Escari Student Exchange Project - [Closed - Escar Only]

[Kolintha]

Welcome to Kolintha!

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome one and all to the first ever instance of the Escari Student Exchange Project, a new program sponsored by several influential governments across Escar to encourage international cooperation and an increase in the quality of education regionwide.

The E.S.E.P aims to give students across Escar the opportunity to travel around the region, learning about both academic fields as well as the many rich cultures that inhabit this region!

This school year, the nation hosting the E.S.E.P shall be the Empire of Kolintha, and the government of Kolintha has announced that the school students shall attend will be the Kettenska Imperial Tertiary Academy in the city of Ylgo-Kapitalen. More information on the school and the host nation may be found below!

We hope that everybody who applies for the E.S.E.P bears the same level of intense enthusiasm we do towards it and will enjoy their year in Kolintha!

- Vladimir Stachynski, Vice-Chairman of the Escari Council for Youth Education and Rights

About Kolintha

Kolintha is a small Appointed Autocracy located along the northern coast of Zephyrus, Escar's westernmost continent. It is a rapidly developing nation with a rich culture and long, proud history. The national currency is the Kolinth.
The Empire of Kolintha is especially well known internationally for it's spectacularly cold climate, with temperatures in the northern provinces sometimes plummeting as low as -40 in the winter. Make sure to pack warm clothes!

The government pays for many services such as public transport, education and healthcare and hence, while the tax rate is very high (at roughly 30%) the cost of living is very low. Of course, since exchange students are not citizens, they would usually have to pay a small fee upon entering the country to use public services, though healthcare remains largely free. We are happy to announce that the E.S.E.P will cover all travel expenses within Kolintha, though of course you are still responsible for your international scholarship fees and plane we're afraid.

Kolintha has been known to be very strict on who and what enters it's borders, so here's a quick run-down on what to remember and what not to take with you if you don't intend on being searched, deported or worse, arrested by secret police the second you go through airport security:

- Make sure your passport, Escari Healthcare card and any other documents you take with you are all up to date.
- Avoid wearing or even packing any items of clothing or other items bearing offensive, racist or otherwise politically charged slogans.
- If you take a device that plays music, games or any other digital media, make sure to first check everything you have on there, to ensure none of it has been classified as 'Prohibited Media' by the Executive Office of Culture. Simply search for it on the 'Allowed' section of 'www.KulturaX.gov.kol'.
- Firearms are absolutely prohibited.
- Drugs of any kind, be they alcohol, cigarettes or anything else, are absolutely prohibited, save those for medicinal purposes, in which case, contact the Lacrima Imperial Airport in advance to obtain a permit.
- Animals are absolutely prohibited.

Got all that? Great! Now, onto the school!

Kettenska Imperial Tertiary Academy

Kettenska ITA is a tertiary school in the city of Ylgo-Kapitalen, Kolintha's largest and most modern city, and a major cultural and economic hub. Ylgo-Kapitalen is situated in the North West of Kolintha, and is a mere 40 minute train ride from the capital of Lacrima.

A tertiary school is roughly equivalent to a high school, and allows students between the years of 15 and 18. The Imperial in Kettenska's name signifies that it is state-owned, however, this does not mean that the school is any less prestigious, as practically all schools in Kolintha are owned and funded by the state, save for religious schools, which are still heavily regulated.

Kettenska is one of Kolintha's oldest schools, having originally been built in 1893 as a military academy for members of the Thalassic Imperial ruling class only. When the Kolinthanese revolution occured in 1921, and the Thalassic Empire eventually collapsed, the academy was reopened as a girls only boarding school.

It made the transition to allowing both genders in 1949, and as a result, it's popularity and results soared. Since then, the Academy, in addition to it's age, has also become one of the most prestigious and exclusive schools in the country, educating one of Kolintha's most influential Emperors and numerous Provincial Governors. While in theory, entry is free to all, very few get past the rigorous entry exam and interview in practice and places are highly sought after.
But as a participant in the Escari Student Exchange Program, YOU, the best of the best, the crème de la crème, have been granted the opportunity to attend this school.

The uniform is similar to the style of uniforms often seen across northern and far west Zephyrus, mimicking old naval uniforms, with a touch of modern business like flair:

Uniforms are issued by the academy for free based on the sizes you were asked in your application for the project. Appropriate formal footwear is also included in this package. Other minor personal touches such as pins or badges may be added, however, additional items of clothing, such as scarves and coats, are absolutely forbidden when inside, and may be confiscated if a student refuses to remove them.

All teachers, as is the case across Kolintha, are required to have at least a Master's degree in their specific field and are very experienced in both their subjects and general teaching. Classes are very small, with even the largest ones never going above 22 students in one room, and this allows for a much a healthier and productive learning experience for pupils.

Discipline is strict, though student's rights remain respected throughout. It is important to note that if you intend to study at Kettenska, you should at least attempt to act as if you deserve to do so. Further documentation on school policy will has already been mailed to you in advance, so please do read through it before you arrive in Kolintha.

Kettenska is famed for it's wide range of facilities - from our astronomy to our computer rooms, every single part of the campus is filled with the most up-to-date tools to ensure pupils are given the finest education available to them.

You should have received a letter recently with information on available educational options and a form to fill in and mail back to the Academy, but as a recap, the courses mandatory and available as electives for exchange students can be found below:

Mandatory:
English - Language and Literature. There is only one set for this course, and hence all students in the class will need to have a decent grasp of the English language. The course is 50% controlled assessment in a classroom and 50% exam based. The teacher for the single Exchange Student class will be Professor Hei Dunstodf. 4 lessons a week.

Kolinthanese - There are two sets for this course: basic and advanced, and students will be allocated at first based on fluency in the language. Later in the year, sets may be reshuffled as student's skill levels go up. At basic level, the course is 90% controlled assessment and 10% exam based. At advanced level, the course is 50% controlled assessment and 50% exam based. The teacher for basic class will be Professor Hera Hetrovva, and Advanced class shall be taught by Doctor Iunovych Balkanov. Basic class will be taught in English, while advanced will be taught fully in Kolinthanese. 4 lessons a week.

Mathematics - There are two sets for this course: basic and advanced, and students will be allocated at first based on entrance grades. Later in the year, sets may be reshuffled as student's skill levels go up. The course is 100% exam based. The teacher for basic class will be Professor Dominik Elvir, and advanced class shall be taught by Professor Farnik Boznorov. 4 lessons a week.

Information Technology (I.T) - Focused on improving general computer literacy in all students to prepare them for the modern workplace, which often utilizes computerized tools. The course is 60% controlled assessment and 40% exam based. The teacher for the single Exchange Student class will be Doctor Ferdinand Von Gutt. 2 lessons a week.

Physical Education (P.E) - Sports and other physical activities. The course is 50% practical controlled assessment, 40% theory controlled assessment and 10% exam based. The teacher for the single Exchange Student class will be Professor Entorik Bu. 2 lessons a week.

International History - Will this year be covering: the First Endwar, the fall of the Thalassic Empire, the rise of Socialist Powers and the origins of Escari peoples. The course is 30% Controlled Assessment and 70% Exam based. The teacher for the single Exchange Student class will be Professor Hera Hetrovva. 2 lessons a week.

Science - Chemistry - There are two sets for this course: basic and advanced, and students will be allocated at first based on entrance grades. Later in the year, sets may be reshuffled as student's skill levels go up. The course is 40% practical controlled assessment and 60% exam based. The teacher for basic class will be Professor Okabe Sinzho, and advanced class shall be taught by Professor Klinta Varnova. 2 lessons a week.

Science - Physics - There are two sets for this course: basic and advanced, and students will be allocated at first based on entrance grades. Later in the year, sets may be reshuffled as student's skill levels go up. The course is 40% practical controlled assessment and 60% exam based. The teacher for basic class will be Professor Okabe Sinzho, and advanced class shall be taught by Professor Dutnik Kotek. 2 lessons a week.

