Sarah was looking at Amee like she was some sort of alien. Amee was still eating one of the six granola bars she’d grabbed for dessert on their way out of the cafeteria.
“You want one?”
Sarah held up her hand and shook her head.
“No thank you.”
“What are you staring at then?”
“I just, I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat that much that fast and you’re still going. Like aren’t you feeling sick?”
Amee shook her head. Maria made a shh sound when Carly walked out in front of the grade 9 girls. She motioned her hands for everyone to be quiet, when that didn’t work, she let out a whistle that made everyone turn and pay attention. If Sarah didn’t know better, she’d swear Carly used magic to make it that loud.
“Yo! Shut your pie holes people.”
She had the voice of a drill Sergeant now and wasn’t seeming to broach any noise.
“Yesh, you girls are worse than a platoon of newbie plebs. Listen up. I’m here to go over the ground rules for the school. If you don’t think this is important enough to listen to, I have no problem with assigning you homework to write them out three times, so I make sure you know them. Next person who opens their pie hole while I’m talking is going to do just that. Got it?”
She held her hand to her ear. There were a few yeses but otherwise silence and people looking at phones.
“Alright, I’m not making myself clear.”
She grabbed the closest phone and tossed it in the direction of a trash bin and it flew in. There were gasps in the audience and the girl who she’d grabbed it from stood up.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Yes, but here, under my roof you’re no different any of these other girls. Sit your ass down princess.”
“You can’t talk to me that way.”
Carly bent down and got in her face and started poking the blonde girl’s shoulder and yelling at her.
“Princess while you’re in this dorm your ass is mine. Now sit your barbie ass down and shut your mouth. Unless you want to piss me off more?”
“The headm-.”
“The headmistress isn’t here is she? In fact, she is the one who said she was getting fed up with what amounts to the growing softness of you lot and this school. So, she hired me. I’m not here to coddle you or be your mommy, I’m here to make you into strong, independent young women. So, I’m going to ask you does anyone know who I am?”
Sarah held up her hand.
“You, blondie, who am I?”
“You are the first women in your country to become both a Naval Aviator and a pass the Navy Seal training. You are a Lt. Cmdr of Naval Intelligence on loan to us from Earth-2’s US Navy. And you help train new seals”
“That is right, someone read my bio. Do you know what that means you sad lot of tampons? It means I have had to be stronger, faster, and better than the men around me to get to where I am. It means that I have heard every single excuse in the book, and some they haven’t written down yet. I expect you all to follow the letter of the rules. I will not make any exceptions. You are a sad and pathetic undisciplined lot, but I’m going to turn you into something better. If I hear anything about any gossiping or any snide remarks about each other I’m going to haul the person doing so into my office for a real dressing down. If you think you’re mean, I can be ten times worse. So, unless you want to spend a night crying on the phone to mommy that Lt. Cmdr. Sheppard, or Ms. Sheppard was mean to you keep your shit to yourselves. In the future, you may find yourselves depending on each other for your lives if you decide on career’s in MANA. Guess what. This is where it starts. This is where you make friendships for life. I want you all to know that, that girl there. She pointed at a mouse of a girl with brown hair and glasses. Whose name is Mina by the way will have your back even though you’ve barely spoken two words to each other. So, if your roommate sneaks out and you come to me and tell me I’m going to punish you both. Do you know why?”
A girl held up her hand, she was wearing a designer jacket and pants and looked ridiculously wealthy.
“Because it means they can’t depend on us?”
“That is exactly right. If you see someone sneaking out, you go with them and make sure they aren’t going to get hurt or in too much trouble, you watch their damn back. Just like you would expect them to watch yours. That said if I catch any of you out after curfew, you’ll know what the word shitstorm really means. Am I making myself clear?”
There were a few yes.
“Not good enough, when I ask do you understand, or am I making myself clear the only proper response is a very firm and loud: Yes Ma’am. Now am I making myself clear?”
