The chair woman is a confusing person, he thought as they walked back in a calm pace with the chairperson leading. Her student uniform appears to be one size too small fitting unusually snuck to her top, waist and hip. She gives him a vibe with a mixture of girly and sexy. As Mar studies her from behind he cannot help but wonder if this is her 'armour'. Just like Mel uses her angelic lofty beauty this girl seems to hide her real personality behind a somewhat innocent facade. With the status of the student council president she certainly everything but a simple minded child.

The large campus is organised into rows and columns of footpaths and occasionally wider roads for larger transport or motor vehicles. To get back to the auditorium they only need to follow the straight path. The weather is very nice and as a result some of the students working outside with various machines and mechanical dolls also known as golems on environmental and factory training equipment.

They are walking in silence for a bit and Mar is focussing in the new surroundings. Everything that distracts him from the 'noise' will do. Sabine is quiet enough but there are now students around working the equipment under the instruction of mentors. Eventually, Sabine is breaking the silence after stepping forward a bit and looking back at him.

"Why did you choose FMS ?".

She is probably wondering why he was here rather than in the Fourth Mnemonics School that has a much higher focus on theory.

"First Mnemonics is renowned for their research facilities unrivalled around the country. Despite my disadvantage I judged that no other school would be able to offer me the same opportunities.".

With that he slightly touched his tie, a move that she must have understood. She took a look, flashed a bored smile, and continued.

"Truly, this school is honoured to have you as a student.".

Suddenly, Mar has the itchy feeling as if he needs to sneeze.

"Someone with outstanding talents like you cannot be accurately measured in a standardised test and should be given all support to succeed irrespective of any specific score.".

He felt she is not talking to him but to someone else. She noticed his quizzical look and picks up a mischievous smile.

"I am counting on you to follow through with what your plans are to the fullest. I have an inkling that you have yet to show your true potential and as for me I am looking forward to the privilege of seeing it.".

"I will do my best.".

Although he felt that some details of this conversation somehow escaped him they eventually arrive at the hall. Mar glanced at the chair woman and wonders how much she thinks she knows. It would be troubling in the future to Mel and him if the chair woman starts suspecting his real intentions. The he shakes his head. The playful nature of her makes him more inclined to think of a professional interest. Suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted from the side.

"Chair woman, we are ready for you.".

An impatient male voice could be heard from the person coming up briskly and authoritatively after spotting Sabine. He glances a disapproving look at Mar, actually more like Mar's tie.

"Vice president Stone thank you for waiting for me. May I introduce Mar Konwick to you? Mar, this is vice president Stone.". Mar is puzzled how he ended up on first name terms with the chair woman. In front of them appeared a strapping, muscular young man with exquisite chiselled facial features. Without any doubt, he is the role model for a comic book hero. On occasion Mar would get a spontaneous impression from a person or object. Looking at Stone's manly face a distinct picture formed in his mind. Mar snickered to himself as he sees an impression of Stone wearing a blue cape and his red underwear on the outside. So Stone might have this kind of thoughts.

"Nice to meet you.", Mar said.

"Chair woman, we do not have time to concern ourselves with the problems of first year Gens at the moment", Stone responds with a snobby nod to Mar then ignoring him completely. "I am sure some of his peers will be able to assist.".

"Oh no, it is nothing like that", Sabine corrected. "We just went up Bush Hill and enjoyed the view".

Stone's eyes became cart wheels and he showed a stupefied expression as he heard about the popular make out spot for couples of the FMS and jumping the the wrong conclusion after the carefully phrased misleading reply.

"Sorry, I wasn't aware you two were involved", he blurted out by accident in his confusion. His hand scratches his hair in embarrassment.

On that Mar stiffed up as if a bucket of ice runs down his back. Sabine winked at the baffled Mar who was half a second too late to correct the obvious misunderstanding. Clearly she is intending to tease the vice president and Mar abandons the intention. Instead he shakes his head and gives her a wry smile.

And with that Stone ushers her away. Sabine sends an apologetic look to Mar as she lets go of him and leaves him at the front entrance. Stone glanced over his shoulder back to Mar.

