Democracy is Dead

Chapter Five

'Democracy for Beginners' was the name of the class, not that any of its students could really be referred to as beginners in politics after almost twenty years of votes and campaigns. But the class was compulsory for all first years, and covered the history of democracy over the centuries rather than an introduction to the modern political system.

Athena, who'd always enjoyed history at school, had been looking forward to starting the class this term until Cress had begun to complain about it. The other girl's assertions that the class would be dull and unnecessary had left Athena apprehensive.

"It's all so basic," Cress complained from their shared kitchen while making herself a cup of tea - even though the class was due to start in fifteen minutes. Athena, who'd been waiting by the door for her friend for some time now, shrugged.

"This is our first year - the basics were what I expected to be covering."

Cress rolled her eyes, a gesture which looked less menacing than she intended since her glasses were fogging over with steam. The pink rims she'd acquired over Christmas were gone, replaced by an old pair with thick black frames while the repairs took place.

"Surely they could give us credit for some level of intelligence. This is our second term - they should know by now that we're not all idiots."

Athena decided that it would be prudent not to answer that one. Five months had taught her that Cress was never wrong. Arguing with her was rarely worth the effort. Cress took a long, slow sip of her green tea before glancing at the clock on the wall behind her.

"I'm not going to rush for this one, but you should go ahead - I know you're looking forward to it."

Athena nodded. It wasn't just that she was looking forward to the class; she didn't like arriving late to lectures due to the turned heads and curious stares it prompted. Cress enjoyed the attention, but Athena tried to avoid it at all costs. "I'll see you in there," she told her flatmate, zipping her coat before she opened the door.

"Save me a seat!" Cress called as Athena stepped out into the corridor.

The New London University of Politics was based in the original political centre of the capital: the 'Houses of Parliament'. Although the exterior remained the same, inside it had been gutted and replaced with modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

The girls' halls were only five minutes away, but the fierce wind made the brief journey torturous. Athena hugged her arms to her body, tucking her head to her chest as she marched through the chill.

The NLUP was well heated this term and Athena stripped off her extra layers as she took her seat in the lecture hall. She took a new notebook - pink, of course - out of her bag, along with a pen which she tapped against the desk while waiting for Cress to appear.

There was a thud as a bag was thrown down on the bench beside her. Athena turned, assuming Cress had changed her mind about arriving late, and was shocked to discover that the bag was inky black with luminous turquoise piping. Cress' bag didn't look like that.

The girl who did own the bag had blonde hair with multiple braids running through it that jutted out at odd angles. She was dressed in head-to-toe black, without a spot of pink in sight and her blue eyes were smudged with smoky eyeshadow.

"Sephy Taylor," she said, smiling at Athena. As Sephy spoke, her name appeared in plain black cursive above her head, her influence rating - 9 - hovered beside it. Two small boxes hovered below it, one offering more information, the other offering Athena the opportunity to send Sephy a friend request. Wary of the black and the low influence rating, Athena dismissed the option.