Homework and Monsters

Chapter 11

Kira posts an inspiring message on the nests group message board, detailing the plan that had been created. Every member agrees to join and use every resource they have available. The boost of confidence gives some members the courage to return to school, and help in intel gathering. Some choose to stay in the shadows and work unseen, creating a surveillance team. Many of them choose to operate from the warehouse to compile all the information that's gathered. At the start of the following day Paige, Rosie, Leon, Taylor, Ollie and Gina, meet at the school entrance.

"I have to say rookie, I've never seen the team come together like this. This plan might actually work." Says Paige.

"Let's hope so, we just have to make sure everyone stays safe. We all ready?" Leon glances around at the group. They nod in unison and walk together into school. They march through the gate, heading straight for the centre of the school yard and stand in a circle. They turn and put their backs against each others and face outward. This display causes a commotion amongst the students who begin chattering and calling out.

"What is this, some kind of protest?"

"Go for it, whatever you're doing!"

"They're so weird, go back to your quiet corner!"

They stand silent and still, their expressions remaining serious and slowly start to gather a crowd. Some students even stand with them as a joke, some take selfies and photos with their phones. Then a message comes through on the nest board. 'Contact'.

The display has caught the attention of the teachers who are now watching from the side of the yard. The Mitches stand at the entrance of the Gym and start laughing amongst themselves.

"Honestly, what do they think they can do? I'm going to enjoy snacking on them" says Mr Mitch as he folds his arms across his chest. Leon sees them and smiles at them giving them a wink. This infuriates Mr Mitch.

"He's baiting you, this is a message for us. We need to speak to Tanner." Says Mrs Mitch and pulls her husband back into the gym.

From the other side of the yard, Marcus and Julian have also noticed.

"Tsk! They think this is a game!? They've just made it easy for us!" Marcus cracks his knuckles and steps to head towards them, but Julian throws his hand out in front to stop him.

"Hold on, this isn't what it looks like. They're up to something. We should report to Pennywell." Julian's nose starts to twitch as he picks up a scent and starts looking around the school.

Leon and the others turn and head inside the school. The nest board was buzzing with messages flowing in. Leon posts a message to remind everyone to stick to staying in groups, nobody goes anywhere alone.

An emergency staff meeting is called for the entire faculty. Their theatrical display had worked. On the school roof, a few members of the nest perch themselves across from the window with a clear view of the office. They begin listing off the names of all the teachers in attendance. All are present except the Vice Principal. They can't make out what is being said but the message board is filled with suggestions. The meeting seems to end with a few teachers remaining behind with the principal. Mr Casey, Miss Pennywell, Mr and Mrs Mitch and Mrs Marigold. A wave of shock and disappointment fills the message board at the appearance of the sweet old school nurse. However, there is a sense of great accomplishment. In the first part of the plan, they check off one of the main boxes. They have their targets of teachers.

Gina posts for members to break into groups and follow the teachers to gather as much information they can. The rest of the school day flies by without any major incidents. The talk of the morning display eventually gets over shadowed by the planning of the charity fundraiser.