[sub][h3][center]T h e P r o m i s e[/center][/h3][/sub][hr]Her fist connected with the man's face, eliciting a wet splat as blood and saliva were strewn across the floor. The man's head lulled as he recovered from the strike. He breathed, labored and heavy, more blood dripping from the cuts on his face and onto his shirt, unable to wipe away the refuse as he had been tightly and painfully bound to the chair he was sitting in. He was still, indignantly refusing to look his assailant in the eyes. "I have a client, and I'm on the clock. Talk." He did not move. Her hand grabbed his hair and pulled his gaze up to his forcefully. He met brown eyes. She would be considered pretty, if her face hadn't been contorted in frustration and she hadn't been the cause of all of his pain. He smiled, "C'mon beautiful, smile more." The woman seethed, and turned, throwing her arm an impossible distance forwards towards the classroom's human skeleton display. Her body stretched with the punch, and caved the skeleton's entire ribcage in. She wheeled around again and grabbed the man by his bloodied collar- getting right up in his face once more. "You tell me where Detmer is, or I swear to god they wont recognize you when you're found." That managed to get to him. "I- I cant. If I talk, they'll kill me!" Arianna's brow furrowed, bringing her hand back for another punch, except this time aiming for his femur. "And I'll kill you if you don't." The whiteboard and classroom, up until this point had already been prepared for the new arrivals of the new school year by the teacher who had been positioned in it this year. The whiteboard read: [i]"WELCOME TO AP BIOLOGY!"[/i] [hr] [sub][h3][center]T h e P r o m i s e[/center][/h3][/sub][hr]A chime went off, in the cafeteria, which very few actually heard. Perhaps the volume, or the friendly tone was the cause, but few actually noticed that the countdown had reached zero on the presentation. A woman, dressed in business attire strode on stage in front of the podium at the center. Other officials flanked her sides, and took their seats in several chairs lined up behind her. The conversation tapered off as they went back to observing the crowds. Occasionally, there would be laugh at the random individual finishing their sentences. A silence filled the auditorium. [i]’Welcome, class.’[/i] A voice echoed through the stadium, but it was not spoken. Rather, broadcasted into their very minds. The woman smirked, and after pausing for a moment, she continued. "I'll... keep this brief." She began, speaking now. Her tone sharp, and commanding. Her strange nature had to captured the attention of all of cafeteria occupants, whose eyes were now glued to the odd figured on stage. "Who's that?" one person whispered. "It's Headmaster Dunbar. Didn't you research the school?" came the snarky, but whispered response. "As [i]most[/i] of you are aware, I am Headmaster Hannah Dunbar. You have been allowed to come to my station in the pursuit of knowledge. While getting here was no easy feat, I'm here to tell you your trials are far from over." Dunbar took a moment to take a sip from a bottle of water that had been placed on her podium before continuing. "You, students, are here because you are exceptional; I expect you to prove this during your time here. Some of you have been chosen for your academic prowess- you should hold your studies in the utmost regard.” She began, her eyes scanning the crowd. They fell on the freak table. “Some of you have come here to be studied, documented, and to learn control- you are expected to perform at your best.” Her eyes moved further, towards the back of the room now. “Some are here on lottery, and some are here because they have no choice." The woman's voice was blunt and unforgiving, and more than a few students actually caved under the pressure of his words. She continued. “We also expect you to branch out into the community and create new bonds. The Promise is a place of learning, and a place of growth. Parahumans are a small species, and thusly your neighbors are likely people you will know your entire lives. Use your time and resources wisely, and your time here will be the best you have ever spent.” She took a break, scanning the room and allowing the student’s words to sink in. “Congratulations on being selected to attend The Promise, and good luck. After all,” she said, raising her hand and pointing out at the great window that displayed the world below them. “The whole world will be watching.” The woman bowed, and stepped away from the stage. Another person, a young man this time and obviously her assistant, stepped up to the podium. “I will now introduce hand the presentation off to the station assistant. Cara?" [i]”Good afternoon, students!”[/i] The AI spoke up. [i]”My name is Cara. I exist to handle many features of the station, and if you have any questions about anything, just ask via text our out loud if you want. I will answer to the best of my ability. You should all be receiving your class schedules, lodging, and introductory allowance now.”[/i] Several chimes went off as student’s phones received messages from the AI. [i]"I am also going to introduce the division heads. Each one of these individuals manages an aspect of our station. Some will oversee you personally, while others handle jobs behind the scenes. As I state their names, they will stand.”[/i] [i]“Josiah Stanton. Head of Research and Development.”[/i] A tall, thin man with glasses stood. [i]“Elizabeth McCoy. Head of Student Relations.”[/i] A woman in a green business dress and vibrant red eyes stood. [i]“Markus Wrath. Head of Technological Development.”[/i] A large, intimidating man stood. [i]“Fry Owens. Head of Healthcare.”[/i] A portly man rose from his seat, and waved to the crowd. [i]“Susanna Castillo. Head of Power Instruction and Control.”[/i] A lithe woman in a full business suit rose from her seat. [i]“Gennedy Hardin. Head of Security.”[/i] A man with a permanent scowl rose from his seat, which seemed to have caved in some from his weight. [i]"With that, your orientation has ended. Please follow the directions listed on your mobile devices for gaining access to your lodging. More information will be provided to you as the night goes on. Please see your Resident Assistants or ask me if you have any issues. You are free to enjoy the welcome party as long as you wish. Feel free to speak to or ask the Headmaster of and of the Division heads any questions before you leave."[/i]