Mar can feel his intense jealousy. You are easy to read and to manipulate, he grins inside.

# # #

"Nowhere else to go now …", Mar mutters to himself after he lost sight of the chair woman.

He sighs rubbing the thumping pain just under his temples that is fuelled by the presence of 200 new students plus upperclass students plus staff in the hall and he forces himself to sit down in the empty rows at the back to fulfil his promise. Linking his thoughts to Mel's beautiful mind when she escorts him works best for this pressure. But he does not have the luxury today as Mel was part of the ceremony. Meeting her in her mind sky would distract her from her duties.

But as if on command he felt her familiar presence "knocking". There is of course no knocking (bones or otherwise) in his body but the feeling that a presence is asking to be invited in. Mel does not have his "gift". But she skilfully uses her knowledge about how his mind threads a web of awareness over this room to wiggle the strands. Mar looked into space and showed an involuntary smile on his face as he joins Mel. His mind got bathed in a warm, calm, relaxing feeling. It was her way of saying hello, hang in there. Then she sends a hopeful feeling indicating a bye, I have to leave. Before she went, he send her an uplifting feeling for break a leg and signed of with a mental smile.

"Are these seats taken?"

Mar is still in a good mood and grinning when he notices out of the corner of his eyes a couple of female students next to him. Thinking it would be rude to change his facial impression, he keeps grinning at the girls. He shakes his head sideways and invites them with a hand gesture. Slightly confused about the unexpected smile they return the sentiment as they sit down. He really does not like to interact socially in such a noisy environment but the dice are rolled. He also doesn't want to be unsocial.

"Hello, I am Erika Bitmus and this is my sister Elise", the two introduce themselves. "We are class 1".

Mar looked at a pair of attractive identical twin sisters. Both of them are Specs, as twins almost always are. At any skill level and performance a pair of twins with their virtual identical physical and neurological performance are gold dust. This guarantees first rate training even with suboptimal neurological compatibility.

"Mar Konwick, also class 1." he politely nodded. Although there is no seating assigned in the round fishbowl auditorium it appears to be common knowledge that Specs share the inner ring and Gens are filing in from behind. Mar noticed the split upon entering but preoccupied by the pain did not care either way. Though, the two Specs sitting down in the back is a unusual. Maybe the two feel some awkwardness about sitting with Specs since the twin status effectively gives students automatic access to the 'Specs' course.

"We were so excited about being here. On the off chance to be accepted we applied despite still living in Samoni. A bit by surprise the acceptance letter came last month and we only had a few days to find a suitable house to move into here in Tol. Our parents are directors at SES in the head office in Samoni so they couldn't just pull up sticks. But they bought a lovely house for us right near the lake here so that we do not need to do the one hour train commute down every day. "

Mar is puzzling over why Erica is so eager to reveal herself so freely to a complete stranger like him. Maybe she felt isolated as the newcomer to town. But he immediately rejected the thought. With her lively and outgoing nature she should not have any problem fitting into the local town with its friendly people. Mar was hanging on every word from Erika who made a surprisingly effective substitute for Mel and nodded suitably to keep her going. The pressure in his head has dulled to be hardly noticeable.

"They might follow us to Tol later this year if they can move their office to the local branch. I think this would be good for the FMS if the SES bolsters her presence here."

Service and Enterprise systems (SES) is the biggest of the three mnemonics companies dividing the market between them. SES is engaged in industry and consumer usage of Mnemonics. The other two are Autonomous Operations Incorporated (AOI) covering application for travel in space, air, ground and sea and to remote accessible areas and finally the Cyber Security Corporation (CSC) engaged in government, military and security applications.

Mar nodded again in agreement. For most students of Mnemonics it is essential to be recognised by one of these three companies to sponsor their education. The schooling itself is free but the health care and technical costs for installing and maintaining the BMI is up to the students themselves. This is meant to create an incentive to the students. For competent students those necessities are usually met by a future employer in return for some period of service after passing the exam. For students who prefer to stay independent the city offers a student loan facility.