There were a few louder Yes Ma’ams it came easily to Sarah who had been trained this way in her marital arts.
“All of you, or I’ll say it all again. Try again.”
Most of the students except for the one that Carly had named Princess responded.
“That’s better.”
A girl held up her hand she was wearing Jeans and a t-shirt and looked a bit scared but still spoke she spoke with a very Canadian accent.
“Ma’am, we’re not military, why are you treating us like we are?”
“Because, if I treat you like military, I’m treating you like adults. Unless you want me to treat you like your six-year-olds? Would you like that? Should I get a puppet out?”
The girl blushed.
“No ma’am.”
“Look you are all fourteen years old, in two cases, older, and in one case much older, that means you’re all young adults. I’m not going to treat you like teenagers unless you act like teenagers. I expect you all to follow the rules go to class, study and get good grades. Now as much as I seem like a hard ass, I am here for you. You are going to be homesick that is understandable, hell I am already, and I’ve only been here for two months. Like your dorm sisters I am going to have your back. If we can handle it in house, we will handle it in house. I’m not going to run to the Headmistress for every infraction. I’m not even going to write you up, but I expect you make your fuck ups right. If you fuck up, you come to me, you admit your fucked up, we will handle it. If you don’t come to me and it gets out, then you’ll have to deal with the consequences, but I’ll still have your backs. We are a team. Your mistakes are my mistakes. So, if you’ve fucked up and if the headmistress or some teacher or security guy is going to come to me about it, I better damn well know what they are talking about before I hear it from them! You can come to me with anything and if you need punishment, I will make sure you get it, but I will be a hundred times harder on you if I find out on my own. That being said if you are in so much trouble I cannot protect or rescue from it on my own I will bring in the Headmistress. Your safety is my number one priority. While you’re here, you’re my girls and my girls all get home alive and in one piece. Am I being clear?”
The whole room erupted with a loud Yes ma’am.
“Excellent. Now, I’m going to introduce myself formally, Sarah did a decent job, but you should know who your dorm mother for the year is. My name is Carly Sheppard, I am thirty-two years old. I have an undergraduate degree in Physics with a 4.0 GPA, and a master’s degree in Astrophysics from Harvard. I joined the US Navy when I was 18 years old. I joined because when I was six, I was sitting on my mother’s lap and watched two planes crash into a building full of two thousand innocent people because someone did not agree with US policy and religious beliefs. I started in the reserves as a Seaman Recruit. While serving I finished my undergrad and my master’s degree. While I was studying for my masters, I went Reg Force and I signed up as a Naval Aviator. For those of you who do not know what that means, I can fly fighter jets off an Aircraft Carrier. When I was twenty-four, I was selected for Navy Fighter Weapons school. Like the Top Gun movies. I graduated at top of my class. When I was twenty-six, I applied for SEALS training. I was accepted. I am one of only four women to have completed the training successfully to date. I served in the teams for three years. I was then promoted to Lieutenant Commander and reassigned to Naval Intelligence Operations Branch. What that means is I am a military operations specialist. Also known as a covert agent. I do one cycle training new SEALs a year. I am here because my government is in the process of signing a treaty with your Earth Gov. They wanted to see how students were treated here. They were worried you were being treated like prisoners and had no rights and freedoms. I am the Grade 9 science teacher and I also teach advanced physics to seniors. I volunteered to be your dorm mother because of two reasons, first reason: I am far away from home it is nice to have a family again, second reason: Two of you are from my Earth. The three of us have a lot to teach you. An outsider’s perspective can tell you a lot about yourselves I encourage you to learn from us. Experience our music and our culture. We are not aliens; We just grew up on a different version of Earth. While I am still an active member of my military, I have a provisional rank of Major from Earth Gov. That means if the shit hits the fan, I am fully authorized to use whatever force is necessary to protect you, this school and Earth-Prime. When referring to me you may call me, Major Sheppard, Ms. Sheppard, Commander Sheppard, or ma’am at your preference all are valid and formal titles. I don’t care what you call me in your dorm rooms. I have probably been called worse before. One final note, I come from a world with that is unaware of supers, I am not a super. It does not mean you can disrespect me anymore then you can disrespect any of your instructors. We’re all human here. Is all of that clear?”
