THE TROUBLE WITH DECEIT

Part 1 A Field Trip

Mr. Howard (Geography), stepped carefully through, followed by Mrs. Howard (Maths). They stood together for a moment scanning the area. Satisfied Mr. Howard blew his whistle and the applicants from his own class, 6a, stepped excitably through. Although numbering only 18 they were noisy right now, to say the least. Lucy Howard addressed the excited bunch of teenagers. "Stick together please guys, let's step it out now, we have about a mile to walk. Once we arrive you will have some time on your own giving you a chance to have a look around and find your bearings. Tomorrow you will start your projects at 9 am, and remember you will conclude at 1 pm on Friday, at which time we will return to the school. Remember also that unfinished projects will receive a penalty points deduction. Therefore this assignment is also about planning and time management."

Karl Inter and Farah Ionton were the stragglers of the little group, they were best friends and had been since the first time they had met, way back in their first grade. "Kip!" she whispered "will you stick with me as much as you can?" Puzzled he replied "of course I will, whats up Fey? I've never known you to be so nervous before?" Frowning and speaking in a low voice she explained how she felt a bit panicked if she was in too big a group of people she didn't know really well. "I'll be alright Kip so long as I have you close by." Glancing around he pulled her close and quickly pecked her on the cheek. Feeling herself blushing she smiled and whispered "thanks." At 17 she had not yet had a boyfriend, mainly because she just assumed that it would be Kip when they both felt ready. So the kiss was nice and she felt it would be the start of a different kind of a relationship between them now.

They hurriedly caught up with the rest of the group, just as Mr. Howard announced to them all, "There it is guys, your new home for the next three days." Everone looked expectantly at the building now in view in front of them and about 300 metres away. It was a huge sprawling place with a gated entrance at the front and expansive grounds to the rear. Adjacent to the main building was what looked like a short terrace of individual chalet style apartments and fronting all of that was a sweeping lawned drive with a large parking area to one side. They had reached a low fence with some kind of a style gate that stops animals getting through it. They all passed through this in single file, emerging onto a tiny road just wide enough for one vehicle, and walked downhill along this until they reached the big iron entrance gates. Mr. Howard pressed a buzzer and the big gates unlocked and swung smoothly open. As they began to walk towards the house the big gates swung shut again and locked.

They trooped along the impressive drive and rang the doorbell of the main house. A pleasant looking woman opened the door and ushered them inside. She led them along to a kind of a common room with a lot of chairs and small tables. "Please take a seat, everybody," she said and handed out forms to each of them including the two teachers. "If you will please read through these carefully and sign at the bottom when you have done so. We have to do this because although this is a very supervised course any excursion through the time portal carries some risk and you are signing to say that you understand this and therefore will not deviate at all from your project plans. Also that you understand that this establishment wavers all liability. Once you are done you can get yourselves something to eat and drink at our very good canteen. Enjoy your stay ladies and gentlemen."

Kip and Fey,  having helped themselves to food and drinks and then joined their classmates Dev and Rani at their table. "Are you two going into town after we've eaten or hanging around here?" Rani asked. "Town", Kip and Fey said at the same time, "same here," Rani said, trying hard not to laugh. " What's so funny," Dev asked, "Its just these clothes we are wearing, they are so, pantomime." "And zips" Kip added, laughing, "they sure were into these as well." They were interrupted by Mr. Howard's whistle, "Can I have your attention please guys, all those going into town please board the bus outside the front door. It will leave at 11 am. sharp, that's ten minutes time guys. Remember the year is 2018 and not 2118 and if you buy anything use the cards you have been issued with, if you have any problems using them hand them to the seller and say would you mind doing it for me, please. I shall be along for the ride also. Those who are remaining here will have Mrs. Howard to assist you with any questions you may have. Enjoy this once in a lifetime experience guys, you are very privileged"