With her first week nearly half over, Tiana was feeling very good about her decision to attend Shokushu. The classes were very in depth, the professors challenging, and the study resources vast. If it weren't for the uniforms, which would be better suited for a slutty Halloween costume as far as she was concerned, this place would be perfect.

Take just now for example, Tiana hadn't quite understood what her intro to psychology professor had meant in his lecture, so she stayed after class for clarification. Rather than shuttle her out of the room or tell her to come back tomorrow, he had dropped everything and explained it again, and didn't give up until she understood. That was dedication. Where were men like that when she was a scared 19 y/o who didn't know her ass from a hole in the ground? Life could have turned out so different...

Tiana shook her head to clear it. No point dwelling on might-have-beens. The classroom was empty by now and she still had to gather her belongings before heading to lunch. As she was zipping up her backpack though, she heard muffled voices coming for the next room. She didn't think anything of it at first, and was just about to walk out of the door when the tone of voices suddenly changed, and the volumes grew louder.

"No! I'll" mumble-mumble "anything! Just don't," mumble. "I can't go back there! I won't!"

Tiana paused in the doorway of her class. She could hear the tears in the voice. The fear.

There was a reply, but she couldn't make it out. The voice was low, but the tone was one of command. Uncaring, cold, logical. Then the first voice burst into open sobs.

Tiana frowned, before storming out of her classroom to the empty one next door, throwing the door open and barging in. Two other students were in there, a sobbing raven haired girl who looked like she had walked off her high school graduation stage and straight onto the plane, she was so young, and and older, stone face woman with long white hair and a sash running across her uniform.

"Hey!" Tiana snapped as she charged into the room, placing herself between the crying girl and (what she assumed to be) her tormentor, in effect putting her in the sash-wearing girl's face. "The hell's going on in here? Why don't you pick on someone your own size, bitch?"

Despite what some of the unluckier students thought, Shokushu was still a school that had professors. Some may be a bit shady in their private dealings but all were more than capable in teaching classes within their field of study. They were a resource for those who sought to be more than just a mere slave when they graduate, assuming the ADD manages to rescue them in the first place.

Just like any real school, there were rules that must be enforced. It was unfortunate that students even of these ages still act like irresponsible children at times. It was those students that ensured the Head Girls and Prefects had work to do. For Vera, the student in question was a second offender. Nothing displeased the silver haired woman than those who fail to learn their lesson the first time, wasting her precious time in the process.

The student tried to beg, even shedding tears. After what this student had experienced in the basement, these tears were more real than in their previous encounter. But, there was no sympathy in Vera's eyes. This student knew what the rules were and yet refused to obey them yet again. There would be no mercy for second offenders...

~Why don't you pick on someone your own size, bitch?~

There were really only two types of people that would dare talk to a Head Girl that way, rebellious ones who still had yet to learn their place in the world or new students who had yet to learn all there is to this place. Seeing the dark skinned woman before her, Vera was willing to think it was the latter.

Tiana had seen students wearing sashes before though she did not seem to know what the accessory represented. Most were navy blue that ran across the student's uniform. This particular woman had a light blue sash that seemed to rest loosely around the woman's shapely hips.

"Name calling is hardly appropriate, Miss..." Vera replied, not knowing this new student's name, "You seem to be a new student so I will forgive your interruption. This matter does not concern you. I am merely performing my duties and maintaining order here at this school. Since someone had failed to give you a proper orientation to Shokushu, I will answer your questions after I am done here. If you will just wait outside..." The Head Girl stared down at Tiana, not a sign of concern or apprehension showing on those calm features.

For her part, Tiana crossed her arms defiantly and didn't budge from her spot between to two women. She was taken aback by the fact that Vera didn't crumple as soon as she was challenged like most bullies did. Still, she held her ground, though less sure of her position than a moment ago. "I don't see any threat to order here. Just a girl being berated to the point of tears. And if you think I'm just going to step outside so you can lay into her again, then you've got another thing coming!"

Tiana felt an hand on her arm, and flinched at the moment of irrational panic that the simple gesture had generated. The instant passed, and Tiana looked I've to see the young woman whom now standing besides her a hand on her arm.

"Just... just stop, okay?" she said. I don't want you to get I trouble too..."

Frowning, Tiana looked between the two of them as her doubt grew.

