#anywhere

It must been Noted The Rutgers in this World of Insufficient Illumination does not quite match up with shall we say brighter lit worlds. There have been more recessions, more scandals, more incidents of violence all about, and Rutgers is no exception. That said, it sure beats Detroit

Rather than just overly large (And exposed) green lawns, someone has forested this particular campus allowing some shade. Thank goodness too because it's hot

Symon has naturally gravitated to walk in the shade cast by his tall friend.

Dagmar is wearing her Valley Panthers Green-and-white.

They're hardly the only ones here checking the place out. Looks like there has been something of a push, Post Covid. The goodnews is they're not trapped in an orientation ... yet

Symon is wearing... well, black. Faded dark grey, at least with no visible holes, and forgoing his hooded sweater for a long-sleeve shirt in respect for the heat.

"Aren't you hot?" Dagmar, of course, still has a rashgaurd under the tank - she's gotten better about it, but she usually hides her arms.

"Better hot then red and peeling. And I feel... weirdly exposed, even with sunscreen." He says, soft-spoken even when not in his fae whisper. "Not that anyone is really looking at me."

"Come on, honey" Says one woman in her early forties as she walks with her daughter "This looks like a great campus..."

What, the 6' and change girl is drawing eyes?

The daughter squirms "It's really nice, mom, but ..." She looks nervous "It's awful far from home"

6'2" and with broader shoulder than most guys.

"You do burn in the shade, fair point."

Indeed, Symon might find he has far less chance of drawing eyes directly with Sam about.

"I do like all the trees."

They pass by one buildling and Sam notices a look over her way, not from guys, but girls. And she notices it's a sorority that seems to consist of young black women. One gives her an upnod then goes back to talking to her friend.

A hesitant smile and an upnod back.

"I'm just saying, " the girl who gave the upnod to her friend is saying "That if we don't make Juneteenth more inclusive, it's gonna be an awfully small holiday and we want it to get the recognition it deserves"

"I hear you, still, I don't know if we have the numbers to play hostess..." The other is more cautious. She also gives Sam an upnod now that her friends was returned

And Sam can make out they're part of the Delta Sigma Theta not that she ever saw herself as the Sorority type

Then the first girl seems to realize "Pardon us, we're being rude. You need directions?"

"Welcome to Rutgers" The second girl adds

Symon murmurs, “I’m gonna check to see if they have soda over there.” Nodding towards a cafeteria- looking building. “Get a bit of shade for a minute…”

"I.. don't go here yet."

"Sure - maybe they have Dr. Pepper?" Hopeful note.

"I'm supposed to find the athletics center?" To the girls. "Uh. Hi, and thanks."

"You look young" the first girl says "Love the hair though. " SHe turns "Athletic Center is down that way to the right. Can't miss it."

"I graduate in June." Damn, that sounds final.

"Well you go, girl" The second one says approvingly "Maybe you can drop by for our Juneteenth open house and celebration at Delta Sigma Theta" She gives directions to the house "Don't worry, it's not like that animal House shit you see in old movies. "

"Yeah?" Another hesitant smile. "Maybe!"

"Hope you like the place" The first says

And Symon heads into that cafeteria looking building

"Well... I mean, campus looks okay."

"It's all right" One of the sorority sisters says "Now and then someone gets a clean up going. "

"Pardon us, but we have to make a few calls to organize for the event" and it's true. No brush off here

"Right. Right. Juneteenth!"

"Dayum straight" And they get to orginzing

The Athletics Center looks solid, some real top level gear and lay out. well, compared to a high school

Well, Rutgers is impressive even for a college. But damn - the basketball stadium is HUGE.

It's like a cathedrel to the sport, nay, an arena where champions contest

The 8000 seats are downright cavernous, even to one of troll stature.

One could almost get lost in it

She eyes the rack of basketballs left near the bleachers.

They don't seem locked up or anything

She slyly takes one. It echoes loudly as she slowly dribbles it towards the foul line.

She can almost imagine the stands full of multitudes... mom and dad would have a spot with CJ as close as possible

Mom, Dad & CJ are probably close by.

Thump. Thump. She bounces the ball against the floor as she looks up at the scarlet hoop.

There it is, she's seen it on television. This hoop is famous

Bounce.