I sip slowly while Paula talks. It gives me something to do; I'm not using to listening to people talk for a long time before challenging me, and the bus ride has made me generally anxious. My parents, and my world, are strict, violent, and unforgiving. I crossed my legs so that I don't tap my feet.

Her comment that doctors can't prescribe treatment before making a diagnosis amuses me. I can't help but smirk, just a little. Doctors do that all the time.

When Paula is done talking, I wait three seconds before speaking. I've been listening to her, and of course I've been thinking of what to say in reply, but waiting until someone is done and then giving a few moments before saying anything always carries the impression that you're listening with your whole attention, which just about everyone likes.

"I've never done any charity work. My parents did not allow me to waste my time, as they put it. Not that I thought about it much anyway; the bus ride here was the longest span of time I've had without being scheduled since I can remember. And yes, thank you."

I hold out my cup so she can refill it, then go back to sipping at natural pauses in conversation.

"So you're the president of the Dragons, then? And the school leadership approves of your activities? I wouldn't expect that; every elite academy I've heard of has basically the same attitude as my parents."

Beat.

"If I'm being honest, I wouldn't really know where to start. All I've known, my whole life, is constant practice and hard work to improve myself. Practice, projects, assignments, tournaments, sports, academics, anything for greater skill, prestige, and power."

I glance at Ahina out of the corner of my eye.

"I've been under the microscope quite a few times. I'm sure you know it's unusual for someone to have more than one power. I inherited the abilities of both of my parents, and I'm stronger than both of them as well."

I look back at Paula. I've been in so many medical laboratories that I've started to find harsh white lighting natural. I take a long, deep breath.

"This is difficult for me to say: I chose St. George's, out of the dozens of prep schools and colleges vying for my attention, because I wanted to get away from the grind for at least a little while. I had this image in my head, that I'd come to the rescue of the downtrodden and oppressed, throw some bad guys off buildings, and have something interesting and productive to do with my powers instead of just...Well, instead of just gathering more power."

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 76):

Paula nods slowly, seeming to consider what you said carefully.

"Yes.  I've followed your parents. They always have high ratings."

It's true.  There was a big bidding war for the televised version of Mom and Dad's last public battle with The Kill League.  According to Mom it was nothing in comparison to their 'off camera' fights with them.  The Kill League is one of the few villain teams of any caliber.  Only heroes of your parents level are rated to fight them.

Paula points at you.  "I like how you're honest.  It's much easier to speak to someone who is willing to tell you what their frame of refence is upfront.  Thanks for that."

She gestures at a poster on the wall.  It's a poster depicting that statue out in the traffic circle and has the St. George's logo under it.

"I"m not sure how much you've heard about St. George's.  I mean the real St. George's.  It is a much different place than the brochures depict.  It was certainly much different that I expected.  And I do mean that in a good way.  Like you, I had gone the tourney route since I was eight.  Although I was in red leagues.  I would imagine you were above me, competing in the blues."

She's right.  You were in the Blue or Advanced leagues.  The Reds are the level below Blue.

"St. George's has the usual top tier academics.  They do very well on that.  What's different is that they do allow quite a bit of freedom on the meta side.  Students can really pursue their own interests outside the classroom.  You just have to obey the rules.  Its that last bit where things can get tricky."

She purses her lips and seems to think over something a moment and then shrugs.  "Part of the education is figuring out what all that means on your own.  It is one of the things I like about St. George.  They allow you to shape your own viewpoint.  So if you want to figure out how you think and feel about things, congrats.  You're in the right place."

She chuckles good naturedly.

"The other thing you'll find is that the testing process is...unique.  For example, the any student can graduate at any time.  You just have to pass a two question final exam.  The kick is if you don't get the answers right, you fail out automatically.  They will cover all that in your first homeroom.

"As far as where to start...how about this."  She holds up a finger.  "One of our members will be doing some field work next week.  I can have him contact you with the details of what he'll be doing.  You can tag along.  Just as an observer if you like.  That way you can see our group in action and decide if its right for you."

The heroes and villains bit often rubs me the wrong way. It's so obviously and overtly fake, a corporate money-printing machine and entertainment for stupid people.

But it pays the bills. And comes with vast wealth and power; adoring crowds and cheering masses of baselines and metas alike. I grew up with that, with seeing my parents basking in fame and glory.

I know who they really are. They're not the heroes everyone thinks of them.

I reach out and touch my fingertip to hers when she points at me. I just feel like doing it, and I grin with genuine mirth. "Thanks, and you're welcome. Being up-front is difficult, but it's easier than keeping up with webs of deceit."

