23:48 Initialization complete

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00:00 Lyoko project online

Kadic College, 09:28

"So, you're an exchange student, right?"

"Yeah. Just arrived from across the Atlantic. I'm Eric Champlain," Eric introduced himself to the blond-haired boy. "What about you?"

"Jeremie Belpois," he replied. "So, ever been in France before?"

"No, never," Eric replied. "First time. Let's hope that Berlitz lives up to its reputation."

Jeremie chuckled. "Well, as you can see, this will be your dorm." Eric looked around at the thick computer manuals and poster of Einstein, to the two beds on opposite sides.

"Seems cozy," he said. "So when does indoctrination begin?"

"Huh?" Jeremie responded, confused.

"You know, where they give you the spiel that 'We're here to help,' and 'Our guidance counselors are always available?'"

"Actually, Kadic takes good care of its inmates—uh, students," said a voice from behind. "We haven't lost one yet."

Eric turned abruptly, searching for the speaker who had sneaked, cat-like, up to the doorway. His first impression of the intruder was purple. That was his second and third impression as well. Even purple hair!

"Agh! Spectrum overload! Too much color!" he cried, throwing his hands over his eyes.

"Oh, it's you, Odd," Jeremie replied calmly. "Come on in and meet Eric." Eric barely managed to stifle a laugh at hearing the name, turning it into an aborted hiccup. "Eric, this is Odd Della Robbia," Jeremie announced formally. "Odd, Eric Champlain."

"Uh, great to meet you," Eric said, crushing his laughter under visions of international incidents. "So, you two are old hands here?"

"Yes, we've been around a while. Ever since fifth grade, in fact. We've got the entire first day routine down to a science by now. That reminds me. Odd, the luggage should have arrived at the front gate by now. Go round up Ulrich and meet us at the front gate."

"Yes, sir, right away, sir," Odd cracked, snapping off a salute and clicking his heels before dashing down the polished linoleum to the other wing of dormitories.

"Is he always like that?" Eric asked. All he got in response from Jeremie, however, was a laugh.

At the front of the school, Eric saw Odd pulling at the handle of an enormous suitcase. He stopped in his tracks. "How did you get here before us?" he queried.

"Oh, there's always a shortcut you can take," said the tall, lanky boy standing next to Odd. "I'm Ulrich Stern. You must be Eric. It's good to meet you."

"Wow, that's the longest sentence he's said all week! He must like you," Odd cracked.

"Unlike you, who we can't get to shut up," Jeremie retorted.

"Ohh! I'm wounded," Odd exclaimed, throwing a hand over his forehead. "Ulrich, Jeremie, you should be ashamed. So, Eric, where are your other bags?"

"Those three brown ones over to your left," he pointed out. "Here, I'll take this one." He gave a short, sharp tug on the handle, releasing it from the mountain of luggage, causing a small avalanche of bags and suitcases. A collective moan rose from the crowd as their stuff was buried by others'. "Oops," Eric said quietly, looking at the mess.

"Now there's the greatest understatement of all time!" Odd cried. "Here, I'll take this one. Ulrich, you and Jeremie grab those other two." Working together, the four managed to drag the bags back to the dorm. As they entered, Eric let out a sigh of relief. Eager to rest the muscles in his arms, he let the bag drop to the floor, bursting open and spilling a collection of books across the floor.

"No wonder that weighed a ton!" Odd yelled. "Wow! There's got to be at least thirty books here!"

"Yeah, this is my month's worth of reading material," Eric explained. "All the greatest science fiction and fantasy. I've got all the best authors: Charles de Lint, Timothy Zahn, Jeff Smith, Pat Murphy…feel free to look through them."

Jeremie sifted through the pile. "Subatomic physics?"

"I'm somewhat well versed on the subject," Eric admitted. Just then, the bell rang, cutting off any chance for further discussion.

"Whoohoo! Opening speech! Long waits! Meets and greets! Let's go, guys!" Odd chirped.

Eric turned to Jeremie. "Does he have a volume control, or maybe an off button?"

Jeremie grinned. "Come on. Time for the 'indoctrination.'"