The Not-So Austen Bookclub discussion

M.16 highschool - secretive, hidden away and shrouded with mystery, the school takes students from all around the world and trains them in the art of spying. To some, it will come naturally. For others, they will need to battle with their conscience and try to retain what they believe in amongst the many 'games' those that rule M.16 will play. But M.16's goals are clear - they need new spies and fast. Because an enemy is rising, exploiting the outside world and they might just expose M.16. So get ready to be flown off to one of the best, and worst, schools in the world and show everyone what you're made of!

Name: Erica Bennett (pronounced Air-ree-ka)
Age: 15
Appearance: Long Blonde Hair, pretty, quite tall, white skin not too pale. Hazel eyes.
Skills: Speaks 14 languages (Not spanish), Specialist in surveillance, excellent liar and expert in deep cover ops.
Personality: Badass, intimidating, stubborn

Quick Bio: Has Foster parents. Biological parents died when young. Currently on a plane to be taken to M.16 highschool.

Name: Margo Ezlec
Age: 16
Years attended: 6
Skills: All snow sports, sky diving, acting, code break, speaks multiple languages (french, itallian, Spanish, Japanese), lock picking and is brilliant with a gun.
Appearance: short raven hair, green eyes and pale skinned.

Name: Scarlett Dickenson
Age: 17
Appearance: Long, wavy auburn hair, pale skin, grey eyes and is around 1.6 metres tall.
Skills: Martial arts, weaponry, disguises and is especially talented in sleuth work and poison analysis and creation.
Personality: Charismatic, kickass, beach-loving and can come across a tad snobbish or 'high and mighty'

Quick Bio: Has a twin brother named Seth. They live with their mother - their father died three years ago, in a freak accident. Scarlett is currently being dropped off at a nearby airport, where she will catch a private jet to M.16 highschool - she's nervous about leaving her mother and brother behind, but excited at the chance to prove herself and use her skills.

Bio: Margo is currently completing a contract in Australia. During her studdies, she does jobs for MI6 and other intelligence agencies.

Name: Lexus
Age: 15
Gender: Male but looks female sometimes depending on what he does with his appearance.
Appearance: Naturally has short orangey/brown hair and blue eyes. Short for his age. Appearance(hair style, clothing, etc.) changes almost everyday.
Skills: Extremely good at disguises and always carries a bag full of wigs, clothes, contacts and other things. Specialises in theft and sleight of hand. Knows self-defence and understands how to use many different weapons. Has many talent-most halfly developed.
Personality: Fast learner, kind, can be an arrogant douche but knows when to quit. Great actor.
Quick Bio: Lived in a poor family. Parents aren't able to work and his eight siblings(three brothers and five sisters) are too young. His family relied on Lexus for money and food. None of his family have a birth certificate, and technically 'don't exist', which is why a)He can't get a proper job and is reduced to thievery, putting on performances and begging and b) the MI6 HS chose him.

Scarlett Dickenson:

"Scar, turn it off!" Seth groaned from behind her, shoving the back of her car seat roughly, causing her to shoot him a glare over her shoulder.

"What? You don't like this song?" Scarlett replied, all wide-eyed innocence. "Hmm. Poor Seth-y!"
"Children," Mrs Dickenson sighed, not turning her gaze from the road - drumming her fingers nervously on the steering wheel the whole while. "Stop. Please?"

Scarlett sank in her seat, but not before she diligently turned the radio off. Seth whistled contentedly behind her and she stifled a growl. Stupid brothers. Her ire cooled a little when she realised that she might not see her stupid brother for awhile, and the thought of not seeing him was surprisingly painful. She's miss her mother's quirky driving tendencies too - like the drumming and the way she'd wait exactly 3 seconds after the light had turned from red to green before she moved the car forwards. Mrs Dickenson hadn't always been that way - but ever since Mr Dickenson died in a freak car accident...

"Nearly there," Mrs Dickenson announced, looking anxious.
"You said that ten minutes ago," grumbled Seth. "I still don't see why I had to come with - Mark and I had a LOTR marathon planned and everything."
"Gees, Seth. I didn't know I meant so much to you," Scarlett deadpanned.
"You don't."
"Touche, little bro."
"You're only three minutes older than me!"
"Someone's cranky today - did you take your happy pills this morning, Seth?"
"Children..."
"Sorry, Mum ."

Mrs Dickenson sighed heavily and turned into the airport, the car travelling up the long road, turning right as it headed for the drop-off point. Scarlett sat shot-gun, which gave her a clear view of the airport's early-morning chaos, with people dragging along luggage, grabbing their children's hands to keep them near, hollering for family members or searching for plane tickets. When the car was parked, Scarlett slowly got out...helping her mother lift her one roll-along luggage bag out of the boot of the car.

"Now, when you get inside, that Ms. Mason woman will meet you, ok?"
"Yes, Mum. I know."
"And be sure to listen to the safety briefing onboard the plane."
"Yes, Mum. I will."
"And...and call me when you've safely landed, ok?"
"I promise." Scarlett hugged her mother tightly, inhaling her scent and trying very hard not to cry. Mrs Dickenson gave a watery chuckle and hugged her back.