The girls responded with a Yes Ma’am.
“Excellent now on to the official dorm business. First is to pass out some brand-new state of the art tablets. These Holo-tablets have been provided by Holo-inc. They are their first generation. And your school laptops. These are both yours to keep though if you lose them your legal guardians will be expected to replace them. You will use the same devices throughout your career here. You’re the first class who are getting the holo-tablets in the world, I mean Earth-Prime that is. If you run into any issues, we have Holo-inc tech support on campus to assist.”
She held up her wrist and tapped it and a holographic display appeared in front of her.
“Easy to use and work just like the tablets your used to except it is all packed into this tiny little bracelet. No need to be picky they are all the same color, which is black. If I could get six volunteers to hand out bracelets, come down here form six lines and we’ll get you sorted. She looked down at the girl she’d called Princess. Go get your cell phone if I see it out again when I’m talking, I’ll toss it at the floor next time.”
The girl rushed forward and fished it out of the garbage which was empty she looked somewhat relieved and glanced at Carly who winked at her.
“Like I said, I’m not your enemy. I’m on your side.”
The girl nodded and blushed. After all sixty girls had gotten their devices she folded her hands behind her back and let them settle down.
“Bring up the Campus Rules on your holo-tablets and let’s review them together.”
She waited as there was a bunch of ruffling and some of the less technically oriented girls such as Maria the vampire struggled with them. She waited for the girls around them to help out. Once they had settled down to almost silent, she let out another loud ear-piercing whistle.
“Alright girls, here we go. First rule on the list is: Do not go outside the Barrier under any circumstances. That seems clear enough. Anyone not understand that?”
Sarah put up her hand.
“Sarah what is your question?”
“Do you know why?”
“Because the rules say so isn’t good enough?”
“Sorry Ma’am.”
“Look there is bad shit out there. I’m not going to go into extreme detail because I want you to be able to sleep at night, I know I couldn’t for the first couple nights after my full briefing. We’re on an untamed world infused with chaotic magic. Shit outside the barrier is scary. Leave it at that.”
Sarah nodded along with a few other girls.
“Second rule: Treat everyone with respect. That also seems pretty straight forward too. Third rule: No powers or magic are to be used in dorms or when off campus on alternate Earths. All spells and powers used by grade 9’s and 10’s are to be done under the observation of an instructor or senior student. Also, pretty straight forward.”
A hand went up, it was Kerri Apples the roommate Sarah had yet to formally meet.
“What if we need to practice spells for an exam or test?”
“Then you will use the designated practice ranges and rooms provided on campus. If you need directions your Holo-tablet or phone app have a full map and can lead you there.”
Sarah held up her hand.
“Yes Sarah?”
“What if we do it by accident, not all of us…have great control yet?”
“You will find out what a shitstorm is. You are here to learn to contain your abilities without limiters if you can’t do that simple thing in your dorms, how can you expect to prove you’re safe to be licensed for power use on Earth-Prime? You’re a PL8, that is not a massive amount of power to contain Sarah you had no trouble in quarantine, you’ll have no trouble here. If you’re struggling speak to your roommates maybe they can assist you, or if you need to speak to me in private.”
Sarah blushed and sat down.
“Any other questions?”
There was silence from the group. Carly continued to pace with her arms folded behind her back like she was inspecting the troops.