"Haven't you got an association with SES already?", he asks.

"No, our parents want us to be at least in year two before they allow us to get sponsored by the SES. To tell you the truth, our scores are not that good and we could only get into the specialist course because we are identical twins. Initially, we were happy to be in the specs track but our fellow classmates up front there won't even talk to us."

Mar nodded again.

"I am not sure why I am telling you all this, actually.". Erika finally admits with a sigh looking at Mar's tie. "Sorry.". In the pause that Erika created Elise got in for the first time. "Because you are the first person that has welcomed us in this school with a smile just now. Thank you very much!".

Mar's face froze at the misunderstanding. However, he did not feel the need to correct the twins as by a stroke of luck they took his pain away in return. Erika has a very quiet mind and listening to her is soothing the noise for him.

Finally, the ceremony is starting and the chatter around him dies down.

The ceremony was brief and Mel's address was perfect, he thought. They worked on it until late last night and her delivery today was flawless. Her honest and heartfelt presentation together with her beauty and graceful demeanour had all of the audience transfixed, well almost all.

"So this is the freshmen representative ?", Erika says. "She is remarkable, her looks are so noble. But she is probably just as stuck up as the rest of the class 1 specs obsessed with their 'specialist' genes."

Elise adds, "No doubt she will have caught the attention of many peers and upperclassmen."

"Yes, she always does attract the attention of all sorts.", Mar contributed with a slightly cheeky grin. "I pity the fleets of wannabe suitors. Mel is very selective with her friends".

"You know her personally?", Erika says in surprise.

"Yes, we are childhood friends and share the same house."

Erika's eyes widen on this unexpected announcement. "So is she your girlfriend?"

"That is a common asked question. No, we consider us more like siblings.". Mar's smile vanished and his face hardened.

In his heart, Mar sighs. His feelings for her are so much more than romantic love. He misses her presence a little bit. He cares for Mel more than anything and would love to seek her out and congratulate her for a job well done right now.

"Let us get our ID cards", Erika suggests as she notices the change of mood.

All students require the biometrical signed identification to attend the course.

"Yes". Mar nods.

In all likelihood Mel has already been issued her card. Normally, Mar waits until the very end to avoid the noisy crowd. She does not know it but Mar considers himself lucky to find a mind like Erika's and she becomes his ally as the three of them with Mar in the middle set off. The assignment of IDs is the last business for the freshmen for today.

Thankfully there was no queue at the booth right now. A golem controlled by an upper class student just finished moving some boxes with tools to open up access to an extra station. Another four upper class men watch the work front he side with snide remarks. Apparently they are some form of clique.

When Mar leaves the ID booth he is greeted by Mel coming in from across the corridor. As Erika expected, she was surrounded by her peers and some upperclass students in a grape of people. Mel nimbly peels out of the surrounding students and quickly approached Mar. The twins could feel the hair on their hands standing up as if it is getting electrically charged. Elise showed Erika her goose bumps and Erica nods towards the girl approaching. The static appears to be emitted by Mar upon her approach.

Custom has it that on meeting of two individuals an initial form of verbal exchange such as hello or hi is issued by both parties optionally followed by a physical contact exchange in the form of a shake or hug. Of course with twin's recent experience with their classmates they don't have high expectations that this will actualise. As expected Erika and Elise watch Mel ignoring them and coming to a silent stop before Mar and nothing else but a sigh of Mar could be heard. After a few seconds Mel smiles and send a grateful look to Erika.

"Hi, are you Erika and Elise? My name is Mel Moro. I am the first year representative and also in class 1.". After which she bowed respectfully. "I am very pleased to meet you."

"…."

"…."

Erika and Elise looked at each other in surprise about this friendly approach. As usual, Erika takes the lead.

"Indeed, my name is Erika and this is my sister Elise.". She is surprised that Mel knows about them. Earlier the siblings were openly shunned by their other classmates of year 1 specs. However, Mel does not seem to share the resentment and is genuine and friendly. Puzzling to her though is that Mel succeeded in telling the sisters from each other, a skill that only very few people have.