"I love you, Scarlett, and-" She broke off and shot an exasperated look at the car. Stepping away from Scarlett, she opened the back door and glared at her son. "Seth - say goodbye to your sister!"

Seth grumbled and hopped out of the car. He and Scarlett shared the same auburn hair and grey eyes, although - as Scarlett's best friend Jenny had once said - Seth was the 'hotter one' out of the twins. Scarlett rolled her eyes at her brother and gave him a tight hug, causing him to gasp for air dramatically and mock-choke.

"Oh, hush up you idiot," she said fondly.
He gave one last fake-choke - swiping at his eyes covertly when he thought she wasn't looking. She was. "Don't get killed, ok?"
"Seth!" Mrs Dickenson gasped.
"I mean it." Seth's gaze was serious. Scarlett bit her lip and gave him one last hug.
"I promise," she whispered in his ear. He nodded, cleared his throat, and stepped back.

Margo Ezlec

It was a good day but my definition of 'good' is questionable. I walked through the Botanical Gardens after just completing my last contract- not many students get contracts when they're still in training, nut my family has been in the intelligence world for years. Bith of my parents are spies but they're divorced and try to kill eachother half the time.

Oh! Sorry. I'm Margo Ezlic, I spend half of my time at regular school and the other half at... I guess that you could call it SPY SCHOOL. But really, espionage has been overly glorified by things like James Bond.

I'm Ezlec. Margo Ezlec.

What kind of person says that? Anyway, My dad works for the Australia SAS and he has since he was heaps young. My mum is the head Gadget inventor for the American FBI and CIA.
So I live in three different countries, because I study in England.
My life is pretty messed up.

My phone buzzed just as I passed a young couple getting a little too intimate under a large tree.
"Yeeeeello?" I said, I almost stubbled over my converse lace. I guess I stood out, it was Summer and I was wearing skinny jeans and a tank top, most Australians I passed were barely covered by clothes at all. It was a beautiful day.
"Margo?"
I sighed, Liam knew it was me yet he always addressed me with a question. "Yes, Numbskull. What's up?"
He laughed, his Brittish accent shining through. "You done with the mission?"
"Just heading to get debriefed now. Why?"
"School starts today... Both of them." Liam was a spy too, we'd done a few contracts together, he was my best friend. We went to MI6 and normal school together, we made a great team.
"I know, I should be back by tomorrow morning, after this I'm going to lunch with dad, then catching the first plane back home."
"Awesome, I'll see you then. You're going to be tired, school starts at eight tomorrow."
"It's the price you have to pay to save the world." I said dramatically.
"You're so cheesy." He replied then hung up.

I laughed and continued walking.

Name: Carmen Patel
Age:17
Appearance: Short black hair in a pixie cut, striking emerald eyes, dark Egyptian skin tone, average height.
Skill set: Uses her photographic memory and extensive knowledge of foreign languages to complete her missions. Is also talented at interrogation, martial arts, use of weaponry, deception, infiltration, vocal mimicry, and escaping from sticky situations.
Bio: Carmen's father, an Egyptian ambassador from the UK fell in love with and married a former Egyptian spy. Her mother died when she was young and her father, being so busy with foreign policy carted her off to MI6 HS at the soonest opportunity. Although she is still enrolled in school sometimes she takes on missions.

Erica Bennett

"She walked across the bridge hands in the pockets of her brown coat... she-"
'You're doing it again," I said to Christopher.

We were in a plane heading to England. Christopher had a Crystal O'Neil book in his hand and was once again reading out loud. I didn't get why he couldn't read in his head.
"Doing what ?" He asked completely oblivious to what was going on around him.
"Reading out loud. You were doing it before and apparently it got really interesting and you went 'yowzah.' So do not at this point Yowz." I explained to Christopher.

At that moment the attendant of the plane came by and asked in french what we would like to drink.
"Erica-"
"Yeah, yeah. I've got you covered. Uh Je voudrais un cafe et un the." I said to the attendant.

Christopher took the drinks from the attendant with a thanks and handed me my coffee leaving him with tea.
"It's going to be a long flight" Christopher stated.
"Agreed,"

See, Christopher and I, we're brother and sister and we lived and were brought up in America. So the plane ride was like 8 ish hours. I wasn't exactly sure. We also had a slight bit of an american accent but not much.

I wondered what the M.16 school would be like as I took out the brochure that included the safety briefing. I put down my cup of coffee as I began flipping through the brochure.
boring
boring
boring

Was there anything at the school which didn't involve rules. I mean codes of conduct I can deal with but not rules. Rules were not something I complied with.

Well, only 7 hours left.

Scarlett Dickenson:

"Are you comfortable, Miss Dickenson?" Ms Mason, thus far the only M.16 employee I had met and the woman who had introduced me to the world of spying and intrigue, glanced my way.

I tore my gaze away from the plane window and met her cool gaze. "Perfectly," I replied, trying to mean it.
Ms Mason nodded and turned her head - complete with its ink-black pageboy haircut - towards the air-hostess. "Could we please have two coffees - one with room for milk?"
"Certainly, Ms Mason."
"Thank you, Charline."