“Rule 4: All students should be in their dorms by 9:15 pm, all students should be in their dorm rooms by 10:00 pm. No one is to leave their dorms before 7 am. Lights out 10:30 pm until 7 am. So here is where I’m going to be modifying these rules: I don’t care if you stay up all night studying, reading, or playing video games. But I better not hear a peep out of any of the dorm rooms after 10:30 pm until 7
1. And god help you if you whine in front of me about being tired afterwards. I have spoken to the Headmistress, our barrier is safe, our campus is safe, there is no reason that if someone wants to go for a jog at 5 am they should be prevented from doing so. I have gotten her to expand the athletics center and swimming pool hours from 7 am to 5 am. She has also expanded patrols in the early morning so you can feel safe when jogging. I know some of you like to go for early morning exercise, I know I do. I wake up at 5 am. I go for a jog at 5:15 am. And I swim laps for an hour at 6 am. If anyone would like to join me for more PT you are more than welcome.”
There was a murmur in the room.
“Fifth rule: All students are bound by the school’s honor code. Which you must read, it is also on the tablet. Basically, it amounts to, don’t lie, don’t cheat and don’t be a dumb ass. I’ll let you review that on your own. Ignorance is no excuse. And with that sort of violation, I cannot do much for you. You’ll be on your own. So do not break this rule or I will disavow your existence. Am I clear?”
“Yes ma’am!”
“Now also regarding honor code violations: You will have to defend yourself in front of the Headmistress and a random panel of instructors who were not involved in the accusation. You can have a member of the school staff act as your advocate in the proceedings. If you ask me, I will support you as best as I can in that role, but I will not lie for you. I value honor and integrity highly; I expect all of you to as well. If we do not have honor and we do not have integrity, then we have nothing. If you are having trouble prepping for a test, or completing an assignment, talk to me, talk to your dorm sisters. I expect you all to have each other’s back academically and literally. If someone is cheating on a test or assignment, stop them. Save them from getting caught by the faculty. Do not cheat, you will not get ahead, and you will get caught. You’re in a school full of supers. If you can do it, someone better then you has already tried and gotten caught. Do you all understand?”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Yes ma’am!”
“I’m going to outline that one last time, because it is one of the only rule violations that could get you expelled. And what does that mean?”
The girl she’d labeled princess whose real name was Sandi Duncan held up her hand. Carly motioned to her.
“If you’re over PL8 you will be imprisoned on Earth-9 because you are labeled a danger to yourself and others. If you’re under PL9 you will not get a license and will be equipped with a permanent monitor and limiter and be banned from all power use and cannot get a job in any field that requires superpowers or security clearance.”
“Thank you, Ms. Duncan, very concise.”
Sandi looked up at Carly with a surprised look. Carly smiled at her and then continued.
“So, in other words do not break this fucking rule, I don’t want any of you to lose your freedom for a stupid mistake.”
Maria put up her hand. Carly motioned to her.
“Please Maria, go ahead.”
Maria stood up her pale fingers stroking her silver crucifix.
“Ma’am, do you have to swear so much? I find it offensive. You can get your point across without using those words.”
There were a few snickers in the group, Sarah and Amee where tugging on her hands and trying to get her to sit down.
“Maria Aurelius, I appreciate your feedback. I also admire you sticking to your principles and being brave enough to speak up. I’m sorry you feel that way. However, I’m not going to stop swearing because it bothers your sensitivities. This is one of those cases you’re going to have to grow a thicker skin.”
There was murmur in the group when her last name was mentioned. Everyone was looking back trying to catch a glimpse of her. Amee whispered to Maria.
“You shouldn’t do stuff like that; It makes you seem weird.”
Maria continued to stroke her silver crucifix and seemed to be pondering Carly’s words. Carly whistled again.
“Yo, shut your pie holes. I’m not done with the rules. The sooner we get through this boring shit the soon we get to party with the boy’s dorm. I’m sure some of you are going to want to go stuff your bras and get your make up on before you go.”
There were a few giggles and Carly kept motioning for silence.
“Honestly this one seems redundant because it outside the barrier, but I will review it anyway, All contact with the Pillar of Reality, Designated - Tree Crypt, is forbidden.”
A single hand went up, it was Sarah’s. Carly motioned to her.
“What is a Pillar of Reality?”