Science - Biology - There are two sets for this course: basic and advanced, and students will be allocated at first based on entrance grades. Later in the year, sets may be reshuffled as student's skill levels go up. The course is 40% practical controlled assessment and 60% exam based. The teacher for basic class will be Professor Maria Santana, and advanced class shall be taught by Professor Klinta Varnova. 2 lessons a week.

Electives (1 must be chosen from each category)
Category A - Creative
Art / Drama / Music

Category B - Humanities
Philosophy / Social Studies / Psychology

Category C - Technology
Computer Science / Astronomy / Engineering

Category D - Modern Foreign Languages
French / Spanish / Khorneran

Accommodation

But where shall you be staying? Why, the Kettenska campus dormitories of course!

Originally built as cheap accommodation for attendees of the Academy back when it was strictly a boarding school, the dorms have since been expanded and completely overhauled. Gone are the dreary, grey cells that once occupied this area of the campus. All dorm rooms are designed to hold two people, and contain a small kitchen area, a bathroom with a toilet, tub and shower cubicle, a modest amount of storage space and all the facilities one may possibly need for studying or quick research, such as a desk and a computer.

The dormitory building is separate from the main academy building, and is split into four floors: the 1st floor being for female students, the 2nd floor for female staff, the 3rd floor for male staff and the 4th floor for male students. All dorm rooms do of course include locks, and additional security measures may be permitted upon request for those who feel they need them.

You'll be excited to know that Kettenska allows it's students to discuss among themselves who goes with who. This allows for an enjoyable experience even when away from home, because naturally, everybody has friends! You are advised not to complain to staff members if you become unsatisfied with your dorm arrangements unless absolutely necessary.

In addition, dorms may be decorated in any manner you see fit, be that in the form of flags or posters. Do keep in mind that surprise dorm inspections may occur, though we assure you that they are not a common occurrence.

With all of that out of the way, we hope you have a fantastic year in Kolintha, and even more so, we hope you can not only learn a lot, but also meet new and equally intelligent individuals whom you may call your friends!

---

Characters

[Kolintha]

Lacrima Imperial Airport,
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Katyanka.

That morning, it seemed to the small huddle of guardsmen, teachers and nobles, that today would apparently not be the day of the exchange students arrival, for the sky had been glaring down upon northern Escar like a scornful mother for much of the night and even more of the early morning. Winds and ice danced to their inaudible chaotic rhythms high above, and the Project leaders scowled as they where given the news that flights may be cancelled for safety reasons.

It was around nine in the morning when the great early winter snow storm at last deciding to lay down it's mighty arms to sleep. There was still a gentle wind, and snow continued to trickle down from the heavens, but it was pleasant now. Crisp and fluffy, rather than the bitter claw-like gale of a few hours before.

Enveloped from head to toe in furs, Katyanka stood next to her mother awkwardly. It had only been a few months ago that Katya had been kidnapped on a diplomatic visit to Nerotysia, and one of the people Katya knew would be coming was somebody that her mother was less than fond of. You could tell that she had yet to approve of him from the slightly-stonier-than-usual expression she wore upon her face. Even now Katya wasn't exactly sure why she had wanted to come and personally welcome the students, but it likely had something to do with him.

Of course, It wasn't just them waiting on that little elevated, open-air observation platform. There were two people from the international think tank and charity that had laid the groundwork for the exchange project, she didn't yet know their names, so for now she referred to them as suit man and hippy lady. They were apt descriptors, as the man did indeed were a suit (and a grimace) that seemed more fitted to a funeral service than a welcome ceremony, and the woman was adorned with so many colourful scarves and strange little accessories that Katya couldn't help but think that at some point or another, she had been violently assaulted by fairies.

Then, on her other side, stood a short, balding man with narrow, squint-ey eyes. He also wore a suit, though his included a rather flamboyant choice of tie and unlike suit man, this old fellow had a friendly grin plastered across his face. This was the deputy principal of the school, her mother had told her, a Mister Fitzhov - or was it Fintov?

And in front of her, the twins waited. Slovskans by birth, and they were the only ones who had decided to introduce themselves. Sekta and Iskander. They both had funny haircuts, and save for said haircuts, looked almost identical, especially as they had insisted on wearing identical strange, brown, dress-like robes, decorated with fur and golden thread. At first she thought that perhaps they'd be somebody who could understand her even better than the one her mother despised so much did, as they too were nobles, albeit of the hey-look-at-me-I'm-probably-inbred variety. That was not to be the case. They were strange to say the least. When they spoke, it was often in complete unison, and when it wasn't, they either finished each other's sentences with almost mechanical timing and accuracy, or simply went silent before finishing and stared off into space. Or even worse, the instead chose to give you some strange, almost pitying, curious glance, as if you were a particularly large insect that they had found crushed on the base of their shoes.

Katya had ignored them since their initial introduction, and she continued to do so. Instead, she decided to begin getting excited for the year to come. School! With people! Foreigners no less! What a strange idea that was.

[Nerotysia]

Lacrima
Northern Escar
The Empire of Kolintha
31st August 2015

"Uniforms!?" Alek's mouth was wider than a whale's.

"Yea. You missed that part too?" Anastasia leaned back in her seat, removing her headphones. Alek was staring, incredulous, at his welcome packet. He had skimmed it once when he learned of the program, but he had evidently failed to notice the part about the crushing of student identity.

"Damn." He laughed like a bubble had built in his chest and forced it's way out his mouth. "I kinda expected all of that crap on the regulations list, but wow..."

Ana chuckled. "Honestly uniforms are probably the least oppressive thing about this country."

"No!" Alek said, grinning. "Screw freedom of expression - how am I supposed to show off my amazing body with this puritan crap?"

Ana laughed. "Oh yes! They can ban my music, so long as they let me wear bikinis to school. Of course!"

Despite the rather grim laws of the nation, the two students kept grins on their faces as the enormous jet touched down in Lacrima. The snow had padded the city with a baby-smooth curtain of snow that was probably cuter than the babies themselves. The squat, squarish buildings with Parisian facades contrasted sharply with the urban jungle the two Nerotysians were used to. There was only a smattering of skyscrapers scattered across the city - they looked incredibly lonely to the two teens.

Ana had begun collecting her things before the wheels touched the ground. Backpack, suitcase, cigarettes. Alek glanced over and raised an eyebrow.

"You know that's banned, right?"

"So are most of Oddyssey's songs. Just gotta know how to hide 'em." She slid the packs neatly into her bra. Alek caught a tantalizing glimpse of the white fabric and immediately chastised himself, turning away. His eyes and adoration were already reserved for another...

"That is," he said as he stood up, stretching, the plane rumbling as it skidded to a stop, "a pretty obvious hiding place. They're totally gonna find it." Ana shrugged, thrusting herself boldly into the aisle, securing her spot at the front of the disembarking hoardes. Alek shuffled over from his window seat, dragging a similar suitcase behind him but sporting a much larger backpack. Books took up a lot of room, after all.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Lacrima International Airport. Local time is 6:30 AM and the temperature is negative 18 degrees celsius.

"On behalf of Peninsular Airlines and the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. We'd like to wish good luck to our special passengers today as well, we hope they enjoy their stay. Have a nice day!”

Alek and Ana grinned at each other at the pilot's odd words, but it was only a moment before they were being hustled out at the head of a weary line of travelers. The two frazzled teens stood awkwardly in the middle of the gate for several minutes, until Alek had the bright idea to look through the pamphlet they had been given before boarding.

"So...we're supposed to go to terminal B, I think, and then - " but he needn't have worried. A robotic man in a pristine suit informed them that he would guide them to the welcoming committee. Nodding politely they followed along behind, with Alek's stomach melting into an excited fusion of soda pop and mentos. It was almost like the feeling he'd had that first night, at the Liberty Ball...

