NationStates Jolt Archive

To his Excellency Hans Schlabel, General of the Imperial Air Force, Chancellor of Lavenrunz, President of the Council of Ministers

Presented to you along with this letter is a list of 3,000 students who after rigorous testing (which included aptitude, IQ, arithmetic, technical and psychological tests) out of some 550,000 students altogether are presented as pending Her Majesty's approval for the student program in the nation of the Glorious Hack. All are Lavenrunzian born and bred, have been Roman Catholic for the last three generations at least and are from families of loyalist presuasion down to the very present.

I am
Erich the Baron von Strauss, Doctor of Philosophy and History, Minister of Education


Dear Chancellor Schlabel
Re: your Excellency's inquiry regarding the 3000 students for the Hack.

Just to let you know: I have arranged for a few of them to be our own plants, and some have been 'allowed' to slip through our net for the usual reasons. However you will appreciate me not being specific unless it is utterly necessary or Her Majesty instructs otherwise.

yrs
Baron Shein



Dear (student's name filled in)

You have Our congratulations on this appointment. Your hard work and dedication have made it possible. Remember that you do not merely represent your home town, province or school but the Empire itself. May the Blessings of Almighty God and the good use of Reason guide you.

Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz


To her Excellency First Speaker Elisa Day

I hope you are doing well. The students have been selected, and I was wondering what the best way to send them to you would be. Not so much the physical means but as to their accomodations and whether or not they will all be attending the same sort of facility of education, all that sort of thing. Please let me know.

Yours affectionately
Empress Aurora


.

Elisa smiled at the letter, looking over the documents for the various universities that would be taking the transfer students. The Lavenrunzians would be getting something of a crash course in Hack society, she figured. The universities were in both Chiba City and the Tindalos Megalopolis. She hoped the Tindalos students wouldn't be too horrified by the Kitsune that tended to live there, but she figured they couldn't be so sheltered as to have never seen Kitsune before. She smirked, it would certainly be a 'learning experience'.


Empress Aurora,

The universities are ready for your students to arrive. To make their transfer easier, we plan to have all first year students from Lavenrunz stay in the same wing of their given dormatories. After their first year, they will be free to either stay in the same wing or seek their own lodgings (be it another dorm or an apartment, or whatever). Should non-first years choose to seek alternative housing, the portion of their scholarship earmarked for lodging will be applied to their new home. Any deficit will be the responsibility of the student (most likely from their stipend); any surplus will be applied to their monthly stipend. Students will not lose this money.

There are a total of five universities that will be accepting students, three in Chiba City and two in the Tindalos Megalopolis. There is easy express transport between the two, and prices for a ride are quite affordable, so if students wish to visit the other city, or friends, they can easily go back and forth.

While the physicality of the universities are different, the experience should be largely the same for the students regardless of which they are attending. They all focus on electrical engineering, computer programming, telecommunications, and the like.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Yours,

Speaker Elisa Day

Erich Dressler snuck a peek at the magazine that he kept stashed in a drawer under his athletic gear...the picture of the hot hot hot Hack popstar Akiko; the Kitsune girl was draped only in her long hair and tail, holding her guitar strategically...looking sassy and so wild and untameable, just like her music, so defiant. His parents, even though he was nineteen, were always telling him to turn that foreign trash off. But now he was actually going there! His dream was to actually make rock videos, and he believed he was on the right road to do it.

Uwe Krebs was afraid. He went to the Chapel at his college and prayed, "Lord, do not let the heathen assault me with temptations. Deliver me not into evil."

Elziebeta Franze was the daughter of a General, and she had a certain pride, a sense that she was really representing something. She was curious about the Hack, but really...she was looking forward to giving those funny folk there some idea of real civilization...

Augustus Groenwald was eager to get to the Hack. All his life he had been tormented, just because he had this gland problem and was constantly being fed pastries with cream and jams and sweet jellies, to say nothing of pies and sausage rolls and preserves and chocolates that...
Well...he had read that you could actually have access to a private personal desk top computer in the Hack as a student. He couldn't wait!

Leopold von Berg was a bit gloomy. He would never get his fencing scars now. And the worst of it was his father's 'realism'. "Son, the fact is that the family fortunes are dried up. You may have to make your own way in the world, and the best way is to know all the cleverest and latest innovations in business and technology." Indeed! So off he went. Goodbye, taking his commission so that he could get an education in a Lavenrunzian college...and thus the nice uniforms to wear, the duelling, the swaggering with his old prep school friends...and forced onto a plane with a lot of geeks and freaks and lower class folk. He sighed and looked out the window of the plane.

They all did. Headed for the wild blue yonder and the Glorious Hack.

The students were divided into groups when they arrived at Chiba City International Airport, the groups going to the universities to which they had been assigned. They barely had time to take in the bustling airport as they where whisked away.

Fate, being a cruel mistress, assigned them perfectly. Reaffirming some prejudices, crushing others.


