. They are currently critically endangered..." Professor Abnett drones. Across from Diane, one of the other students is slowly falling to sleep on his hand. Drool is running from the corner of his mouth.

"For next week, I'd like you all to do a research project on the 'living fossils'... pick your favourite. No more than 1000 words. Have some fun," Abnett says, in the same tone of voice he's been speaking in all lecture. "Miss Hollins, if you would stay behind, please..."

Even for Diane, the lecture was dull, and on more then a few occasions did her head begin to droop towards the desk; if her desk hadn't been so filthy, she just may have gone the way of her peer - minus the drool, of course. She smirked, briefly, as he mentioned the 'fascinating' creature, amused by the contrast between his choice of words and apathetic voice. Unfortunately, the humor didn't last for long. Just... get to the point, already! Please! She groaned inwardly, haphazardly scribbling a note here and there in the fight to keep her eyes awake. Diane had half a mind to tell the old guy to at least act interested in his work, but her lips remained sealed, fearful of how he'd react.

When class came to an end, Diane nearly jumped to her feet, but froze as her name was called. "Of course, Mr. Abnett. Is there something you need?" She asked tentatively, watching longingly as her classmates emptied the room.

Abnett looked at Diane for far too long, with unblinking eyes. Then he shuffled some papers on his desk, as if self-conscious. The other few students trickle out, sleeping guy being dragged by an equally sleepy looking friend. Finally, they were left alone. Dust motes spiralled lazily in the sunlight as it broke through the windows. It gave the whole place a sleepy, calming air.

"You seem to have a natural grasp for the subject, Miss Hollins," he said. "I have a letter here for you."

When those eyes looked away, Diane couldn't help but to shudder, folding her arms across her chest as if this could somehow ward off the creepiness any future stares. She didn't think the guy was perverted, but that didn't mean it wasn't weird. At the mention of a letter, however, Diane's head perked up, curious. "A letter? From who?" She questioned, reaching out for the envelope.

"From Dr. Delaney, I believe. She's apparently quite interested in some of your work," Abnett says, closing his briefcase with a sharp click and handing the envelope over. "How much do you know about the Department's work, Miss Hollins?"