Sam quickly gains the trust of 'Computer Jack', and through him, the grudging tolerance of Caine Soren. It's still a long way to go before he even considers paying a visit to Room 204 (especially now that he knows Caine and Drake are roommates), but it's a start. And honestly, tolerance is all he can ask from these people.

"So, what's Caine's deal?"
"His deal? Like, his M.O?"
"Sure, whatever. Oh, what's his stake in Drake and Diana?" Sam asks Jack as casually as he can. He's still getting his bearings at this place - he's not sure what he can ask and what is glossed over or blissfully ignored.

Jack pauses his steps for a moment and considers. "...I think it's better for you to find out about Diana yourself, but...Drake is useful for the scare factor. After all, if you have fear, you control the masses, right? Kinda like that."

Sam makes a mental note to pay more attention in History. And makes another to keep an eye on Caine's interest in that class too. He nods along with Jack.
"So, why does Caine want to, as you say, 'control the masses'? Surely a dude as smart as him can dream a little bigger than the population of a psycho school? Unless..."

Unless this is just practice for the real thing.
Sam snaps himself out of his thoughts with a shake of his head. Real thing? Caine's a smarmy creep, but there's no way he'd go full evil dictator for such a dumb reason. Trying to control this school would be as fruitful as trying to herd a pack of hyenas.

Either way, you'd get your face chewed off.

If there was one thing Sam had learned about Coates Academy, it was that there was no limit to the amount of crazy that desperate parents would leave to the mercy of the school halls. It was proven with the existence of Drake Merwin, Caine's right hand man. That sick creep had already sent countless kids running to his mom, the school nurse.

And was currently making a beeline for Sam and Jack.

Oh, sh-

"Long time no see, huh, Jacky? Caine wants to see you. And I want to have a little talk with ol' Sammy here about what's expected of a Coates student."
Drake's voice is dripping with venom and a hint of mocking superiority. It's just the right mix for Jack to cower and scurry off, presumably to Room 204.
Where another devil awaited him.

But Sam's undivided attention was given to the grinning blond in front of him.
"So, what's this all about, Merwin?" Sam says with what he hopes is an lazy smile. He's already built up the perfect exterior of an easygoing, average highschool boy. No one suspects that he's been manipulating Jack and Bug with astounding results. He knows from Jack all about both the academic capability of the few students who make up Caine's elite, and from Bug (who's real name, he found out, is Tyler) about their more private lives.

Sam straightens up and gives a pointed glance to the watch he's taken to wearing on his left wrist. It's not as if he actually has any prior commitments, owing to the fact that it's Saturday and he has no real friends here. But the glance throws Drake off his game - out of the corner of his eye, Sam sees the blond grit his teeth for a fraction of a second before he relaxes.

"Just wanted a little chat. It'll be quick. And painless," Drake answers with a knowing smirk. "We'll do this in my room, how about that?"

Drake isn't asking. But Sam isn't ready for any kind of confrontation in Room 204.

Either Caine and Jack's talk must have been quick, or this is a way of getting me into that room so Caine can corner me.

"Oh, mine's closer. 180, remember? And I wouldn't want to interrupt your roommate."

Sam hopes that serves as a viable excuse. It seems to work, as Drake gestures for him to lead with that ever-present smile.

There's no doubt in his mind that this 'chat' will end in tears.

Or blood.