Up until now, they had been taught the basic functions of firearms and tactical strategies employed for offence and defence against an enemy. She wondered why they were introducing these exercises at the start of their training.
The academy might want us to learn this now so it becomes second nature.
This left her uneasy. She was sitting alone on one of the highest floor beside one of the window.
After drilling away at her work, she took a breather and looked outside to the sky, hoping everything would go smoothly when the time came. But she knew all too well, everything would come with hardship, especially in a predicament such as theirs. The best she could hope for was to be calm and level-headed without letting any difficult situation overwhelm her and her friends.
‘Alyssa?’ a voice said.
Alyssa turned around and saw Arthur holding his tablet. He appeared curious and pleased to see her.
‘Arthur,’ she said, smiling.
‘It’s been a while. Mind if I join you?’
‘Certainly. Last I saw you was at the second entrance exam, where you blitzed past my friend and I.’
‘I was after getting the best result for myself.’
‘Your efforts served you well.’
‘Evidently, yours served you, as well. How are you finding your stay at the academy? Is it everything you envisioned?’
‘There wasn’t much to envision after they gave us a look at this place in our information package.’
‘True.’
‘But it is to my liking. Putting aside what we do here, life is simple and blissful, which is ironic all things considered. How about you?’
‘It’s to my liking. Nice to sleep on a bed that has a mattress now.’
‘I don’t follow.’
He shook his hand. ‘Don’t worry about it. Are you enjoying your subjects?’
‘I am. Everything I’ve seen so far is extremely practical with a fair amount of theory behind it. I mean, from what we’re going to be taught here, it seems like it’s really going to pay off in the long run. I believe everything that we will be equipped with is going to assist us when we’re on our missions.’
‘I believe that too, and I’m excited about it. Also, I’m excited about the prospect of what our training here will bring. Think about it. One of us, or a group of us, are going to be the ones who pick the planet humanity is going to be living on.’
‘I’m more nervous than excited, just thinking about that.’ Alyssa smiled weakly. ‘Whoever happens to be the person or group that finds our next home will be the subject of scrutiny and accountability, especially if they should pick an unsuitable planet. A lot of examining will be done and not just by them, but from other groups to determine if the planet is a suitable and habitable place to live on. And if we get it wrong, it’ll be difficult to convince people the second time around, when we find another planet.’
‘Hmm… Zero room for error.’
‘Zero room for error. Time is of the essence. There’ll still a lot to be done after we’ve found a planet.’
‘Yes, there is.’
‘I’ve already started thinking about that.’
‘Have you now? Do tell.’
‘Well, for instance, figuring out a way to transport us onto the planet. How are we going to accomplish that? It’ll take a long time to take everyone there using the vessels we currently have. It’d be an impractical means of transportation. And there’s nothing in the science community that has seen success with teleportation.’
‘Though they are close.’
‘They are. Another would be construction and the lifestyle: What is going to be built first before we migrate? What life, are we as humans, going to adopt? We’re not going to be living the same way we lived on Earth. We can’t afford to. Certain luxuries, activities, practices are going to have to disappear… which is unfortunate because I can see some interests of mine no longer practiced in our next home.’
‘Such as?’
‘Well, some sports will no longer be played, and if they’re allowed, I think they’ll only selected if they focus on the progression of human capabilities or group coordination that relates to survival. Many of which I like, like athletics. I think tennis, golf, and football are going to become extinct, which is great because I don’t like any of them.’
Alyssa chuckled. ‘Okay.’
‘How about you? Have you given any thought about what should be done?’
‘Just a little. My only concern is about the people – everyone living in Interpol and the other cities.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean… I don’t want to see people living hopelessly in the streets anymore. It pains me to see that whenever I do. And it’s not just in the streets. You see it everywhere in people’s face. Fear and a sense of hopelessness. In my previous job, I saw a lot of that.’
‘Given the circumstances, I think it’s understandable.’
‘But do you like seeing people like that?’
‘Well, no. Of course, not. But you can’t simply expect people to do something about it. We’re living in quite extreme conditions at this very moment. There are some people, who I could empathise with, who don’t want to do anything.’
‘And it doesn’t bother you?’
‘It does. Despite my empathy, it does bother me.’
‘It bothers me, too. But, look around, Arthur. Given the circumstances, it hasn’t stopped anyone here from trying to do something about this, while remaining hopeful of a future. It hasn’t stopped you.’
Arthur went quiet before he spoke. ‘You have good intentions, Alyssa. I believe, based on this discussion alone, that you are a good person... but I think you expect too much of people… and that is not to say that it’s a bad thing. I think it’s a good thing. It’s optimism that should be in display all the time, now more than ever. But, I think it’s best you focus on yourself and those you care about because you have a causal relationship there. With your words and actions, you can have an influence on others. However, your reach won’t extend any further than that.’
‘I can’t ignore what I see and do nothing about it. That’s why I’m here.’
‘I’m beginning to see that, but sometimes people prefer to do nothing. It’s one of the universal traits of being human. It’s actually one of the sins that is fostered in the system we live in.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Don’t worry about it. That was a tangential comment and a discussion for another time. As for this discussion, everything we’ve said so far, doesn’t equate to a modicum of what has to be done before, during, and after. There’s so much to do, it would take months of planning until we’re ready. And even then, there’d still be doubts about something missing or overlooked.’
‘It happens.’
‘It does, just hopefully… hopefully we’ve taken everything into account so that doesn’t happen.’
There was a pause.
Alyssa gazed out onto the academy. ‘I’m glad to see that there’s someone amongst us who has already thought ahead.’
‘There might be more than you think,’ he said, resting his head on his hand.
‘There might. Are you planning a career as a world leader?’