“I’m not a dimensional physicist, yet, but I’m taking a long-distance Ed course on it, yes Girls I’m also attending university this year. But from the brief overview I have gotten so far, a Pillar of Reality is one of the links between dimensions. Worlds that have more than three of them are considered DIS 0. Which means they are completely stable Earths. So far there have only been three worlds that fit that description. Basically, they’re like lynch pins that keep our earths linked and stable. It seems like they were created by a PL21 to stabilize some dimensional instability. That’s all I know; I will probably know more by the end of the year. There is complicated math involved.”
Sarah sat down. Several other girls seemed interested in the answer others were distracted by their new devices.
“Okay so we have about an hour before you need to start getting ready for the party. And by the way dorm lights out is midnight tonight, be back here by 11:30 pm. Since we have a pile of time let’s start introductions, just stand up and tell us your name, your power if you feel comfortable, and your favorite thing in the world.”
She looked around for volunteers no one volunteered.
“Okay Room 18, you’re up. Sarah, you start.”
Sarah blushed and stood up after being singled out.
“I’m Sarah MacCloud, I’m from Arizona, on Earth-2. I live in Scotland now with my biological grandparents. I’m a PL8, Life manipulator and TK. My favorite thing in the world is playing ice hockey, especially on an outdoor rink on a cold sunny day.”
She sat down and elbowed Amee who stood up.
“I’m Amee Morris. I am from Washington DC, on Earth-2. I am not a super, I am a super advanced cyborg who is equivalent to a super. My PL is PL17T. I got a new designation because I’m tech based, I guess. My favorite thing in the world is playing video games. Which I don’t even have to use my hands for anymore.”
She sat down and motioned for Maria to stand up.
“I am Maria Aurelius, I am from Rome, I am a vampire. So, I am PL17-17M with a specialty in Necromancy. I am here because two thousand years ago my memories were erased, and I was put into suspended animation in a stone sarcophagus. I am not sure what my favorite thing is, but I do like going to mass.”
Sarah facepalmed Amee kind slide away from Maria. There were a few chuckles Carly motioned to Kerri.
“Keep it going Room 18, Ms. Apple?”
Kerri stood up there were a few groans in the group. Her family name was apparently well known even beyond Sarah’s grandparents.
“I’m Kerri Apple. I’m a Mage, PL15M like the rest of my family.”
Her face turned kind of mean at that point.
“That is where the similarities end alright? I’m not my mom or my aunts. If you treat me like them, I’ll fuck your shit up!”
She blinked innocently at Carly who sighed and motioned for to continue.
“My favorite thing is Punk music from Earth-2. Fight the power!”
She sat down and there was a bit of a murmur. The introductions continued and when they finished which was fifteen minutes before the end of the meeting was due Carly hushed everyone.
“Okay girls, we will have a dorm meeting once a week on Mondays after class. They will be shorter than this one and less formal unless I’m told to announce something, even if they are informal attendance is mandatory! Now go get yourselves gussied up for the party. You can head over to the event hall whenever you’re ready.”
The trio of Room 18ers rushed to their room to get ready well Amee and Sarah rushed. Maria hurried after them because she was hurrying without really understanding the why. Amee and Sarah piled into the bathroom and started getting showers and doing their hair. Kerri laid on the couch and was messing with her holo-tablet. Maria was in the bathroom watching the two get ready. They were putting make-up on when she finally spoke.
“Why are you so excited?”
Amee rolled her eyes.
“Boys?”
“I do not understand.”
“There are going to be boys at the party this is our first chance to make them drool over us. Why else would be we going?”
Kerri hollered from the common room.
“Girls should not need to sexualize themselves to gain social status.”
Amee leaned around the corner of the shared bathroom.
“Look you have your way of being a peacock we have ours. Some of us like being drooled over Ms. Feminist.”
Maria continued to watch them.
“It is unseemly for girls our age to be wearing that much make-up. We should be conservative in our dress and our behavior so that we do not cause temptation.”
