Lucas paused. Pros for unpacking: meet the roommates and try figure out if they’re a threat. I can also get settled in. His options raced through his mind. Pros to taking a tour now…I may already have studied the layout of the school, but seeing it in person would help. I can also size him up and try figure out what he’s all about, he glanced at Auden.

“I’ll take you up on the tour,” he decided.

“Sure,” Auden shrugged. “We’ll skip the classrooms. You’ve seen what there is to see…and besides…they’re pretty boring. As for the labs and all that, you’ll get around to it in class anyways.” He began down the stairs.

Lucas fell into step beside him.

“So, what brings you to the great Ellison High?” Auden asked.

“My parents wanted me to because of the reputation. Seventy one percent of graduates go on to become successful,” Lucas replied smoothly. He had been prepared for this question.

“You mean wealthy,” Auden shot him a grin. “So I’m guessing you’re in it for a successful future…like most others.” They reached the second floor and continued down. “But the question is; what happens to the other twenty nine percent?”

Lucas didn’t reply.

“They don’t make it,” Auden told him as they reached the first floor. He turned to Lucas, “And who’s not to say that you’ll be one of them?”

Lucas thought it over. Is that a concealed threat?

“Then again,” Auden laughed, “the same could be said for me.” They reached the door. “Now, how about we start on the sports side of campus?”

“Sure,” Lucas agreed as he followed Auden from the building.

They walked towards the large black building which Lucas knew to be the gym combined with an indoor pool. It looked fancy from the outside, with large windows at the top for natural lighting.

“Sport is huge in Ellison ,” Auden explained. In the distance, Lucas could see a lacrosse team practicing on one of the countless sports fields that surrounded the area. “Eighty percent of scholarships are given out for it. The facilities are endless too.”

Though Lucas already knew all of this, he pretended to be interested enough that it looked as though it was his first time hearing it. To his right, Lucas saw five riders gallop by on horses.

Auden glanced over. “Ah. Name the sport and we have it. The riding department has been pretty successful. A lot of the members go on to compete worldwide.” A wry smile made its way to his face. “They practice a lot with the Bel girls as well. That’s enough to motivate them. I actually tried out in my freshman year…” he trailed off.

“You didn’t stay?” Lucas asked curiously.

“Horses aren’t for me,” Auden replied. “The movies made it look so much easier than it is. Besides, I’ve found ice hockey more to my liking. Did it most of my life after all.”

“Are you on the team?” Lucas took the opportunity to find out more.

“Yeah. But I’m not as active this semester. It’s my last one after all. Got to concentrate on my studies.”

They reached the door to the gym.

“We won’t check out the stables and some other stuff,” Auden informed him. “Unless you’re really interested.”

“It’s fine,” Lucas assured him.

“Great, this way we might make it back before dinner,” Auden told him as he pushed the glass doors open. They walked into a room filled with one trophy after the other. Pictures covered the walls of teams holding various awards. The teams ranged from volleyball to field hockey. Upon a closer look, Lucas caught sight of Auden on the ice with the rest of the hockey team. They were holding a large golden plate.

“Count the ice rink out for the tour. I’ve spent too much time there already,” Auden commented as he continued to walk.

Lucas caught up with him, his eyes taking in everything he could and storing it in his mind. He caught sight of the small black boxes, the size of a button, which were all around the room. Motion lasers, most likely activated at night to make sure no one steals the trophies. His eyes caught sight of three security cameras. They’ve got eyes here twenty four seven. With all the awards it’s no wonder.

“The gym closes at 10. This room closes at eight, so you have to access through a side door if you want to practice,” Auden told Lucas who stored that bit of information right away in his mind.

They approached another door. Behind it, Lucas could hear the scuffling off feet.

“We have two indoor basketball courts.” Auden opened the door and Lucas followed him through.

He found guys running up and down the court, doing suicides as their coach stood to the side. The coach was blowing his whistle which he only removed to shout instructions every so often.