But, then, they hadn't seen each other for months, so it was rather unsurprising.

Finally they emerged from a red-velvet elevator into the biting cold wind of Kolintha. The Nerotysian ESEP coordinators had, luckily, expected such weather, and so the two students were clad in red-and-white parkas printed with the Nerotysian triple-swipe and it's associate yellow star. Alek, his face beneath the hood glowing red with cold and happiness, walked swiftly over to the singular fur-clad girl on the platform and couched her in a sweeping one-armed hug.

For her part, Ana was far more polite. "Hello, we're the Nerotysian students, and we'd like to thank you for inviting us to your wonderful country."

[North African Empire]

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

Asma Ba

Princess Asma Ba sat quietly by herself looking out her window, and wondered what wonderful luck this chance opened up for her in general, besides being at her father's side all day. Security Officer Ali Hadi requested for him to accompany her on her trip to Kolintha, but both Asma and her father over ruled him allowing her to make the journey for the first time by herself.

The flight from Judirdah to Lacrima was rather peaceful, with flight attendants going up, and down the isles checking on the passengers Asma turned to notice a little boy sitting down beside her with a smile on his face. The boy stared at her for another moment and nodded his head "I know you! You are Princess Asma Ba, but what are you doing here?", which caused Asma to put a finger over his lips to hush him "Yes my young friend I am Princess Asma Ba, but you see it is a serect you must not tell anyone else about me. Do you understand me?" Shortly after listening to Asma's request the boy nodded his head "Yes my princess you have my word, that I will not mention you to anybody."

When their conversation was over the boy walked back to his assigned seat, and sat down next to his mother before burying his face in a comic book leaving Asma by herself. During the flight she begin to experience a wonderful feeling about being on her own for the first time, without her father breathing down her neck at every turn down the road. She was happy now hopefully her father will trust her a little more now to be on her own, however he instructed her to check in at least every week which Asma herself though was a little un-nerving.

The flight attendants suddenly begin informing everyone to begin buckling their seat belts for the final approach, but Asma was to happy to focus on buckling hers soon she will be able to meet some new foreign friends, and hopefully may be even that special someone. She continue to stare off into space when a flight attendant approached her, with a look of concern in her eyes "Excuse me you need to buckle up to prepare for the final approach.", and suddenly the attendant recognized her which caused her face to light up "You are you Princess Asma Ba?"

The woman's words caught Asma off guard she was not expecting a average flight attendant to recognize her as well, which cause her to put a finger over her lips like the little boy, before her "Yes you are right I am Asma Ba, but please do not address me as princess okay? I am here to try in find a normal life for myself." When she was done speaking her peace the flight attendant stared at her for a moment, before agreeing not to speak about their meeting.

Suddenly she feel the plane touch down on the runaway, which caused her to bump a little in her seat "I don't see how father, and mother can do this on a normal bases. I have to admit that I myself find, that ride a little rough however we are here now." The princess gathered up her belongs in the seat next to her, and waited for one of the flight attendants to open the door to allow them off, however Asma was quietly hoping that there would be more students there that spoke her native language. Soon as the door opened she was third in line to step off the plane, followed by a middle age woman with long hair "I hope no one here will recognize me, because to be honest I am just trying to live a normal lifestyle."

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

Hussein Muhammad

Hussein sat quietly between two business men on their way to new jobs in Kolintha, which bugged him because each one of them seemed to stay on a cellphone talking to either their family, or to business contacts in the Empire itself. Sometimes it was hard being the only son of the infamous Prime Minister of the Eastern Escari Union, however it did have some perks to it in general one was a chance to travel the globe.

He look through the pamphlet that he was provided about the Escari Exchange Student Program(EESP), and quietly wondered about all the colorful people he was going to meet during his upcoming school year. Suddenly a though came to his mind about the subject "I hope this school is like the ones in Virong, because if it is they should have no trouble out of me. I might be the son of an infamous prime minister, but I am not a Communist like my father one day I will take his job and restore Democracy back to the Eastern Escari Union."

The man next to him tapped him on the shoulder, and nodded "Hey are you the son of Prime Minister Ali Nasir Muhammad? If you are I want you to think your dad for all that he is doing for the Eastern Escari Union, and it's commonwealth." Upon hearing the man's question Hussein begin shaking his head "Sir I am the son of Prime Minister Muhammad, but my name is Hussein, and I will make sure to pass along your thanks to him soon."

Shortly after talking with the man Hussein begin shaking his head, with a concerned look in his eyes "My father really has them all brain washed, with his objectives for the Eastern Escari Union. It is really sad to see these people unable to think for themselves for a change, and not have to worry about their federal government butting into their business." Suddenly the plane begin to jerk a little bit, which was a sign that they were fixing to land Hussein wondered if there would be others like him attending the exchange program in Kolintha.

The plane pulled up to the terminal slowly as passengers begin gathering their personal belongings, however Hussein remained seated until the plane came to a complete stop in front of the terminal. He quietly gathered up his stuff before getting out of his seat, and into the isle to await his exit from the plane "I wonder who is here to greet the students coming in from their home countries. Hopeful there will be someone here I can speak my native language with in the long run."

Once he stepped off the plane he noticed a girl standing by herself, and decided to introduce himself to her properly "Greetings! Please allow me to introduce myself I am Hussein Muhammad. Who might you be my lady?" Upon hearing Hussein's greeting the girl turning, and looked at him for a moment before shaking her head "I am Asma Ba from the Kingdom of Aldahn. Hey are you the son the North African Prime Minister?" The question hit home with Hussein, and he begin nodding his head "Indeed I am my dear lady, but it is something I am not proud of to tell the truth. Wait a moment are you the Asma Ba? Princess of the Aldahni Kingdom? Asma begged her new friend to low his voice in the terminal "Yes Hussein I am Princess Asma Ba, but please keep it between me and you."

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

Bashir Asfour

The flight from Ragi to Lacrima was boring to Bashir, however he did managed to find a way to make time fly by playing his hand held video game, which he secretly brought without his mother's permission. Life was rough on Bashir and his two younger sisters their mother was continously on duty, which left the care taking of his sisters to him for most of his younger childhood.

Sometimes being the son of a Tebek Republican Guard officer could have it's advantages, however most of the life was filled with disappointments like that time on his fifth birthday, when his mother promised to be home and then not show up until later that night. Ever since then he longed for a chance to escape the Islamic Republic, and his mother's shadow of him hopefully this student exchange program could truth be worth while.

Suddenly the plane be to shake a little, which signal that they were fixing to land in Lacrima hurrying to find a window seat to look out Bashir accidently bump into one of the flight attendants. Bashir returned to his assigned seat to sit back down wishing he could get a better look, but rules were rules as his dear mother would say to him back home "I hope their are others from my country's area there, and just may be I have a chance at making a new friend."

The plane pulled up to the docking terminal slowly allowing flight attendants enough time for another round checking on the passengers, but Bashir himself was ready to finally walk off that godforsaken plane, and get his feet back on solid ground. He stood in line between a husband, and his wife which cause him to feel a little bit nervous about the whole idea finally the flight attendant at the door opened it up.

Once inside the airport itself he noticed another boy, and girl talking which looked to be from the same part of the region causing him to rush over to meet them. Bashir stopped just in front of them, and introduced himself to them "I am Bashir Asfour, and I am from the Islamic Republic of Tebekistan. Upon hearing the name of his country the other boy extended his hand to him "I am Hussein Muhammad from the Eastern Escari Union, and must I say your country really put it to our forces during the Tebekistan Crisis. I totally approved of what Tebekistan did President Jasra Rashid was a total nut job."

The girl however remained quiet for a moment, before finally speaking to him "My name is Asma Ba, however you can call me A my friend." upon hearing her name for the first time Bashir stopped, and thought for a moment it could not be but he decided to ask anyway "Asma Ba? Hey you father is the King of Aldahn! They are are largest local trading partner since the ending of the Tebekistan Crisis." Asma beginning shaking her head no matter how many times she tried to escape from it, somehow her title always found her hiding spot "Hush my friend. Yes you are correct I am the Princess of Aldahn, however I am here to live a normal life."