I put my hand back around the bottom of my teacup. After that, I again wait until Paula is finished before replying:

"That plan sounds fine to me. Do you get permission for the Dragons' excursions, or is it more clandestine than that?

I don't know much about the real St. George's. I didn't even have access to the Internet unsupervised until yesterday. St. George's is just as far away from my parents' usual haunts as I could manage and still be a top-tier academy.

I was in the Blues starting in second grade, then Advanced starting in fourth.

You make it sounds like baselines have less freedom at St. George's. That's true everywhere, I suppose, but is it explicitly the case here?

Oh, and here's my phone number."

I take out my notepad and write my phone number on it, then do the same for Ahina.

"Maybe it sounds presumptuous, but if either of you are in danger, give me a text with your location and I can be there in less than a second."

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 78):

Paula smiles at both your giving her a finger 'boop' and the phone number.  She sends you hers as does Ahina.

"Thank you.  Not presumptious at all.  I appreciate the offer.  It never hurts to have allies.

"The baselines...To be honest, I think they actually have a great amount of freedom. But then...I'm not one of them.  So they may tell a different tale when we aren't around, right?  But I have a number of friends who are baselines.  And they always seem happy.  St. George's is a top tier program academically.  Especially in film, entertainment business, and the hard and social sciences.  Rigney is a big contributor to the school.  A lot of Rigny executives...meta and baseline...graduated from St. Georges. It's an open secret, but St. George's is like a university for Rigney.

"As for our activities, the school both knows about and approves our excursions.  They make a big deal about not being off campus, but there is quite a bit of activity off school grounds.  So you know.  The next town over is Pottersburg.  And it is an unwritten rule:  you don't use powers in Potersburg.  The city council keeps businesses open to us and doesn't ask questions.  A big power fight in front of city hall would sort of ruin that, right?"

She chuckles.

"You should have a lot more freedom here.  Make good use of it.  I hope you will consider joining the Dragons. We can offer you quite a few resources as you figure out what you want to pursue."

I watch the two other girls just send me text messages. I blush with embarrassment.

"I guess I'm just old-fashioned..."

Pause.

"No, I'm just not used to having a phone all the time."

Deep breath. Sip tea. Calm down. Maybe they'll think your 1980s-style preference for written communication is cute. In my shame, I forget to listen completely before formulated answers.

"Entertainment, business, and hard sciences are areas where baselines can really excel."

I giggle at the notion of power use being banned in Pottersburg.

"Oh that's just naive. How could they even tell if anyone uses powers that aren't externally obvious? But then, of course I would say that. I..."

I trail off, looking at Paula's hands.

"I've spent my entire life obsessed with power. It's almost the only thing I can talk about. That and manga. Video games. Don't uh, don't tell my parents. It's really hard for me not to just ask what your power is, what Ahina's power is. Talk about them, compare them, do math."

Leverage is important for the super-strong, surface tension for the super-fast, momentum for the super-tough, and all kinds of wacky physics I sometimes I think I'll never actually understand are behind the time-bending powers I inherited from Mother. Powers and math are connected, for me. I should have considered that they aren't so for everyone, before I said something.

I feel the heat on my cheeks, so I smile charmingly to cover for myself.

"Sure, I'll definitely consider it. I'm looking forward to my 'observation mission' already." Sip, change from left leg crossed over right to right leg crossed over left. Lean forward just slightly.

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 80):

Paula smiles and says she will send you the details by the end of the week.

"My powers are just old fashioned momentum control. I can increase or decrease the velocity an object is travelling at.  It can be useful." She smiles.  "It is always difficulty to figure out who you can and can't ask about powers.  I feel like, if someone has been or is in a league, they probably are pretty open about their powers.  But yeah.  Not everyone is."

Did you have any more questions for Paula?  If not...

---

Ahina needs to talk to Paula some more, so after the three of you chat about pointless things for a little while longer, you walk out of the building alone.

The sun is starting to dip below the horizon.  It will be evening soon.  The air is already getting chillier.

The campus seems a little dead.  You spy the library from where you are.  It appears to be on the other side of the traffic circle, right by where the road runs uphill.  There are lights on inside.

You can also see the gymnasium from here.  It's further up the hill, but its a big round building so it is hard to miss.  There was a work out center attached to it.

You can head home too.  Or take a walk.  Let me know what Sera would like to do.

Thanks

"Old fashioned, maybe, but impressive, definitely."