Amee groaned.
“Temptation is the whole point of being a teenage girl.”
Sarah shrugged.
“I don’t know, I like looking pretty but I don’t think I need to suddenly be boy crazy.”
“Sarah, remember, don’t be a dick to Dick.”
“I know I’ll get around to it, but I’m not really interested.”
Kerri had joined them by now and was in one of the stalls. She called out.
“Who is she being a dick to?”
“There is a boy she was dating back on Earth-2 and she is totally stringing him along, I told her to cut him loose once and for all.”
“Yea, that’s not cool making him think you’re coming back.”
Sarah sighed and threw up her hands. Maria spoke next.
“Yes, if you have intention on having a relationship with him then you should tell him the truth. It is not right to lie to someone.”
“I’m not lying to him. I swear I told him I am not coming back you should date Sally, so many times.”
Kerri came out and washed her hands after buckling her belt.
“Boys don’t take hints. You need to be firm with them. Kick them to the curb. Tell them it is over and to never speak to you again or they’ll keep trying.”
Amee nodded.
“Amen sister.”
Kerri paused as if she was going to say something to Amee but then shook her head. And pointed at Maria with her thumb.
“Fine I’ll take it, you two don’t seem so bad, not sure about the stiff though.”
Maria looked between the three on confusion.
“What is a stiff?”
“Y’know, like a dead body? Cause you’re a vampire.”
“Oh. I am a stiff.”
Sarah sighed and put her hand on Maria’s shoulder.
“There is more to it than that, you’ve been coming off as sort of a prude, I mean that’s fine I will still be your friend, but you seem stiff… like inflexible too. So, it kind of applies both ways. I know you’re confused about us living girls with our gushing hormones and we are probably driving you nuts, but you’re welcome to join us.”
She put her hand on Kerri’s shoulder.
“You are both welcome to join us. I hope we’re all good friends. Otherwise living together for a year is going to suck bawbag’s.”
Her statement seemed to confuse Amee and Maria but Kerri being British totally caught it and was nodding along.
“I guess I can come with you, even if it’s some Scottish Haggis offering.”
Sarah blushed.
“I just realized I probably will look like a haggis with me stuffed into my dress.”
Sarah rushed off. Fifteen minutes later the three girls were knocking on her door and Sarah wasn’t coming out.
“Sarah it can’t be that bad.”
Sarah was sobbing and had ruined her make up already.
“It is it totally is.”
Amee knocked again.
“I’ll break down the door if I have too, tell Carly you were threatening to run away.”
There was the noise of Sarah fumbling with the locks, and she opened the door.
“Are you happy?”
Amee and Kerri winced. Maria was stroking her crucifix nervously but not really understanding. The seams of Sarah’s dress near her bust had split when she forced it on, and she did look like a stuffed haggis.
“I have nothing to wear. I should have went shopping with my grandma when she asked.”
Kerri walked off. Amee put her hands on her hips.
“Yep, someone stuffed that sausage too full. I’m sure we can figure something out. It’s okay and you look like a racoon.”
Sarah sniffled and jumped on her bed face first. She heard Kerri call from behind her.
“We’re almost the same height and I’m a bit fuller than you are but I’m sure it can work with some pins?”
Amee gasped. Maria was quiet except for the scraping of her stiff lace against her dress. Sarah rolled over and looked. Kerri was holding a very nice formal dress. It was black and would match Sarah’s heels.
“Where did you get that?”
“My mom made me bring it, I told her I wouldn’t wear it and she told me I would, or I’d be disowned… so, I said promise? She slapped me and stuffed it in my luggage. No fucking way I’m wearing so why don’t you? I mean unless you want to borrow some of my other cloths, and we can fight the man together?”