[New Spanishland]

Lacrima Imperial Airport,
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Alvaro and Elena

"Wow! I can barley belive that I'm doing this amazing travel... With a girl! And not just any girl! Is Elena Maria Santos! My best friend, my confident and... my girlfriend? NO WAY BRO! Just my friend, I can say not just my friend, my homie, my pal, my bro! Although she's a girl with refined values knows how to get male friends ... Ha! like i said: FRIENDS !! Friendzone Forever with those guys ... and me too?

But get a grip dude! Focus on the travel and you'll be fine"

In that moment I flashbacked all the events:

"I'm soooo proud of you son!" my mother yell when she saw the letter of acceptance of the exchange program while hugging me.

"You made it chap! Another goal achived by Alvaro Valdez" said my father with a big smile on his face.

"Pack your things soon! I'm sooo exited" my mother could barely contain the tears of joy and pride for me, I'm even crying too, it was many months of struggle and dedication showing outstanding results.

In that moment my phone rang:

"Hello?"

"Hello there amigo!" I recognized the voice instantly!

"Elena! How are you bro?!" I replied happy and funny.

"I'm fine, you know. Hey! I got crazy news for ya!" She said very excited.

"I'm all ears"

"You know the Escari Student Exchange Project? Well, I send my application letter and the answer came today. It's a Yes Alvaro! I'm going to Lacrima!!"

"That's amazing! Well, I got the craziest news ever for you too" I said playfully.

"Tell me everything!" She said expectantly, I could imagine her biting her lip of excitement.

"No you're traveling alone, I also received my letter, I was accepted into the program! So I'm coming with you! Making the Fatherland proud baby!"

The shout that she let out full of joy and euphoria almost left me deaf, was not for less! Two best friends sharing an exciting journey, Best in the world!

"I can almost belive that we are going together, so pack your best clothes, Lacrima waits for us!" I said humorously.

"Si señor!" She said like in the army.

Abruptly I left my thoughts back to the present.

We were on the plane, Elena was sitting beside me, sleeping with headphones on, I figured I was hearing "BridBand" her favorite jazz-pop band, I looked out the window, the weather was quite cloudy and cold, typical of these northern lands, I noticed the towering skyscrapers of the city, we were already in Lacrima.

"Good morning Alvaro" Elena said to me, with sleepy but lovely voice.

"God morning E" I managed to say

"How long I fell asleep?" She asked with a yawn.

"I lost count, you seemed a Kolinthanese Bear in hibernation, but more cute" I joked.

"Thanks for the compliment fool!" She said as punched my shoulder.

"Dear passengers aboard of AirFleet 039, soon we will land in the Lacrima Imperial Airport, we are at 18 degrees celsius, their captain Vanessa Manings and all his crew wish you a happy stay in the capital of the Empire of Kolintha, also wish from all SpanAir personel and executives successes to our exchange students, have all a good day!"

"Well, it seems we arrived! Excited? Nervous?" I'd ask her.

"All of that! Go and grab backpacks" She said as the plane landed.

While we take our luggage, the wave of people were getting ready and preparing to leave the plane. We walk towards the terminal B, where we were told was waiting for us, and effectively they were, a tall and well dressed man aproched to us.

"I'm looking for Alvaro Valdez and Elena Santos, both of New Spanishland, I can deduce that for that sport jacket of the national soccer team of New Spanishland that you wear young man. And you miss, on that sweater so warm and that scarf with the national flag of Kolintha that you are a who seek?" Said the man with a serious, quiet voice.

"Indeed, we are the students from New Spanishland" Elena answered

"Splendid, follow me plese" said the man gently.

The sir led us to an elevator where we find the Spanishlandian ESEP coordinators, they give us sweaters with our characteristic Lion, Castle and stars, on the back it was written "New Spanishland" over a red background. When we came out of the elevator we see a few guys of our age.

"Alvaro! Did you see what I see?" Said Elena exited.

"What?"

"Is Katyanka Espargyr! The Princess of Kolintha!"

"Let's salute 'em all!" I said energetically.

We give a few steps torwards everyone, soon they looked at us.

"Hola! My name is Alvaro Valdez and she is my friend, Elena Santos, we are from New Spanishland! How you guys are doing?" We salute very gently.

[New Zuborn]

DEFUNCT

[Khornera]

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

"Excuse me miss? Could you fasten your seatbelt please?" the flight attendant asked her. Hera took her earpieces out of her ears and looked up from her tablet. "I'm sorry, ma'am?" she asked. "We're about to land. Could you fasten your seatbelt?" the attendant repeated. "Ofcourse, terribly sorry. Didn't notice the sign." Hera said. She paused the anime playing on her tablet and put it away.

"What were you watching?" asked Allister, whom was sitting in the seat next to her. By now the only two Khornerans in the exchange program had exchanged some pleasantries, yet there was only so much one could learn about one another from forced airplane conversations. "Attack on Archeron, third season." Allister smiled. "Everybody seems to be watching it today. Is it any good?" Hera nodded enthousiastically. "Absolutely! I really urge you to watch it."

Slowly the Khorneran airplane made it's descent, the city on the horizon drew slightly closer every time Hera looked out of the window. "Strange feeling isn't it? Knowing you're going to spend such a long time away from home." Hera sighed, she was nervous, and a small part of her even regretted applying for an exchange program. The prospect of a year in a cold, unforgiving country like Kolintha was somewhat scary to someone like Hera, who was used to the luxury and safety of eastern Khornera. "Strange, yes. But quite charming." Allister replied. While Hera was as nervous as she was excited, Allister was more excited than nervous. He had his fears and reservations, but he was hopeful. For someone from humble backgrounds, a year at a prestigious academy could be a ticket to the upper echelons of the Khorneran meritocracy. This prospect motivated him immensely, yet it also intimidated him somewhat. "At least the uniforms are nice." Allister remarked. Hera laughed "I'm just going to put on as many pins as I can, to see where they draw the line." she added jokingly.

As they looked out the window they saw the landing strip approaching, until a slight bump shook them somewhat as the airplane's wheels touched Kolinthan soil. "Ladies and gentlemen. We have landed in Lacrima, Kolintha. We would like to thank you for choosing Khorneran Wings and hope you enjoy your stay."

The two Khornerans collected their luggage and walked out of the gate in the middle of the horde of well-dressed Khorneran bussinessmen. Both Hera and Allister were dressed rather sharply as well, and groomed to near perfection. Such was to be expected from any Khorneran, one always had to present oneself in the best possible way. Both wore blazers and a sweater with the crest of the Cooperation depicted on it, along with a warm scarf in the colors of the flag wrapped around their necks and a warm coat with a fur collar. The distinctive interlocking hands on their clothing made them easily recognizable as the Khorneran students, and they were almost immediately approached by one of the ESEP coordinators. After briefly shaking hands and politely introducing themselves, they were led to the platform where they saw the others whom had already arrived. Hera took a step forward and politely but informally curstseyed to Valhyldra and her daughter, Allister bowed slightly with his head to pay his respects as well. Allister uttered a few words before he and Hera took their place on the platform.

"Salutations, everyone. As you have probably already deduced, we're from Khornera. I am very happy to be here"

[Vonnen]

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015
Amos Le Gal

"This is going to be one of the best times of my life" Thought when I board the plane destined for Lacrima City, capital of the Kolinthanese Empire, while ascended the stairs I could see my parents and my brothers say goodbye to me with sadness on their faces, yet proud of his son. The Le Gal Family is one of the oldest and most influential of all the country, our family have scientists, doctors, politicians, lawyers, poets and great athletes, sometimes I think that more than a name, Le Gal is a label, one symbol, symbol of greatness and success, and I think being part of our glorious lineage.

