Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi by Donsha Hatch

Galactic History holobook.
    “That’s pretty xeno. I’m studying aeronautics. What about you guys?” Azonei whispered.
    “Mechanical engineering.” whispered Dex.
    “Chemistry.” smiled Kezzy.
    “Big surprise.” whispered Dex sarcastically, making Kezzy cut her eyes at him.
    “Ms. Keznah Genoran!” noted Professor Terrell. “Since you don’t seem to have the need of studying your holobook like everyone else, why don’t we all have a wonderful Galactic History pop quiz!?”
    “Professor Terrell, no one else here thinks Galactic History is wonderful .” sneered Kezzy as everyone in class began sighing and giving her mean looks.
    “Sure it is. In fact, I believe a human philosopher by the name of George Santayana said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Now Ms. Genoran, what was the name of………….…...the famous speech that Edixe Farisse gave in 1927?” she asked.
    “The Undarian Address.” smirked Kezzy in arrogance.
    “Very good.” commended Professor Terrell. “Azonei, what was the battle that turned the tide in the Darkren War? And how?” she asked.
    “It was The Battle of the Three Moons. Princess Allura used an ingenious ploy that the humans formerly named the Trojan horse trick.” replied Azonei.
    “Well done Mr. Masterson.” said Professor Terrell. “Dextrius, what was the reason for the territorial dispute of Pluvia in 1863?” she asked.
    “That dispute was over the illegal mining operation in the crystal caves by Purina smugglers. They were later revealed to have worked under the orders of the then Purina Edixe, Safar Iniek.” answered Dex.
    “Very good, three for three.” smiled Professor Terrell. “Hmmm………. what will the last question be…...?” she asked.
    She scanned the large class and found her next target.
    “Mr. Eiris Penatia. In politics and sociology, what concept refers to the breaking up of existing power structures and preventing smaller groups from linking together?” asked Professor Terrell.
    “That concept has been coined divide et impera, divide ut regnes, or in the English language; divide and conquer.” replied Eiris.
    “Flawlessly done. Continue the great work you four. As well as the rest of the class. You are now dismissed.” said Professor Terrell.
    Everyone then began saving their study material to their smartwatches and heading for the door. Awesome met Kezzy in the hallway.
    “Hey Eiris, what class do you have next?” asked Azonei.
    “Um, Social Skills I think. What about you guys?” Eiris replied.
    “Social skills is a good class. One of my friends got a citation for public social awkwardness the other day. If you ask me, that class should be mandatory. But I’m headed to the flight simulator in VR.” replied Azonei.
    “Biochemistry.” said Kezzy.
    “I have Wit & Humor 101 next with Professor Moore.” said Dex. “As if they can teach you to be funny.” he shook his head.
    “Actually they can. Well, maybe not you. But the majority of us can be taught.” smiled Kezzy sarcastically as she walked off, followed by Awesome.
    “Man, do I hate her.” glared Dex.
    “It’s against the law to be socially awkward here?” asked Eiris dumbfounded.
    “Yup. I think it’s actually one of the better laws. See you guys at the Sanctuary?” asked Azonei.
    “Sure thing.” smiled Eiris.
    “See you there.” nodded Dex as they all parted ways.
    Later that day, dozens of other students made their way through the large halls of the academy and to the stairs leading to the Sanctuary. Eiris learned that the Sanctuary was a legendary training area on the mountains that surrounded his home city, Pluvia. The city was named Pluvia, the rainfall capital because of its unique surrounding mountains. The mountains are easily identified by the unending torrential rains on them, making them a perfect place to practice waterbonding for Atlantians. Eiris and the others hiked up the torrential mountain pass with the