As a Head Girl, this silver haired student had dealt with all matters of issues. Mere students were a mild annoyance compared to the alien guests she had to endure on this island. She had dealt with those trying to manipulate her or seduce her or bully her. Being an empath, Vera could read a troublesome student and know exactly how to break their feeble ideas of defiance. This woman trying to play the white knight was going to be no different if things continued to escalate.

But, the new girl already realized that Vera was no ordinary woman. Whether Tiana was consciously aware was unknown but the woman's instincts told her that she was not standing before a meek mouse. Just the mere touch of the student Tiana tried to protect her made her jolt in sudden fear. Yes, this one was all talk it seems.

"There is no reason for you to stay here, Miss," Vera stated calmly, "Your interference is wasting everyone's time including this student's. You have your classes to attend and I suggest you read your student handbook before you decide to make rash decisions. If you have any questions, my door is always open up in the tower suites."

"As for you," the Head Girl returned her cold gaze to the student she was dealing with before, "You know where to be and when." The student's mistakes and actions could not be ignored. But, the fact the student did not try to hide behind this new student who tried to help and even helped calm the situation did earn the girl a few marks in the positive. If there was nothing more, Vera would dismiss both students and take her leave of the classroom as well. As a Head Girl, there was always more work to be done.

The raven haired student nodded slowly, defeat etched in her face. "Yes, Vera," she said finally. There was the promise of new tears in her voice, but her eyes remakes dry. For now. "May I go now?"

The anger and the confidence Tiana had felt evaporated on the spot. "Vera?" she repeated. Tiana had glanced at the handbook, and had been meaning to read over it more depth this weekend, but she had made it a point to learn the names of important faculty and student organizations. "As in Head Girl Vera Matsumoto?" This wasn't the most embrassed Tiana had ever felt in her life, but it easily landed somwhere on the top 15. She backed out of the head girl's personal space, mentally kicking herself the whole time. "Well this is a shitty way for me to make a first impression," she grumbled, mostly to herself.

Apparently this student had at least read a little bit of her handbook. That was certainly more than majority of the students here combined. "Yes, I am a Head Girl," Vera answered. Vera's eyes look to the student who was asking to leave. "You know where to be at what time, now go," she ordered. The door shut behind the student, leaving Tiana with this silver haired Asian.

"Do not worry of it," the Head Girl said calmly, "Mistakes happen and I hope you learn not to leap to conclusions next time, Miss. As promised, I will answer any questions you may have. I trust you found your dorm room acceptable and are surviving your first week here? If you have another class, I can walk with you to it so no further time is wasted. Unfortunately, no one was available to give you a proper orientation. But, at least you read your handbook. Most people do not realize the useful data it holds."

The Head Girl walked past Tiana and opened the door for her. If Tiana was willing to move, Vera would walk along side the woman. It seems the woman held no grudges about her poor first impression. Perhaps it was a common enough mistake?

"I am actually on my lunch break," Tiana replied as she joined Vera at the doorway. "If your not busy, perhaps we could have lunch together? I'll even treat you from my student account, to apologize for my rash behavior. I thought I had stumbled upon a bully situation, and nothing tends to frighten off pretty white and/or Asian bullies more than an angry black woman in their face." Tiana smiled ruefully. "A little bluster can be all to takes to spare some poor soul for being tormented. Stereotypes can be useful at times."

"Actually I was considering making an appointment with you in the next two or three weeks. The student postions of Head Girl and Prefect, from what I read, sound much more effective than the traditional, and pretty meaningless, student concil postions I've seen at other schools. I wanted to pick your brain on what they're really like, and his someone who does not yet meet the requirements might...better postion themselves to help the existing structure...?"

"Hm... That will not be necessary, Miss," Vera replied, still not knowing the new student's name, "I can pay for myself." Money was of no consequence to the Head Girl. It was irrelevant out here in Shokushu. Her position also gave her access to foods that Tiana could not purchase easily herself.

"You can avoid this mistake in the future by looking to see if the student in question is wearing a sash," the Head Girl added, "Light blue represents a Head Girl while a dark navy blue are Prefects. You would not want to promote stereotypes that make others consider you poorly."

The two left the building and headed for the main cafe area of campus. There were multiple fast food establishments as well as a small store to purchase what foodstuffs were imported from the outside. There was also a cafeteria which had a daily routine of available meals. Vera did not come here often as she usually just prepared her own meals up in her suite or other students provided for her. But, the Head Girl could always get what she liked should she choose to.

