The students followed Ricci and Frone outside. They walked along the edge of the campus until they reached a large building all by itself tucked away at the back of the campus.
"Here we are students." Ricci said. "Go inside and get a number. Wait in the lobby until called."
The students did just that. One by one they all picked a number from a device and then sat down in the waiting area. Massive screens were above their head, flashing ads and explaining the nature of the nanites. Dax got number forty-two. He sat next to Fey.
He looked her over as he sat there. She was his age, with long brown hair and brown eyes. She had tanned skin and wore little makeup. Just looking at her you would never know she was the daughter of one of the wealthiest people in the world.
"You can take a picture if you want to." She teased as she saw Dax looking at her.
"Sorry." Dax said.
"It's okay." She replied. "You were probably thinking, how is this girl the heiress to Nantex? Am I right?"
"No…" Dax replied.
"No need to hide it." Fey said. "Although your face leaves little hidden. Those big green eyes of yours just pop out against that white hair. You look so interesting."
"Thanks?" Dax replied. "You look…"
"Common." Fey said. "I look common."
"I was going to say pretty." Dax said.
"Oh, Dax, you shouldn't tell a girl you just met that she is pretty." Fey teased. "She might think you are trying to hit on her."
"Right, sorry." Dax said.
The rest of the students were staring at the two, they were the only ones talking. All of the others did not want to be accidentally tainted by someone of lower standing.
"I am honestly surprised you talked to me." Fey said.
"Why is that?" Dax responded.
"Normally the types that go to a school like this are a bit stuck up and full of themselves." Fey replied. "Just look at them. They are all sure they are going to be S class; you can tell by the look on their faces."
"I have no idea what I will be." Dax replied.
"Interesting." Fey said. "What was your father when he went here?"
"He never told me." Dax replied.
"My mother was class S, of course. She was also top of her class, not bragging, it is just how the woman is. I swear the only reason her company became such a powerhouse is because of her drive to be number one." Fey explained.
"And you don't have the same drive?" Dax asked.
"I just want to have a little bit of fun." Fey said with a smile.
"Number forty-one please report to the testing area." A voice of the intercom said.
Fey stood up and looked at her piece of paper. "Looks like its my time Dax." Fey said. "Of course, if you know if I rank higher than you, we can no longer be friends."
"Right." Dax said, almost sounding a bit sad.
"I am just kidding." Fey said. "Who cares what class we are in. Let's be friends no matter what."
"Sounds good to me." Dax replied. "I am happy to have met you. I was worried about today."
"I am happy as well." Fey replied.
"Forty-one please report to the testing area." The intercom said again. "This is your final call."
"Shit." Fey said. "See you later Dax!" She ran off towards the testing area with her ticket high above her head.
Dax shook his head and gave a little laugh as he watched her. He then looked around; Fey was right. Every other person had a smug don't talk to me look on their face. Every single one of them thought they were better than everyone else there.
"Forty-two please report to the testing area." The intercom said. After it finished Dax stood up and walked to the testing area.
He showed his number to the attendant at the door, and he was let through. He found himself in a long hallway with signs above the door. Down the hallway to the left he saw his number and walked to it.
It was a plain room with only an examination bed and a rolling chair. There was also a small metal table with a large shot on it. He walked in and sat down on the bed.
A few minutes later a doctor entered the room. She had a clip board and did not raise her eyes from it.
"Name?" She asked.
"Dax Caraway." He replied.
"Do you understand the risks involved with this injection and consent to it?" She asked, just going through the list.
"I didn't think there was a choice?" Dax asked.
"Not really." She replied. "Do you consent?"
"Yes." Dax replied.
She then put her clipboard on the table and picked up the needle. She rolled up his sleeve and jabbed him in the arm.
"Ouch!" He called out.
"Don't be such a baby." She said as she removed the needle and slapped on a bandage. "It is just a little shot."
"It still hurt." Dax said.
"I will be back in ten minutes to get a reading from you and assign you a class." The doctor said. "Wait here and try to limit your movements. A lower heart rate will help your nanites take hold. At least that's a theory."
"Thanks." Dax said.
With that the doctor left the room. From outside he could hear yelling. Sometimes happy, sometimes angry, and sometimes sobbing. It seemed his classmates were not all S class as they had originally thought.
Dax closed his eyes for a moment. He was still tired, from his dreams the night before. He figured a quick nap would be the best way to keep his heart rate low and to pass the time. So, he nodded off.