Charline nodded politely and walked swiftly away from our two seats - both complete with white, silky leather, headrests, T.V controls and, of course, massage functions which my sore back appreciated. Ms Mason sat primly in her seat, tapping her fingers on her armrest as she gazed at me. It made me slightly uncomfortable.

"Botulinum?" she asked swiftly.
"Failing of the nervous system and extreme pains."
"Ricin?"
"Respiratory and organ failure. Death within hours."
"Foaming at the mouth, coma and death?"
"Sarin."
"Strychnine?"
"Every muscle in the body spasms violently until one dies from exhaustion."

Ms Mason stared at me before clapping - the claps echoing through the small private jet. "Bravo, Miss Dickenson. I assume you know how to prepare the poisons you just listed and recalled the effects of?"
I shrugged, glancing away. "To a degree. Some of them are, ah, illegal to prepare, own or distribute. I have not had the chance to experiment with them at leisure."

"I understand completely. At M.16 High, you will have the opportunity to perfect your art...ah! Here is the coffee...thank you, Charline." Ms Mason took her coffee daintily from the hostess, who then set my own cup before me on the fold-out wooden table that she made appear by pressing a silver button to my left. She then set down a little jug of milk before leaving. I added the milk, stirring the coffee with the spoon she'd left...sipping it and then turning to narrow my eyes at Ms Mason.

"How do you know how I like my coffee?" I asked.
"Simple information I picked up," replied the spy. "Amateur reconnaissance, really. Back to business, however. I take it you have completed your martial arts training before you left?"
"There is always room for improvement."

Ms Mason cracked a smile. "Perfectly answered, Miss Dickenson. You remind me very much of- someone I once knew." She looked away and set down her coffee cup. "I suggest you take a look at the pamphlet I left for you in the pocket of your seat- the map of the school grounds will be vital in your navigation once you arrive. If you'll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom. I will return shortly."

She got out of her seat and quickly walked down the aisle, her heels clicking as she went. I couldn't help but feels she was keeping something from me.

Lexus

"Get the hell off me you little brats!" Lexus yelled at the crowd of toddlers which had practically glued themselves to his body. The toddlers-eight in total- squealed and gripped him tighter. Two on each leg, one on each arm and two wrapped around his back and torso.
Lexus dragged himself and his bag outside the abandoned ruins formerly known as a 'garden shed'.
"Mum!" He shouted, exasperated, at the woman sitting on the floor around a pile of cash Lexus had brought in earlier. Her worn features moved to form a weary smile but she didn't move to help.
Lexus groaned, snatching the toddlers up and throwing them back into the shed, before slamming the door shut.

He sighed and escaped to the back of the shed, where he was hidden from view. He opened his bag and took out several objects, a flowery yellow dress, brown boots, a long brown wig and a make up kit. He laid them out on the grass and put them on over the clothes he was already wearing, rolling up his pants so it was hidden under the dress.

When he was done his appearance had changed almost entirely. He looked like a teenage girl, instead of a boy. And his normally orange hair was covered by the brown wig.
He packed up his stuff and walked back to the door of the shed, humming lightly.

He heard his younger brothers and sister wailing through the flimsy wood.
"Leks! Don't go!" One of the toddlers screeched.
Lexus sighed, leaning his head against the shed they call home, "I have to. If I go, they promised to give you money and food. It's for your own good." He muttered.
A sudden BANG from the shed and the door fell to the ground, snapped off its hinges.
"Come on! That takes money to fi-" Lexus started, cut off by his eight siblings swarming over the broken door, running towards him.

He spun on his heel, bolting into the nearby town square, past the taxi which was waiting for him. He grabbed at the dress he was wearing, making sure it didn't fly up.
When he was out of the toddlers sight, he walked, panting lightly, into a grocery store. He hadn't taken any food with him, leaving it with his family. He could survive on his own but his family couldn't do anything without his help.

In the grocery store, he grabbed some plastic bags and chose plenty of fruit and instant noodles to 'buy'. When he was satisfied, he walked up to the counter and talked with the cashier, haggling for several minutes, enough for the cashier to remember his disguised face.

Then he simply walked out of the store.

"Hey! Wait! You have to pay for that!" The cashier yelled, "Thief! Stop her! Police!"
Lexus grinned and ran back around the corner, jumping into the waiting taxi, which drove off almost immediately, disappearing into the countless other taxis which littered the streets of London.

Inside the taxi, the driver looked questioningly at my face in the rear-view mirror, "I was told I was going to pick up a boy."
Lexus smiled, slowly pulling his boots off his feet, revealing the white and blue sneakers underneath, "They must've be joking with you. I am obviously a female."

The taxi driver shrugged, turning the steering wheel around a corner, "I don't know, really. They didn't look like people who joke around a lot, if you know what I'm saying."
Lexus unrolled his khaki pants under his dress, giving a feminine laugh, "You mean, the boring type of person?"
The driver grinned, "Pretty much."
"Oh hey, do you mind bringing the screen thing up? I want to get some sleep before I arrive." Lexus asked sweetly.