I make enough small talk to conclude the conversation politely, then I excuse myself so Paula and Ahina can discuss whatever secret society secrets they're going to get into.

I find cooler temperatures invigorating, so I walk around for a few minutes. Then I get bored, so I go back to my room to finish unpacking, sorting, organizing, and putting my stuff away. I'm assuming there will be some kind of orientation, probably very boring, as there tends to be at academies and colleges. If not, I can check out the library and gym later.

With everything put away, I glance around. I still feel nervous doing this. I bought a very fancy gaming laptop, headset, mouse, and so forth with cash to bring with me. I still suspect my parents are spying on me; they'd never have let me have something like it before. I want to check out the kind of Internet we get in the dorms, if it's any good for gaming.

Not that I have much experience with "big girl" gaming on PC, but I want to try it. I'll probably have to download a ton of stuff and just set things up before I'm tired and go to bed, but I get a cheap thrill from the "rebellious" act of just checking out the Internet on a nice computer.

Of course, I'll want to look up on any school emails or the like before bed, check my schedule, reread the pamphlets, and write down where I need to be and when on my notepad.

I am the only person my age I know of who uses an actual physical notepad and pencil to write things down. Will it feel so strange here, at St. George's? Does it matter?

If there's no school stuff to address, I'll take a shower, change, and go to bed.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:27, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 82):

When you get back to your room, there is a note taped to your door. The writing is short and choppy, but legible.


Seraphina,

The teacher over the Monitor Duties class, Mrs. Oltham, came by.  She left some materials for the class.  She did not want to leave them outside your door so she asked me to give them to you.  Come see me when you get back and I will hand them over.

Saul

You do know which room is Saul's.  He is just down the hall two doors. Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Thu 15 Oct 2020.

Huh. Okay then.

I pop another candy mint in my mouth and head down to Saul's room, where I knock.

"Hey Saul, it's Seraphina. You've got some stuff for me?"

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 84):

Things are quiet for a moment, and then the door opens.  You didn't hear anyone walk up to the door.

Saul is standing there, wearing jeans and a hoodie.  His expression is somewhat neutral.  He doesn't frown or smile.  Just nods at you.

He turns and picks up a small sack, passing it over.

"Mrs. Oltham is gonna be teaching the class.  She introduced herself.  Supposed to be a business card inside the text book with her contact info.  She seemed...strict."

He chuckles slightly.

Inside the bag are two books.  One titled Getting Along In A Just Society and the other Saint George's Academy Monitor Handbook.

"She said for us to have read the first chapter in Just Society and make it through the first section and section three point five in the regs.  First class is day after tomorrow."

He scratches the tip of his nose.

"Look.  For what it's worth, I apologize for my behavior on the bus.  We...we both kinda gotta raw deal here.  I won't give you any grief going forward."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

I take the sack from Saul and say, "Thanks."

Then I listen to his explanation with an expression as neutral as his own. I check the contents as he finishes speaking.

When he's done, I put the books back in the bag and let my hands hang at my sides.

"I accept your apology."

Then I look back at him. I'm rather tall, so meeting his eyes is not difficult. Then I grin at him. Somewhere in the Arctic, a glacier melts from the sunshine in my smile.

That's what I've been told anyway.

"I don't know if you know who I am. If you did, well, good job. It took a lot of guts to mouth off like that. Either way, it seems like everybody but me is in on some private thing, that this monitor job is a bad shtick. What's up with that?"

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 86):

He sighs.  "We're cops.  Have you ever heard of a cop who was paid well and got the respect they deserve?  The good ones I mean."

Saul scratches his chin, seeming to consider for a moment, and then adds, "I don't know if you're room is like mine..."  He moves aside so you can see inside.  At least from the doorway, it looks like a carbon copy of yours.  Just with the bathroom on the other side.

"...but...so you know.  When you see one of the regular rooms.  Like the regular student rooms. They are much better than ours.  Just giving you a heads up.  It's kind of off putting how much better."

He sighs.  "I also found out a little bit about what monitors do.  We have to patrol.  They'll talk about it in the class.  And our duties won't start until the class starts.  But we should probably think about comin' up with some kind of schedule.  You patrol one day.  Me the next.  Somethin' like that.  That way we still have time to study once and a while.  Anyway.  We can talk about that after the first class meeting.

"But for now..."  He holds out a hand.  "Thanks for accepting my apology.  Let's watch each other's backs.  Particularly with your friend Louise.  You know she's gonna try to start trouble to make you look bad, right?"

"The good ones, no."

