Not only was he the sole omega in his entire PhD program, filled with superior alphas, but he was also the youngest student across the entire university.
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Two days after the explosion took place, the Deputy General of the National Bureau of Security, Augustin Haberkorn, invited the relevant divisions for a meeting.
Representatives from all relevant divisions filed into the conference room, exchanging curt nods of acknowledgment before settling around the circular table. A three-dimensional projector, its metallic surface gleaming in the center, served as the focal point for the tense summit.
"Good morning, everyone," Augustin Haberkorn greeted everyone as soon as he stepped through the door.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to discuss the explosion that decimated the Eichwald Center For Neurology and Psyche two days ago. I trust that everyone came prepared. Mr. Grant, what do you have to report?"
Maximillian Grant, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Prevention Division Chief rose with a practiced ease, smoothing away any hint of a wrinkle on his suit. He offered a curt nod to his subordinate, Stefan Wildner, who placed the presenter remote in his hand.
With one click, all roller blinds whirred shut as the overhead lights dipped to a warm glow. With another whir and a mechanical hum, the three-dimensional projector unfolded, its lens extending upward with a futuristic hiss. A holographic image of the destroyed psychiatric hospital materialized in mid-air, shimmering like a mirage come to life.
Maximillian's deep voice resonated through the meeting room as he gave his report on the incident.
"On December 20th, a devastating sequence of explosions ripped through the Eichwald Center for Neurology and Psyche. The first detonation occurred at 11:30 pm, followed by a second just three minutes later at 11:33 pm.
The initial blast, believed to be deliberately set by an unknown perpetrator, ignited a series of pre-planted explosives strategically placed at six locations throughout the hospital building. This initial detonation triggered a catastrophic chain reaction.
The force of the explosion impacted a chemical storage area situated in the basement. The resulting pressure and heat led to a breach in the containment of various chemicals, igniting a fierce fire. This secondary inferno fueled a further explosion, ultimately leading to the complete collapse of the hospital structure."
"The investigation into the devastating explosion at the psychiatric hospital is ongoing. While nitroglycerin has been identified as the base material in the explosives, the specific brand and origin remain unknown.
The tragedy claimed 126 lives, with only two survivors found amidst the wreckage. One is Mr. Atticus Bates, male, 52, a distinguished alpha and 2034 Nobel Laureate in Medicine. Authorities are still piecing together the reason for his presence at the hospital.
The other survivor is Julian Haas, male, 21, an omega who worked as a part-time nurse assistant for the past two years. Haas is a PhD student in his final year at the University of Kaisersiedeln, specializing in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology."
"A PhD student in his final year, you said?" Augustin interjected. "At the age of 21 years old? A male omega?"
"Yes," Maximillian confirmed. "I checked his background information three times just to make sure that everything is accurate."
A wave of grunts rippled through the meeting room, a collective expression of disapproval from the attendants. Maximillian understood the sentiment all too well.
Despite advanced regulations aimed at omega emancipation, societal biases lingered. The prevailing notion held omegas most successful when securing marriages to powerful alphas. Omegas, in this view, remained inferior, destined to be loyal companions, never leaders themselves.
While omegas faced no formal barriers to higher education, most opted to stop after a bachelor's degree. Sophisticated fields such as Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology were particularly uncommon choices for them.
Julian Haas defied these trends. Not only was he the sole omega in his entire PhD program, filled with superior alphas, but he was also the youngest student across the entire university.
"A thorough search of the building's skeletal remains by our division has yielded no traces of unactivated explosives. The site is now secure."
Maximillian took his seat after his report concluded. He handed the presenter remote to his colleague, a female alpha by the name of Sandra Warwick, the incumbent National Disaster Medical Assistance Division Chief.
"Both victims of the explosion at the psychiatric hospital were airlifted by EMTs* to Eichwald General Hospital, the city's largest medical facility.
Mr. Atticus Bates sustained significant injuries. A collapsed grandfather clock inflicted a severe brain concussion, and he suffered two gunshot wounds -- one grazing his shoulder and another puncturing his large intestines. His condition worsened overnight due to heavy internal bleeding, and he is currently in a coma.
Mr. Julian Haas, the other survivor, sustained a minor brain concussion after being struck by a falling pillar. He also suffered a broken arm and leg. While he remains unconscious, a full recovery is expected within one to two months."
A two-dimensional screen hovered near the three-dimensional model of the shattered psychiatric hospital. On the screen, side-by-side images displayed the victims -- one taken at the explosion site, the other upon arrival at the hospital.
News of the two gunshot wounds sent a furrow between Augustin's brows. His gaze flicked to Julia Schindler, chief of the Criminal Investigation Division, the last to deliver her report.
"Acting on timely information from Mrs. Warwick regarding a possible homicide, I secured authorization from Mr. Grant to deploy my team for a search of the ruins. Their efforts yielded the weapon used to shoot Mr. Atticus Bates, along with black clothing – a tight shirt, pants, gloves, mask, and hat – likely worn by the perpetrator. Unfortunately, the explosion significantly damaged this evidence, and no DNA fragments were recovered."
Beside the holographic display, another two-dimensional screen flickered to life, revealing recovered clothing and a suspected criminal weapon.
"Have the three of you considered any connection between the explosion and the homicide attempt on Mr. Atticus Bates?" Augustin asked the three division chiefs before him.
"The investigation into the attempted murder has yielded a crucial detail," Maximillian confirmed. "The timeline places the attack on Mr. Bates within a ten-to-twenty-minute window of the hospital explosion. This strongly suggests the perpetrator detonated the explosives shortly after leaving the scene, likely in an attempt to eliminate any remaining evidence of the crime."
After exchanging glances with his colleagues, he stated, "Our plan is to question Julian Haas as soon as he regains consciousness and Eichwald General Hospital clears him for interrogation."
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Author's note :
Reminder :
*EMT = Emergency Medical Technician.
In FBI or NCIS episodes they always go around using acronyms to refer to other parties. MD, FD, EMT, SWAT, etc. etc..
To avoid any unnecessary internet searches, I'll try my best to use the full names of the divisions involved. While the names might be a bit long, hopefully it won't be too distracting. Of course, if using acronyms feels more natural in the dialogue, I'll include them with the full names explained in the Author's Note for clarity.