Although my mother, Monique Marie Francisca Jhoana of Breganza and Le Gal and my father Jean-Guy Gosselin Le Gal always reminded me that being their son is the greatest pride and glory for them I have never agreed, I think that's another reason why are proud of me, is my competitiveness and my sense of commitment, I attended an excellent but not exclusive school, that taught me to not discriminate and to treat others as equals.

"And now this trip brings me very excited, I want to make new friends and learning about their cultures ... Maybe even meet my future wife... But what I'm saying!? I have come here to study and to make myself a better person, a professional!... But maybe a girlfriend would not be that bad"

Since childhood I have had some facility to draw the attention of the girls, but I'm not boastful or pretentious, just what I am, though many times I was surrounded by many beautiful girls I've never had the opportunity to have something serious with any... What a lucky not?

When I returned from my thoughts I was already sitting in my seat plane, so opened my laptop and I started to talk with my friends, until a stewardess approached me.

"Pardon, young men, what do you want to eat?"

"You have pancakes?"

"Oui! You want them with honey or strawberries?

"With both, se il vous plaît!

"Alright!"

After a while the plane took off, I was watching a movie when the same stewardess approached me again.

"Here you got your pancakes, jeune"

"Merci beaucoup"

"Excuse me, but aren't you Amos Le Gal? Our exchange student?

How that girl could know that? That's creepy man!

"Yes I'am, but how did you know that?"

"Who in Vonnen wouldn't recognize a member of the Le Gal Family?" She said in a very polite way.

"It seems my reputation precedes me"

"Can I have an autograph and take a sefie with you?"

"Yes! Why not?"

We took a selfie and then I gave her my autograph.

"Thanks, enjoy your travel!"

"Well, I think that is time for a little nap."

When I woke up we were begining to land at Lacrima so I react and tun off my laptop. After a while I found myself on the Gate B of the airport, suddenly a group of well dressed man walked torward me. It was the vonnenian ESEP cordinators, they greet me and took me to the elevator, once there I saw my new classmates, they came from all Escar: nerotysians, khornereans, north africans, adahanis, tebeks, spanishlandians and of course, kolinthans, our host.

I could see the Empress, accompanied by her dauther Katyanka, she had a very beautiful face and looks, then I decide to intruduce myself to my new friends.

"Bonjour! Je suis Amos Le Gal, I'am Amos Le Gal, from The Kingdom of Vonnen, it's a pleasure to be here, and I want to thank the Empress Valhyldra for this opportunity!"

[Kolintha]

Lacrima Imperial Airport,
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Sekta and Iskander.

The twins found much enjoyment in the bitterly awkward atmosphere that had filled the air. Just what they needed after that dreadful train journey in that moth eaten little train carriage.
"He's certainly clinging to her quite tightly isn't he, dearest brother?" Sekta whispered to her twin.
"Indeed sister. I find the most amusing thing in this situation to be the Empress' face." Iskander responded.
"Yes. It certainly appears to be quite displeased."
"Quite amusing."
"Quite." Sekta parroted.

But Valhyldra was not quite so amused. Her two eyes, cold as the winter gales, met those of the Nerotysian boy for a split second. Slowly, the princess gently pushed the newcomer away, blushing like a rose and smiling meekly at him. Then she turned to the girl...
"Anastasia, her name?" Iskander mused quietly. Sekta gave a very slight nod.
"From the student list we saw, yes, brother-dearest."
...then she turned to Anastasia and gave her a sunny smile of welcome. It was then that Suit Man and the Hippy Lady stepped forward, the woman waving away the smartly dressed gent (who looked ever so similar to Suit Man?) that had guided the Nerotysians to the platform, gesturing to the runway, where yet more aircraft were hitting the runway, bringing with them a dozen bitter winds, and passengers too, among which were the students who had to arrive.

"Well! I'm sure Her Majesty..." the woman began.
"Imperial Majesty." Valhyldra corrected, still staring murderously at Aleksey as if believing that if she glared hard enough the teenager might just explode and be gone from her worries forever.
"...is pleased to have you here just as much as I am!" The coordinator continued in her Western Escari drawl, "I'm Miss Leung, and I'm the managing director of the Student Exchange Project! And this here." She gestured to her grim-faced partner, "Is Mister Daniels, our head of security. Say hello Mister Daniels!"
Suit Man blinked at her. There was a brief silence.
"...aaaanyway." She continued, as if nothing had happened, "Since we're a little behind schedule due to this morning's flight delays, I think we'll make our way down to the lobby and await the other-"
"Hola! My name is Alvaro Valdez and this is my friend, Elena Santos. We're from New Spanishland! How are you guys are doing?"

The Spanishlandians emerged from the elevator, and it was plain from the way that Miss Leung sighed that she had not appreciated the interruption.
"We're doing just fine Mister Valdez."

Lacrima Imperial Airport,
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Katyanka.

Katya took a few seconds to notice the new arrivals, for she had been preoccupied sneaking shy glances in Alekseys direction, then quickly flicking her eyes away to focus on Anastasia. How familiar were the two? Alek hadn't responded to quite a few of her texts in the days leading up to his arrival here. Perhaps? Surely not. But then again, Ana WAS definetly easier on the eyes, and no doubt much more normal and familiar than some foreign princess with the devil incarnate for a mother. But the hug seemed genuine...

She breathed out and plastered on her 'standard greeting mode' false smile once more as she greeted the New Spanishlandians. As much as she tried to keep her elitist instincts at bay, she couldn't help but feel that of all the students she had read up about, these two were the most irrelevant of all. The 'c' word flirted with the tip of her tongue, but she bit down hard on it to keep it at bay. After all, her mother had a liking for these humble people, and it was no contest between them when it came to prejudice and elitism.
"Hello!" She said instead, "Welcome to Kolintha! I hope the cold isn't too bad!"
Miss Leung cut her off, having now recovered from being interrupted.
"Indeed! Though I was just about to say we should make our way down to the lobby and..."

The door slid smoothly open and two more individuals were herded onto the platform by the now somewhat out of breath ESEP-coordinator-who-looked-kind-of-like-Suit-Man. A boy and a girl, clad in winter coats bearing the angular crest of Khornera. Katya looked at the other students out of the corner of her eyes. Alek and Anastasia were sniggering at Leung's frustrated expression, the twins whispering to each-other, and the Spanishlandians looking wholly confused by what everybody found so funny.

"Salutations, everyone. As you have probably already deduced, we're from Khornera. I am very happy to be here"
The Khorneran girl - Hera, Katya recalled - gave a neat little curtsey to her and the Empress, while the boy, Allister - a manly lad with strikingly dark green eyes - gave a polite bow. Her mother was briefly distracted from her staring contest with the back of Aleks head and actually chose to, for the first time since she corrected the coordinator, speak.
"And we are very happy to have you my dear." She said, smiling warmly at the newcomers, before snapping her stoney gaze back onto the little parka-clad worm a short distance from her.

There was yet another tense silence as everybody waited for Miss Leung to cut in with a sunny remark, but none came, for the rainbow coloured woman was sulking and offered only a half-hearted greeting. And naturally, when she at last saw that it was up to her to break the ice once more, the elevator ONCE MORE opened to reveal a single fair haired head bearing a confident smile.
"Bonjour! Je suis Amos Le Gal, I'am Amos Le Gal, from The Kingdom of Vonnen, it's a pleasure to be here, and I want to thank the Empress Valhyldra for this opportuni-"

"I DON'T CARE!" The coordinator erupted, "I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE! PLEASE CAN EVERYBODY JUST SHUT UP AND MOVE THEMSELVES INTO THE ELEVATOR SO WE CAN GET MOVING! AND STOP THANKING THE EMPRESS FOR EVERYTHING! I'M THE OFFICIAL HERE! THANK ME FOR HEAVENS SAKE! ME!"