I can't help but chuckle. "I just wanted a private room. I'll miss the silk sheets and down pillows in my room back home, but I was going to miss those anyway. It's the home part, not the stuff in it. Probably. I suppose I'll find out."

Pause as I adjust my hair. Dyed pink.

"You're welcome. And thanks for apologizing. I'm starting to suspect that the 'lesson' they want to 'teach' with this monitor and gopher business is that official power is useless and real power is wielded in secret. That's a bit silly; why bother with tricks when you're strong?"

I take his hand and shake, with a firm grip.

"A schedule sounds good. I'll read up on the requirements. If we're going to coordinate, we should probably share at least the essentials of the powers we have. We can talk about that later, if you like."

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 88):

Saul chuckles.  "I think I got the gist of yours.  Time manipulation, right?  And I hear you're crazy strong.

"Mine has to do with memories.  I can read them and fiddle with them.  Can't delete them but can suppress them.  Keep it a secret, but you can tell I'm using my power because my brown eyes turn green.  Not like glowy green.  Just regular green."

The sound of a cell phone chimes behind him.  He glances back that way and then nods at you.

"Let's plan on meeting up after the first class then.  If you want to talk anything through before then, just text me."

He rattles off his cell number.  "Sorry." he jerks a thumb over his shoulder towards the sound of the ringing phone.  "I gotta catch this.  Later."

Anything else you want to do today?  If not we will move to the festival.

"Yeah. Time manipulation, that's right. Thanks for sharing, by the way. I appreciate that, too."

I share my phone number with Saul, too. For some reason, his approval makes me feel better than I already did. And less suspicious, too!

I tell him good night, and then I go back to my room to do what I was planning to do before: set up my computer, check the Internet, get all the security software Reggie told me to run going, and then start downloading some games before bed.

Teehee.

Should I really trust Reggie? He'd never betrayed my secrets before. I think.

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 90):

I'm going to prep some stuff.  Festival day will be busy.  So let me post the lead in to that Thursday.  Thanks

Okie-dokey. Thanks for letting me know. ^_^

You have give Saint George's this:  they don't mess around.

Somehow, overnight, the traffic circle has been transformed into a fair.  And not some crappy one like you see in online shows.  The kind with cheesy booths put together by different classes.  No.  This is real deal.  There's even a Ferris wheel.

There must have been meta involvement, because there wasn't a sign of any of this when you walked back to the dorm yesterday.  Students, mostly dressed in jeans and light jackets, are gathering around the outskirts, meeting up in little groups.  The fair won't open until 10 AM but it seems like people are enjoying things early.

As you get closer to the actual fair structures themselves, the booths and tents, you get an odd sensation.  A feeling like you aren't supposed to be there.  You overhear someone remark they've got the fair ground 'off limits' until 10 AM.  This must be the sensation Ms. Welkes mentioned on the bus:  the sensation that you are somewhere you aren't supposed to be.

There are a line of food trucks and the 'off limits' feeling doesn't extend to them.  Some of are offering breakfast.  Everything is free, at least at the food trucks.  You can have Japanese breakfast, Mexican breakfast, good ol' American, or even Ecuadorian.

Someone is handing out a brochure.  You look it over.  It provides a map showing the various areas as well as a schedule of events.

There is a games area.

A 'house of horrors' sponsored by Rigney Studios.

An exhibition area which is showcasing an exhibit of famous Heroes and Villains in Post WWII era America, an exhibit about developments in genetic mutation research, and a history of Rigney Entertainment through the years.

A rides section with the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, a carousel, and a tilt-a-whirl.

There's movies being shown in the auditorium.  At noon, there's a showing of the classic Rigney movie 101 Shar Peis.  At seven they're sneak previewing the upcoming Rigney release of The Little Medusa 2:  Lots More Singing.

There will be a human chess match in the south athletics field starting at 2.

There will be a fireworks show to close the event at 9 PM.

There's also mention that anyone interested in this year's 'Tag Marathon' should report to the Admin offices by noon to receive an armband.  There's no explanation of what that means.

There is also a disclaimer:  Please remember that during Fair Day the entire campus is considered school property.  All rules related to the use of powers and violence is in effect.

Your cell buzzes.  Ahina.

Hidey Ho!

You want to walk around with me a while today at the Fair?

I review the rules about violence. Welkes said that bullying wasn't allowed, not that violence wasn't allowed.

Forbidding violence is...

Well, it's incredibly stupid. Deceptive. Morally wrong. Why would they do that? Violence, and its correct use, is the cornerstone of any society.

