I stepped out from the capsule after hearing the message with a spaced out look. A bit nostalgic about my past experiences, I was once again lost in thought.

The room which I entered after exiting the vehicle was virtually identical to the other room that I first entered. A confined space full of nothing but endless white. For all claustrophobic people this would surely bring them nightmares. But even so, once you come across such a room repetitively, becoming tolerant to its suffocating interior was only natural…. at least from my experience.

*Welcome back Mr. Alberts, please proceed to the second terminal for further verification.*

Urging me to undergo another biometrics scanning, the electronic voice resounded throughout the cramped room.

The security was unbelievably strict within the headquarters. Considering the fact that all the organization’s archives were stored within its walls, it was only necessary to implement such stern measures.

Not wasting anymore time, I approached the second biometrics machine. In comparison with the first one, this machine was in many levels, more complicated. Requiring fingerprints from all individual fingers, voice recognition, and lastly, DNA verification using a drop of blood.

*Toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot* ...*toot*

“Fingerprint verification complete, switching to voice recognition mode.”

Tedious work from the very beginning, it was quite frustrating. For every time I needed to attend a seminar or whenever I’m summoned by the higher ups, I had to do this correctly with every step of the way.

“Identification number 21217211697, Apprentice researcher Seth Alberts is here to serve the phantom.”

Reciting the same old line surely was embarrassing. Back then, it certainly sounded cool to my young self. Feeling as if I was a superhero of some sort, announcing his secret password in order to gain access inside his secret base. But for the teenage me right now, I couldn't help but think that it was absolutely childish.

Come to think of it, even older members undergo the same process. I couldn't help but laugh inside my head, imagining those obstinate seniors uttering such cringeworthy phrases.

“Voice verification complete, please insert a finger inside the chamber located on the midmost part of the machine.”

The only part where I could never get used to, the DNA analysis. Stinging pain to the fingertips was always inflicted. Due to the fact that the skin of my fingers were thicker ,because of the consistent friction when working, the puncturing apparatus exerts greater force compared to normal.

“Ack!”

“Sample acquisition completed, PCR will be performed for the next 3 minutes. Please wait patiently.”

The polymerase chain reaction continued its process for a short while. Amplifying the DNA material within my blood cells into several copies, in order to quantify the numbers of each individual bases that builds up my whole genome. It was the most accurate way of identifying a particular person and could even trace their lineage.

“Identity verification complete, Apprentice researcher, Mr. Seth Alberts. ID No. 21217211697, please proceed to the lobby.”

At last! It was done! Those uneventful minutes finally ended. I may sound a little bit overreacting, but then it was certainly boring.

*Foooosh*

As if on cue, the door which separated me from the interior of the headquarters, opened dramatically. Hydraulic systems lifted the barrier with ease, connecting the inside of the room with the lobby of the main headquarters.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A complete opposite from the natural world which I traversed earlier, the interior of the main headquarters. The hustle and bustle of all other members filled the entire place. Making their entrance from their respective claustrophobia inducing parking lots, crowds made of researchers were formed in the blink of an eye. Usually clustering with their fellow co-workers from the same division, well segregated groups strode through the shiny black marble floors.

Prioritizing practicality, few decorations were seen. And instead of being only a decoration, they possessed unexpected functions that improved the indoor atmosphere. For example, the biologically engineered ornamental plants that emit increased amounts of pure oxygen, in contrast to their native versions.

Rows of state of the art chairs with its own built in computer system. Providing not only comfort but also connection to the main intranet, it allows video calls, electronic messaging and browsing of newly published articles within the premises of the island.

The whole building itself occupied approximately 5 hectares of land and has a total floor area estimated at 253,435 square meters. About 100 floors, separated in accordance to their uses, made it look like a skyscraper from above. Due to its enormous size, a sophisticated network of elevators and escalators were built, in order to direct each members more conveniently to their appropriate destinations.

Located in the lobby was yet another structure that would make any person sigh in admiration. A 29.9 metre wide by 12.33 metre high holographic projection, hovering above the center of the room. Mainly used in broadcasting different announcement and news about the outside world, it served as the only connection of us researchers isolated within this island. On the far left corner of the projection, a real-time clock was placed.

10:45 AM

15 minutes left!

Confirming it not once, not twice, but thrice, I grew more frantic. For me to reach the conference room with so few time, I needed to at least board an elevator that leads to floor 55. Countless number of elevator were installed all around the lobby, but since I had once attended a conference before, finding the correct door was easy peasy, or so I thought.

Why the hell are there so many people here?

I was bewildered, seeing that the waves of crowd never seemed to diminish. And for me to arrive in time, there was only one way to go!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Worn out and tattered, words perfect to describe my current state. Clashing against the crowd with an unyielding spirit, I am victorious! Damages were inevitable but still I was successful with my mission. I boarded the correct elevator shortly after that and smoothly made my journey towards floor 55. If I was to estimate the time elapsed, I would probably say about 7 minutes.

And now here I was, walking unsteadily through the corridor as I searched for the entrance line.

Fufufu, I am 100% certain that I will arrive in time now!

Celebrating prematurely, I walked leisurely while puffing my chest proudly. Thinking that I would reach the entrance before the closing time, all traces of skepticism vanished into thin air.