"Sure." The driver pressed a few buttons and an opaque screen rolled up between the two people.
Once he was hidden from the driver's view, Lexus slid out of the dress, leaving his yellow singlet. He grabbed a bottle of water and a towel and wiped all the makeup off his face and neck. Lastly, he yanked the brown wig off his head, sighing when his head could 'breathe' again.
He stuffed everything back into his bag after the minute it took to change, and sat in his seat with his hands behind his head.

A few minutes later, the taxi stopped, pulling over.
"Is there a problem, officer?" The driver asked the man outside.
"We've had a theft of a grocery store and the culprit was seen escaping in a taxi." The man said.
Lexus grinned, swiping the grocery bags to the ground just as the police officer looked into his window.

"Hello officer, is anything the matter?" Lexus smiled innocently.
The officer smiled back, "Have you seen a girl with brown hair wearing a yellow dress?"
Lexus shrugged, "No, I haven't. If I do, I'll make sure to give you a call."
The officer exchanged a few more words with him and waved the taxi off, back into the busy road.

Margo Ezlec

My parents got divorced when I was 10, and 6 years later things were still awkward between me and my parents. I saw them tearing each other apart and it felt like I didn't know them anymore. But they always tried to make it up to me- by spoiling my ass off.

So lunch was awkward, my dad is James Bond in person, always in love with class and elegance. We sat at a VIP table at Quey, Peter Gilmore's acclaimed restaurant. I would have felt better in a food court, but that wouldn't have been good enough for my suit-wearing, cocktail-drinking, first class dad.
"So," He said, picking at an over-priced dish. "When are you going back to MI6?"
"Tomorrow." I said, moving my fork unenthusiastically around my plate.
"Oh," He nodded. "Cool."
"Yeah." I stood up. "I've got a plane to catch."
He stood up and we shared an awkward hug. "Bye, Margie."
"Margo."
"Margo." He corrected himself.

***

I literally had to change into my normal school uniform at the airport and sprint to school. I'm a weirdo enough there, they don't really know about my... extracorricular activities.
I ran into class with only a minute to spare, Liam was smiling broadly at me.

Erica Bennett

The school uniform was alright. A bit ugly but it did suit me.
I quickly fixed up my hair, letting it out as I usually do before picking up my luggage and leaving the bathroom. We had just gotten off our flight and were now in England. The people had a really weird accent here.

Christopher and I reached the school by Taxi. We were late but I hoped they would lean on us. It wasn't our fault our flight had delayed even though we caught the early flight.

The school really was hidden. You could hardly see it. The taxi driver thought we were crazy for wanting to be dropped off at such a random location.

'New school, new life" Christopher said.
'Well, duh. We are training to be spies if you remember"

Lexus

The taxi turned into a secluded narrow road-more like a path-right behind another taxi. Lexus stared out the window, trying to absorb this new, empty environment. He saw a couple of sheep and horses grazing happily and smiled, wishing he could learn how to ride a horse. It would open a lot moe disguises to be at his use.

Since his taxi kept following the other in front, Lexus suspected they were both going to the same place. He was interested to see how the other students would react to a thief.

The taxi stopped in a very hidden location. The driver knocked on the glass between them, "Wake up, darl. This is the place."
I massaged my throat, working my normal voice back into my voice box, "Darl? Who're you talkin' to?"
The driver started, and lowered the opaque screen, inspecting my face in the mirror, surprise evident on his face, "What? But- you- girl...?"
I made a confused expression, "I dunno what you're on, mate. But I think you should cut down on it a little. Have a good one."

I opened the door and got out, taking my bags, including the ones with my groceries with me. I waved the taxi off, chuckling to myself.

Nearby, I saw two kids, one girl, one boy, get out of their taxi. I smiled, let's see what these kids were like.
I sidled up to them, "Hey. Are you guys new students too?"

Erica Bennett

"Yep, you." I answered as I turned to see who had spoken.
"What's your name ?" I asked extending my arm. Might as well get on peoples good side.
"Lexus," He said shaking my hand.
"Nice to meet you,"

Just then Christopher decided to be stupid and without thinking blurted out.
"You're pretty good-looking,"
"Chris, he's a guy. Get your facts right" I said in that voice that annoys my brother.

At that response his face went red as he blushed.

'How did you know ? Most people can never tell the difference." Lexus said.
"I'm an expert in deep cover ops. Disguises and everything. I know your not wearing a disguise but my experience makes it easier to tell genders apart" I explained.

Lexus

Lexus was impressed, "Sweet. That's pretty cool." he grinned and turned to the person that girl had called 'Chris', "Sorry mate. But I'm not.. like that."
"Wait!" Chris blushed a deep red colour, "I'm not.. I was just.. I thought.."
Lexus laughed, "Relax, I'm just kidding."
"What's your name?" he asked the girl.
"I'm Erica." She chuckled.

Lexus nodded, heaving his bag over his shoulder, tilting his head to the school, "We should probably get going, yeah?"

Erica Bennett

"Yeah, we should" I replied.

So we made our way towards the school. It's towers were so tall it was quite freaky. It reminded me of a military school the way the place looked. Apparently we were expected. There was a creepy looking guy awaiting us at the front steps.

I'd heard of him. Chief Agent Stark, he was recently promoted and was really strict. I heard he didn't like kids.