Bleachers which can be pulled out. There seem to be cameras even here. Lucas noted as he glanced around. Running track on top, perhaps a blind spot for the cameras?

“They seem to always be practicing. Don’t really use the outdoor courts that much,” Auden told Lucas as for a moment they watched the sweating boys before them.

“Come on Reeves, pick up that pace!” the coach bellowed at a guy who was falling behind. “Didn’t I tell you to practice during your vacation? You should all be doing this with ease!” The sweat and heavy breathing was saying otherwise.

“Coach Foster is known to be a bit of a drill sergeant,” Auden informed Lucas as they began to walk along the sidelines. “I’ve heard quite a few guys have passed out in the middle of warm up exercises. Then again, the guy has led the team to three consecutive national wins.”

Lucas watched as the coach blew his whistle twice and the boys staggered to a stop.

“Right ladies!” the coach yelled. “Time for free throws. You don’t get it in, you run five laps!”

There were groans all around.

“It’s at times like these that I’ve got to say I appreciate my coach,” Auden told Lucas as they reached the other end of the second basketball court. “He may have some really odd teaching methods…but at least he doesn’t try to kill us every practice.” He pushed open the next door and Lucas found himself walking past two indoor volleyball courts. They were empty but next to them a few guys were practicing badminton.

Cameras here too. Same type of bleachers. Lucas took in everything he considered important.

“The volleyball team is probably using the sand courts today,” Auden said as he headed right for another door.

This time, when they walked through it, they came to a large swimming pool. It was filled with guys swimming laps.

“Welcome to the center of the school,” Auden waved a hand around. “Everything revolves around this place…or so the swim team thinks.” He grinned.

Annoyed glances were being shot from all around, as though the swimmers were wondering what these intruders were doing here.

“It’s the only sport team where no one else is allowed to use their facilities,” Auden told Lucas. “We have our own pool, in door and out. Just don’t even make the mistake of using the swim teams’.”

“Why do you say that?” Lucas asked.

“According to the swim team they,” he held up a hand, “are here. And everyone else,” he held up another hand below it, “is here.”

Lucas raised his eyebrows.

“They’ve got a bit full of it lately as they’re the only team to be champion for the last six years. If you ask me, it’s not even fun watching them compete anymore. Add on to that, they have some sons from some pretty influential people on their team.”

Lucas’ ears perked at that.

“The Prime Minister of England has a son on it…I think. Also some big tycoon…James Harrison was it?”

James Harrison: owns a mega billion empire. This year he was voted as one of the richest and most influential people in the world, the information flashed through Lucas’ mind. Under the radar he deals with arms which he delivers to third world countries. On the surface he donates to so many charities he practically owns them. He scowled. No one at ECHO had informed him that James Harrison’s son would be here. If the information wasn’t given, then it is most likely not important. But it makes things more complicated. Lucas glanced around. Security is bound to be a lot tighter than I first thought.

“There’re also a few other influential ones,” Auden was continued. “It just so happens that they donate a lot to Ellison . All that’s made the swim team pretty…well big headed.” Auden grinned as he nodded at a member. The member nodded back, his curious gaze on Lucas as they walked past. “Then again, I’m a dorm head, so they don’t quite see me the same way as you.” Auden turned to Lucas. “That means I’m only down here,” he put his hand slightly lower than earlier, “while you’re way down here.” He put it even lower.

They passed into another door only to find a room filled with lockers.

“Oops, wrong one,” Auden noted, even though he didn’t turn back. They continued and passed by showers.

No visible cameras here, Lucas noted at once. The changing rooms are most likely all blind spots.

They somehow made their way back outside.

“There’s more stuff. Weight room and all that,” Auden told Lucas as he paused, his gaze fixated on a golf cart. “I like to keep things brief as not to bore you, so I’ll only show you what I consider the essentials for now.”

