Jack waited while the class filed in. On her desk was a small square machine that looked like the world's wackiest printer. Because, essentially, it was. Behind it was a photographer rig with a neutral background and some umbrella-looking light diffusers.

"So the last few classes have been about gettin' out of restraints and gettin' a go-bag ready. Today's was supposed to be about dealing with the cops but the sheriff's," pause, "busy dealin' with some personal crap this week so he's punted to later. Today we're gonna talk about fake IDs. Something I am disappointed to find, every student at this school don't already have three of. Mostly kids use 'em for buyin' cigarettes or booze, which I don't condone, but it's always useful to have at least one extra identity. Even if it's one that exists solely for you to be able to burn it."



"I don't mean with actual flames. I mean, if you get stopped or hassled by the police or anyone, you can give 'em that name and ID info and then walk away and never use it again. It's called a burner identity. Not all of you look human and that'll set you up for some crap across the mainland. Which you already know. Most of you aren't from this reality or this planet and won't be up on all the laws and rules and sh..stuff. Combine the two of those, you got a recipe for more than your fair share of police harassment. Getting caught without identification on you is bad. They'll get all up in your business in a way you really don't want.

So. Today, we're going to set you all up with at least one fake ID. They won't be aged to let you buy booze, sorry. I'm not getting on the wrong side of the principal about that and besides, you can always go to Caritas. The first ID we do, we're gonna give it enough background ident that it'll pass a basic background check and we're gonna photoshop so your picture passes as human."

She looked around the room with a small frown. "This sucks," she said flatly, "We shouldn't have to photoshop anything or make you pass as anything. Believe that I know that. On this planet, on the other side of the causeway, that's all there is and you really don't want 'em finding out any different or you'll get a lot more attention than you want. We're gonna get you at least one little piece of plastic that'll get you past any minor sh..stuff. Then if you want, we can make you more with your real faces on 'em. Or other human disguises, whatever you want.

A good bolt strategy will have at least three different identities. You should also have at least two passports - we're not getting into that today - and at least one of the idents should be solid enough to take more than just a basic background check. Also not getting into that today. Today's just about getting you the basics."



"If you need some time to do your face or whatever, go do it now. When you come back, be ready to have your picture taken. If you strongly object to having a fake ID, sit and.. I dunno.. read about the Constitution or whatever. It won't affect your grade."

She hopped off the desk and went to set up the camera.

[OCD incoming..]