-Watching Cloud Rice
Madison, Wisconsin
August 2, 2003
“Certainly, Miss Rice. I understand your concern,” Mr. Bell said, offering her a small smile. “Adding the metahuman curriculum has been a project that we have been working on for about five years. It is only now at a stage in which we can begin inviting students to participate. As far as touring our facilities, you and your family are most welcome to do so. There will be an open house taking place for prospective students, to take place on August 11. I apologize that it is such short notice but we are trying to start school on Spetember 1.”
-James Dunbar
New York, New York
August 2, 2003
“Oh? I am very sorry to hear that, Mr. Dunbar,” Mr Bell said in reply, still looking a bit concerned about his ‘headaches’. But it appeared that James did not want to elaborate on the issue, so Bell did not pursue it.
“Mr. Pike is not himself a metahuman, but throughout his life, he has known many people who were. Many of them had difficulty in trying to learn more about their powers, and William sympathized with them. Now that he has the means, he is interested in helping other metahumans in ways that he could not help his former companions,” Mr. Bell smiled faintly as he told James this, caught up for a moment in a memory. After a moment’s pause, he continued. “What we primarily require from our students is that they maintain secrecy regarding our metahuman program. Several members of our faculty are of the opinion that we might attract unwanted attention, should it become public knowledge that the program exists.”
-Maxwell Helmdig
Aynor, South Carolina
August 2, 2003
After a few moments, the girl began to stir. At last, she opened her eyes, and looked around. Apparently, she was surprised by what she saw, because she quickly scrambled to her feet, looking around frantically. At last, she noticed Maxwell. “Who are you? Where am I?”
-Mai Hoshiko
Aug. 2, 2003
Tokyo, Japan
Ken looked curiously at Hoshiko once more, before realizing that Mr. Bell was looking at him. “Er… yeah, I would not tell anyone either,” Ken said at last.
“Excellent,” Mr. Bell replied, clearly pleased by their responses. “Actually, Mai-san, the school is in Ireland. If you are interested in attending the orientation, I am certain that we can arrange for transportation.”
-Marcus Stevens and Jonn Birkey
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
August 2, 2003
“Err… yes. What’s going on.…” She turned and looked at the metal door behind her, as if checking to see if it was still there. Sure enough, it was. “Well… I did not hear the whole story, but from the way people were talking, it sounded like one of the experiments escaped. I wasn’t working on that project, but I heard about it, and it sounded scary!” The girl made a face. “So… uh… can I hang out with you guys for awhile? Just until its been caught?”
Though she answered readily enough, there was something about her words that did not ring true with Marcus.