Lucas didn’t argue. As Auden made a beeline for the golf cart, Lucas studied his back. He’s giving information easily. It makes him less suspicious. However, caution should remain.

“Hey,” Auden greeted the two boys who had gotten out of the golf cart.

They returned the greeting.

“I’m going to need to use the cart,” Auden told them.

The boys looked ready to protest but Auden simply pointed at the band on his arm. Reluctantly, the boys grabbed their golf bags out of the back.

“Get in,” Auden told Lucas who did so.

“Walking is good exercise,” Auden called back to the boys as he pressed down on the gas and began to speed off. “Phew, I’m glad we found one,” he told Lucas. “Otherwise it would take forever.” He turned slightly in his seat and pointed. “Over here we have the track and field stuff.” His hand moved. “Football fields and so on are over there. But you’ll see it later anyway.”

Why? Lucas wondered.

“Move it people!” Auden called to some guys to get off the road and out of the way. “Man, it’s getting hot.” He reached up and unbuttoned his jacket. The cart kept going back and forth as he pulled off his jacket completely. “Here.” He tossed it to Lucas to hold before he loosened his tie.

They came to another fancy looking building. “If you’re into art, acting, and all that, this is the building for you,” Auden told him as he got out. Lucas followed. “Just leave the jacket behind,” Auden called back.

Lucas did as told. He then followed Auden into the building.

“The auditorium,” Auden announced. They passed by a ticket selling booth and walked along a red carpet towards a large wooden door. “We get at least three famous people to hold a concert every semester,” Auden told Lucas. “Last semester we had DM5.” He referred to a rising boy band. “Miranda Phelps came too. Had the place in an uproar. We had at least three stage crashers.” Lucas had no idea what he meant.

Auden threw the doors open to reveal a massive hall. It was filled with rows and rows of plush chairs. There were even two stories move above them. A large stage was at the front, the curtain currently drawn to the side. “Tones of people from outside come to watch performances as they’re legendary. Not to mention a good amount of the drama students end up in Hollywood. You see them act here first, you get to boast to your friends later on.”

Lucas’ eyes scanned the room. Not important, he decided almost at once. It’s too hard to maintain a high security in order to hide the object in this building.

“Well,” Auden closed the door again and walked to the right. He opened another which led into a large room where paintings and sculptors were displayed.

“We have art exhibits and other random stuff every so often here, if you’re interested. Every semester the senior class has their work shown as well. Throughout the semester the best pieces from around school are displayed.” He closed the door again. “There’s art studios down that way,” he pointed down the other end of the hall. “Woodwork, pottery, and what not. There’s also a few recording studios in the basement if you’re inspiring to be a singer.”

Lucas lost interest.

“Alright next place.” Auden didn’t seem interested either.

They went back to the golf cart and continued on their way. “Most people can’t believe their eyes when they come here. It’s pretty fancy for a high school, if you know what I mean,” Auden told Lucas.

Lucas nodded, yet didn’t say anything. He’d never been to any high school. ECHO had educated him over the years after he had been taken in. Anything other than that was foreign to him. That’s why he didn’t have any other high school to compare Ellison to.

“That building is the sickbay.”

Lucas looked in the direction Auden was pointing. It was near the classrooms and a one story white building. Palm trees surrounded it, giving it a more exotic look. Small fountains were all around the outside.

“It’s supposed to have a relaxing environment. You can even get massages there if the head school doctor suggests it…or if you’re on his good side.” Auden stopped the cart outside it. “Let’s pop in and see if he’s here.”

Lucas followed Auden. The passed over a small wooden bridge going over a man made broke, before going through the door. The interior was white, super clean, and smelt interestingly of vanilla. A thick carpet lined the floor and a receptionist desk stood before them. Ignoring it, Auden took Lucas towards the back. He stopped by a door and knocked.

“Get lost!” a voice called.

Lucas blinked in surprise but Auden grinned as he opened the door.