Erich Dressler was sent to North Hack University (no relation to the 'news' service) on the north end of Chiba city. He and his group were given a tour by half-lost sophomore from the Programming Department. It was clear that he was doing this because he needed the job. It was also clear that he almost never left the computer lab. He was friendly enough, but not exactly the guide one would want if one was interested in the night life.


Poor Uwe Krebs was assinged to Tindalos University, the largest university in the megalopolis. It also had the highest percentage of non-human students; indeed humans were actually a minority. His tour guide was a very friendly, and quite cute Naga. She cheerfully lead the group around the university, slithering backwards as she told them about the school they'd be going to. There seemed to be no question she couldn't answer, even when a couple wise guys tried to trip her up.


Elziebeta Franze was sent to Linux College, the smallest college in Chiba. It was exceptionally focused, however, and generally considered The Best School For IT (TM). It was named for the military base it was quite close to, and overflys were a rather common event. Her group's guide was a dashing older Kitsune in a completely unadorned uniform named Fusayoshi. He wasn't a student, he explained, but an alum who liked helping out when he had free time. His red eyes sparkled as he talked about the college, including some old stories the admins probably wished he wouldn't share.


Augustus Groenwald was sent to the great Chiba City University itself. It was quite close to the impressive Corporate Spire, and the university itself was entirely contained within a massive 100 story skyscraper. Luckily for Augustus there were plenty of elevators. And plenty of fitness centers.


Leopold von Berg found himself face to face with a chirpy Kitsune female dressed in paint-splattered overalls of all things. She eagerly told his group about how she was actually in the University of Tindalos' art department. It was a new department, she explained, but she was thrilled to have gotten in on the ground floor, as it were. After about five minutes of rambling, her tail twitched nervously as she remembered what she was supposed to be doing and started the tour properly.

Uwe Krebs was horrified. The serpent...there are SNAKE people here... and nervously touched his crucifix. How unsettling and disturbing. The moment he could, he fled to his room, hoping to God he was staying with another Lavenrunzian.

Wow, what a drag. thought Erich glumly. He raised his hand and said, "Hey, what's the music program here like?"

Poor Groenwald felt rather selfconscious, seeing ridiculously fit looking upperclassmen jogging by, and was glad at least that his Lavenrunzian style suit was cut to show a certain dignity to his stoutness. He was dismayed to find all the advice about good healthy foods in the cafeteria, and that they did not have anything resembling most of the delicious creamy desserts his mother always made. Time would tick till that first care package from home...

Von Berg frowned and said, "Yes, but this university does have an economics and political science course, right?" he was hoping he could at least access something that wouldn't make him a mere tech...

The naga noticed Uwe's reaction and looked a little hurt. She didn't say anything about it, but was somewhat sullen as she wrapped up the tour. Reactions like this weren't was she was used to, especially in Tindalos.

She perked up a little as neko pounced her, the two tumbling to the ground, "Lisa-chan!" the neko purred happily. Lisa blushed softly, managing to 'stand' up and hug the neko, "Not now, Honami, I'm working..." She hugged her, aparent, girlfriend and smiled at the students, "If you have any questions, feel free to call or stop by. My number's in your student packs." She gestured to the building they were standing in front of, "Welcome to your new home!"

Uwe would find, to his relief, that he was indeed rooming with a Lavenrunzian student. They all were.

---

The guide blinked, adjusting his glasses as he peered at Erich, "Music program? Um... it's not as good as TU's, of course, but I think it's okay..."

---

The kitsune smiled, "Well of course it does. It's not like you're in Hali or something." She pointed to a nearby building, "Okay, so here's were you'll be staying... in theory." She grinned, "Personally, I spend as little time in the dorms as possible." She smiled brightly as a group of students in uniform walked up, "Oh, excellent... you have to meet these guys!" She waved the other students over.

Uwe muttered to his roomate, "The place is full of...of creatures, and lesbians."
His roomate, who was a lucky fellow who had won a scholarship and had a miner's cough, said, "You've never seen Hack TV? It's amazing anyone is actually born. They're all dykes around here. And rugs."
Uwe was relieved to find such a bluff but level headed fellow as roomate, and bowed politely, introducing himself.
"Wilhelm Kohler." replied the thin pale young man. He coughed some more and Uwe thought he actually saw some dust.

Von Berg said sharply, "What's wrong with the dorms? And who are these people?" he was not aware of it, but he was becoming rather stiff and cold, as Lavenrunzians tended to become when they were uncomfortable.

It was a small party of students, led by a short grey-furred Neko woman with a patch over her left eye; most were wearing the same army-issue casual jacket with various insignia up to one First Lieutenant. The Neko smiled brightly, 'Heya, what's up?'

The Kitsune with Von Berg, Hisae, smiled happily, "Hey guys! I'm giving a tour of the campus. They're all from Lavenrunz, and I wanted them to meet you."

The Neko, Harumi, nodded cheerfully, 'Well, most of the guys are over in the Student Union...Ok for a lil' diversion?'

Hisae nodded, "Sure! I haven't taken these guys there yet," she grinned, "and lord knows it's more interesting than the classrooms."