Vera approached the cafeteria and spoke briefly with the staff member there. Within moments, two trays were brought out. The smell of a well prepared meal welcomed both women as Vera thanked the cook and picked one of the trays to carry to a table. "The other is yours..."

It was a full course meal. Cooked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and steamed vegetables; the only thing not lavish was the water but that may be just Vera's preference. Both Tiana and Vera had their own meal to enjoy as Vera picked out an empty table for them to sit and eat. "I hope this is satisfactory. I do not come here often but meals are prepared to my liking regardless."

Tiana did want to know being a Head Girl was like, this meal was just one of the many perks of being one. Of course, it did not compare to the real reason Vera accepted such a position but this seemed like an easy way to provide a small taste for the new student. "Each Head Girl tends to have their own views on how to perform their duties. Put simply, we help keep order on campus. This can be done by helping troubled students with their difficulties on an isolated island. This can be done with tutoring and helping a student improve their GPA. But what most students tend to whisper about is that Head Girl and Prefects help enforce the rules here. Rules violations lead to demerits and excess demerits lead to correctional training. Rather than just punishing, it is important to teach a student about the rules they break and why they are important."

"You have already done well by approaching me with your desire to help," Vera stated, "But, it would be nice if you introduce yourself first." She gave a faint smile. She was not annoyed. There had been much happening today and this new student was still getting her bearings. But referring to her as 'Miss' would get tiring for both of them.

Tiana tried not to let her surprise and appreciation at the meal that was selected show. She always tired to eat right herself -- her former professions of stripper and porn star demanded she stay in shape if she wanted to make money -- but she was still settling into a routine here and had gotten a little lazy with her diet.

"Oh yes," Tiana replied. "Most satisfactory. Like mama... used to make," she added, but the delivery of the old humorous catchphrase died half way through, as Tiana thought of her actually mother, whom she hadnt seen in years.

Pushing the old hurt down, she listened attentively to Vera's explanation of the duties of her platoon, as well as those of her subordinate prefects. Tiana nodded attentively as she ate, arching an eyebrow at the words 'corrective training', but before she had a chance to seek clarification on any of the points, Vers pointed out something rather important.

"Oh! Right, can't believe I let this conversation get so far without doing that! My name is Tiana. Tiana Walker. And I do apologize for wasting your time before, Ms. Matsumoto. From the sounds of it, you have a lot on your plate as Head Girl, and the last thing I want to do is add to it. Just the opposite, really."

It was hard not to notice the change in mood in the student's aura upon mentioning her mother. But the shift was brief as soon Tiana was once again listening attentively to Vera's explanation of the Head Girl and Prefect system in Shokushu. It was pleasant enough to find a student interested in the workings of this school and not just trying to dig up conspiracies or other dirt. Some of the 'unlucky' students try to find the 'truth' but little did any of them know that such knowledge was completely useless in the end. For Tiana though, this initiative would not go unnoticed by the school and that can potentially be a favorable thing for the new student.

"As you already know, I am Vera Matsumoto," Vera introduced herself as well, "I have a background in business and computer science and have previous experience running my own company prior to coming here to Shokushu. Pleased to meet you."

"You have not wasted my time yet, Ms Walker," the Head Girl said as she sipped some water, "Your intentions were good enough and you were quick to remedy your mistake. You also show interest in promotion to higher positions here in this school if I read you correctly. You mentioned not meeting the requirements. This is true as you must be a Sophomore prior to being considered for a Prefect position. But, that does not mean you cannot work with a Head Girl or a Prefect to gain further experience. If anything, it may improve your chances as you will already know a bit about how a Head Girl performs her duties. Unfortunately, there is only one active Head Girl currently on campus right now. So your choices of who to work under as a Prefect are limited to just myself."

"Before we continue with further details, would you like to tell me about yourself and your interests in working with the Head Girls and Prefects here in Shokushu?"

"Well I can't claim anything as prestigious as running my own company," Tiana admitted with a little giggle. "I mean the thought had occurred to me, but opportunities were... scarce." She paused to take a sip of her water. "Truth be told, my life has been a bit... chaotic for the last few years before applying to Shokushu. I think it's the institutionalized order of the Head Girl/Prefect system that I find the most appealing. It's not just a sash and a nice speech in an assembly once a year, and it's not just a popularity contest. From what I've read, the school actually empowers you with authority, and gives you the resources to back it up. Structure and enforcement."

Tiana paused and and looked idly around the cafe. "Most of these girls are fresh out of high school. A lot of them probably have their heads scrwed on straight. But some, I don't know who yet, but some of them are just as lost as I was. And maybe I can do something about that."

