Check to see if you have any confirmation papers of your transfer, and if it has details. Don't want to be hit by surprise about having to cross dress, or some other thing by surprise.

ask the cart lady if you are the only new kid this year or something.

>Check to see if you have any confirmation papers of your transfer, and if it has details. Don't want to be hit by surprise about having to cross dress, or some other thing by surprise.

Fiddling through your satchel, you carefully extract your ring folder of plastic sleeves. The paperwork itself is all there, right where you left it. Checking the details, everything is in order - home address, gender, name, contacts, previous school...All of them are accurate. They even got you a student ID, which you have in your wallet (albeit one that hasn't got a photo of you on it yet).

>ask the cart lady if you are the only new kid this year or something.

"Hey!" You wave at the woman driving the food cart.

You catch her attention right away, and she casually comes over to your seat, cart in front.

"You, uh, wouldn't of happened to see any new students on this bus, aside from me, have you?"

The woman shrugs. "No, only one transfer this year. You. And you're apparently special..."

The woman perks up. "Would you like something...uh, Victor, was it?"

"You know my name?"

"Yeah. Like I said, you're special. Headmistress DuPont wanted to make sure your arrival here went smoothly."

Ask her why. I mean, you got in via favors, that might have implications or plans attached to it.

as her what she's heard about you.

>Ask her why. I mean, you got in via favors, that might have implications or plans attached to it.

"Why would she be so interested in me?"

"Well, she didn't say why specifically. But if *I* had to guess, from what she's fretting about? She apparently thinks you're some great academic, a genius. Maybe an athlete of great talent? Some wealthy donor's kid? Am I close?"

No, she isn't. You're a B student, you just run laps and your folks aren't part of the 1%.

"My name's Jennifer Wade, by the way. Pleased to make your acquitance. I'm one of Headmistress DuPont's personal assistants."

"Victor Nash. Hi."

(goddamn it Yukari)

"so what's the school like?"

>as her what she's heard about you.

"So what did the Headmistress actually say about me?"

"Well, her instructions to me were to watch over you during this bus trip, and handle your luggage when we get to the academy. Once you're settled in at the boys dorm, I have to help file your paperwork."

"What's the Headmistress like?"

"Oh, she's a great boss, I guess. Got me this job, pays great, very reasonable and friendly..."

"How long have you been working for her?"

"2 years now. Have you eaten yet? Because the Headmistress said any food on the cart is free..."

>"so what's the school like?"

"Not right now. I'm more interested in the academy. What's it like?"

"Well, we'll get you a map of the school grounds soon. Then we'll run you through orientation, of course."

"I'm staying in the boys dorm, you said - so there's a girls dorm too?"

"Yeah. In fact, the students here are mostly female. We have some very extensive facilities as well. Swimming pool, great library, indoor gym, computer labs..."

"Sounds great."

may as well grab a bite. so you can power through the whole day.

>>415407
Mostly female.....

Ask what sort of paperwork given that your transfer already went through.

>Ask what sort of paperwork given that your transfer already went through.
>may as well grab a bite. so you can power through the whole day.

Your gut fills a little empty, come to think of it...
"I could use a tasty beverage." You say, pointing to the esty on the cart.

"Coke, Fanta, Water...?"

"Coke. Oh, and that jam sandwich there."

Miss Wade thoughtfully provides you with a plate to eat the sandwich on. The can of soft drink opens with a crisp pop, and the carbonated drink goes down smoothly.

"Some what kind of paperwork do you still to work on?" You ask as you take your first bite.

"We need to set up your account on the school's network and finish that student ID. You'll get your timetable during orientation."

>>NOTE TO READERS: If you want to end this scene and move the plot forward, simply suggest "END SCENE". Once I get three END SCENES, we move on in the plot, okay?

hrmm... i can't think of anythign else
END SCENE

>Some what kind of paperwork do you still to work on?
Uh.... what?

>>415414
Yeah. Massive fail there. I'm guessing "So what paperwork still needs to be done?" Is what was going on there. Hmm... ask what stuff the network ID lets you into. Just computer lab computers? They have a lot of stuff on them like photoshop/3D animation programs/CAD stuff/etc. Always good to know what you'll have on hand before getting somewhere. Oh, and also if there's any way to earn cash on campus.

>>415409
Like I said, "Goddamnit, Yukari."

"END SCENE"

NORTHERN SERGAL

I mean, END SCENE

>ask what stuff the network ID lets you into.
>also if there's any way to earn cash on campus.
>END SCENE

"What do I need an account on the school computer network for? I got my own laptop."

"Well, that laptop won't have all the programs and internet access that your classes will require. Also, the school has its own e-mail server that requires an account. You don't want to miss an important announcement from your teachers, do you?"