In the Student Union building there were more students wearing the same jacket, one ginger-haired student standing by one of the walls, gesturing expansively as he explained what seemed to be a war story. One of the others tapped Von Berg, pointing to the other student, ' New guy? Don't listen to this guy, his campaign badge is made of fucking chocolate.'

The student referred to scowled, walking over, 'Ah, ignore him, he's just jealous.' He grinned, offering his hand, 'Leo Harding, Private First Class, at yer service.' He grinned, 'Shit, leavin' a story half told, 'scuse me, I ain't got no manners.'

He made his way back over to where he was before, 'Now, where was I...Blanstead Moor, that was it. So, we gets the upright coffin down at the depot while all these poor bastards gets stuck supportin' armour out there...'

One of the students blinked, 'The what?'

'Guard box, the fucking guard box. So, here's me and Miyazaki there...' he pointed to a pretty female Segonune sitting nearby, 'Freezin' our stupid asses off in fog so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your fucking face sometimes...Anyway, then Miyazaki says she's seen someone.'

'I did see someone.'

'Ain't much of a story if I don't get on to that...So, I calls bullshit. No damn way she could see anyone in all that fog...Then I sees this figure...An' this guy's gotta be an officer, 'cos he's even walkin' angry. Comes stormin' up like we took a piss in his cornflakes and he says 'What the fuck are you doing here, don't you realise those Federal sons of bitches are-'

'And then he stops, because he's noticed that Miyazaki here is not of the human persuasion, as it were...Just stands there for a moment, then he says 'Well shit.''

Von Berg inwardly groaned. He would not even vaguely be able to say he was with other...gentlecreatures? Gentlebeings?

In anycase, he listened politely, laughed politely, and nodded at this. He could not help but ask: "Excuse me, but you introduced yourself by your rank. Are you still in the army?" He had not yet learned the air of authority that older Lavenrunzian aristocrats had, but he stood very straight, had rather short hair, and a very neat and tidy appearance. Unlike nearly all the other students present, his shoes were shined.

Chapel, Tindalos University, 10:00 am Sunday Services (Catholic)

The Hack was not known for being especially religious; however, it was known for its tolerance and the small chapel held several services, including a Catholic one. Uwe was probably shocked to see Lisa sitting on one of the pews, her tail curled under her. She was patiently waiting for the service to start, quietly reading through a Bible. She noticed him walking in and smiled at him, waving a little before sliding from the pew and slithering over to him. In a soft, respectful voice she greeted him, "How you doing today?"

Uwe flinched and clenched his bible. "Um...fine. Thankyou." he blurted, without thinking. He couldn't help but ask, "Er...are you a Catholic?" the tail...it was hypnotic. He could not look away.

Lisa smiled, her tail twitching slightly, "Not as such, no... I'm a religions student. I attend all the services every Sunday." She brushed a lock of hair from her eyes as she glanced at the nervous-looking Lavenrunzian, "Have to admit, your services are just lovely." She smiled cheerfully, "I've watched some film from Lavenrunzian services, and even was lucky enough to be at a service at Holy Vatican See. Mass here isn't nearly as impressive, of course, but it's quite nice and I hope you like it."

[sorry this took so long]

Leo grinned broadly, 'In a manner of speakin' every Federal citizen's still in the Army...See, after yer term of service is done they don't discharge yer, just keep you on the reserve list with yer old rank and shit all there. Means if they calls yer up, you's back in there as what yer was before...Smoke?' he offered the packet, grinning and lighting the cigarette for Von Berg.

'There's exceptions, like Harumi here...Designated Marksman, her, but she'll need to take a couple tests when they gives her a new eye 'fore they give her that back again. Best fucking shot you'll ever see, that lil' kat.'

He grinned, 'Guess I should introduce yer to the guys, anyway...This thing over here is Private Kyle Briggs, also Privates Rachel Collins and Asako Kawasaki, over there First Sergeant Lenny Murdock, and this here is our pet commissioned officer, First Lieutenant Kate Manning.'

The young woman smiled as she was introduced; she had long white hair that covered half her face, a single red eye visible. The shirt she was wearing did a good job of showing off a tattoo of barbed wire around her upper arm, 'You lucky people' tattooed on the opposite shoulder. 'Heya, you're one of the exchange students, right?'

Leo smiled, 'Our First Lieutenant believes in leadin' from the front, means she goes and gets herself shot the worst just to show us how it's done.'

Kate grinned, and lifted the hair off the other side of her face, a long grey scar running from the corner of her eye right back to her ear, which was mostly missing. Leo continued, 'See, somes of us gets caught by MGs or rifles, she had to go find herself an anti-aircraft gun just to be different.'

'Now, this guy here is Matt Jenkins.' He rested his hands on the young man's shoulders, 'Not sure why he's here, gets himself an Army campaign badge for sitting in a nice comfy fuckin' AWAC, now where the hell's the justice in that, eh?'

Jenkins grinned, 'You should have heard him when I called him that first time, "Get your fucking ass back down here with the rest of us, you cowardly son of a bitch..."'

Leo smirked, 'Ah, all in good fun.' He carried on with the introductions, tossing out the odd story every so often.