Scarlett Dickenson:

"We're here, miss." The taxi driver turned in his seat to face me, gesturing the sidewalk. As far as I could tell, there was basically nothing there.

I covered the speaker of my phone. "Thanks." I quickly returned to my phone, lifting my hand from the speaker. "Mum, I have to go - yes, I'm here, I'll call you later, ok? Ok, love you. Bye." I snapped my phone shut and climbed out of the taxi, straightening my top and dusting off the back of my jeans. I grabbed my luggage case and gave the door of the taxi a little push, watching it close with a snap - my reflection staring back at me in the tinted taxi window.

The taxi drove off and I was left standing on the sidewalk. I looked over my shoulder and, turning, saw a very large stone building. Rummaging in my jean pocket I found the folded-up pamphlet Ms Mason had handed me and indeed, the building before me was an accurate match to the one on in the pamphlet...down to the very last glass window and topiary tree.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, letting out several lines of Within Temptation's All I Need . I grabbed it and flipped it open, holding it to my ear. Unknown number. "Hello?"
"Hello, Miss Dickenson." It was Ms Mason. "I trust you've made it safely to the school?"
"Yes. Thank you for your concern," I said, slightly sarcastically as I walked up the cobbled path, my luggage case trailing behind me.

"You are most welcome. I will see you soon, I trust. Try not to get into trouble."
I frowned. "You say that like you expect as much."
A soft laugh sounded from the other end. "Miss Dickenson - I think we both know what you are capable of. Just try not to kill anyone this time, please. Adieu." The line cut off and I was left staring at the phone in my hand, before I snapped it close and put it away.

(Picture of my character. Found the perfect person)

Scarlett Dickenson:

Margo Ezlec

I was enveloped in a massive hug by Liam when I entered the classroom, panting from my sprint from the airport but we were too happy to see each other, we didn't really care.
"How was Australia?" Liam asked.
"Mission was good. Dad was..."
"Awkward?" Liam suggested.
I was about to answer when the School Bitch, Sarah Marlong butted in. "Like Father, like daughter I guess." She smiled at me menacingly while her posse of barbies giggling like bleating sheep. "What are you doing later, Liam?" She winked.
"I'm hanging with my best friend." He said, a little cheesy but everyone loved him so no one cared.
Sarah pouted. "You should get some REAL friends."
"Well they couldn't get any faker than you." I glared at the overly cake-faced girl.
"Miss Ezlec, Miss Marlong and Mr Dickens? If you're quite finished?" Our homeroom teacher said.
We all turned to him, "Yes Mr Smith." Sarah said in her sickly sweet voice.

The rest of the day continued like this, I continued to be teased by fake bitches and cocky jocks while Liam came to my aid. When we did missions together we were equal but when it comes to the Highschool social Hierarchy, I was on the bottom. I was a freak with a messed up family who like extreme sports more than shopping, so that space was reserved for me as soon as I started school.

When we got to MI6 High I was in no mood to greet newbies. We passed a few, "Welcome to Hell" I said and stormed off.
"Sorry," Liam told them. "She's had a hard day."

(((Hahaha I think It'll be preeetty hard to find a picture of Lexus. If I find one I'll post it)))

Lexus

Lexus inspected the school building carefully, mentally noting the various exits and entrances, before bringing his gaze down to the guy waiting for us at the stairs. He was expressionless, just standing and waiting to get within earshot.

When they-Lexus, Chris and Erica-stopped in front of him, he examined each of them, taking an especially long time watching Lexus.
Then he opened his mouth to speak.

Erica Bennett

I knew straight away that him and I would not get along.
"Welcome to M.16 High. A school for children in training to become agents for M16. We're just waiting on a couple of others who ARE LATE to arrive" he spoke with a lot if emphasis as if he was trying to keep his temper under control... Interesting.

Scarlett Dickenson:

I was walking up the path when I noticed a group of students ahead of me and I slowed...realising they were with an adult who put 'freaky' and 'pedantic' to a whole new level.

"Welcome to M.16 High," he was saying. "A school for children in training to become agents for M16. We're just waiting on a couple of others who ARE LATE to arrive." The emphasis was put on as his gaze flickered to where I was standing and I swallowed nervously before stepping forwards.

"Ah, sorry I'm late?" I said, frowning at Mr Grumpy Pants.
"Miss Dickenson, I believe," he said, his tone indicating that if my answer was affirmative that he would be most displeased.
"Ah, yeah." I was self-concious about the attention. "That's me."
"A rule breaker. Just perfect - exactly what we need here, for sure."
"I don't break rul-"
He talked right over me. "Here at M.16 High, we expect perfection. Anything less will be met with dissatisfaction and trust me - you don't want to see what happens to those who fail to reach the standards set here."

Margo Ezlec

The good thing about being one of the most experienced students at MI6 High was the fact that you were as obligated to follow a schedule as some of the newer students. Liam and I had been going there for almost six years, we'd been successful in many missions and we knew almost everything.

In a couple of months we'd be graduating- at the completion of six years of training. I thought about that as I completed another backflip, roll and duck technique in the gym.