Sarah sheepishly took the dress. With Amee and Kerri’s help she managed to get herself out of her old dress and she rushed into the bathroom, Amee followed. When she came out her make-up looked brand new, and she was wearing Kerri’s dress. There were some pins used but it worked. The group, including Maria made their way over to the events hall. It was far enough away that the used the subway. It was full of other girls all heading towards it, along with some of the boys. There were also older students who looked far more glamourous than the Grade 9’s. They didn’t pay much attention to the younger kids and were too busy hanging out in their own clique. A few of the boys in their grade were gawking at Sarah and Amee who had done the most to look good. The rest of the girls had tried but Amee was an apparent expert.
“Amee how do you know so much about make-up and hair?”
“I have an older sister who is a priss. Oh, and I downloaded a bunch of how to’s and read them while we were doing that boring ass introduction thing.”
“You can do it that fast?”
“I literally have a quantum computer attached to my brain. I can multi-task. It does the boring stuff while I do the interesting things. So, it was listening to the introductions.”
“That wasn’t boring it was really interesting to hear about everyone.”
“You’re more social than I am, obviously.”
Sarah nodded. The car stopped and people started filing out and up to the event hall. The main hall had been decorated and someone had used magic to make candles float in midair creating a soft glow over the room. The room was full of high school students of all ages. It looked like the entire student body was here. There were about a thousand kids here, about two hundred and fifty per grade. There were snacks and non-alcoholic drinks of all descriptions. It seemed the first part was a meet and greet with the staff and a chance for all the students to mingle together in one spot. After about forty-five minutes of general mingling Eyre got up on stage and tapped her microphone the room got quieter but there were still people chatting. Carly whistled into the microphone which got everyone’s attention she shrugged to Eyre who smiled and nodded.
“Welcome everyone to a new school year at Aurelius Academy. For those of you who have not met me I’m Headmistress Eyre Aurelius and I’m going to introduce some of the staff, we have quite a few instructors so it would take all night, so I’ll just stick with the changes. To my left is our newest instructor, Ms. Sheppard. She is on loan to us from the Military. She will be teaching science and senior level physics courses. She will also be assisting with physical training. Returning to be a guest instructor, are my sister Helen, Dr. Samuels and Archmage Simpson. You will find information on the rest of our instructors on the Academy intranet site. I wish you all good luck in the year to come. Have a lot of fun tonight, classes have been scheduled to start at 1pm tomorrow.”
There were more than a few cheers at the late start. Eyre turned the lights down again and the party began in earnest. Kerri was holding a soda of some description. She looked at the place where Eyre left from.
“She didn’t seem that impressive. There are schools named after her all over the world. Statues. She’s just some red-headed British chick.”
Sarah looked at her slightly annoyed.
“She saved me from myself and my family, she saved my life. I don’t know what she’s done here but she’s great and so is her sister Helen. Both of them. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be right now.”
Amee nodded.
“Saved me from a power mad global corporation and then got me out of perma-protective custody here.”
Maria nodded as well.
“I do not know my niece very well but she saved me from a stone sarcophagus and got me into the school so I could learn. She seems well intentioned.”
Kerri looked at the three.
“So, she’s just the headmistress to the three of you?”
The three girls nodded.
“She saved the world like six times over. Saved New York City. She has gone toe to toe with some of the scariest nastiest supers that have ever lived. I don’t know how she looks normal. Maybe a little on the small side. I’m not impressed.”
The three girls all kind of stepped a little bit away from Kerri.
“What? It’s not like I’m insulting her.”
Kerri’s face fell when she heard Carly’s voice behind her.
“So, who won the pillow war girls?”
Sarah and Amee pointed at Maria.
“I thought so. Never get into a physical contest with a vampire where physical endurance is the deciding factor, you will lose.”
Sarah and Amee giggled.
“And as for you Ms. Apple. I have seen the Headmistress in action. She is all she is reported to be and then some. And she will go to the mats for any of you students. Including girls whose family are among the most despised among the Mage community so much, so she fielded no less than two hundred complaints that you weren’t sent directly back to Earth-9. Trust me, I know I read them all for her. That should be enough to earn your respect.”
