Chapter 13
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“We’ve got defense bots patrolling–if you ditch the uniform, they’ll come after you. So, don’t mess around unless you want trouble
“Any combat cyberware you’ve got! It’s shut off on campus–no turning it on. If some hacker jacks into your implants and starts running the show, yell for help. We’ve got pros who’ll son it out. Got it?”
Regina nodded. “Yes,”
Liam kept going. “Blackthorn’s one of the top academies out there–students here are loaded and connected. The logo on your uniform screams That, so off–campus, it might paint a target on your back. Get rid of it when you’re out and about, or you could be asking for it.”
Regina nodded. Understood.”
“Cool Head 10 class then. You’re a freshman in Class Six–your phone’s navigation will get you there.”“
She turned around and left.
The principal stood up. “See you, Mr. Hayes
Liam nodded. After Regina and the principal were gone, he looked at the door to the lounge. “You can come out now. They left.”
The long–haired man came our clapping.
“She’s perfect” he exclaimed.
He couldn’t shut up about her, eyes wild with excitement. “At first, she just seemed like some regular teenage girl, but then I remembered she’s a level ien–bam, she’s freaking incredibler
Liam snorted. “She’s ice–cold. Her Humanity’s only at ten. I watched her the whole time- no impatience, no nerves, not even a flicker of confusion. He added. “No mads, no implants, nothing. But she’s already like a robot.”
The long–haired guy shrugged it off. “She’s a level ten–nobody’s perfect, right? Flaws come with the territory.
Grinning, he stared at the door. “Still, she’s plenty perfect for me. I’m making a move.
Confused. Liam asked, “How?”
The long–haired man’s eyes flickered. “Il be a school doctor here.”
Scunned, Liam said, “You’re an expert in cyberwares, and you’ve been on TV. There’s a loop of your great speech on every TV in public. Everyone know you*
“So what” The long–haired man took out a pair of heavy, black–rimmed glasses from somewhere. “I can disguise”
Liant was speechless
Meanwhile, the long–haired man rocked his chuir an delight, saying confidently, Til be the first to tweak her touching her–I’ve got to study her up closer
Liam grabbed ins phone, deadpan. “Yeali, I’m calling the cops”
The guy froze, finally realizing how that sounded.
r body! From now on, it’s just mite
Preston in the class had already lost his patience.
He thought, “Where’s Regina Hasn’t she completed her admission process yet?
Right then, the classroom door swung open. He perked up, but it was just jeff Adants, the head teacher
Banmer. Preston slouched back, looking pissed.
Jeff wasn’t thrilled either. He grabbed the rickety door and barked, “What are you, a wrecking crew! Why’s this thing busted twice a month**
He then reprimanded Preston, “Preston, stop kicking it every time you enter the class! You’ve broken it several times alrearly!”
1/2
Chapter 18
Preston didn’t give a damn. “And I always pay, OK? Chill I don’t want to push it with my hand, and you just won’t install an automatic door.”
Jeff planted his hands on his hips, fuming. This is a classroom, not a tech lab! An automatic door? What if it glitches and traps us in a fire? What if it conies down and hurt someone now!
I’ve been your teacher for years, and this is the thanks I
Choked, Preston got up and went to the door. “How could it hurt someone? I’ll put it back on OK?”
Just as he walked to the door, someone outside knocked.
Jeff said, still angry, “Come in!”
Regina opened the door. “Hi, I’m the new student. My name is…
The door in front of her creaked.
She froze
Preston, behind it, froze too.
Suddenly, the door fell down.
Then–bam–the door crashed down, and he was flat under it in a flash.
Everyone present gasped and looked at Regina.
She stood there, next the wrecked door, forcing a smile through the awkwardness. “Uh, yeah. Regina Mitchell”