When I was done with practice Liam handed me a drink bottle which I denied.
"We're late to go meet the newbies." I said.
It was compulsory as the longest students at MI6 High that we go meet the new kids.
"Let's welcome them to Hell." Liam teased.
I pushed him over and kept walking, his laughted echoed around the gym joyfully.
I smiled, "I'm Home."

Lexus

Lexus lifted an eyebrow at the new arrival, glancing back and forth to her and the jerk. He grinned.
"What exactly are you grinning about?" The Jerk snarled.
"Well, you see Sir Douche," Lexus said, mucho politely, "I just find it interesting how you are, a spy or agent or something, when you are clearly very bad at judging people. She's obviously a very nice person. I was under the impression that spies were supposed to be good at that sort of thing."

He was silent for a split second, seemingly surprised by Lexus' way of speech. He scrawled something into a notebook before answering me, "You.. I'll be watching you carefully. What is your name?"
Lexus made a surprised expression, "Oh right, you don't have much on my file, Sir Douche? It would be a bit easier if you just gave me the paper and I'll fill in all my details." He held out his hand. The agent didn't give him the paper.
Lexus shrugged, "Okay then, let's do this the hard way. The name's Lexus. L-E-X-U-S. And I'm a guy, just in case you didn't realise."

For half a second, a smile flickered at the corner of the agent's lips but it was quickly wiped away.
Lexus relaxed. It was just as he thought.

Scarlett Dickenson:

Agent Arsehole strode off, leaving us newbies to stand awkwardly under the wrought-iron arch before the school - staring at our feet, or our hands. The boy Lexus turned and offered me his hand and I accepted it, introducing myself. I met the other two, Chris and Erica, who seemed nice also. Perhaps my time here would not be in complete boredom and utter solitude.

"So what's your forte?" I asked Lexus. Erica had suggested we move inside and I walked in between her and Lexus, Chris standing on Erica's other side.
"Best one's disguise," he said, smiling a little and gesturing to his tricky appearance. "Comes in handy in my line of work."

Margo Ezlec

Liam and I finally found the Newbie Waiting Place- that's what we officially call it.
There were a couple here, not as many as last year, but still a decent amount.
Most of them were standing alone, awkwardly to the side. I felt sorry for them, they were about to enter six years of pain and insanity.

Liam pointed to a group of four- two girls, two boys. "That's new."
I laughed, "Yeah, unconditional peer interaction, how queer."
"Shut up. It wouldn't kill you to cut out the sarcasm."
"But sarcasm is my life, so it would kill me to cut it out." I said and I dragged him over to the group.
"Hey guys." Liam said. "As my friend Margo world say, 'Welcome to Hell'."
They stared at us for a minute, "You're not new too?" One girl asked.
Liam and I laughed, "No, we're almost graduates!"

Lexus

"Huh. Nice." Lexus commented, "So tell me, 'almost graduates',is Sir Douche actually a douche or is that some kind of test thing?"
The two looked at each other, then laughed, "Who, Stark? A test? Well, it's something like that."
"He's really strict but when he's meeting the new recruits for the first time, he's super strict. Like, a crazy amount of strict so he can check out how you guys act around people like him." The boy grinned.
"He likes people with guts, so once you settle in, he'll probably pick a favourite or two." The girl added.
Lexus nodded, "I thought so."

"So he's one of those people. " I said.
"Yep, pretty much" the girl replied
"I don't like him" I said straight out.

Margo Ezlec

"But as much as I admire your bravado, Newbie, don't be calling people names. Stark is about as best as they come." Liam warned. "To insult him is to assure yourself a spot in Hell."
"Didn't you say this was Hell?" a girl asked.
"Imagine a Hell for people who deserved worse than regular Hell." I said. "Anyway, it shouldn't be a problem right now, Stark deals with sassy newbies all the time. I'm Margo Ezlec and this," I said gesturing to Liam. "Is my sidekick, Liam."
Liam snorted, "You're so funny, Margo." His lie was so blatant that it had to be a joke. "So, who are you guys? Where are you from?"
"Nosy." I muttered at him, he nudged me and the Newbies introduced themselves.

Erica Bennett

"I'm Erica" I said introducing my selves
" So Erica, anything in particular your good at" Liam asked.
"Uh I'm an excellent liar and I speak 14 languages and surprisingly I don't speak Spanish." I replied. "I'm good with all that undercover stuff, disguises and surveillance etc." I explained.

Scarlett Dickenson:

"Scarlett," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
"A redhead!" exclaimed Liam, causing the others to laugh. Margo frowned and said, "Scarlet, like Gone with the Wind?"
I sighed. "No. Double 't' at the end Scarlett. Southern-accent unaccounted for."

"And why are you here, Scarlett with a Double T?" Liam asked, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees.
I swallowed my memories and tried to forget my past. "Oh, you know...stuff. A little bit of this and that." There was no way I was divulging any of that stuff to anyone.