A man with black hair and in a white coat was staring down a boy’s throat. He glanced up and Lucas felt surprised that he looked to be no older than in his middle twenties.

Head school doctor at that age? Lucas thought. Either he’s got connections or some serious credentials. He made a mental note to look into it later.

“Ah, it’s Auden,” the doctor smiled.

“Hey doc,” Auden replied as he walked over to a bowl of fruit and picked out and apple. He began to eat without hesitation.

“I’ve got some cough drops. If it continues to bother you, come by tomorrow,” the doctor told the boy. He handed him a packet and the the boy got up and left. The doctor turned to Lucas. “I’m sure I haven’t seen your face before.” He told him as he looked him up and down. “A new student?”

He’s got a good memory if he knows I’m not a returning student. Lucas thought.

“His name’s Lucas. He came in a bit late,” Auden helped out as he chewed loudly.

“Ah, that one,” the doctor nodded.

He looks capable if it came to hand to hand combat. Doctor could be a cover, Lucas decided. Threat? Inconclusive, but do not rule out.

“I hear it was quite an accident,” the doctor told Lucas. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Lucas nodded in response.

“If you ever need to get away, this is the place to come,” Auden told him. “Doc has quite the connections if there’s anything you ever need.”

“Now, now, Auden. What stories are you telling about me?” the doctor asked.

Auden grinned. “Out of all the staff, he’s the man.” he clamped a hand on the doctor’s shoulder.

“How’s the dorm?” the doctor asked, his eyes twinkling.

“I’m keeping them in line,” Auden replied.

“Is that a way a dorm head should be walking around?” he asked referring to Auden’s loose tie and his blouse without a jacket.

“It’s hot,” Auden shrugged.

“And I’m assuming right now you’re giving a tour?”

Auden nodded.

“He’s probably doing a poor job.” The doctor turned to Lucas. “Always leaves out half of it. If you want a thorough one, it’s better to ask someone else.”

“Wow, and after I complimented you, what a way to pay me back,” Auden told the doctor dryly. “I take everything I said about you back.”

The doctor grinned.

“Well then, we’re leaving,” Auden abruptly headed for the door.

“Uh…it was nice to meet you doctor,” Lucas began.

“Call me Jim…or doc of that’s what you prefer.”

Lucas nodded.

“Coming?” Auden called.

Lucas hurried after him and they headed back to the golf cart. They got back in and Auden began to head back in the direction of the classrooms.

“One more stop,” he told Lucas. “Consider it important if you want to avoid trouble at school.”

“Trouble?” Lucas asked.

Auden nodded as they came up to a wooden building. It looked a lot like a large dojo from the front. Lucas stopped the cart and they got out, however, after walking a few feet towards it, Auden came to a stop.

“This is the place for martial arts. Out back we have archery and there’s a section for fencing a little off to the side,” he explained. “These are the guys you don’t really want to get into a fight with. We have a few members in our dorm. I’m telling you, it’s a pain when you have a fight break out and there’s a black belt involved. They remind you just why you should have taken some sort of martial art when you could. ”

Lucas heard shouts coming from inside. He made no comment. Martial art wasn’t something new to him.

That was when he felt the presence behind him. He ignored the warning bells in his head, telling himself this was high school. However, when the hand snaked around his neck, all his muscles tensed up.

“Who are you?” a voice growled in his ear. “Why are you here?”

Am I discovered? Different scenarios rushed through Lucas’ head. With one quick move, he could try and break the grip, turn and throw the attacker and subdue him, or he could do nothing. His eyes narrowed as the grip tightened. I could also go for some serious damage. Break a wrist? But at what cost?

He weighed his options.

Options:

a) Go for it, try subduing the attacker.

b) The attacker made the first move. Go for some serious damage.

c) No way. Lucas is undercover; he should pull himself together. He can’t risk exposing anything out of the ordinary.