Leonard: "We were scolded for fighting by who turns out to be our registration teacher and got afternoon detention too."
Chris, their registration teacher, stood before them.
Chris: "As you now know, I will be your registration teacher. My name is Mr. Smith. I hope I will have full cooperation with all of you here, as you are now known as class A1."
Elizabeth thought.
Elizabeth: "{It's gonna be kinda weird calling Uncle 'sir' now.}"
Leonard pouted.
Leonard: "{What a way to start my new school year. Now I'll be known as a delinquent.}"
Chris began.
Chris: "This is just basic orientation, but I decided I want to ask some questions."
Erica thought.
Erica: "{What's he gonna throw at us now?}"
Nick thought.
Nick: "{Really, pop quiz on day 1? Gimme a break.}"
Chris asked.
Chris: "What is... the nuclei?"
Sam immediately raised his hand.
Chris: "Yes, Mr. Atom?"
Sam replied.
Sam: "Sir, the nuclei would be the very thing that is a type of protein created from our DNA, which forms part of our genotype, later developing our release of energy as a phenotype."
Chris nodded.
Chris: "That is correct; however, you are wrong as well."
The class looked confused.
Chris explained.
Chris: "What you've been learning so far is that scientists have only theorized in the past. I will teach you what the nuclei actually are."
The class leaned in.
Chris continued.
Chris: "The nuclei are derived from the enzymes in our bodies, which give the nuclei its own set of characteristics. This is why people never end up with the same nuclei; it can only be similar to a certain extent. Our RNA records that information, and the power only begins to awaken when DNA replication takes place and bonds that nuclei with our genes, which was determined by the protein formed."
The class listened intently.
Chris added.
Chris: "It's also noted that the only gene that can store this nuclei is the gene carried by the mother into the baby; it's impossible to inherit this from the father. When DNA replication has taken place, that's when the nuclei become our genotype, stored in the chromosomes. When meiosis takes place, one or more chromosomes have stored that specific protein. That's when our bodies accept it. Over time, they become written code to our phenotype, which is why we're able to release energy."
Kevin exclaimed.
Kevin: "That's wicked."
Erica marveled.
Erica: "I didn't know the human body could adapt to such a degree."
Leonard thought.
Leonard: "{So it all begins at the source, which is the enzyme. I can't tell how it makes sense that I have one now if it strictly goes with genetics.}"
Leonard whispered to himself.
Leonard: "If I want to be the greatest, I need to understand everything piece by piece. That's how I'll start."
The digital clock read 12:00, and the alarm went off.
Chris announced.
Chris: "Speaking of which, it's time to take the NDTs."
Everyone reached for their backs and started taking pills. However, Leonard panicked.
Leonard: "{Oh crap! The doctor said side effects shouldn't kick in until later, even though Mom bought me some. I completely forgot to take them. Ohhh, this is terrible.}"
Leonard raised his hand nervously.
Chris acknowledged.
Chris: "Yes, Mr. Storm?"
Leonard stuttered.
Leonard: "Umm, sir, I seemed to have forgotten mine."
Tracey offered.
Tracey: "Oh dear, here, you can have one of mine."
Leonard took the pill.
Leonard: "Thank you so much."
As Leonard took the pill, his face changed to a look of disgust.
Leonard spat out the pill.
Leonard: "Blech! Awww, that tastes awful!"
The entire class stared.
Sam thought.
Sam: "{Really, dude?}"
Kevin thought.
Kevin: "{The hell?}"
Leonard realized.
Leonard: "{Uh-oh.}"
Chris observed.
Chris: "{Interesting, his body actually rejected the pill.}"
Meanwhile, at the head office...
District Officer.
District Officer: "Ah, Mr. Zeus, glad to see you've made it."
Zeus replied.
Zeus: "I would appreciate it if you just called me Mr. Smith, sir."
District Officer.
District Officer: "I feel that you must be aware of your reputation, but nevertheless, I will oblige... Mr. Smith."
Zeus asked.
Zeus: "Why the sudden summons?"
District Officer.
District Officer: "Well, it appears that Mr. Stanley from your research department has met an interesting individual."
Zeus inquired.
Zeus: "What's the meaning of this, Ezekiel?"
Ezekiel smiled.
Ezekiel: "Well, I'd like us to hire someone to our research department."
Zeus's eyes narrowed.
Zeus: "Who exactly?"
The district officer gestured.
District Officer: "You may come in!"
The door swung open, revealing Scott Wilkins, a 5'9" lean and athletic youth with short, messy brown hair and bright, inquiring green eyes. His casual graphic t-shirt and jeans seemed out of place amidst the formal surroundings, but his ominous smile commanded attention. A futuristic smartwatch adorned his wrist.
Zeus felt a shiver run down his spine.
Zeus: "{What's this strange feeling?}"
Ezekiel introduced the newcomer.
Ezekiel: "Scott Wilkins... who happens to be a Newton, Mr. Smith."
Zeus's eyes widened.
Zeus: "You're kidding!"
Scott's smile grew.
Scott: "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Zeus."
Meanwhile, at the school...
After Leonard's embarrassing moment, a knock on the door broke the silence.
Chris called out.
Chris: "Come in!"
The door opened, revealing two upperclassmen. Ben, 6'1" with a lean and athletic build, sported messy, shoulder-length blond hair with subtle green highlights. His bright, expressive blue eyes sparkled as he smiled. Vibrant, chunky jewelry and multiple piercings added to his eclectic style. Charlotte, 5'2" with a petite and athletic build, had long, curly brown hair with subtle yellow highlights. Her bright, expressive yellow eyes shone warmly.
Chris welcomed them.
Chris: "You're finally here. Well, now everyone, meet your upperclassmen supervisors, Ben and Charlotte."
Ben slouched slightly, his relaxed posture belied by his charismatic voice.
Ben: "Hey, A1! We're excited to work with you."
Charlotte removed her earphones, revealing a warm smile.
Charlotte: "Yeah, we've heard great things."
Her soft, melodic voice filled the room.
Leonard, still reeling from his earlier embarrassment, watched the exchange with interest.
Leonard thought.
Leonard: "{Upperclassmen supervisors? This should be interesting.}"
As the introductions continued, Leonard couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
To be continued...