(0 days left)
Jason Smith sat in the dining room. He had a plate of pancakes in front of him and a mug of cocoa.
He had enough of coffee and caffeine.
In his hand, he was reading a message from his phone.
But as he read silently, he smelled something. It was slightly pungent, almost like sweat...
Oliver walked in.
"Oh! Champ?"
Oliver said nothing and walked past his father into the kitchen. After some small noises, like someone filling a mug with water, he walked back out and headed towards another seat on the table.
He was drinking coffee, just from the smell.
Jason Smith was silent as he watched his son drink the coffee halfheartedly and stare at the tablecloth. It was almost eerie.
"Hey I've got some news..."
"Hmm?"
Oliver looked up and made eye contact with his father for the first time that day. There was something about him that bothered Jason, but he decided to not talk about it and just shared his news instead.
"I can't go with you to get your Ranker ID..."
Oliver remained silent and waited for his father to continue speaking.
"Your mom can take you. She's already agreed to it but I have urgent business somewhere else... I'm really sorry champ."
Jason waited. Was it some reaction he wanted? If it was then Oliver didn't give it to him. He simply nodded and returned his gaze to the table clothe and sipping his coffee.
Jason Smith didn't know what else to say and returned to eating his breakfast. Just as silently.
Neither knew this would be their last interaction.
******************************
The UGS Sydney branch had a longstanding policy. No minors could enter the premises unless accompanied by a guardian.
It was a simple rule, and unfortunately, it applied to Oliver as well.
So here he was. His mom was right beside him as they walked past the first security checkpoint. They were guided towards a teleportation point and instantly found themselves within the gene research tower.
The tall white walls seemed to stir something in Oliver's memory, but it was cleanly erased once he saw who was waiting for them by the reception desk.
It was Frank from the legalities department.
Earlier, Oliver's mom had called ahead using the business card Oliver and Jason had brought back from their first visit here. 'To reduce on time waste', she said.
"Good day to you both. Would you kindly follow me?"
Oliver and his mom followed after Frank and he guided them down some corridors before Oliver found himself back in the wide empty cafeteria. All the tables were empty, but Frank guided them towards a table by the corner. For confidentiality, he said, though Oliver wondered just who would be listening in on them.
"Thank you for calling ahead and coming today. I am Frank Burr from the legalities department. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Smith."
"Likewise."
Oliver's mom didn't seem all too excited about being here. But she was mostly always like that whenever she was out of the house.
Frank smiled and moved on. Placing a large black suitcase on the table, he pulled out a couple of papers and pens.
"Let's begin, shall we?"
He had them sign some documents before placing a black plastic card on the table. It had Oliver's face on it and all sorts of personal information. But right next to his photo in large coloured print was the capital letter 'D'.
Frank then began his explanation.
"We once again wish to congratulate you, Mr. Smith, for awakening successfully. This is your Ranker ID that officially registers you as an 'evolved'. By law, you are required to have it on your person at all times. Should it be lost, damaged or perhaps stolen from you, kindly report it to the UGS Sydney branch hotline and we can begin a procedure to have it replaced."
He pushed the plastic card in Oliver's direction and pulled out another document from his suitcase.
"And now I would like to move on to our next topic. Would you mind?"
Oliver said he didn't mind and Frank officially moved on.
"As you may well know. Globally The UGS has institutions wholly purposed with the development of supernatural abilities. We call them Rankers Colleges. One is elligible to join them at any age you may wish so long as an ability has been manifested. Mr. Smith, you have a rare ability. A third generation as we officially categorise them and I have here a document that states all the terms and conditions for joining one. Would you like to see it?"
Oliver agreed to see it and Frank handed the paper over.
It listed a lot of policies, terms and conditions for joining one of the Rankers colleges and as His mom guided him through reading it, he found he didn't disagree with anything.
He handed the paper back.
Frank nodded and continued with his presentation.
"If you would like to join the program then please sign this document."
Oliver signed and Frank came to his conclusion.
"With that all is finished. The UGS head offices in Latomia are in charge of student placement globally and by the end of today we will be back to you with a placement ready. Thank you both for coming today."
***************************************
Jason Smith was in the central business district. He was wearing a formal suit and blue tie. Neat cuffs, clean collars and tailored jacket weren't his usual style but today required it.
He grumbled to himself as he boarded a tram.
Usually he could simply fly around or even get a cab but the person who called had given him certain conditions. Failure to which the meeting would be cancelled. He took a seat closest to the driver and watched the buildings and cars move by.
Just a few months ago a major B rank gate had opened in this area. Around 5-6 C and B rank heroes were called to action and Jason had been one of them. Memories of the bloodshed and carnage caused by the demonic beasts flooded his mind until he realised they were at his stop.
He left the tram and walked down a few streets until he was in the wealthy commercial avenues of Bangor.
He came to a halt at his destination.
Towering at least 5-6 floors above him was a multistorey carpark.
He walked in.
The third floor was what he was looking for and once he reached it he noticed the lot was completely empty.
{Well it is early on a weekend...}
But something made Jason Smith uncomfortable. An instinct driven into him after a decade of service as a social welfare hero. He moved a hand to his waist as he walked further in. It was only when he reached a pillar just 20 metres from the ramp when he heard an indication of someone else present.
"Welcome Mr. Smith. I've been expecting you."
The voice was gruff, loud and yet slow. And eventually the owner of the voice stepped into view from the shadows of a neighbouring pillar.
He was a big guy. Pink white skin, blond wispy hair and a wide stupid grin on his face. He flourished his arms as if indicating he wanted a hug or welcoming back an old friend.