"I guess not. Oh, and by the way...?"

"Yes?"

"Say I needed some extra money?" You ask, finishing your sandwich with several large bites.

"Hmmm, your parents can't supply you with some?"

"Well, I'd prefer to show some independence, you see..."

"Good for you. Well, try asking the Headmistress about that. Most of our students already have a bank account their folks set up for them and a bankcard."

"Thanks."

Suddenly, the driver talks over the speakers that the bus is entering the front gate and the ride is concluding.

It's almost time to get off.
-----

>>CONTINUED...

>The front gate of DuPont Academy.
As you carefully walk off the charter bus, you get your first eyful of the academy.

It's much larger than the pictures on the leaflet led you to believe. Directly in front of you is a three story building, the A classrooms and various administration services.
In the distance, you can make out several other large buildings, a courtyard and the winding paths to and fro.
In the very back of the horizon are hints of the overlooking mountain scenery - even hints of the trademark "blue haze" of the range.

Shortly after Miss Wade begins to load your luggage onto a trolley, you spot a woman in her early forties and a young lady about your age approaching the bus with obvious purpose.

The woman talks first. Within talking distance, you get an excellent glance at her stunning beauty. You almost can't believe how perfect she is. Tall, mildly tanned and smooth skin, not too skinny or fat, emerald green eyes full of life, hints of shapely breasts beneath that tidy and proper business blouse, tempting legs, carries herself confidently and forwardly, golden hair tied up in a stylish bun...
"Mister Wade."
Her voice is somewhat sultry and low, pleased to see you.

"Victor, hi! Remember me?"
The young lady next to her chirps at you. For half a second, your memory clogs. Then, you manage to make the connection. It's only been two years. You and her spent months on that science project, back at your old high school. She transfered here directly after that year ended. Friendly girl, real sporty, liked swimming the best, above average intelligence, a bit too focused on school and sports to have much of a social life, but she had more close friends than you did.

"Erica Cross, if I'm not mistaken." You say.

"Yep. Heard you were coming" Cross looks somewhat haggard, like she didn't have time to completely wake up this morning, or she's had a rough morning. Her long brown is pulled back into a ponytail, split ends everywhere. Her hazel eyes are gentle. The uniform she's wearing is short sleeved, but Cross has pants on instead of a skirt. Her body is pretty althetic, some muscle is showing around her arms and legs.

>NEED FURTHER DISCRIPTION OF ANYONE?
>WHAT GENERAL TONE OF CONVERSATION ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE?
>WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK?

What's the deal with the 'god dammit Yukari' bit?

>>415600
So... There are three of them now. I have to wonder, to which one the First Girl Rule applies?

>>415601
Ignore it, it's a Touhou reference. You're better off not knowing.

Back to the quest...
Stop staring at delicious chests. Now.
To Erica: "Nice to see you again."
To the other woman: "I'm Thomas Mutton, but you already know that. Nice to meet you, Ms..."
Do you know her? Is that the Headmistress? If not, politely trail off at the end of the sentence. Well, you know the drill.
Judging by what the bus attendant said, everyone here already has a mental image of you and an opinion about it. Until you know what exactly those are, be neutral.
The questions will come after the introductions are complete. The woman should at least be responsible enough to volunteer information about what happens next, but if not, we'll handle that as it comes.

"Erica, it's good to see you again. Nice of you to be here to greet me." You say, polite as you can be.

Turning to the woman besides her, you take a more cordial tone.
"I'm afraid your name escapes me. Why have you come to greet me?"

From out of the corner of your eye, you notice Cross being a little agitated by being remembered of the woman's prescence.

"I guess you can be forgiven for not remembering me, Mister Nash. It *was* just a few months after you born that you last saw your godmother. Well, Headmistress, now."

Mary DuPont. What a woman.

Behind you, Miss Wade calls out that she's got your luggage loaded up, ready to take to your dorm room.

"Excellent," the Headmistress cooes. "we can walk and talk on the way there. You got the papers, Mister Nash?"

"Yeah, here."

"Good, good."

The walk to the dorms is on a path flanked by several strange..."scluptures"? Meanwhile, Cross and the Headmistress both pepper you with small talk.

"You're going to love here, Vic. Teachers really know their stuff, there's a huge library here. Oh, and I'm on the swim team! There's an athletics carnival coming up..."

"How are your parents? They gave me your personal e-mail address, I sent some things to your inbox. Have you checked it yet?"

Erica's got the hots for you. Keep playing it cool like you are, we'll see how it goes. Is she attractive?

Have you checked it yet? I think that, no, you haven't, there was no opportunity. Say so. If it's required right now, acquire a WiFi-capable device and get into the school network.

