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	Laren walked slightly ahead of her parents, right up to the enormous gates that loomed over the surrounding empty land.  
I can't believe this is happening, Laren thought. Not one person in 10,000 gets to find out what's inside here, and I'm getting a guided tour.
She looked back at them, and tried not to roll her eyes.
	"Mom, Dad, you're supposed to be happy.  'Great privilege?' 'Incredible honor?'  Is any of this sounding familiar?"  
	"We know, honey, but it's still going to be hard for us to lose you this way." Her father shifted uncomfortably.
	"I would have gone away to college, you know," Laren said.
	"This isn't college, Laren, and you know it," her mother objected.  "If you were at college, at least you could call and visit, but this . . ." she broke off.
	"We're very proud of you; you know that," her father said gently. A sound cut him off-- the gates were opening.  A uniformed man walked out.  He looked quickly at a chart in his hand and then at the people who stood in front of him.
	"Laren Mathers?" he asked.  Laren nodded.  "Good we've been expecting you."
	"I'll miss you," Laren mumbled as she hugged her parents goodbye.  "I just wish I'd be able to tell you about it, once I finally find out what's in there."
She ignored her mother's tears and hefted her bag onto her right shoulder.  Laren walked through the gates, and didn't look back.
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	"I will now show you to your room," the guard who had shown her in looked her over.  "You will need to change your clothing at once."
	"Why...?" Laren began, but the man had already begun walking toward one of the tall buildings.  There was so much to take in, she didn't want to hurry.  Where were all the other people?  Why couldn't she just take a while to look around, explore?  It was getting dark though...maybe everyone was in for the night.
	"This is where you will stay," the man handed her a key.  "Don't lose it."  He looked around quickly then leaned in.  "Your roommate will explain the Rules," he whispered.