Lexus

Lexus introduced himself next, "I'm Lexus. No last name. Long story, don't ask. I live in a shed somewhere in London with an empire of eight annoying siblings and two parents. I am, essentially, a thief. Specialising in disguise and escape. I'm here because they promised to give my family supplies and resources since the government is too stuck-up to help anyone without a birth certificate."
Lexus spoke quickly, the words just spilling out of his mouth. He didn't know why it was so easy to talk to these people but he just felt so safe. Anyway, if something went wrong, he could easily just leave and go back to London. He didn't exist so it would be a simple matter to escape.

"Confusing?" He grinned. "Good. That word is my life in a nutshell."

"There's not much to say. I'm chris. My sister is her, Erica. We're American and our biological parents died when we were young. So we are both foster children." Chris, my brother explained.

Margo Ezlec

"Cool. Nice to meet you guys." I said. "Now it wouldn't be fair if we didn't tell you a little about ourselves."
"You go first." Liam told me.
"You're such a gentleman."
"I try."
I ran a hand through my short black hair. "Well, I'm sixteen, my parents got divorced when I started here six years ago. They spend every waking moment planning on sabotaging the other. They both work in intelligence- one in America, the other in Australia. I speak multiple languages- including Spanish," I winked playfully at Erica who laughed, "and I specialise in disguise and love any extreme sport. You name it, I've tried it. And Liam and I are due to graduate soon, then we will be offered real jobs with MI6."
"We practically work for them already." Liam said. "But now, we'll be allowed to. So me... Hmmm. I live with both my parents and came here when I was ten like Margo. We trained together and became friends. I am a code breaker, safe opener, behind the scenes kind of guy. That's why we make a good team, she's right in the action and I'm more meticulous and deceiving. I'm more of a 'Spy' by the stereotype definition. Margo and I also go to normal school too, just down the road- St Augustus."
I was about to continue on from Liam when Stark beckonned us over.
"See you guys!" Liam said.
"Good Luck." I called while they waved.

Stark stood there, "Headmistress wants you."
"Ok, see you around Stark."

Lexus

Lexus sat back in my seat and sighed, looking at his companions. He'd told them more about himself than the others had, and it was a bit unsettling for him.
He reassured himself by remembering he could leave at any time.

"So.. What now, d'you think?" Lexus asked the others.

Carmen Patel

I sat on a couch on the second floor of MI6 hs with my legs crossed, looking through the huge window at all the newbies as they trickled in. I winced when the head set I was wearing made loud crackling noises, disrupting the feed for a short while. I absently translated the quick fire Japanese and wrote down the conversation in English. During a pause in the feed I grabbed a fun-sized twix bar from a nearby bowl and unwrapped it, sticking it in my mouth before the conversation continued.

The headset made several more clicks before cutting out. I looked down at my notebook and scanned the page, making sure I hadn't missed anything. I smiled and took the headset off, setting it down next to the device it was connected to. I uncrossed my legs and got up, deciding there was no reason to wait until later to give my translation to Stark. Besides, this way I would get a chance to meet some of the newbies.

I walked down the stairs and sashayed towards the clustered group of potentials. "Hey, Starky! I have those translations you wanted." I smiled sweetly and walked up to the scowling man. He grimaced, "Miss Patel I told you to give that to me later." I smiled innocently, "oh really? I guess I forgot." He massaged his forehead and I giggled, remembering when he told me that I gave him a headache every time I acted like this.

"Hi everybody! I'm Carmen, I'm a sixth year just like Liam and Margo over here." I said brightly, gesturing over to the mentioned people. "Some of my special skills are speaking foreign languages, covert ops, infiltration, combat, and my favorite," I smiled widely, "interrogation."

Erica Bennett

"That is SO cool." I exclaimed when Carmen came over and introduced herself. I knew I had come across as a bit girlish which you know.. I can be but I couldn't help myself. I loved all the undercover stuff. I had to admit, I was pretty badass at times.

Carmen Patel

I grinned at the girl whose eyes had lit up at the mention of covert ops, "Well now you all know my name, let me hear yours." Liam looked a little miffed that I had come up and taken center stage but I ignored him, it wasn't everyday that I got to meet the newbies and it was always interesting to hear what kind of skills MI6 was scouting out. One year they had been interested in acrobats, let's just say that had been an entertaining year.

Erica Bennett

"I'm an expert in deep cover ops and a specialist in surveillance. I can also speak 14 languages but surprisingly I can't speak spanish." I said going a bit red in the face. I hated promoting myself. I liked to be modest and I knew I hadn't come across as modest just then.

Margo Ezlec

It was no secret. Liam did not like Carmen, they had been at each other since we all started here. I liked them both which made our friendship complicated at times.
"Carmen-" Liam began.
But I saw where it was going, " Liam, we have to go see the Headmistress."
I gave Carmen a quick hug, she was kind of like a sister to me. Us three were the only sixth years so we spent a lot of time together.
Liam let me lead him away but he scowled the whole trip.
I laughed my head off.

Carmen Patel

I waggled my fingers at Margo as she hustled Liam off and when her back was turned stuck my tongue out at Liam. He turned red which just made me laugh. I turned back to the group, "so Miss 'I can't speak spanish', by the way was that by choice or just coincidental? Anyway you and me will probably get paired up at least a few times since I'm used quite often for missions associated with linguistics."