>The walk to the dorms is on a path flanked by several strange..."scluptures"?
Describe in more detail.
And keep your eyes open. You were wondering what's going on here, right? Well so are we, and every little clue will help.

To Erica: "It's nice that you like it here. But, barring the Headmistress being aware of our previous connection, I still fail to see why you are here. Don't misunderstand, it's good to see you, but... Are you the school council president or something?"

>Is she attractive?
>Say so. If it's required right now, acquire a WiFi-capable device and get into the school network.
>Describe in more detail.
>To Erica

Erica Cross is a young lady who, if not already in the prime of her life, is getting there. She's not wearing much makeup and the school uniform naturally puts function over form, but she does show signs of good health and conventional beauty - but the mundane circumstances (she can't wear a coktail dress to school!) and the fact that the Headmistress is right next to her both make her seem comparatively plain.

The 'sculptures' lining the path and dotting the open spaces seem to be brick and marble structures in the shape of twisting pillars about 4 or 5 metres high. They seem to have white bases with plaques at the bottom, so maybe some sort of PoMo take on statues?

"It's nice that you like it here. But, barring the Headmistress being aware of our previous connection, I still fail to see why you are here. Don't misunderstand, it's good to see you, but... Are you the school council president or something?" You ask Erica as you walk.
"Well, sort of. I am involved in some student activities here, but I'm not one of the leading figures. But when I saw your name come up as a transfer, I asked to be the one to greet you and help you with orientation."
"Great. Oh, and Miss DuPont?"
"Yes, Victor?"
"I haven't checked my e-mail yet, sorry. But I'd like too. What do I need to access the school's network?"
"There's both hardlines and wireless for the servers. Your laptop should be able to connect to it either way, but there's also the option to use the PCs in the library, outside of your classes. During orientation, we'll finalise the account set-up. You already have a student number, that's on your ID, you'll pick out a password..."
"What was in the e-mail you sent me?"
"Nothing too important. Some personal words, a few things orientation will also teach you about school policy...Oh, and my e-mail address, of course..."

>>415662
Personal words, huh? Well, we probably shouldn't be bothering her until we read that; it'll probably explain something.

Thank her for the address, promise not to abuse it, yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Tell her about what your family's been up to, since she asked. Enjoy the scenery or something.

Ask Erica what activities she helped improve, and if she's trying to recruit you for them since she's seeing you through that function. Ask again about a job/money making, since you have two people who would know potentially.

Read the plaques on the statues, once there's a lull in the conversation. Or make a comment about the statues to Miss DuPont and listen to her response.

>Thank her for the address, promise not to abuse it, yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Tell her about what your family's been up to, since she asked. Enjoy the scenery or something.
>Ask Erica what activities she helped improve, and if she's trying to recruit you for them since she's seeing you through that function. Ask again about a job/money making, since you have two people who would know potentially.
>Read the plaques on the statues, once there's a lull in the conversation. Or make a comment about the statues to Miss DuPont and listen to her response.

"Thank you, Miss DuPont, I'll be sure not to bother you. Mum and dad are going great. Mum's still working at the clinic. Dad got promoted to regional manager back in January. I've been trying to make up my mind about my future career before I go to university. And speaking of future jobs, let's say I needed to earn some money...Are there any jobs around here that pay?"
"Don't want to beg your parents every weekend to wire some spending cash, huh?" Miss DuPont muses.
"Something like that."
"Well, I do have some opportunities that you could take advantage of. I'll e-mail you later with the details."
"Thank you, miss."
"I can help you get some money too!" Erica pipes up. "The student council does have some positions for students to earn some money. Mostly tending to some food stalls at lunch time."
"What do you usually do for the council?"
"Well, I usually don't do much outside of whatever the swim team would be involved with. A few of my friends are more involved with the day-to-day paperwork..."

Just as you make your way through the courtyard in front of the boys dorm, you spot another one of the sculptures and take a sec to read the plaque at the base of the strange art.
THE SHADOWED TRUTH REVEALED
No artist's name included.

"What's deal with these things?" You wonder aloud, really asking no one in particular.
"Oh, those statues? Yeah, they were all done by the academy's art teacher. She's quite good, isn't she? I think she used to be the darling of several fine galleries in Sydney." Miss Wade explains, still distracted by your luggage.

Usually nobody pays attention to such things. It makes them a perfect way to hide something in plain sight.

Just saying.

Other than that, I can't seem to think of anything to talk about. END SCENE? And onwards to adventures/checking in/orientation/whatever!

Does it look like a revealed truth?
End SCENE

Yeah, probably an END SCENE

We should probably speak to the art teacher at some point. I sense something fishy about those statues!
I agree, END SCENE

Nothing better than paranoia to begin the semester. When you have the opportunity, contact your parents.