E.C.H.O.

Stage 2 "Classroom 3H"

Lucas shifted. He considered his options for a moment.

"I'd like to go to class, if that's alright."

The receptionist smiled widely. "A boy who takes his work seriously." She nodded her head as her hand shifted and she pressed a button of some sort. "Your things will be in your room later. Also..." she paused as she glanced over Lucas' clothes. "I see you don't have your uniform yet. It's alright since you came late. I'll make sure a set is sent along with your things. I'm assuming you're measurements are in?"

Lucas nodded.

"Alright then. Starting tomorrow make sure you're wearing your uniform at all times during school hours. Once the bell rings for the end of the day you're free to wear what you want."

Sensing a new presence, Lucas looked to his right out of the corner of his eyes. A man wearing a suit and tie was hurrying over. His hair was a mess and he looked out of breath.

"Ah, Mr. Jordan." The receptionist smiled tightly.

"Ms. Howard," Mr. Jordan replied shakily as he tried to straighten his tie.

"Would you please escort Mr. Johnson here to classroom 3H?" Even though she asked, Lucas was sure it wasn't really a question.

"Certainly." Mr. Jordan nodded.

"Alright then." The receptionist turned back to Lucas. "Mr. Jordan will take you and answer any questions along the way." She shot a look at Mr. Jordan who only nodded. "I'll have your dorm head find you afterward to take you to your room." With that she turned away and picked up the phone; most likely calling back the person she had been gossiping with before Lucas came.

"This way," Mr. Jordan told Lucas.

Lucas followed him, leaving his things behind. I wonder if they check through luggage, he thought as he shot a glance back. Probably, he decided with a shrug. Yes, he had brought a few...special things. But if ECHO was as prepared as usual, they would easily be mistaken for everyday things.

Mr. Jordan exited through the door and Lucas followed. As they began to walk towards a large four story building, Mr. Jordan fell into step beside Lucas.

"So, do you have any questions?"

"Tell me about the classes," Lucas replied smoothly. Although he had already re-searched it, and knew most if it, he decided hearing it again wouldn't hurt. Besides...new students are meant to be somewhat curious, right? he thought.

"Ah...yes. Here at Ellison High we do things a little differently than the other schools in the country. See, we divide classes according to ability. Therefore, it's easier for the teacher to teach at everyone's level. If you excel ahead of your class, you move up. Similarly, if you fall behind you move down a class."

3H, Lucas thought of the number the receptionist had mentioned. 3 for third floor, which is for juniors, H for the class level. Classes go from A to J. He resisted the urge to snort. It looked like ECHO had decided to put him in an easier class. It made sense as he would be able to concentrate on his real objective and not have to worry about school work too much.

"Also, we only have around fifteen to twenty students per classroom," Mr. Jordan continued. "That way the teachers are able to give you more attention. It's one reason why students at Wilson High excel as they do," he added proudly.

"They classes are small," Lucas commented while he scanned the building as they got closer.

"Yes," Mr. Jordan agreed. "Though for some subject certain classes merge. Labs are an example."