Valhyldra gave a low whistle.
"That escalated quickly."

[Nerotysia]

Lacrima
Northern Escar
The Empire of Kolintha
31st August 2015

Anastasia fought the urge to laugh. She keeled over like a toy soldier, sucking in breaths. Aleksey nudged her with his foot, keeping his eyes firmly fixed forward. His hug had clearly been a mistake - she hadn't even said anything - not even a whisper - her mother must have gotten to her - she must be waiting to break the news - he mustn't look at her mother lest he turn to stone - perhaps he should abandon his gifts and plans - no, surely he is just overreacting - he mustn't look at her mother lest he turn to stone - ah, the lady has exploded - he's just paranoid, she'll love his gifts - though in the frenzy of preparation he had neglected some texts - he mustn't look at her mother lest he turn to stone - he mustn't look at her mother lest he turn to stone - Anastasia is laughing, she shouldn't be doing that...

"Don't be rude," he whispered to Anastasia, though on even his face stretched a smile at the woman's outburst.

At some point the lady began talking again, but her words were lost to the two Nerotysians. Aleksey was focused on avoiding even a glimpse of a certain individual, and Anastasia just tuned boring speeches out as a matter of habit. It was just some useless twaddle about the program, nothing important.

Of course Katya would not move from near her mother - so in his quest not to look at the Empress he could not look at her daughter. How his eyes twitched with the strain. He would need to have a stern talking-to with Katya about standing too close to her mother.

At some point the group shuffled into the elevator (Finally! thought Anastasia) and with some deft footwork Aleksey was beside Katya. Carefully, without looking at her for fear he would see the someone behind her, he slipped his peculiar gifts into her hand and slipped away, trying to ignore the two eyes that were sunk deeply in the back of his head.

Aleksey snuck a quick glance at Katya, hoping to catch her eyes. He did hope she liked the rose, and the note that was wrapped around the stem. He also hoped she wouldn't open it until several layers of brick and mortar stood between her and her mother.

[North African Empire]

Asma Ba

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

The princess stared at her two new friends for a long moment, and quietly wondered to herself what Hussein meant by "He totally approved what the Islamic Repubic did.", besides if she was not mistaking did't the Islamic Republic once belong to the Eastern Escari Union? She could not for the moment remember the answer to the question at hand, but she was aware of the growing number of North African troops, within her country causing her father's nervous condition to skyrocket.

She quietly looked around the lobby of Lacrima International Airport, and wondered where everyone else was "I hope my flight did arrive to late." suddenly her phone went off in her backpack causing her to jump nervously. The phone was in the first pocket of the backpack allowing her easy access to it for emergencies, but as she prepared to answer it her father's number popped up.

Asma shook her head in disappointment here she was fixing to begin her first year of school in a foreign land, and her father calling for a check up sometimes he was hard to get along, with but since the North African invasion he was only getting worser. She threw the phone back into the backpack's first pocket, then turned to look back up at her new friends, who just stared at her for a moment with smiles on their faces.

Hussein nodded his head towards her "Who is it?" upon hearing his question Asma shook her head, with disappointment "No one important just my over-protective father, who sometimes can be a little crazy." Upon hearing the statement Hussein smiled "At least you have a father you cares about you Asma, because mine can not even stand the sight of me for a long period of time. I decided to signed up for the Escari Student Exchange Program hoping to get away from him, but I was not looking to get accepted to tell you the truth.".

The princess continued to eye Hussein following his statement, and begin shaking her head in response "I see well sometimes I wish I had a father, who overlooked me from time to time maybe hopefully find some peacefulness for myself. He has been preparing me to take over as leader of Aldahn for a while now, but sometimes he can be unstandable at times which makes me angry." Bashir stared on as the two other teens continued to talk about their fathers, but suddenly he decided to throw in his two cents "I can relate to that Asma whole heartly, because my mother is the same way with me back home. Sometimes I would wonder if I was curse by the almighty one above, but as time went on I kind of got use to it in the long run.".

---

Hussein Muhammad

Lacrima
The Empire of Kolintha
Northern Escar
August 31, 2015

Hussein stared around at the people rushing around the airport to get to their respected location, before looking back at his two new friends standing in front of him, with the look of concerns in their eyes. The Aldahni princess continued to stare off into space for a long moment, while his new Tebek friend looked over the exchange program pamplet for about the fourth time.

Suddenly he noticed the Aldahni princess take her cellphone out of her backpack to look at, and quietly though to himself "I guess that is daddy calling to check up on his little girl, and see if she made it there alright." but he decided to let it drop. He decided to ask her anyway "Who is it?" upon hearing his question the princess shook her head, with disappointment "No one important just my over-protective father, who sometimes can be a little crazy." Upon hearing the statement Hussein smiled "At least you have a father you cares about you Asma, because mine can not even stand the sight of me for a long period of time.

The two teens continued on talking about their families for a while, before just out of the blue she asked about his mother "How about your mother?" which cause Hussein to walk off a little ways "She died last year in Virong due to cancer, which you guess it forced me to go back and live with my father in the Eastern Escari Union. You see shortly after I was born my mother, and I travel around eastern Escar before settling down in The Federal Republic of Virong." Upon hearing his statement Asma begin shaking her head "I am deeply sorry to hear, that Hussein you must miss her."

Shortly after hearing the princess's comment Hussein nodded his head, and begin crying a little "I do miss her a lot Asma more, then you can even image I hate my father with passion since I feel like he chased her away. I mean living in Virong had it's advantages, but she was sad that he was not there to share the experience during her lifetime.". Asma and Bashir continued listening to Hussein, and quietly wondered if they had it better then him because they both had parents who cared for them.

He noticed a large group walking towards them from the upper levels, and begin clearing his eyes "Guys I think I see the group approaching us now, and it looks like a large group of them." Asma was talking to Bashir when she heard Hussein's statement, and turned around facing the incoming group with a look of concern in her eyes "It looks like you are right Hussein it is the exchange student group we are looking for here."

[Kolintha]

Empire Central Rail-Station
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Katyanka.

Katyanka held the flower tight, all the while thinking about where she should hide it until there were a good few miles of snowy wasteland between her and the overprotective gargoyle that was her mother. She settled for the outer pocket of her suitcase - hopefully it wouldn't be crushed.

After the arrival of the remaining students, Miss Leung cheerfully announced that they would be making their way to the train station. Via minibus of course. But then the minibuses hadn't arrived, for one reason or another. "Oh well." She said. "Walking is good for the spirit." She said. The others couldn't help but disagree.
At last though, they did make it, and on the bright side, nobody appeared to have frostbite. Yet.

Empire Central, from the outside, mirrored much of the city. It was block-like, though unlike the rather squat, low-lying buildings that surrounded it, the station was 10 storeys tall and rather long. It had a distinctive hump on it's roof, giving it the appearance of a massive, excessively ornate tortoise. With pillars.
As they entered, Katya kept close to Aleksey. Her mother's gaze had calmed, and though she continued to rake the back of his neck with a bitter glare from time to time, she talked quietly with one of her guards.

The entrance was bustling, and people swarmed through the cavernous main lobby, milling between the various kiosks and souvenir shops that occupied the majority of the area. The rest cued for tickets. The ESEP students of course, had been issued Imperial passes and swept through with ease, much to their content.

Pushed through an equally crowded corridor, and down a still quite bustling staircase, they at last arrived on Platform IX - where an enormous electric train was waiting. It was incredibly bulky; it's silver form towered over the smaller, cheaper trains by which it was slumbering, waiting for a couple of important passengers.

Katya turned to Aleksey as the ESEP Coordinators talked to a station official.
"She'll be leaving soon, Alek." She reassured him. With the cold and the unrelenting pace of the Coordinators, and of course her mother's watchful eyes, they'd had little chance to speak.

Then her mother reached out and grabbed the boy by the shoulder pulling him back. She hissed something into his ear.

Empire Central Rail-Station
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Sekta.

