Welcome to the Academy 1.2

Raina took a deep breath, "Let's get this over with."

"You mean let's get this journey started!" Eve corrects her. She grabs Raina's hand and pulls her through the security scanner and into the building. They head through the entrance and to the main building. The Academy is made up of three structures. The main building, which is a square building that reaches all the way to the surface. Then there are the dorms, a separate building, a fraction of the height that makes a wall around the central building, with an entrance at the front with a specialized holo-security door. Then there's the arena attached to the back of the dorms. A huge rectangle where they host events, ceremonies, and sports.

Eve and Raina walk into the first floor of the main building. Lines of students fill the inside. "Dang," Eve sighs, "Should've gotten here earlier," she shrugs, "I guess we should get in line." They make their way into one of the lines. "At least it seems to be going fast." Eve smiles and shakes giddily, "This is so exciting!"

Eve tilts her head, "You're thinking about her aren't you?"

Raina looks up, "Oh, uh--I…" Raina sighs, "Yeah."

Eve places a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, It'll work itself out."

Raina nods, "Yeah, yeah… sure…" Raina tenses up.

Eve jumps back, "Whoa what's?"

Raina and Eve look back. "And there she is," Eve waves, "Roni!"

Roni looks at them, smiles, then gives Jim a kiss before walking their way.

Jim. Raina and Jim had always had an interesting relationship. Many many years ago, Eriyn (Air-in) technology was able to let people have children grown in artificial wombs, allowing for scientists to keep genetic issues at bay and eliminate the terrible birthing process. Pregnancy blockers were also made available. They can be removed of course, but that's rare. However, even within the artificial wombs, sometimes strange things still happen. Like twins. It creates a strange kind of dynamic. Anyone can be with anyone, within reason. Genetic issues are worse and harder to correct if specimens are taken for people that are related genetically to one another. Raina's father, Robert Raven, and Jim's father, Vic Raven, are twins. So, that makes Raina and Jim cousins, which is rare. Relations like that are not common. People usually aren't even raised by their biological parents anymore. It makes for a very uncomfortable situation with any friendships or anything else within Companies or Groups.

Roni makes it through the crowd and Eve gives her a big hug, "I've missed you so much! How was camp?" A few people groan behind them, upset at the cut in line.

"It was great!" Roni says ignoring the people, "Definitely helpful! It got me into the Academy without even taking the placement exam!"

Raina sighs to herself, yeah, a strange dynamic for sure.

Roni turns to Raina, "I need a hug from you too."

"Okay," Raina says, "sure." They hug and then Roni turns back to Eve.

"So, how hard was it to get her here?" Roni teases.

"Like you wouldn't believe," Eve says dramatically, "she really doesn't wanna be here."

Roni turns to Raina, "What happened with joining the Kisai and becoming a dancer?"

Raina shrugs, "Like I told Eve earlier, I'm not sure what I want."

Roni blinks, "Well," then she smiles, "If you're gonna figure that out, this is the place," Roni looks at Eve, "Even though some of us already know what they want."

Eve smiles, "That's for sure."

The line had been moving at a steady pace and they finally made it to the front of the line. Eve rushes to the terminal, "I'm going first!"

"She's definitely excited," Roni laughs.

Eve downloads her information into her holowatch. She scrolls through real quick, "Yes! All of the classes I wanted!" Eve pushes Raina in front of the terminal, "Alright grumpy, you're next."

Raina rolls her eyes. "Fine." Raina begins putting in her information.

Eve scrolls through her info again. "Ooo, Roni," Eve smiles slyly at her, "guess what?"

Roni returns the smile, "What?"

Eve jumps up And down, "Were roommates!"

Roni jumps with her, "Yay!"

"Damn it!" Raina says in frustration.

Roni and Eve stop and look at her, "What is it?" They ask in unison.

Raina gestures to the terminal, "This thing! Every time I try to finish the download, it brings me back to the beginning!"

"Aww.. Our little computer wiz is having a hard time with the simple terminal," Eve says. Before Raina could respond Eve pushes her out of the way and drags Roni over, "Then let Roni go."

Roni finishes her download with ease. "What the heck?"

"I see no issue," Eve remarks, "I guess it's just you."

Raina throws her hands up, "I don't get it." Raina steps in front of the terminal again. She tries again but the same thing happens, she's back at the beginning. "Whyyyy…"

Raina opens her holowatch, "Stupid Academy terminal." She opens her watch and starts running a diagnostic scan. She pulls up the code and notices one anomaly. It's rigged to not let her finalize the download. "I bet Vic did this on purpose." She quickly changes the code to match everyone else's and is finally able to download her data.

A note pops up on her holo watch. They step to the side as she reads it. "Congratulations Raina, you passed the advanced test. I know you purposely didn't take the exam but I knew you could handle it. Master V is looking forward to meeting you Raina. You will take advanced computer science, it's a direct order from your Headmaster. Have a great time here!"

