Professor Alexander Wakeling isn’t too fond of flying. But it wasn’t the flying part that bothered him the most. Being stuck in an enclosed cabin with one hundred other people tended to make him sweat a bit, and he couldn’t help but think about all of the many microbes that are sent into the air and have nowhere else to go but to circulate around his head, carrying whatever potential viruses that might have made their way onto the plane via some unwary passenger. But as far as convenience for getting to point A to point B, there wasn’t a faster way. So, he would bear the unpleasantness of the ride, load himself up on vitamin C, and hope he can sleep through the majority of the flight.

He arrives in Sanfield in the late afternoon, having survived the journey looking only somewhat bedraggled, and glad to be back on solid ground.

His cell phone was out almost immediately after getting off the plane, selecting Kiki’s name in the list and pressing call. She was nice enough to offer a ride, and he lets her know he’s landed. He waits then, standing outside the airport bundled up in a thick wool coat and a scarf wrapped around his neck.

He breathes in deeply… the air is certainly better… but he’ll reserve further judgments on the city until he’s able to see more of it. Right now, he’s looking forward to some tea and rest… but he doesn’t know for sure how soon he’ll get either.

 She arrives in a few minutes having had to circle the airport due to the newer restrictions. Just as she pulls up, you both hear an officer start whistling before he realizes you are waiting on her. The airport is crazy these days and it certainly doesn't seem to have any hope of getting better.

Kiki is dressed in a nice suit, her green braid prominently displayed in her otherwise brown hair. You immediately hear the click of her back trunk as she opens the door of her BMW.

"Alex, I hope the flight was not nearly as dreadful as the traffic around this place," grabbing a bag and helping to load them in the trunk.

"Hop in, I know you must be exhausted. I'll take you to my place and you can rest up a bit. I do have a guest, but she won't mind the company. Its a long lost cousin of mine..." as they both get in, starting to drive toward the exit of this maze.

He is certainly glad to see her pull up, the promise of getting out of the hectic airport was a nice one. He brought a few bags with him, and anything else of his was arranged to be shipped over in the next couple of days. This would most likely consist of lab equipment and a few other important items.

He gets into the car with a huffed sigh, leaning into the seat with some relief... even if he'd spent the last few hours stuck sitting down.

"I've never liked flying very much... but it wasn't so bad... my biggest worry has been catching something now that I've started to get over this current cold..." The last part said a little quietly, but then he looks over at her as they begin the drive out of the airport.

"Thank you for picking me up, Kiki... It's... nice to see you again." There is just the hint of a smile, but he means it. She had always been one of the few who showed him much kindness... He must have missed her.

When she mentions her guest he draws on a slightly curious look. "A cousin..?" If he is guessing her hidden meaning right, it is a hopeful sign if she was able to find "family" out here.

 "Yeah, an old friend's child, she just went through her first change then just vanished. I found her with a small pack of gnawers living in a homeless shanty town. I guess everyone has finally noticed everyone missing and started looking to expand. I only met them once, but they are a bit wary of speaking with me because of my station. Maybe you might get more out of them, though I'm sure their choice of housing might not meet your requirements. At least they wear shoes," as she weaves through traffic.

Its not long before they arrive at her place, driving through the security gate and parking the vehicle.

"Let me grab a bag," snatching one while he removes the other. She leads him into the building, punching the elevator call button.

His head tilts a little as he looks over at her. "It is good that you found her." The thought of having to hang around in a dirty, unsanitary shanty town, really didn't sound too appealing to him... He doesn't know how the Gnawers can stand it...

He lets her take one of the bags, as he takes the other large one and carries what is most likely a computer bag on a strap over his shoulder. He follows her inside, stopping as they wait for the elevator. He almost hesitates before stepping into the small box with her. On the way up he seems a little uncomfortable, but the space is just big enough to be bearable... That doesn't stop him from eyeing the doors however, waiting for them to open again.

(Continued in Social Science, in Kiki's Flat location)