Elicit Krystal’s Backing

The science classrooms are in a separate building to the main one. A building you haven’t explored before. It’s more modern, composed of concrete and steel compared to the Victorian era construction of your classroom. More natural light, as the windows are larger. Wider corridors. Fittings only several decades old. But it retains the atmosphere of the school.

The differences don’t stop with the building. Krystal’s classroom has large monitors instead of whiteboards, has a computer on every desk, smells clean and modern. Then there is her office, bigger than yours, but still overwhelmed by wood. Her windows are covered in blinds. Her desk is covered in electronics. One wall is dominated by a monitor showing the state of the school’s network. For a man steeped in antiquity it all looks very modern.

“Hello handsome. Are you lost? Haven’t seen you in these parts before.” Krystal is busy on her computer but looks up when you knock. Her words are followed by a big smile. She adjusts her stance in the chair, which just emphasises her bosom beneath a grey blouse and a blue cardigan.

“I was wondering whether you could help me.”

“More problems with the WIFI at home? I’m always up for a home visit.”

{if Krystal > 4}

This is followed by a suggestive wink and a suggestive smile.

{endif}

“No, that’s working perfectly. Thanks for that. No, I’ve got this petition I was hoping to get your support for.” Krystal raises one eyebrow.

“I’m sure you know we’ve had representatives of most of the local churches give assemblies. Well, apparently, one that hasn’t done so is the local Catholic priest, Father Norris. There’s a petition out to get him to give an assembly. Do you want to support it?”

“I didn’t know you were Catholic?”

“I’m not. I’m just helping friends.”

“That friend being Miss De Gaulle?”

“She’s the one running this petition.”

Krystal’s smile is all-knowing one, as if she can see straight through you. “And you’re helping her out of the goodness of your heart?”

“She wanted support. I’m helping her. Why? I leave up to you to decide that. Is there any chance you will support it?”

“I’m not really up for assembly. I try to avoid them. Especially when it’s an outsider. You’ve probably noticed if you’ve been. So, I’d normally say no. But for someone like you, I might be persuaded. Depends. What you’re offering in exchange.”