The city of New Mayhall was split into three sections. The Lower Ward, Middle Ward, and Upper Ward.

The Lower Ward held the low-class population made up of mostly factory workers, builders, novidium miners, former evacuees of fallen cities, and anyone else who had a profession related to low-skill manufacturing. The Middle Ward held the families of soldiers, low-level government officials, DSF personnel, and overall the general population. The Upper Ward held the families of high-level government officials, prestigious military families, and other important figures.

Visette was assigned to a small apartment located in the Middle Ward. Commander Wakefield had personally taken care of furnishing it as he was wary of writing it down as a military expenditure. Not only could the Council accuse him of misappropriating funds, Visette’s address would have to be listed which would allow them more access to her.

Since the only person Commander Wakefield could trust with the matter was Lyn, she was ordered to help Visette get settled in and prepared for the Academy.

“You received your uniform, right?” Lyn asked as she dropped a cardboard box onto the floor of an empty living room. There wasn't a single decoration in sight which was somehow fitting for Visette as she had no interest in materialistic things.

“Yes.” Visette replied.

The Academy conducted itself with relatively strict rules. As such, students enrolled were expected to wear the uniform at all times. The female uniform consisted of a red jacket, a white shirt with a black tie, a long black skirt, black socks, and black or brown loafers. It was almost reminiscent of boarding school on Earth.

“Well, you can’t wear one thing all the time so here are some of my own clothes...Think of it as a gift.” Lyn kicked the box to Visette.

“A gift.” Visette repeated in a low whisper. “Often times an object that holds some material or symbolic value which is used to increase camaraderie, friendship, intimicay, affection, or as a declaration of-”

“Enough, just take the damn thing.”

Visette nodded and opened the box before examining some of the clothes inside. They were all things that Lyn wore during her teenage years. Coats, jeans, shirts, pants, all of which were dark colors. Before Lyn was involved with the military she caused an immense amount of trouble. Even now, Lyn still acted in a similiar way and always seemed to be brooding which made her unapproachable.

“If you don’t like it I can take you to buy something else.”

“There is no need, the clothes you have given me will suffice.”

Visette didn’t particularly care for her own appearance so anything would do.

“Okay, since that's out of the way, let’s just go over everything to make sure you understand. First, keep your knife sheathed at all times. As long as it's hidden there shouldn't problem. Another thing, don't use your knife and do not show it to anyone unless your life is in danger.”

“I understand.”

“I’m not finished...Don't attack anyone unless you are attacked first. If you have to defend yourself, just make sure to use non-lethal methods to deal with them. Uh...what else was there? Oh, there’s a remote lockbox containing a firearm and a radio installed inside of your locker. If there is a situation that requires you to use it, report in via radio and someone will open it if the situation is deemed to be dangerous...You got all of that?”

“I have memorized it, yes.”

“Good, just find Charlie Wakefield once you’re in the academy. I think she’ll keep you from doing anything crazy. Just remember not to kill anyone. Can you promise not to do that?”

“I will not harm anyone who poses no threat to myself or Charlie Wakefield.”

“...Alright, take the rest of the day to adjust, you’ll start tomorrow. One more thing, there's something I've been meaning to ask.”

“Yes?” Visette inquired.

“Well, if you have time tomorrow do you want to come to my place for dinner? My Grandfather really wants to meet you.”

“I am avaliable but I need to purchase certain books for Charlie.”

“That's all? I’ll get them for you, just write a list and I’ll have them sent to her place of residence.”

Visette silently began writing the names of various children’s books that Charlie had left behind during the evacuation of the town. It was an old promise that Visette made to Charlie but one she didn’t forget nonetheless.

…

Inside of a large classroom, a blonde-haired girl with green eyes sat alone near a window, staring out beyond the gates of the academy.

“Charlie.”

She seemed to be in a daze, daydreaming while looking at nothing in particular.

“Charlie!” A young man with red-hair waved his hand in front of her face.

“Hm? What do you want, Arty?” Charlie said, turning to face her childhood friend who had grown just as much as she did.

“You’re taking piloting classes right?”

“Yeah, so?” Charlie replied while while looking back to the window.

“I was going to ask if you got to pilot an aerial vehicle yet but...are you alright? You seem a little off.” Arthur asked, sensing that Charlie was more closed off than usual.

“I’m sorry, it’s just someone sent a bunch of old books to my house yesterday and I-”

Just as Charlie was about to continue, her classmates rushed to the window while murmuring.

“Ah, that’s an expensive motorcycle.”

“I’d kill to ride it just once.”

“I’ll buy one just like that as soon as I graduate.”

Their excited voices drew Charlie’s attention. She looked to the window only to see a black motorcycle stopping in front of the Academy's gate. A woman with dark-brown hair was on the front while another young woman in a helmet wearing the New Mayhall Academy uniform was hanging onto the back.