Tiana turned her attention back to Vera. "By enforcing the school rules I can provide that srcuture to those that need it."

"I see," Vera replied, "So you wish to help students find their way before they stray too far off the path?" The explanation was rather thorough and well thought out. It was unlikely the woman was lying as it was doubtful a student would come up with such a response so easily. The Head Girl also did not detect any flickers in Tiana's aura to suggest any falsehood.

"More students than you might think require guidance even if they believe otherwise," Vera added calmly, "I am certain you will find many to take under your wing. So am I to understand you wish to apply for a Prefect position upon reaching your sophomore year?"

The silver haired woman did have other questions to ask. But, this was their lunch break. She would answer any questions or concerns Tiana brings up. Otherwise, Vera would continue eating her meal and allow the new student to do the same. "If you like," Vera said as she finished her lunch, "I can lead you to my office where we can discuss this in further detail as well as answer any other questions you have about Shokushu."

Tiana nodded in response to Vera's question about applying for the prefect position. "I can see the logic in wanting someone with more familiarity and seniority than a mere freshmen to have a prefect position, but dam it's going to make this year seem a lot longer."

Tiana sighed, but slient reaffirmed her decision to take that tract while at Shokushu. At the offer to accompany Vera to her office, Tiana brightened. "My next lecture isn't for another hour and a half. Would that be enough time? There are a few more things I would like to know. Are there any steps i can take now to be in a better position to make prefect next year? Also, who designed these uniforms? I used to go the club in longer skirts." She flashed Vera a smile. Not flirting per se, but hopefully showing just enough humor to show she was as personable as she was serious about the position.

"Consider it an opportunity to build your portfolio before the real job interview happens," Vera replied with a faint smile. The two put away their trays before Vera walked with Tiana towards the tall tower that was around the middle of the entire campus. "You are already taking those steps, Ms Walker," Vera answered, "Just like any job, try to learn more about the people you are working with or under. The number of Prefects I have active vary from time to time but there are at least two patrolling campus. Beyond that, be sure to excel in your classes as that will show a level of drive. Keep out of trouble as demerits will be noted in your record until they are corrected. Learn the rules and expectations of this school. Taking part in additional activities such as clubs or voluntary services will show initiative to those above you."

"As for the uniforms," Vera continued, "Some say they are empowering. Others have their own opinions. The Headmasters decided the attire. I just wear mine with pride."

Inside the tower, the two had a long elevator ride up to the penthouse floor of the tower. She swiped a keycard to unlock the door, leading into a open entry area. The floor was marble and led to a desk that had been set up there. Flanking the sides were doors that led to either other rooms or closets. Beyond the desk, Tiana could see the living area with a large flatscreen tv and very comfortable couches. A large bookshelf had numerous books on Vera's field of study along with some books that looked very old and lacked any coherent label on them. Light could be seen pouring into the living area through large windows that revealed a balcony and a view over the campus, beaches, and the ocean beyond that. Dining area and kitchen were around the living area. Everything was clean and tidy, keeping a level of order one would expect from the Head Girl.

"Please, have a seat in the living area," Vera said as she walked towards the kitchen, "Would you like something to drink? Water? Tea?"

Tiana tried, very hard, to keep her jaw firmly in its upright and locked position instead of falling to the floor when she saw Vera's room.

Room? All the houses I've ever lived in coukd fit in here. Combined, she thought. She flet a pang of jealousy, which she quashed for the childish emotion it was almost instantly, and the a burning attraction for the obvious display of power and influence, and the woman who held it. That one was harder set aside, but she managed to dull it down to a low simmer.

Aloud, she kept her expression friendly yet professional. "Thank you," she said, smiling. "Tea sounds lovely."

She took a seat on one of couches couches in the living area as instructed. Her eyes sweapt pass the large TV to land on the bookshelf. Almost as soon as she had seated, she rose to take a closer look. Not a single bit of fiction, she noticed, but the evident deapth and dedication Vers had to her studies was obvious and impressive. Her opinion of the Head Girl ticked up a few notches. She tried hard not to compare her own accomplishments with Vera, but a sudden feeling of comparative inadequncey washed over her.

Tiana took a deep breath, steadied her nerves, and returned to her seat. You can do this, she told herself silently. You're not that girl anymore.

By the time Vera entree the room again, Tiana had gotten herself undercontrol again.