Sekta's pale ears pricked up as soon as she saw the Empress stop the boy to speak to him, and Sekta as it happened, had very good hearing when it came to amusing occurrences such as this. This will be good, she thought to herself, and inched ever so slightly closer.
"...Listen boy. You keep my daughter safe. Keep her safe or I will find you, and I will skin you. Preferably alive."
After that threat, the Empress shot off a final glare at the wide-eyed Nerotysian and then went to kiss her daughter goodbye. Then at last she backed away from the edge of the platform, waving as the students boarded the great train and the doors slid smoothly shut.

Sekta grinned at what she'd heard as the ESEP coordinators began the harrowing task of enforcing who was to sit in which compartment. Her brother would enjoy the news.

OOC:

Seating Plan for the Train. All Students will be handed one once they get on the train.
http://i.imgur.com/pLqycpq.png?1

[Nerotysia]

Lacrima
Northern Escar
The Empire of Kolintha
31st August 2015

The train's insides were terribly cramped. Edges and corners jutted into every square inch of space and the cluster of students were quickly pressed into a hot, uncomfortable pack. Ana's boredom only intensified as the coordinators began reading out compartment assignments. Ana nudged Alek, who stared vacantly forward.

"Hey. Is this boring or am I already dead?" He did not respond - he hardly seemed to hear her. She stepped on his toes.

"Ouch. Kaj kurac?" he muttered angrily, snapping out of his thoughts.

"Why are you so distracted?" As she said the words she herself became distracted, as she was called by the coordinators and hustled into the first compartment. Panic flashed across Alek's eyes as he noticed that Katya resided inside that compartment - and it was full. However soon his mind seized upon an idea, and as he passed the first compartment he ducked in, whispering to Ana:

"Make a distraction."

"What?"

"Just do it. Wait until they're assigning the last compartment and do it."

"Erm..." She wanted to ask further but he was already gone, smiling to the coordinators as he filed into the second compartment next to the Tebeki boy. Ana pondered her decision for only a moment - something needed to happen to spice this boring trip up.

So as the coordinators were instructing the last Slovskan that he would be sitting alone, she leaned out of her compartment and acted as if she had noticed something at the front of the train, behind the coordinators.

"Hey! Is that a bomb!?"

[Kolintha]

Sekta and Iskander.

The female coordinator turned to Ana, unamused.
"Please, if you would kindly sit down. I assure you there is no-"

The twins of course, were rather also rather unamused, for they had been forced to sit apart, and that just would not do, for what good are a brother and sister if they are not there for each other at all times? What good are they if they can't whisper and plot and mock. None at all, they thought together, so they joined in with Ana, their faces lit up with glee. Perhaps in the chaos, thought Sekta, she could slip away from this dull lot she had been penned up with in the third compartment and join her Dearest Brother in the fourth? Meanwhile, If, thought Iskander, If his Dearest Sister could take advantage of the confusion, perhaps they could be alone together in his compartment? What a wondrous train journey that would be!

So Sekta put her hands to her mouth and shouted.
"It is not just bomb!" She cried in her broken English, "It's a man! I saw him! There's a man on this train with a bomb!"
She didn't expect the coordinators to believe her, but a distraction was a distraction...

Iskander heard his sister and immediately burst out into the corridor, yelling "There really is a man! Honest Ma'am! Send for the conductor!"

Mister Daniels (Suit man, both twins continued to call him, in their heads) marched down the corridor just in case, and Miss Leung went after him, sighing. The day was not turning out well for her.
The Deputy Principal, Fitzhov, and the other coordinators looked at eachother and shrugged. They were just there to help with luggage mostly, so they gave the teenagers a halfhearted 'behave yourselves' look and disappeared into their own compartments after carefully storing the students' suitcases in a safe place.

Katyanka.

Katya craned her neck over Ana to see, and found herself painfully concious of the smell of the other girls hair. Her own smelt like summer flowers, or so Alek had claimed in his texts, but that was the result of some rather poor perfume, and she had quite a few times been told by her brother that she smelt more like chemically-altered flowers than anything else. The Anastasia girl was different - her's seemed to a mix of various shampoos and lotions and god knows what else, but whatever it was, Katya felt instantly jealous.

Feeling annoyed with herself, she turned away from the commotion and mustered her courage to talk to the Khorneran girl sitting in front of her. She had a different kind of beauty, something more refined and aristocratic. The young princess especially admired the single white streak in the girl's hair.
"Hera, was it?" She said, smiling and awkwardly holding her hand out, before remembering Alek's confused expression a few months back when she had done the same thing. Handshakes weren't usually quite so common as a method of informal greeting outside of Northern Zephyrus...

[New Spanishland]

Empire Central Rail-Station
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Alvaro and Elena

"Bueno, no es el lugar mas feliz o calido en el que he estado, pero es muy elegante"

"Well, is not the happy or warmest place where I've been, but is very classy!" whispered Alvaro to Elena in spanish in case that anyone could hear him.

"Alvaro, stop it!" said Elena disapprovingly at the comment. "What do you think? That we are in New Horizon? This is Kolintha in case you haven't noticed! And I love this train station, is very peacefull, not like the crowded subway stations back home"

Alvaro knew that his comment was not well pleased and decided to agree with her friend

"Whatever you say dear"

Both young continued walking in the company of other students until something unexpected happened...

"It is not just bomb!" A little girl cried "It's a man! I saw him! There's a man on this train with a bomb!"

"What the...?" Elena managed to say while watching some security officers into the train for what seemed to be a search.

When it was over, the staff of the station started assigning compartments.

"Well, it seems that we are going to be on different compartments" said Alvaro a little disappointed.

"Don't worry" said Elena in a very sweet tone. "We'll chat later, focus on make new friends, be kind, respectfull and for God's sake don't do that stupid joke about that crazy jungle man okay?"

"Don't worry, I'll be just fine!" said Alvaro playfull as always

While Elena was heading towards their classmates on the train, Alvaro was found with his and decided to greet them.

"Hello guys!, how you doing?"

[Nerotysia]

Aleksey

As the two coordinators walked off, Alek slipped out into the aisle and then slid into the compartment. He looked around for a spot to hide - the coordinators would surely be returning - and his eyes rested on the table that split the compartment in half.

"If you could all move your feet, please, I would be very grateful." They looked at him like he was an alien. Ana smiled bemusedly.

"Oh, anything for you, anything! Anything for our dear red Romeo!" Ana shrieked in a sarcastic high-pitch.

"Don't use that name or I will murder you, Črnaska kurba." Ana tut-tutted as he folded himself into the small space below the table.

"Such foul language. Not what I'd expect from a Šjaska pička such as yourself." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Seriously, don't say those two words, I'm sick of them. You'd think Twitter would get tired of something after a while, but no, apparently not."

[Vonnen]

Empire Central Rail-Station
Lacrima,
The Empire of Kolintha,
August 31st, 2015.
Amos Le Gal

Upon entering the station I was impressed how incredibly neat and beautiful that those facilities were at that moment my phone rang, it was a message from my brother, Rafale Le Gal:

"Hello brother, how are you? I hope fine.
When you can, answer me back. Mom and Dad want to hear from you. Keep filling up with pride to our family "

After reading the message, note that they were already allocating the compartments. In my group were a girl of Slovska, another Aldahn and finally a really attractive spanishlandian, I decided to introduce myself the ladies.

"Hi there! I'm Amos, From Vonnen! How are you?"

[Khornera]

Hera

So far the program had displayed a prominent surreal streak. The sinister twins, the coordinator whom snapped, and now a poorly performed attempt at a bomb joke. Hera's head rested against her palm out of second hand embarrasment for the uncomfortable situation. Doubt had begun to manifest itself. When cultures meet the result was bound to be somewhat uneasy or strange, today had been no exception. Still, it did not seem to be the smooth beginning Hera had hoped for. Hera's pupils dilated as she realized that the person in front of her was the future Empress of Kolintha. She found it peculier, for someone of such status to be unattended by guards. It was one of those small things that Hera would simply blame of cultural differences.