“Why did she do that?”
“She said everyone deserves a chance to be better than their lives have dictated. And I put you with these three wonderful ladies. Because none of them have heard of your family, and I believe that even if they had they would give you a chance anyway. So, don’t squander what Headmistress Aurelius has given you. You don’t get them often. And don’t disrespect her. She is more than a superhero; She is a teacher who cares a great deal about each of you students.”
The girls nodded. Kerri was a bit subdued after the dressing down. Sarah put her hand on Kerri’s shoulder.
“I have no idea who your family is besides my nan going on a tirade about me being in the same dorm room as you. And I don’t care. You are your own person and I’ll judge you on our relationship, not what the people say.”
Amee nodded.
“Yes. Screw them if they can’t see that you’re not your mother. I’m not my mother either. As if I’d ever run for President. Who in their right mind would want that job?”
Sarah and Kerri both looked at Amee.
“Wait, your mom is president of what?”
“The USA, what else would she be president of?”
Sarah smacked her forehead.
“President Morris. Of course, there was something about her daughter dying saving a bunch of people in a building. Wait, you’re not dead. Did she lie?”
“Well technically, no, I was buried under a building. My body was able to repair itself once I got power. But as far as she knows I’m dead. With a power-hungry corporation chasing after me I was afraid my family might get hurt so once I escaped, I went dark. The headmistress found me and brought me here. She told me if I could help MANA and Earth Gov with some tech, she would get me a normal life. She kept her word so far. I do miss my brother and sister and my parents as much as well as much as you know.”
Sarah nodded.
“Something tells me there is a wee bit more about that story.”
Amee nodded.
“Late night after curfew ice cream party talk?”
“Triple chocolate fudge level.”
Sarah nodded. Maria and Kerri looked at the pair.
“What are you talking about ice cream party?”
Sarah laughed.
“It’s just our way of saying I don’t want to talk about it. Yet, or ever. But if we happen to stay up late and have an ice cream party with triple chocolate fudge ice cream, that we steal from the cafeteria then it might be something to talk about.”
Kerri shrugged.
“I still don’t get it, what does ice cream have to do with long talks about shit that depresses you.”
Amee looked at Sarah.
“Are you going to stop being a dick to Dick soon?”
“I figured I’d call him tonight and give him the news.”
“Perfect time for an ice cream pity party.”
“Yes, its gonna need to be triple chocolate fudge for that to feel better.”
Sarah sighed and frowned.
“You two are just looking for an excuse to stay up and eat ice cream. I get it but just do it.”
Amee gasped.
“Bite your tongue Kerri Apple, the ice cream pity party is a sacred right of womanhood on our world.”
“Your world is weird.”
“I never said it was normal.”
Sarah nodded in agreement with Amee.
“Dirty Dancing?”
Amee nodded.
“It is definitely a Dirty Dancing situation.”
Carly tapped Amee on the shoulder.
“That sounds serious, who died?”
“Sarah’s first relationship.”
Carly looked at Sarah.
“You and Richard broke up?”
Sarah shook her head.
“Not yet, but the girls have convinced me I should, for his sake so he can get on with his life.”
“Hmm, I will requisition some, are we talking just chocolate, or chocolate fudge ice cream?”
Amee held up three fingers.
“Oh, triple chocolate fudge. Okay girls. My room, zero hundred hours. PJs are mandatory. Bring a spoon. I’ll bring the ice cream and the movie. There will be tears, so if you’re squeamish it is not for the faint of heart.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that Ms. Sheppard.”
“Nonsense, this is your first love we’re burying here. I told you girls I got your back. This is a big deal. Besides I’m the only one here who has actually met him and saw you two kissing behind the basketball game.”
Sarah blushed and smiled.
“In the meantime, go have fun maybe there is a second love to be found hmm?”
Amee and Sarah giggled. Kerri rolled her eyes and Maria stroked her crucifix. She seemed to be gripped with an almost crippling shyness in this massive gathering.