“Hey! Take your seats, I have a few announcements to make.” An aged professor entered the room and began to corral the rowdy students, but Charlie didn’t look away, nor did anyone else.

“What is it that's making you all so- Oh,” The Professor exclaimed as he peeked out of the window. “That must be the new student who’s joining you all today.”

The Professor's words were barely registered as everyone concentrated on the young woman removing her helmet.

“Woah!” Someone shouted unconsciously.

“What?”

“She’s pretty.”

“Which one?”

“The one with the white hair.”

“How do you know? You can barely see her from here.”

"I guess I just have good eyes."

Charlie was speechless as she gazed at the young woman with long white hair who was busy speaking to the other who remained on the motorcycle.

“Wait, isn’t that…” Arthur spoke with wide-eyes, recalling the white-haired girl he'd seen briefly a few years ago.

“Vis,” Charlie muttered while watching the girl who had clearly matured over the four years they hadn’t seen each other.

…

Just outside the Academy, Lyn was busy speaking to Visette.

“For the love of Anton’s soul, don't kill anyone.”

“As I said, I understand.”

“Right, well, after you get out, wait for me here and don't go anywhere else, got it?”

“Is your excessive caution necessary? I was under the impression that educational environments posed the least amount of danger. Your actions are starting to make me reconsider my initial assumption.”

“...No, you’re right. I’m way too worried for no reason.” Lyn grabbed her helmet from Visette and put it on. “Just...You know, try not to do something that will get you thrown back into the detention center.”

“I do not plan on going back to that place,” Visette replied in a dry tone, her eyes devoid of any discernible emotion.

If Commander Wakefield tried to force Visette back into confinement without reason would cause her to turn on New Mayhall in an instant. She could see no more benefits to be had by being restricted and would act to obtain her freedom at all costs. What was even worse is the fact she would try escape to a different city and seek resources there.

Lyn found herself unable to say anything in response to Visette’s matter of fact statement.

After some silence, Lyn placed a hand on Visette’s shoulder. “Take it easy on those kids, okay?”

She left with those words and Visette moved to enter the Academy on her own. She looked at the windows on the upper floors of the building and scanned the kids who were in turn staring back at her. Finding nothing of interest, she entered the main building where an Academy employee guided her to her classroom.

Visette twisted the doorknob and entered the room. Dozens of curious and interested eyes fell upon her as soon as she stepped inside.

“Okay, as I’ve already said, we have a new student.” The Professor picked up a marker and handed it to Visette. “Could you introduce yourself to the class, young lady?”

Visette nodded and wrote her name on the board.

“Welcome to General Studies, Visette. I’ve been told that you’re a special circumstance, joining so late and all, but I’m sure you’ll fit in just nicely.” The Professor smiled before turning to address the class. “Now would anyone like to be Visette’s guide for the day?”

Nearly everyone raised their hand in response, but almost each of them had a different motive. Some were innocent, only seeking to interact with her, while others were fully aware of her importance. There were students who were ready to act on behalf of their family's orders. Those students were already aware she was an abnormal but they were completely ignorant to the fact she killed more prisoners that could be counted on two hands.

"Visette!" Charlie shouted, nearly jumping out of chair.

"If it is not an issue, I would like Charlie Wakefield to be my guide."

"Hm? Oh, that's no problem, Ms. Thales." The Professor gestured for Visette to take an empty seat next to Charlie.

"Vis, what happened to you? I missed you so much and I tried to send you a few letters but I never recieved anything in response." Charlie's voice turned into a whisper as the lecture began.

"Your inquiry is not specific enough for me to answer, Charlie."

"What happened after..." Charlie lowered her voice even more before continuing. "What happened after you killed Councilor Richards?"

"It would require too much time to summarize everything. I recommend that we speak when you have time avaliable."

"But-"

"Ms. Wakefield, I understand that you seem to have some history with our new student here but could it wait until after class?"

"Oh, ah, yes, sorry." Charlie smiled wryly.

"Hey, Visette...Do you remember me?" Arthur asked. Since Charlie was sat between them, he found it hard to properly look at Vis. Since he saw a few others in class sneaking peeks at Visette's face, he decided that there was nothing wrong with speaking to her.

"Your name was Arthur and your father's name was George. We briefly interacted during the evacuation," Visette intoned.

"Yeah, my father didn't make it." Arthur's expression turned downcast while Charlie's face flashed with guilt.

"Anyway, maybe we all can talk when we get a break?" Arthur changed the subject before turning back to his studies.

Visette mindlessly nodded and did the same, but after finding that there was nothing of interest being spoken of, she began channeling her psionic energy out of habit.