Chapter 193

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> *Terrence in the Safe House?*
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*- Arlo inquires about Seraphina's idea*

This is the 193rd episode of *unORDINARY*.

## Plot

The Press Room is buzzing with excitement now that Cecile is back in charge. The other members congratulate her on her promotion to Jack and outstripping Arlo in influence. Cecile plays it cool and says she's just glad to be leading the press once more, and everything else was just a happy bonus. This display of modesty effectively makes everyone gush over her even more. The merry occasion is ruined by the dramatically-timed arrival of John, whose presence puts everyone on edge. He approaches Cecile and instructs her to write a front page article about Safe House. He wants it to explicitly state that anybody who joins it would become his enemy, never to be safe outside of it again. Cecile tries explaining that the paper was meant to spread unbiased news so that students could decide for themselves what's right for them. She adds that it shouldn't be used to fulfill any one person's agenda, especially considering that John wanted to use it to start a public feud with a club the school staff had already approved of. John pulls rank by warning Cecile that the King she was currently talking back to wasn't the pushover Arlo was. He reminds her that the only reason she got her position and title restored was because he willed it, and he could just as easily take it all away. He then turns to address the rest of the team, repeating his warning just once more before leaving. When they're certain he's gone, the team unanimously agrees that nobody who read such blatant propaganda would take it seriously. Alas, they also understood that disobeying a direct order from the King was not an option, even for Cecile. Cecile is seething at the fact that John just turned her triumphant return into a humiliating experience, recalling that he benefits from their alliance just as much as she does.

In the midst of his stroll down the hall, John is once again approached by Zeke. The cowed and submissive godslayer asks John how his day was going, only to be reminded of his prior orders to keep his distance. Zeke tries to appease John with a beverage. John responds to this gesture by snatching the drink out of Zeke's hand and dumping it all over his head. John tells Zeke off for not getting the point and states that he never wants to see him again. Zeke remains persistent, and follows John insisting he's turned over a new leaf for his sake. John's attention is caught by more fliers for Safe House on a bulletin board. Bitterly recalling how Remi told him to deal with the problems he's always blaming others for, he makes up his mind and sets about bringing Safe House to ruin. He realizes that he can get some peace and quiet *and* sabotage Remi's efforts at the same time. He orders Zeke to take down every Safe House flier in school by the end of the week under threat of you-know-what.

Arlo walks outside the school building, still trying to take in the coincidence that the day he gets in touch with his aunt in a long while happens to be when she's working a case in town. His thoughts are interrupted by Seraphina, who has an idea she wants to share with him. She intends to convince Terrence into joining Safe House due to his low status, and use the presence of several prominent high-tiers to bait him further. Arlo agrees that this will allow them to keep a close watch on him. Seraphina suggests that he take a look at his copy of Terrence's schedule, and Arlo plans to adjust his own schedule so that their suspect can always supervised. Seraphina then heads over to talk Terrence into joining, meeting up with Evie and Roland along the way. Evie has been excited at the prospect of this new club ever since Remi texted her an invitation. Roland also thinks this club is a good idea, especially considering their new king's ascension didn't make the Fake Jokers disappear. When they see Terrence exiting the Press Room, Evie approaches him and asks if he's heard about the Safe House. As it happens, he has, so Seraphina takes the opportunity to ask if he wants to join the group in checking it out. Terrence declines, explaining the incident of John's visit to the Press Room. Roland is angry that Terrence intends to ditch them again. Seraphina continues to be aggravted by John's tendency to complicate matters, and decides to act fast before their best lead slips away. Knowing how valuable information on high-tiers is to her perp, she calls out to Terrence and piques his curiosity with the fact that Remi was the one who started the club. Adding that other high-rankers were talked into attending the first meeting, Seraphina assures there would be nothing to fear. Terrence appears to be persuaded to drop by, to Seraphina's immense satisfaction.

## Appearing Characters

* Cecile
* John
* Terrence
* Zeke
* Remi (flashback)
* Arlo
* Evie
* Roland