Eh?

Halting my steps abruptly, I stared at another huge crowd blocking the entrance which led to the main conference room. As if the one doing the presentation was a celebrity, many scientist wished to hear Professor Sander’s lecture first hand.

Well yes, he really was no doubt a celebrity. Representing the whole weaponry division, it was only natural to attract this much attention right?

Getting lost in thought as to how popular that Professor could be, for a moment I forgot my main objective.

But seriously though, the line was nowhere to be found thanks to those members that wanted to enter no matter what the cost. As a law abiding citizen which prioritizes order more than anything, I couldn't help but furrow my brows in vexation after seeing such disarray.

The previous joy that I’ve brought with me here instantly disappeared as I stood at the back of the non-existent line with my shoulders drooping.

Well, the only thing that I could do right now was to wait patiently for the line to move forward.

Not wanting to associate themselves with a newbie such as me, the surrounding members treated my existence like air. They would occasionally whisper to themselves after sneaking glances at me, but still I was unfazed. Not forgetting that huge topic back then of letting a kid join the order, they still thought it was unfair.

Even if most of them were like that, some of the members treated me kindly. Like for example, my mentor Professor Hansen, Professor Quinn at the genetic engineering division, fellow apprentice researcher Edward assigned as a helper for the anti-gravity project, and many many more!...

Optimistic as always, one of my notable traits. But then, people around started to stare at me for some reason. Unconscious that my face showed a smug expression, I was oblivious about them laughing behind my back.

But then as the minutes passed I eventually got bored. Wanting to pass the time even a bit faster than normal, I began to look around.

Middle aged members, members on their 20s, elder ones and even people who looked as if they were already centenarians. The amount of stress caused by work was the foremost reason I could think of, for the inhabitants of the island to age much more quickly, appearance-wise.

Moreover, the male to female ratio of the people inside the organizations was a staggering 23:1, respectively. Well, it seemed that males tend to be more dedicating, considering that they traded their normal lives just to pursue their dreams. Im not saying that males were better than females, i'm just saying this based on established facts! And I am not a sexist either!

Setting those aside, I continued to survey my entire surroundings. From another’s perspective, I may look like a patient who suffers from OCD. But then, I at least need to occupy myself with something for the meantime in order to ignore those obstinate seniors of mine.

Yet something immediately caught my interest as I did another 180 degree turn of the head.

A little girl standing in a daze, she stood out like a sore thumb among the sea of people clad in white lab coats. Wearing a pale yellow summer dress that complemented her sun kissed blonde hair tied into twin tails. Judging based on her height, probably she was at least 7 years old.

As if she was in a big predicament, her lips were curved into a frown. Her large azure colored pupils, looking down on the floor and occasionally threw glances at the crowd.

It was quite surprising to see that not a single person even bothered to approach the little girl. Instead they focused more on not getting thrown off the line. Since it was definitely an unusual occurrence, maybe the people were unsure on how to resolve it.

Well I too, wanted to keep my position in line but my conscience says otherwise. For now let’s just try in seizing her attention.

“Psst… psst…”

Attracting her attention surreptitiously, I continued in doing so until I saw her line of sight falling upon me. Following that action, I did a beckoning sign in front of her, telling her to come over.

I admit it, what I’m doing here made me look more and more suspicious!...

!!?

Nevertheless, it was proven to be effective for it caused a response from the girl. Glaring at me intensely with her eyebrows furrowing.

This was to be expected… I guess.

Alright then! Time for me to take it up a notch!

Not backing down even for a bit, I devised another strategy for her to consider me as someone trustworthy. Come to think of it, during my time as an orphan, I was frequently asked to entertain younger kids. Well, in exchange for that I was given permission to use the computer that I mentioned before. Mainly specializing in hand puppetry and the word guessing game, Charades. However, since I am currently not in possession of a hand puppet, so doing charades was the only way to go.

Okay! Let’s try something funny!

Overly enthusiastic about acting, I immediately started. Impersonating a kung-fu artist, more specifically I began to copy the different animal styles that I saw from a certain action movie.

The ferocious tiger!

The stillness of the crane!

The deceptiveness of the snake!

The strong and efficient leopard!

And lastly the unpredictable dragon!

Haah.. Such shameless behavior! I certainly felt their burning gazes on my back! No matter how you put it, I looked like a mental institution escapee. Nevertheless, I was immersed in my own delusions that I certainly looked cool! Meanwhile….

*Tap* *tap* *tap*

The sound of her doll shoes tapping against the polished marble floor resounded throughout the area. Noticing her approach, I swiftly ended the act and stood upright with arms akimbo. Still thinking that my performance was exceptional, I welcomed her with an attitude full of airs.

“Umm...Excuse me.”

She called, her childish voice filled with innocence made my ears perk up. Thinking that I had broken the ice finally, my lips curved into a satisfied grin. Seemingly not done with talking, she opened her tiny mouth once again with her azure eyes staring upwards at my own.

“Are you perhaps…..Mentally disabled?”

EHHH!?

That arrogant and condescending smile of mine, instantly crumbled into pieces as soon I heard that line. For her to say such a thing while wearing a straight face, this kid was certainly more than meets the eye.