Read Online Higher Institute of Villainous Education by Mark Walden - Free Book Online Page A

. er . . .’ The boy looked at his companions, as if willing them to complete his sentence for him.
    ‘I know perfectly well what you were discussing, Mr Khan, and I hardly think that it’s a suitable topic when there are new recruits present, do you?’ She gave him a stern look.
    ‘No, Contessa, you’re right.’ The boy looked slightly embarrassed to be reprimanded like this in front of the other students.
    ‘Good, now let me introduce you to our latest Alpha recruits.’ She indicated the group standing behind her. ‘They’re all going to be residents in area seven, and I thought you could explain the set-up of their accommodation to them.’
    ‘Of course, Contessa.’ The boy turned his attention to the new students, giving them a broad smile.
    Otto noticed that there were six studs on the boy’s collar arranged in the same pattern as normally seen on dice. The other two students who had been arguing with the boy also had six studs on their collar and Otto guessed that, like the single stud on his collar, they indicated a student’s current school year. The only difference was that the studs on Khan’s uniform were silver, which Otto assumed reflected his position of relative authority.
    ‘Very well.’ The Contessa turned back to the group. ‘I shall leave you all in Mr Khan’s capable hands. I’m sure I will see you all again soon in class. Do be sure to check your Blackboxes for details of your timetable. Lessons start first thing tomorrow morning. DON’T be late.’
    Otto couldn’t help but feel slightly relieved as the Contessa walked away.
    ‘So you’re the new magg–er . . . first years, are you? Well, welcome to H.I.V.E. My name’s Tahir Khan and I’m the monitor for this accommodation area.’ Tahir seemed friendly, but Otto was starting to realise how deceptive appearances could be in this place.
    ‘If your first day’s been anything like mine was I’m sure you have about a thousand questions that urgently need answering, but I’m afraid that I probably can’t tell you much more than you already know right now. Best thing to do is to use your Blackbox to ask H.I.V.E.mind anything you’re not sure about. Don’t worry if it all seems a bit much at the moment, you learn quickly around here. You have to.’ He grinned at the group. ‘So why don’t I show you one of the rooms and then you can all get settled in before dinner. Come on.’
    He set off across the cavern towards one of the elevators. It was a bit of a squeeze getting them all in but eventually the doors closed and they shot up to the fourth floor. Here Tahir stopped in front of one of the white doors.
    ‘This is a Standard Twin Habitation Unit, but we call them cells,’ he said with a wry grin. ‘But don’t worry, that’s just a nickname. They’re quite comfortable really.’ Tahir placed his hand on the smooth panel set into the wall next to the door, which briefly illuminated and bleeped. The door slid open.
    ‘Now we won’t all fit in here, so just gather round the doorway and I’ll show you the basics,’ Tahir continued, stepping into the room.
    The room itself was outfitted in white and silver and looked comfortable, if a little cramped. Nearest the door were two white desks, one on either side of the room, with a monitor, mouse and keyboard on each. Sitting alongside the computers on both these desks were identical piles of books and a pile of pens, notebooks and other stationery. Then came twin stainless steel closets, again mirroring each other, recessed into each wall and, finally, two single beds. Between the beds, set into the rear wall, was another white door.
    ‘This place is probably the nearest thing you’ll get to any privacy round here, so make the most of it. The computers you can see on the desks are directly interfaced with Big Blue – sorry,’ Tahir apologised, noting the momentary looks of confusion on some of their faces, ‘that’s what some of us call H.I.V.E.mind. Then you’ve got