Raina rolls her eyes, of course. That's just like Vic. She scrolls through the rest of her classes. They're just the basics; History, Biology, Literature, Government, and Arithmetic. With one advanced study, computer hacks 101. Is that really what they're calling it? She shrugs and takes a look at her dorm situation. It's some random person she don't know. Again, just like him to do that. Putting me into situations that are less than desirable.

Roni and Eve are looking over her shoulder. Raina shrugs them off, "You two have no sense of personal space."

Eve scoffs, "Yes we do, just not to you."

"Riiight." Raina closes her watch.

"Come on smarty pants," Roni grabs their hands, "I doubt you wanna be late for the Opening Ceremony! And I want to see our room first Eve. Let's drop off our stuff!"

They head out of the main building and rush to the dorms. The dorm halls are kind of boring, or so Raina thought. Eve ran around like a kid in a candy store. After getting a little lost, even though they've been there before, they made it to their room. They set down their things and Roni immediately began playing with the holoroom. They went from a boring box to an extravagant castle, and then finally a modern cabin aesthetic.

Eve put her hands on her hips and looks at the room. "Yep, looks good to me!"

Roni looks to Raina, "Wanna go by your room?"

Raina shakes her head, "Nah, I'm good. Let's just head to the arena, I'll come back for my stuff later."

Roni shrugs, "Okay. Let's go then!"

Eve rushes out the door, "Let's get this started!"

They make it to the entrance of the arena. Raina holds her breath. She runs through all the scenarios that she could see happening. Every entrance, exit, and group is taken into consideration. Every threat and anything that could be uncomfortable and what could happen because of it. She exhales. Calm down Raina, you'll be fine, just stay with—Shit! Eve and Roni are already walking away. Raina panics for a brief moment, then rushes after them. No way am I getting separated from them, I don't know anyone else here. They're my shield!

She catches up and they take a seat near the front of the screen. The arena is made up of two sections. The seating area, which is blocked from the arena itself. It has multiple levels of seating but at the lowest level there is an impassable screen. It keeps people from falling in, or any flying objects from getting out. The arena is one of the most advanced holorooms. It can look like whatever and even has antigravity technology.

The seats fill up quickly and then the lights dim. Eve shakes with excitement, "It's starting!"

Vic, the headmaster, stands on a platform and rises into the air. He raises his arms up, "Welcome to the Academy!" Cheers erupt from the crowd, including from Roni and Eve, who are practically jumping from their seats. "For all of our second and third year students," Vic continues, "I welcome you back and hope you'll return for your final year! Fourth year students I hope you have a splendid last year here at the Academy, and make it one to remember. Also, keep in mind that we offer special temporary contracts with Raven, Ambarella, and various others throughout the year for you; including the military. New students, make sure you take a look around our facilities and the club booths. Classes start in two days. Today and tomorrow are for club sign ups and to get to know your fellow students and the campus. Also, make sure your class schedules are right and if you've chosen a specific track that everything lines up with what you've signed up for. If there are any issues with scheduling or your school watches please proceed to the school office and we can get everything sorted out as soon as possible. Before I finish up, James would like to say a few words."

Jim rises up on another platform. "Welcome everyone! I am James Raven and I have been attending schools associated with this place my whole life. This is my first year at the Academy. As you all well know, only the best are accepted here so you should all be proud of yourselves for making it in."

Raina rolls her eyes, sure… It's not like connections matter at all.

"A word of advice," Jim continues, "many of the previous students recommend joining any and all clubs you are interested in. The more clubs and the more you do will look better for you when you start looking for temporary contracts as well as jobs after graduating. All that aside, make sure you work hard and most importantly have fun!"

Vic nods, "Yes, yes," he claps, "Now, as you all well know, we are one of the most prestigious schools in the world, and as such we require all students to work hard and put in continuous effort. I have complete and utter faith that each one of you will do so. One last thing before you go, just like previous years the restricted section is still restricted. For your safety, please stay away. Thank you, and enjoy your time here at the Academy!"

Vic's stand lowers back to the floor, and the lights brighten. Everyone starts getting up and leaving the arena. Eve, Roni, and Raina waited for a bit so they could walk out without traffic.

Raina sighs. "So, I suppose you guys wanna go look at the club booths later?"

Eve nods, "Yep! I'm gonna do it all!"

Raina chuckles, "good luck with that."

Roni smiles, "We should all join a club together!"

"Like what?" Raina asks.

Roni shrugs, "I dunno. What do we all like to do?"

"I like biology, animals, oh, and medicinal studies," Eve states excitedly.

"Yeah," Raina folds her arms, "the only thing you listed that could possibly hold my interest are animals."

Roni nods, "I agree." She thinks for a moment, "Ah hah! I got it. What about Film Club?"

"Where we make our own holovids?" Raina raises an eyebrow, "I'm not so sure--"

"No silly," Roni cuts her off, "where we watch films and then talk about them. We do that already, right?"

Eve nods excitedly, "Yeah, let's do it!"

"I'll think about it."

Roni shrugs and takes us by the arms, "Okay," she pulls us out of the arena, "Let's start our adventure!"