"Hera, was it?" the girl asked. At least she seemed nice, Hera reasoned.

Hera eagerly shook the girl's hand. "Hera Arcadius, Khornera. Pleased to meet you!" she responded with a friendly smile.

Then a young Nerotysian lad dashed into the room in an uncermonial fashion.

"If you could all move your feet, please, I would be very grateful." the bloke exclaimed.

Hera had been resting her feet comfortably by now, and she had no intention of moving them for someone whose behaviour she found already to be rude. She glanced at Aleksey with a look that could be summarized as a mixture of annoyance and dissapointment. "I think we've reached our max capacity in here..." she remarked.

Allister

In the meantime, Allister had also found his way to his compartment and sat down. So far the fake bomb commotion had served a useful purpose for Allister, namely providing him with some information to use in his snap judgements about people. The Nerotysian girl making all the noise was kind of cute in her own way, but Allister already found her behaviour to be immature. Fortunately for him, the people in his own compartment seemed friendly enough, although one person did seem to be missing. The name was somewhat familair, as if Allister had heard it before just once.

The Spanish student broke the uncomfortable silence by greeting everyone. "Hello guys! How you doing?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Allister Crovus, representing Khornera. Very pleased to meet you all."

[New Spanishland]

Alvaro

When the young khorneran saluted him in a very gently way, Alvaro decided to do the same:

"The pleasure is mine" he begun "My name is Alvaro Valdez, from New Spanishland, it is also very pleasant to meet you and everyone here" Alvaro ended as he extended his hand.

Elena

"Hi there! I'm Amos, From Vonnen! How are you?"

Elena heard an accent that seemed familiar to her, when she looked up and noticed a fair-haired young man was speaking to her.

"Hey! I'm fine, thanks" Elena managed to say. "The name is Elena, Elena Santos, from New Spanishland"

[Kolintha]

Katyanka.

Katyanka looked down at Aleksey as he burst in. Her face turned a rather shade of red and she shrank in embarassment.
""I think we've reached our max capacity in here..." Hera remarked, and Katya forced herself to say something.
"Al...Alek. I...don't think you're...umm...allowed in here." She stuttered, and silently prayed that word of this wouldn't somehow get back to her mother, "Maybe you should...umm...return to your own compartment..." Her face lit up brighter and brighter, as if she was about to explode, "...please?"

Sekta and Iskander.

Sekta had little patience for greetings, and she pushed past Elena, stepping on her toes as she did so, and, ignoring the cries of pain and the confused looks, she slipped out into the corridor, where her dear brother waited.

"In here...come on...come on." He beckoned, but before he could direct her under the table, there was a high pitched whistle as the train crew announced their departure, and the machine lurched into life. Unprepared for the sudden motion, Sekta stumbled and fell back.

And then, just to make matters worse, Miss Leung and Mister Daniels returned, with a lanky man sporting a flamboyant blue and white uniform following close behind, presumably a member of the train staff.

She tried her finest puppy eyes. Sadly however, Sekta's finest puppy eyes weren't much better than her normal blank stare...

[Nerotysia]

Alek was in the process of forcefully pushing the girl's noncompliant feet out of the way when Katya spoke.

"Al...Alek. I...don't think you're...umm...allowed in here." She stuttered, "Maybe you should...umm...return to your own compartment..." Her face lit up brighter and brighter, as if she was about to explode, "...please?"

"What?" Alek smiled, hastily squeezing his legs into the compartment as he heard the coordinators return. "Look, Katya, I'm trying to save you from the deadly force of not being around me."

Anastasia giggled. "I think you're embarrassing your girlfriend, pička." She leaned over and whispered loudly into Katya's ear, mimicking the tone of a gossiping mother; "I think he's a bit - slow in the brain. You know what I'm saying? You might want to get a mentally capable boyfriend instead."

[Kolintha]

Katya shifted uncomfortably. You sweet little idiot, she thought, damn you, damn you, damn you!

"I think he's a bit - slow in the brain. You know what I'm saying? You might want to get a mentally capable boyfriend instead." said the Nerotysian girl. Katya's temper flared for a split second.

"If Alek is slow, then I suppose that makes two of you, doesn't it?" She growled, adopting her mother's glare. Then she gave a apologetic look to Hera and leaned down to gently pinch Alek's ear.

"Really...Alek...I appreciate the gesture, but you really shouldn't be in here. Get out quick before the coordin-

The compartment door slid open. Miss Leung leaned in. Alek's face went white and he tried to make himself as small as possible, but of course, the first place the coordinator looked was under the little table that split the compartment - for that was where the last rebellious teenager she had discovered had tried to hide before she'd been caught.

"Mister Pipenko." She said flatly, visibly drained by the surreal events that had thus far transpired, her voice a monotone, "Kindly return to your seat. I do not have the patience for this. If you refuse, you will be forcefully removed and your parents will be contacted..." She took a second to look at Katya, who was still pinching the Nerotysian boy's ear. She smiled evilly, "If need be, I will also contact the parents of everybody in this carriage if this sort of behaviour carries on."

[Nerotysia]

Ana pulled back, surprised. "Jeez, she's even slower than her boyfriend!" Katya did not seem to hear her as she leaned down to pinch Alek's ear.

"Really...Alek...I appreciate the gesture, but you really shouldn't be in here. Get out quick before the coordin-" She was cut off, however, by the arrival of the coordinator, who found Alek almost immediately. Ana shook her head mournfully, taking the tone of a tragic documentary narrator.

"Unfortunately, his mental condition prevented him from realizing he had chosen the worst hiding place ever." Alek flicked her knee as the woman threatened him.

"My greatest apologies, madam," Alek said. "But, if I may, you look terribly tired. Are you overworked? It's very common. I bet you're not paid nearly enough for the wonderful work you do." Discreetly he reached into his pocket and revealed the tip of a fifty Kapka note. "It must be terrible, working for such low pay, as I'm sure you do."

Ana could not contain her giggling. Alek pulled the notes out more, revealing the stern face of Leonid Travnakov, wearing his trademark bifocals and holding a quill. "I would so love to help you out in that respect."

[Kolintha]

"Mister Pipenko." Miss Leung said in a cheerful, sunny tone, "I am a teacher, and as it happens I am also a teacher in Kolintha. As a result, I am technically an employee of the Kolinthanese state. Now, I am not entirely sure how education and the people who provide it are treated where you come from. But I earn 75 Kolinths an hour for this job. That is a very high wage for a teacher compared to the regional average. And as it happens, I am also getting a bonus as a result of the ESEP programme. And providing all goes to plan, I have a possible promotion waiting for me at my school in Lacrima when this is all over."

Katya looked over to the Anastasia girl. She was loving this. Katya herself was blushing like a turnip, and it suddenly occurred to her to let go of Alek's ear.

"So." Leung continued, "I shall have you know that I am in fact paid just fine, though I appreciate your concerns. That saaaid, you are still behaving in a rather rude manner and while I am tired, that will not stop me from calling train security to remove you from this compartment and contacting your guardian if this continues. Please keep in mind that this may result in you being altogether booted from the programme..."

She gave another sunny smile and stood patiently outside the compartment.

"You have...ah...10 seconds? 10, 9, 8..."

[Nerotysia]

"Yes, fine, I can see you're a principled woman, miss." Alek smiled - he had been working on a mimicry of his father's own famously flashy grin. "I can totally respect that." With three seconds to spare he leaned over Ana and pecked Katya on the temple before shuffling back into the hallway.

"Well that was exciting," Ana said, yawning. "Not a terrible start. Maybe this'll be less boring than I thought it would be." She scanned the seats and dug in her pocket for her cell. "So, hello everyone. We should probably start with names. I'm Anastasia Dvornikov."