Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 5

I step into a small, sparsely decorated area, with a desk, filing cabinets, and not much else. A young secretary looked up from a memo she was writing as I closed the door.

Could I have your name, please?

I'm Sophmore Ashley, ma'am. The principal sent for me?

Yes, he did. Go on in.

I walk through another door into what could be the antithesis of the Secretary's office: spacious, with a wooden wall treatment and a large selection of baubles on display to represent the numerous discoveries attributed to the university over the past years. In the center of the room is a metal conference table, an experiment in casting metal; and behind it sits an ornate wooden desk which the principal happened to be using. With a hand, he indicated me to have a seat, and I obliged.

Hello, Marika. It's been a while since we last spoke.

It has, sir. I am curious why you sent for me immediately before a lecture.

You may already know this, but it has come to my attention that a archeological dig has need of extra staff, particularly those knowledgable in Pre-Collapse Technology or Biology. Could you remind me on what the policy is on students performing field work?

I let out a small sigh. Due to the possibility of damage to important relics of history and damage to the University's reputation from avoidable death and injury, only students of the rank of Junior, Senior, or Post-Graduate may participate in the field during investigative missions under normal conditions.

The principal leans forward. Quite right. You are only a Sophmore, so you shouldn't be sent out. Sensing my confusion, he continues. However, your name has come up from two different people in two different departments, both requesting me to ignore protocol, and consider you on your merits alone.

My professor wasn't the only one?

Correct. Another person, who I plan on engaging for this mission as well, personally requested you to be brought in. He has even offered to hold himself responsible, should anything happen to you.

I quickly consider who I knew who could have done this, but end up realizing I don't know anybody who would be in a position to make such a request. Who... I began, but changed my mind on what to ask. ...You're putting me on the dig?

Yes, provided you prove something to me, first.

What do you want me to do?

You're being heralded as the best student since Professor Hahn Mahley himself, but even if you are the smartest person here, I won't put you in the field if I don't think you would survive. Report to the Defense Room as soon as it's convenient for you. I plan to finalize the roster at a meeting today. If you can prove to the instructor that you're capable of overcoming anything and everything, you will be moving out tonight. That is all, Marika.

Thank you, sir. And with that, I walk out, knowing that I might be able to learn many new things in this new place. I wonder what the Defense room looks like?

Next chapter

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