[ WP ] In super villain academy , prospective villains are allowed to conquer and rule a small rural county to prepare for world domination . 85 % of students drop out during this class .

( Part 1 ) 
 
 The rural countryside really was quite striking. Beautiful, rolling green hills, a sleepy little town, nestled in the comforting arms of a small valley. There was even a main street that ran through the center of the town. Kind of a cross between a Norman Rockwell painting and your typical small college town. Vermont, he thought to himself, stepping off the bus at the station. Definitely like upstate Vermont. He took a deep breath and savored the brisk, clear air. It was miles better than the constant smoke and smell of sulfur of the main campus of the Academy, he thought. Whatever mad genius who decided to build the academy under the site of a freaking active volcano should be dragged out in the middle of the street and shot. Preferably in front of his family and loved ones. 
 
 The young man straightened his black jacket and hefted his backpack on his shoulders. He had been traveling for several hours at that point, not under the best of conditions. First was the supersonic hydrofoil ride from the Academy dock to the airport. Then an 8 hour flight in the hold of a converted military transport plane, strapped in an uncomfortable seat to the cargo netting. Then an additional 4 hour bus ride to this sleepy little town. Stretching, he luxuriated in being able to reach out and not immediately touch another living being. He took another deep breath and exhaled loudly and audibly. Seriously. It was really nice here. He started walking down from the bus station towards the center of town. 
 
 Minutes later, he found himself in front of a small coffee shop right off the main street. Sandwiched between some brownstone and brick buildings, the plate glass window facing the street showed into what looked to be a cozy sitting area. He could see the corner of a small stage, covered in white Christmas lights, and some mismatched tables and chairs. There were a couple of people sitting at the tables, drinking out of oversized and colorful mugs and teacups. As he made his way to the door, he could see flyers plastering the door and alcove. He stopped and looked at them curiously. Colorful sheets, advertising everything from open mic nights and poetry slams to support group information and piano lessons, all competing for his attention as a tapestry of small town activity. The door suddenly opened to the sound of a jingling bell, and a pair of young girls came out, laughing. He could smell an intoxicating blend of fresh coffee and pastries beckoning to him from inside as he made his way inside. 
 
 `` How can I help you,'' asked the short-haired barista in front of him. He looked up at the large chalkboard above the counter, hand drawn and lettered in chalk. There was a large, copper espresso machine cheerfully burbling away next to them. A burst of steam hissed out, followed by the clanging of metal pitchers. The man stroked his chin in contemplation. 
 
 `` Can I get a cappuccino?'' he asked finally. The barista smiled, nodded and immediately set to work. The man watched her as she worked. She was very efficient as she worked, no wasted movements. Each step, flowing into the next. 
 
 `` What kind of milk?'' 
 
 `` I'm sorry, what?'' 
 
 `` What kind of milk? For the cappuccino?'' she asked, pausing for the first time since she started the order. The young man started, embarrassed for holding her up. 
 
 `` Ah, sorry. Whole milk is fine,'' he answered hastily. 
 
 `` Nice. Living dangerously. I like it'' she cracked a smile. She immediately poured the milk into the pitcher and started cranking the knob on the antique machine to adjust the steam. The machine complained at first, but soon found it's voice and a creamy aroma filled the air, accompanied by the squeal steam escaping the small metal wand. The barista stared at the pitcher, her one hand on the knob, the other holding the pitcher by the handle, but with her fingertips just touching the base. Suddenly, without warning, she cranked the knob and the machine sputtered to a stop. Turning, she poured the pitcher into what looked like a large yellow teacup with a faded daisy on the side. 
 
 `` Here you go. Enjoy,'' she said, and turned back to the machine, wiping it down. The young man stared at the top of the cup. There was an beautifully drawn leaf in the foam. He started to say something to the barista, but she had already moved down the counter on another errand. He carefully balanced the filled to the brim cup and made his way across the worn, wood floor to one of the tables in the window. 
 
 Sitting and enjoying his first sip of the smooth cappuccino, he pulled out his Academy assigned tablet and logged in. A large, crimson sigil blazed to life on the screen, then faded as he brought up his e-mail. There was a waiting message in his inbox. He clicked on the icon, and looked over the missive. 
 
 *Assignment: Prepare for World Domination. * 
 
 *Welcome to Hamiltonia. This is your practical exam to see if you have absorbed and processed the information that we have provided for you during your training period and stay at the Academy. You have 364 days to conquer and rule this small, rural county. You may take whatever action you think is prudent, and will be provided with a budget for your expenses. Please remember to record and account for all receipts, and submit them to your Academy-assigned accounting specialist. At the end of the simulation period, all activities and machinations ( even those already in process ) will be halted and graded by a panel of evaluators. Be aware, you will be observed at all time during your stay. Part of your evaluation panel may also be inserted into the simulation at any time, so please plan accordingly. * 
 
 *During your time in Hamiltonia you will be expected to show understanding of and utilize properly the techniques and methodologies that you have been instructed in. Additional points may be granted for creativity and effectiveness of your chosen strategies. * 
 
 *Please be aware that while total and complete annihilation of Hamiltonia is a valid option, we ask that you do not construct any devices capable of physically destroying the area. If you decide on using a `` doomsday option,'' please submit your plan for said device for review by the evaluation committee, but please instead use the provided encryption passkey attached to this e-mail on your tablet, and the simulation will be immediately halted and you will be graded at that point. * 
 
 *Good luck. We look forward to seeing what you can do. Hail DoomCo. * 
 
 The young man let out a slow breath. He stared at the e-mail on his tablet for a few minutes longer, reading it over again. The encryption key attached to the e-mail blinked cheerfully. He took a sip of his cooling cappuccino and brooded. He had always been good at brooding. 
 
 `` So you're the latest, eh?'' chuckled an old man, sitting at another table. Another old man sitting at the same table snorted derisively, and turned the page of his newspaper, pointedly ignoring them. Both men were dressed in matching plaid shirts, one red, the other green. The man who had started talking first chuckled and waved a hand dismissively at the other. 
 
 `` Do n't mind him. So you're the latest one, eh? Come to'subjugate' and'conquer' us, eh?'' he asked. 
 
 The young man looked back warily. Was he being tested already? He tried to remember what his instructors had said about first contact with a possibly hostile enemy population. *Never head straight along into conflict. Especially with a force of unknown strength. Infiltrate. Observe. Gather information. * 
 
 ( end Part 1 )
