Beth, Connor, Rick and I were all hiding in the corner of the gym, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible as we excitedly whispered. "You think one of them had a gun? Like maybe they were FBI agents?" asked Connor seriously, as he pulled out his phone.
"Yeah, and they all looked really serious too. They were pissed I saw them. I swear if I didn't rush out of there they would've stopped me."
Rick just laughed it off, looking like he didn't care anymore, "Stop kidding yourself man, this ain't a movie. They probably have something to do with this assembly, or heck they could be old students of hers."
I was still sweating it though, and when the door to gym banged open I shrunk behind Connor's 6'1" frame. Two of the men from upstairs walked in. "O crap, they're here for me!!!" I whispered, frantically trying to find an escape. There wasn't one, nearly 300 people were in the gym between all the Senior level homeroom teachers and all the students milling about waiting for the assembly to start.
"Well, I'll be." Rick whistled sarcastically as he looked at the men, "I've never seen someone that screams I'm with some secret government agency, and I'm here to kill you before. You'd better run for it Sam."
"Stop joking" I hissed, before peeking over Connor's shoulder. Now that Ms. Johanson wasn't freaking me out with her freaky huge eyes, I realized just how stupid I was being. I mean, one of the men was about 5'3" tall and was almost wider than he was tall. I swear, he must've been fatter than Dudley Dursley before he started boxing. As I watched him waddle through the crowd while wiping sweat from his brow, I couldn't believe I was freaking out like that. "What the hell? I could've sworn he was about 4 inches taller and pure muscle, and where are their guns?"
Beth looked at me disgustedly, "You always freak out whenever Ms. Johanson's involved. If I hadn't been your friend since we were 6, I'd totally walk away from you right now."
Connor had gotten a call while we'd been talking. He's the rich one in our group. You know the type, born into money, incredibly handsome, charming… The type you love to hate? That's Connor. Originally, his dad ran some investment group on Wall Street. It wasn't until Connor got accepted here at 12 that they moved out to Colorado Springs. Every now and then we'd get info from Connor's dad. Like a few months ago, we were planning on going to see a Broncos game up in Denver, and his dad shut us down. That night, a hail storm hit Denver. It was so ferocious it dealth more than 100$ Million of damage, and several dozen people died. Hail the size of basketballs fell, but the storm only hit Denver, nowhere else, only Denver. That's Colorado weather for you, it'll be a blizzard on one side of the interstate, and a sunny 65 degree day on the other.
Finally off the phone, he turned to us with a confused look on his face. "My dad just called, and he said something big is happening. He wouldn't tell me what's going on, only saying to make sure not to get the base model. That whatever we get is permanent, but all of them can be upgraded except the base model. If we don't qualify for anything better than just don't get it."
Beth had finally had enough, screaming "What the hell is it with people freaking out and saying cryptic shit today!" Half the auditorium turned to look at her, for the first time in years, I think I saw her blush. Beth's the rebel in our little foursome. Only 5'2" With half her head shaved, and the other died a bright green coming down to her shoulders. Wearing a beat up leather jacket, jeans, and kick ass leather boots. You'd think she'd walked straight out of a D-list apocalypse movie where her biker gang ran the town and she was coming to kick your ass.
Finally, after everyone stopped staring at her and went back to their own conversations, she whispered, "This morning, my mom told me no matter what to never accept a grey. When I asked her what the hell she was talking about, she said that I'd know when it was time, all cryptic and shit."
All I knew at that moment was I had no clue what was going on, but apparently someone did because Principle Hubert showed up right then. The two suits joined him on a small stage set on the other side of the basketball court from us. Principle Hubert has this amazing ability. It doesn't matter how loud or boisterous a room is, once he clears his throat once half the noise is gone, twice no one can talk, thrice and everyone's paying full attention, unable to ignore him. It's #11 of the 12 mysteries of the school (#3 is how old Ms. Johanson is).
"It's 10, so let's get this show on the road." said Principle Hubert, clapping his hands in anticipation. The doors to the gym were all closed by the teachers taking attendance, and they brought up a list of missing students to the Principal as he continued his speech. "As all of you know, Gifted Academy is one of the most prestigious schools in the United States. Several of our alumni can be found in Congress, while many of our alumni have gone on to contribute major breakthroughs to the fields of medicine, technology, programming, etc… It is for this reason that many of your parents moved here after you were accepted at 12. We're proud to provide the best possible education in all possible fields."
"Last night Congress passed a bill, requiring all states to test students when they turn 17 for compatibility with implant technologies. What they are telling the press is that recent developments in VR Chips have made them incorruptible, impervious to damage, and incredibly powerful! They are imperative to the continued evolution of our society. Students compatible with VR Chips will find themselves able to learn at a far faster rate, graduating from college in a fourth of the time. Companies will fight to hire implant compatible employee's due to their fast training times, and flexible abilities. That's what the government is saying, the official line so to say."
"What I am saying is to remember the motto of our academy. Look underneath the underneath! Inconceivable opportunities exist for those who seek them! Now, at 12pm Eastern, or 10am Mountain time, the President signed into law this new bill and today we will be holding a test. All students 17 or older will report to the Anatomy Lab where Madam Johanson has set up a testing facility with the help of these fine gentlemen." He waved a hand to the two men in government looking suits standing behind him.
As soon as Principle Hubert stepped away from the microphone, it was as if a spell had been released. Everyone started talking excitedly at the same time. For months now rumors had appeared on the web about the amazing abilities of VR Chips. Shooter games so realistic that you learn how to use 'Bullet Time' in real life. Ancient martial arts compatible with modern energy training that can make you immortal. Then, there were the reports about learning rooms, where you can learn rote knowledge almost immediately. It's a complete game changer in education, allowing you to focus purely on theory and practicality while memorization is automatically done.
However, other rumors were to be found in the darker parts of the web. Rumors about inhuman testing done in order to get VR Chips ready for release. People going missing around the world, never to be heard of again. Implants that force you into slavery, implants used for sex slaves that force them into permanent arousal, etc…
"Never pick a grey…" I whispered to myself before turning and looking at Beth, Connor, and Rick. "What the principal didn't say is that great opportunities are always accompanied by great risks. What do you guys think?"
Rick looked uncomfortable, while Connor looked at the floor, Beth though just smiled wickedly, "Could you imagine if the rumors are true? I can't wait to learn one of those ancient martial arts, running around with a giant broadsword lopping off heads."
Connor finally looked up and said, "Just don't accept a base model."
Rick looked even more uncomfortable, "Ya'll don't think it's wrong? Sticking something in your brain? Something you don't control?"
"We may not have a choice."