Posted by Civilian Orlando Richards (Teacher) in Lessons But Lessons, Director of Education Office

(snip)

IC: Orlando stuck his hand out, withdrew it and then wiped sugary crumbs on his khaki green trousers. He swallowed the rest of the pastry he had been eating and kept the other he had taken in his left hand. A lump was forming in the back of his throat as he glanced back to the table filled with drinks. Pouring himself a glass of juice and quickly downing it, he walked the few steps back to the director, “Hi. My name is Orlando Richards and I was wondering if maybe I could talk to you about doing some distance learning with my degree program. I am trying to finish up my doctorate in education. Really I am in the middle of defending my dissertation. Or rather about to start. But I had to come very quickly to OED for a family emergency. Of sorts. I could use a hand with a mentor if that is possible. And maybe seeing if the University of San Francisco will even allow it. They kinda don’t know I am here and not there and I am supposed to be presenting next week.”

Orlando Richards, teacher

Karina watched him move back and forth around the lobby for a moment and then was finally able to shake his hand. “Next week? That is an awfully short timeline Mr. Richards.” She had staff with doctorates in education that could do the mentorship, but again it was a very short timeline. “First you would need to get in touch with the University of San Francisco to see if they even allow it. We can set up an in person committee and mentor for your actual defense and then connect with them over subspace. I can give you a list of faculty members that you are welcome to speak with. I will let them know you are coming, but they have very full schedules and it will be up to them if they feel they can take it on. I am happy to speak with the faculty and doctoral board at USF, but you will have to make the initial contact.” Karina felt for the man, family emergencies, of sorts, happened and it would be a shame for anyone to loose all the effort for something like that, but the effort would need to start with Mr Richards. “I am happy to send them the university’s credentials and accreditations and the degree information for whomever chooses to mentor you. They can reach me here at the University.”

Enger, ED

“Thank you for even seeing me and I really appreciate the advice. Given the circumstances, I hope my university can give me a bit of a delay. But I am not hopefully that I will be able to return to Earth in the next couple of months. Which, if I may impose more on your generosity, another massive favour. Normally I would approach normal channels. Time is of the essence though. My nephew, Phoenix, he is seventeen, managed to somehow get to OED V all on his own. Smart kid, dumb choices. I was a security officer in Starfleet and tracked him with some difficulties. If he thinks I have found him, before I can talk to him, I am afraid he will slip away,” Orlando paused for a second. He had a bad habit of speaking rapidly, particularly when he felt his emotions rising. A rise in decimals betrayed his calm outwards appearance. Regaining control of his voice and rate of speech, he continued slower. ” It would be a great help to get plugged into the local youths. I can’t think of a better way than at your high school and was hoping you could get me a position as a substitute. My speciality is more primary education, but I tutor students preparing for Star Fleet exams in security. My friends and I also run a camp teaching team building through water rafting, mountain biking, wall climbing and other outdoors pursuits. Some of the young people we work with have learning and behaviour difficulties. I have all my qualifications and background checks with me.”

Orlando reached into a bag he had slung over his shoulder, pulled out a PaDD and extended it for offer.

Orlando Richards (Teacher)

Karina listened and had to replay the words in her head, the speech a little fast for her. Telepathy was so much easier. “Have you spoken to the Oed Police Force yet? Commissioner Karlson is very good, and I’m sure he could help you locate your nephew. Quimby,” she turned to the man and he strode over, “If Mr. Richards gives you a photo of his nephew could you scan the security feeds of the school to see if you get a match?” Quimby nodded with a low rumble of assent. “Of course Mr Richards before I can help you find or interfere with a minor, you understand I will need proof you are one related to him, and two have legal custody or permission of his legal guardian to find and take charge of him.”

It was only then that Karina took the PaDD and glanced at it. There were certainly a lot of credentials and experience listed there. One thing Karina didn’t have a lot of yet was substitute teachers, and they certainly had a need for them. “If you are interested in a job with the school I can take you to our human resources office.”

Enger, ED