Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 22 - The Art of Persuasion

Dwayne's POV

We sat patiently, waiting for Dr. Harper to arrive. The others were visibly nervous, but I was determined to secure this trip. If there was one thing people knew about us—aside from the random, stupid rumors—it was that we could be incredibly stubborn when we wanted something. We kept glancing at the clock behind his desk, wondering why he was so late. He was never late.

He finally walked in a full hour later and sat down. He wore a solemn expression and looked thoroughly annoyed at having been dragged away from his work.

"Yes? You all wanted to speak to me."

"Yes, Sir. We wanted to ask if you could possibly arrange a trip for us to visit Raven," Taylor began, sounding as respectful as possible.

"For the whole grade," Xelia added quickly.

"Why on earth would I do that? It would be a massive expense, and we cannot afford to take time away from your studies," Dr. Harper countered, looking astonished.

"You could view it as an advertisement for the school. We'd be showcasing the academy to the people working there who have families—people looking for trustworthy schools that produce independent, intelligent students," Ntsakela stated, her voice tinged with slight annoyance.

"They could send their kids here without paying extra for childcare; they would put their trust in the school," Tannah added.

"And you'd get more students paying school fees. Plus, for the students, it's an opportunity to see how the military operates so that more people join the program next year. That way, both parties benefit," I added quickly.

"And the school can demonstrate how much they support their students," Shaylin chimed in.

Dr. Harper sat in silence for a moment, clearly contemplating our arguments.

"You all make very good points, but the cost of transport is high. We cannot simply take it from the school budget; those funds are already allocated to other projects," Dr. Harper stated dismissively.

"We can raise the money. We've already organized it with the rest of the Grade 12s. They are actually pooling their funds as we speak. The school won't have to touch its own bank account," Ntsakela informed him.

"And we've organized the transport. We have two buses that have agreed to take us, provided we get school permission and teachers to accompany us," I added proudly.

"That's all well and good, but we cannot cut into class time or ask teachers to leave on a whim. We would have to organize substitute teachers, which takes time and even more money."

"We've sorted that out too, Sir. If we only take the Grade 12 teachers—since they only teach our grade—we won't need substitutes. We've already asked them, and they said as long as we have your permission, they are happy to go," Xelia explained nervously.

"And while on the trip, every subject can still be taught. We can have class on the go. For example, accounting students can learn how they manage finances on site, and geography students can study the terrain. No time will be lost," Taylor babbled encouragingly.

"You would still need either Mr. Van or myself to accompany you."

"That's why we're here. You'll get to see your old friend, and Mr. Van can run things here while you're gone. It's been done before," Ntsakela insisted.

"You all make a compelling case... and it would be good to get some proper feedback. Very well, I will arrange it today. Everyone must be ready by Thursday so we can arrive by Friday, or Saturday at the latest."

"It's already done, Sir," Tannah finished quickly.

"Alright, you may all go."

Dr. Harper began typing on his computer, likely finalizing the arrangements from his side.

We left feeling proud of what we had accomplished, hoping our efforts wouldn't be fruitless. We would finally get to see Raven and hear what she had been up to, and we'd get to leave the school premises for a while. We no longer had to deal with the Grade 8s or the even more annoying Grade 11s.

And answers. We were finally going to get some answers about what the fuck was going on.