My parents talked a lot about indoctrination and how "regular" schools would impede my growth, make me into a villain with their restrictive atmosphere.

I've put on something nicer: a mid-shin-length pink skirt to match my dyed hair, strapped sandals with kitten heels, a slender leather belt with a silver buckle, short-sleeved white blouse, and a silver hair clip and silver bracelet. Clothes just tight enough to show off my figure without being uncomfortable. A small pink purse to carry my stuff; this skirt doesn't have pockets. I did up my hair in two long braids at the nape of my neck, a girlish and sweet hair style.

I get in line at the food truck with bacon, hashbrowns, and waffles. Mmmm, waffles. I expect a lot of attention for my looks and probably my reputation; that's what usually happens in public places. Maybe it won't, this time. St. George's is already turning out to be a strange place.

As for the attractions, the bumper cars sound fun. I've never been to a fair, now that I think about it. Most of the rides seem boring. The science exhibit, human chess match, and tag marathon strike my fancy the most.

I text Ahina in return:

Sure. I'm at the Waffle Wagon.

I wonder what she wants. If she wants anything other than companionship. I want to let my guard down, but I also know I can't.

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 94):

Ahina shows up about fifteen minutes later, just as you polish off your last bite of waffle.

"Hidey ho!" she waves, beaming as she pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose and plops down beside you on the bench you found.

"This looks like so much fun!  I haven't seen a real fair since I was maybe six!  I wasn't expecting anything like this my first real day at St. George's!"

Ahina is speaking in such an excited tone, it's a wonder she hasn't passed out.

"Whaddya wanna do first?!?"

It's about ten to ten.  So the fair will open soon.

I look up from the table, wipe my mouth with some napkins, and smile at Ahina. "Hey."

"I've never been to a real fair either." I'm a calm, cool contrast to Ahina's excitement. Her exuberance is a bit infectious, though.

"I'd like to go see what the tag marathon is. It seems like there might be some commitment involved, so I want to make sure that it doesn't lock me out of anything before I sign up."

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 96):

The two of you wander towards the Admin building.  It's up the slope of the hill, almost at the top.

There are a few students wandering up to a table set out on the building's portico.  A sign labeled

TAG MARATHON

is displayed above it.

A woman working the table smiles at you and goes through the basics.

Each year, at Festival, a 'tag' marathon is played out.  Each participant wears an armband with a flag attached.  Other participants try to steal it.  At the end of the marathon, the ones with the most flags get prizes.

The rules are simple:

You must wear the armband and flag in plain view.  You can not alter the flag, hide it, or otherwise attempt to obfuscate it.  They must be visible at all times.

Anytime you capture a flag, it has to be attached to the armband.  Same rules apply about displaying them.  You can wear multiple armbands as some students will capture so many they fill up the armband space.  For a flag to be counted, it must be attached to an armband when it is turned in.

There are 'safe zones' where you cannot capture flags.  They include the Admin Building, the  Clinic, and inside the auditorium when a movie or play is being presented.  Everywhere else is a free for all.

You may not brawl to capture a flag.  You may not engage in any form of overt violence.  Involving non-participating students or guests in the game is not only prohibited, it is punishable.

While participating in the marathon, you must remain shod.  Not wearing shoes at any time during the marathon is an immediate disqualification.

You may turn in armbands to the desk at the Admin building at any time, up to 4:01 PM

"Ah, thank you," I say, smiling back at the woman.

"Do you have to wear all of your captured flags, or can you turn them in and 'bank points,' so to speak? And for that matter, are there prizes?" I'm sure I can't help but grin and light up at the notion of prizes. I do rather enjoy prizes.

In reply to Seraphina Martel (msg # 98):

The woman nods.  "Yes.  All the smart players 'bank' their points at intervals like you said.  If you have the flags on you, they have to be worn. But once you turn them in, they're yours.

"As for this years prizes, I don't know.  The Dean hands them out during the closing ceremony.  Some years they're really good.  Some years...not so much.  But someone usually gets a day pass as a prize.  I mean...you can just go to town.  But it's still a day pass."

"Do you have to wear a flag to be able to capture flags?" Welkes gave out so many 'attention tests' that the school is making me more paranoid than usual.

"And what's with the rule about having to wear shoes? It's strangely specific. Oh, and uh, thank you for your time."

I look over at Ahina. "This is usually the kind of thing I go for, but if you're not into it, then I understand."

I want to win the contest, but I want Ahina to like me. I want everybody to like me, really. I just hope that desire doesn't backfire too harshly.