"Nice to meet you. Please let me add a thank you for being a good friend to Mar. He is not fond of ceremonies and only stayed for my sake. I think your friendliness made it more acceptable.".

Mar continues, "Mel and I are house mates and close childhood friends. There isn't much we do not know about each other.".

Then Mel continues, "Normally Mar is avoiding crowded areas and we planned to meet just before closing time when the booths will be quieter. Being early means he found someone to accompany him."

Finally Mar remarks, "You are quite right. I was in very good care with Erika and Elise."

Erika's head followed the ping pong of explanation issued by the friends. Not knowing any better she has to accept it as issued but for the first time today she was speechless. Instead Elise spoke up.

"How did you know who we are?".

"As part of my role I was briefed about the students in the first year and you are the only twins."

"Mar, you are observed…", his mechanical noise warns Mar. Suddenly he noticed the lewd face from the clique of upper class students directed to Mel and the twins. He becomes acutely aware that he is currently the centre of attention as he is surrounded by three beauties of whom one is the first years representative just coming from the presentation. He wrinkles his eyebrow. Mel notices him stuffing up and looks quizzically at him.

The golem is moving sluggish in the direction of Mel. It appears the golem is moving on its own somehow. Proactively Mar moves in its way nonchalantly facing Mel with his back to the golem. Mel notices the boys far behind glancing and whispering.

Mar snorts quietly at their prank as he monitors the golem with his gift. He can also easily hear their words.

"Send your machine toward the freshmen girls over there and push over that weakling gen. Then I jump to their rescue. Then they have no excuse to avoid going out with us. Easy taking and another notch on the bed post."

Some laughter could be heard.

Mel looks at Mar questioningly. Erica and Elise look on with puzzlement as they played rock scissors stone and Mel won. Mel flashes a smile and takes her space next to Mar with her back also to the golem.

Since the twins now also notice the "rogue" golem the were about to say something. Mar whispers a warning to the two girls and winks.

The group of boys started to make a ruckus and gradually draw closer getting ready to "rescue" the damsels in distress.

The golem was about to reach Mar when Mel spun around and hit the lower back pig the golem with her flat hand. This is the battery compartment. Mar had applied some strengthening to her hand and it became hard and heavy like a sledge hammer. With a bang the impact crashed through the tough chassis and crashed into the battery breaking it in half. Sparks flew out and the movement of the golem stopped. It swayed for a moment but Mel gave it a round kick to the front making the golem fall backwards.

A loud crashing sound marked the end of this golem. It's controller came forward from the group of students in shock. Everyone else vanished quickly into the adjacent rooms. The corridor is now silent except the sobbing sound of the golem controller kneeling next to the golem. He looked up with hate at Mel.

"You will pay for this. That machine was a purpose build model. It was one of its kind and you damaged it. What is your name ?".

"Mel Moro, and yours ?", she says with a cold smile.

"Bertrand Balue, I am the 2nd son of the Belue Clan. We will be in touch regarding the cost of the repair."

"Is that so.", Mar enquired. "Just so that there is no misunderstanding. Are you claiming ownership of this golem ?",

"Of course, isn't it obvious".

"Is anyone else in using this golem except you ?".

"Of course not. This is my personal model"

"I see. So you were fully in charge of this golem a minute ago when it was about to run into me ?"

Bertrand's face colour changes from angry red to ghostly white. He realised that he has just put his head on the block.

"You are aware of the Health and Safety rules regarding the use of automatons in crowded areas. Most notably, the high visibility vest identifying the responsible controller, the need for barrier and signage identifying an automaton at work as well as the minimum distance to people in the vicinity?"

"… of course. This work was approved by the student council".

"I am sure we can verify that all precautions have been taken so that bystanders, such as myself, are safeguarded whilst the golem is working", Mar points to the surveillance camera overhead, "After we review the incidence recorded on the awareness network to make sure that everything is up to standard I will personally guarantee that you are fully reimbursed for any damaged caused by us."