The girl smiled eagerly, as if she couldn't wait to get started. In the back of my head a small part of my brain was thinking maybe it would be better if all of these newbies just went back to whatever their lives had been up to this point, life during and after MI6 hs wasn't an easy one and most kids would probably be better off if they had never attended. Yes the governments needed new spies fast, but still why did they need kids?

I focused back on the group, who were all looking at me expectantly. Mr. Stark had already slinked off and since Margo and Liam had left too I had seniority.

Lexus

Lexus leaned back in his seat. He grabbed one of his grocery bags and took out a carrot, chewing on it. He didn't bother washing or peeling it, just eating it straight from the bag.
"So." He said through a mouthful, "Is there anything we're supposed to do? Or are we just going to sit here and drown in our own boredom?"

Carmen Patel

I tried not to wince at the boy-girl's blunt question, (i was 90% certain he was a boy but didn't want to say anything on the off chance I was wrong.) "Well I believe you are all supposed to talk to Ms. W, she's like a guidance counselor of sorts. And I use the term loosely. Anyway she will help you get into some of the more specialized courses and give you a list of your general classes."

Scarlett Dickenson:

I stared as a girl with purple-streaked hair shrieked, "Tani - she's here!" and flung her arms around my neck, practically choking me.

"What - are - you -?"
"Christ, Ruby, let go of her neck!" A slim girl with blonde shoulder-length hair and amused blue eyes appeared in the doorway, stepping out of the room and gently prying Ruby off me. I rubbed my neck and smiled gratefully. "You must be Scarlett, yeah?"
"Yep. That's me. You're my roommates?"
Ruby beamed. "Isn't this great?! We can have girl's nights, watch movies, talk about boys -!"

Tani rolled her eyes and gave Ruby a light shove. "Ignore her. She's sugared up at the moment - what with her secret stash of Allen's lollies and we had chocolate cake for afternoon tea. But, as you'll soon find, even without sugar Ruby's...bubbly."
Ruby pouted. "Sugar is life!"
"Your life."
"I like my life!"
I smiled - I was really going to like hanging out with these girls. "I guess you both have been here a while?"

Ruby's eyes widened. "Oh no! I've been here, at M.16 High, barely half a year. I'm just average Ruby Buentos, tech head and gadget wiz."
"Tani Settler, linguistics and political studies expert," Tani chimed in, winking. "Though that doesn't even measure up to your martial arts records, hon."
"How...?" I paused and rolled my eyes. "Let me guess - you stalked me before I got here."
"Actually, Ruby hacked into the school computer and copied all the info they had on you," Tani replied, grinning at my expression. "But don't stress - they didn't have much on there anyway, 'cause they know sooner or later a student is bound to hack into their system!"

"Wow, Ruby - that's...awesome," I enthused.
Ruby beamed. Tani gestured to the room beyond and said, "How about we get you settled in and then I'll take you around?"
"Sounds good."

Erica Bennett

(Changing the POV)

Erica watched as Scarlett left with her roommates for a tour around the school. Erica wondered who her roommates would be when a really pretty girl came along. She had dark brown hair which was pretty long, she was quite short but looked fit and sturdy. She looked .. nice.

Erica glanced her way and saw that she had glanced back. Her eyes went wide when she saw Erica..
"Hey, you're Erica right." She said walking up to her.

"Yep,"
"Hi, I'm Vanessa" She said introducing herself. "We're roommates"
"Awesome !" She said happily.
"Come, I'll show you where to put your bags and then we'll take a tour. I'll show you the queen bees and the populars and the bitches"
"Ok, then" She said a bit put off at what she'd said. Could this school really at heart be just like any other school.

Lexus

Lexus shrugged at Carmen, "I'll just go on a self-guided tour. I might visit this Ms. W later."

Without bothering to wait for an answer, he gathered his things-stolen and owned- and walked off through a random corridor.
He saw several classrooms and staffrooms as well as a few doors with labels that seemed to say things like 'Danger! Enter only with a teacher's permission.' and 'Authorised personnel only!', which he ignored. He'd never been to a school so he hadn't known what to expect. But signs like that were probably normal.

"Who the hell is Lexus?" A tall guy with jet black hair said to a shorter blonde kid as they walked down the corridor. Lexus' ears pricked up, automatically eavesdropping on their conversation.
"I dunno," The blondie replied, "Stark said he was a cocky brat with gender identification issues."
"Charming."

Lexus raised an eyebrow. Cocky brat? Maybe. Gender identification issues? Not so much.
He spoke up, "Are you guys my room mates?"
The boy with black hair looked at him, "Lexus?"
Lexus nodded, "Cocky brat in the flesh."
"I like you already." The blondie grinned, before adding as an afterthought, "No homo."
Lexus smirked, "None at all."


"I specialise in stealth and gadget making/designing." The black haired boy put out a hand, "I'm Marco."
"Awesome. Marco Polo." Lexus replied, shaking his hand. They both laughed.
"I'm Caleb." The blondie shook Lexus' hand and grinned, "Hacker and parkour expert."
Lexus smiled, "Disguise and escape's my forte."

The raised their eyebrows, "Sweet."
The group chatted happily as they walked to their shared dorm.