The Westcott House Dayroom smells of polish, damp wool, and chalk. Alan stands with Patrick Mermagen, Peter Hogg, and the other new boys beneath the fixed gaze of older pupils.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
You will attend lessons, chapel, drills, and House duties punctually. You will keep your uniform correct, your manner cheerful, and your superiors obeyed.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon plants both hands on the table. Behind him, the prefects sit in a row, immaculate and silent, their attention moving from face to face.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
The bell in this room is not a toy. When it rings, you compete for useful work. Neglect your duties, show cheek, or fail to earn your place, and the prefects will report you.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
This is the Head of Westcott House. You will know his instructions as my own. The remaining prefects enforce discipline and may recommend punishment when required.
The Head of Westcott House rises, broad-shouldered and composed, while the other prefects remain seated. Peter Hogg straightens eagerly; Patrick keeps his expression carefully blank.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
Is anything unclear? Speak now, if you have a question or a demand worth hearing.
✓ Quest Accepted
Avoid being marked for punishment
“I verbally apologise to the housemaster, Mr O'Hanlon, for being late, explaining that I have just cycled sixty miles from Southampton because the trains were cancelled due to the General Strike.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Alan Turing
I apologise for being late, sir. The trains were cancelled because of the General Strike, so I have just cycled sixty miles from Southampton.
The room absorbs the explanation in a brief, uncomfortable silence. Dampness darkens Alan's blazer, and road dust clings to his formal shoes and long blue socks.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
Sixty miles? From Southampton? You should have sent word, Turing, if such a thing were possible.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
The journey is extraordinary, but punctuality remains the rule. I must not let an excuse become an example.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
Still, your account is accepted. You will report to your housemaster, make yourself presentable, and attend the next duty without further delay.
Peter Hogg glances at Alan's bicycle-worn clothing with open curiosity. Patrick Mermagen lowers his eyes, while one prefect quietly marks the lateness in the register.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
See that the distance does not become a habit. In this house, endurance is commendable, but obedience must arrive on time.
“I politely mention to O'Hanlon that he himself actually is my housemaster, and that I have already reported to him.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +3)
Alan Turing
Sir, if I may clarify, you are my housemaster, and I have already reported to you.
The correction settles neatly into the room. Alan's damp blazer and dust-marked shoes remain conspicuous, but the facts are plain and courteously stated.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
Quite right, Turing. You have reported to me, and I have heard your account.
A small stir passes through the prefects. Patrick Mermagen looks up, and even Peter Hogg's eager expression gives way to surprise at the successful correction.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
You may go directly to your room, change, and return for duty. I shall record the lateness as explained, not as deliberate disobedience.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
Remember this distinction, Turing: an unusual journey may be excused when honestly reported. You have earned that consideration today.
Attend the next house duty
Quest Complete
Avoid being marked for punishment
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great