The awareness network is the school wide monitoring system. It is an AI based system that monitors the school campus for security purposes and doubles as alert system for the school emergency services. Given the amount of automatons and golems it is necessary to keep a full watch on all movements on campus. Naturally, the awareness network has already alerted the security teams regarding this incidence.

Older students are well aware of the monitoring but freshmen are often unaware of the scope and intensity of the supervision. These students were confident to have an excuse for the 'rogue' golem. They would simply claim it to be an accident and after some light punishment looking forward to have a good time with the freshmen girls.

Now that the tables are turned it appears that the freshmen have started to bully them instead.

Sabine, the student councillor is waiting to the side giving them a curious glance. He has no idea how long she has been waiting there as his focus was entirely on Bertrand.

"Student council president, is there anything we can do for you ?", Mar asks.

Mel turns around and notices Sabine as well.

"I am looking for the first year representative and observed the situation. Initially, I thought I would lend you a helping hand. But it appears this won't be necessary as you dealt with inappropriate use of golems", Sabine says.

"Is there any specific reason for you to seek me out ?", Mel asks.

"It is nothing that cannot wait."

"Chair woman, what about our time table?". The vice president whispers her about the apparent inconvenience.

"Mr. Vice President, it appears that some 2nd year prank has gone rather badly for them. I believe it is prudent to address this issue before consulting with Mel Moro. It would be, of course, much easier if we had setup a meeting in advance.". She put the deliberate emphasis on "we" which makes the vice president's face wince for a split second Mar thought. He might have been responsible and failed to make such an arrangement.

"Hello Mar, nice to meet you again so soon. Mrs. Moro, again thank you for a job well done. I hope we can have a longer chat some time soon and also with you Mar". She also waved to the twins. "Erika, Elise, please drop by the student council office after you settled in too".

To the student kneeling next to the broken golem she says, "Please follow me.". The student is given a trolley to move the broken down golem and he follows the student president sobbing and with sunken shoulders.

After the president and vice president left, Mel and the twins look at Mar with great curiosity. Obviously, there were question marks regarding the relation that Mar has with the student council president particularly from Mel.

"The president approached me as I was waiting for the ceremony to begin. Unfortunately, we got separated rather abrupt by the vice president apparently concerned about the president mingling with Gens.".

"Is that so?". Mel grinds her teeth loudly.

She is fired up today, Mar thought. He places his hand on her head and gently strokes her hair. The physical contact with Mel is a good way to quench the flaming anger and return her composure. Mar sends her a soothing thought and tells her not to be concerned. He allows himself to soak up Mel's peaceful thoughts that returned.

Mel notices the glances from the sisters and reluctantly steps back breaking contact. Erika and Elise are somewhat confused about their relation making them a appear like a couple in all but the name.

Mar looks up at the twins and asks "Who is up for cake or ice cream?".

This pretty much sets the mood for the rest of the day. All four decide to adjourn to the local cafe and spend the better part of the afternoon chatting. Well, the girls do the chatting whilst Mar is sitting back and enjoys the company. Which was a very rare occurrence for Mar but only Mel knows. She positively beams happiness as a result.

As for Erika and Elise, they revised their impression of Mel completely. Together with the fledgling friendship evolving with Mel, Mar and the buzz after the ceremony of the prank and the help of the chairmen restores a little bit of their confidence and enthusiasm after the severely damper experienced by their own classmates. After a rocky start maybe this isn't going to be such a bad time after all, Erika thought.

Thinking back at his first appearance at school Mar wonders if keeping a low profile was wishful thinking all along. Today, the most active party was Mel by presenting a speech, damaging a golem, upsetting the influencial Balue family. All of it will be the talk of tomorrow. Mar shakes his head. This isn't what he wants. After just one day he realises that hiding behind Mel is exactly the opposite what he wants in his heart. Adding insult to injury he even managed somehow to attract the attention of the two highest student council members. Mar realises that it was a miscalculation to think that school life will be that simple.

And whilst the girls are pleasantly chattering about the events of the day Mar is quietly planning his next steps in a much more active role.

# # #