‘Maybe.’ He smiled. ‘But not through politics. Politics is a theatrical world. I don’t know if I could work in one full of vanity and greed. It’s all a big show when you watch it now.’
‘You could change it.’
Arthur chuckled. ‘It’d take more than one person to change the system.’
‘True but change always starts with one. Just don’t think about the future so much that you forget to enjoy the present.’
‘I won’t.’
Their discussion continued as they spoke about the subjects they were doing and each offered their tips to completing or preparing for the assessments.
Later, Arthur bid Alyssa farewell and left her to her studies, as he had his own studying to do.
Alyssa revised tactical strategies that she learnt, such as Leapfrogging, Centre peel, Flanking manoeuvre, Pincer movement, Bull horn formation, and Echelon formation.
Thankfully, during the first class, the instructor gave everyone the opportunity to choose members for group.
Alyssa and her friends were in a group in seconds, as they were comfortable and knew each other.
By dinner time, Alyssa had completed one report and four homework exercises.
I think that’s enough for now.
She dropped her belongings at her room before heading over to the Great Hall for her last meal of the day and found her friends had arrived, digging into their food.
Today’s meal for dinner included rice noodle rolls drizzled in fried salmon, an omelette, steamed broccoli, carrot and beans, with a serving of soup. As the norm with every meal the students had, the Great Hall remained quiet while everyone enjoyed their meals.
‘Where’s Yannick and Clara?’ Alyssa asked, when she noticed the two were missing from the table.
Janice answered. ‘They’re at the infirmary last time I checked. Yannick took Clara there as she wasn’t feeling well this morning. She said she woke up with a headache, but then it started getting worse.’
‘I hope she’s okay.’
‘She’ll be okay. Yannick’s with her. Anyway, the group and I have had a development with the apparition.’
‘Is that so?’
‘While you were in the Study Complex, we made an interesting discovery in our investigation of the thing that’s being popping up in the academy lately.’
Alyssa looked at her, amused at the fact she said ‘investigation’.
Janice smirked. ‘I know. It really isn’t an investigation as we’re not really investigators but hear us out.’
‘I’m listening.’
‘We suspect that it’s an inhabitant of this planet that has yet to take form.’
‘Take form?’ Alyssa tilted her head, not understanding.
Janice looked at Ali. ‘Show her what you found.’
‘You found something?’
‘I did,’ Ali said as he walked to Alyssa and fiddled through his files. ‘I was browsing through the images and footages uploaded by others who had seen and noticed something different between the oldest and most recent uploads. Look.’
He placed his phone on the table in front of Alyssa as he stood beside her. There were two pictures of the apparition set next to another one on his phone. The one on the left displayed a much more transparent apparition as opposed to the image on the right. The image on the right showed the body of the apparition that appeared tangible, and no longer pellucid.
‘Do you see it?’ Janice asked.
‘I do.’
‘Crazy, isn’t it?’
‘I’d say interesting, not crazy.’
‘So, what do you think?’
‘Honestly, there’s still not much that can be said about it apart from saying – that there’s something happening with it. Has anyone else noticed this?’
‘Maybe, but no one has commented on it yet.’
‘I wonder why.’
‘Why indeed.’
When dinner was over, the group headed the Common Area. Some played virtual reality games, while others video-chatted with their families back on Earth.
Alyssa realised she had ample time to resume her studies and finished other pressing assessments. She left once again for the Study Complex after collecting her belongings in her room and remained at work for another three hours.
She looked around and noticed a handful of students that remained, were deep in their studies as she was leaving. Feeling weary from her study, all she desired now was to clear her head and have a shower.
She packed away her study equipment when she got to her room, collected her towel and her pyjamas, and went to the showers. While walking, she noticed the air grow cold.
What was this?
Alyssa stopped to feel the difference in temperature with hands. She held her hand in front and felt the difference when she held it behind her.
Hmm…
She remained standing for a few seconds to ponder before she continued toward the bathroom. She undressed and began cleansing herself. She faced the stream of water, letting it gush on her face, when suddenly the lights shut down and the water stopped running.
She ran out to put her clothes on, when she saw it––the very thing everyone had been talking about––standing ten meters before her. The apparition.
CHAPTER 16
TEMPERATURE WERE DROPPING fast around Alyssa. It wasn’t long before she could see vapours from her own breath. She kept her eyes fixed on the creature since she had the feeling it purposely waited for her to be in bathroom, so it could do something.
Seems like the group was right.
The creature was no longer transparent. It was fully formed with black slime covering its otherwise naked body, and its face covered by its white flowing hair.
Alyssa glanced at its feet and noticed the floor icing up around the creature’s feet.
The creature remained quiet and still.
What do you want?
Suddenly, the creature plunged toward Alyssa with spinning kicks. She evaded the attacks, then pushed herself away.
As she moved back, she lost her balance the creature charged toward her, trying to strike her. She pushed the creature hard enough to send it sliding back.
Alyssa realised more of the floor was being covered in ice wherever the creature was positioned.
‘Why are you––’
Her voice was cut off as the creature sought out to attack her again. She evaded every attack but her footing was becoming an issue since the entire floor was covered in ice now.
The ground was cold and wet, leaving Alyssa to struggle for balance while fending off the attacks.
I must get out of here.
The creature threw a spinning roundhouse kick, which she countered by landing a poorly executed punch to the creature’s stomach. The attack sent it hurtling into a wall.
Alyssa capitalised on her window of opportunity and ran. She wanted to see what happened to the creature, but her desire to get away from it was greater. Though she didn’t get far when something hit her calf, bringing her to her knees. She groaned in pain.
She glanced at her calf. It was cut. She noticed a tile that hit her nearby. Then she spotted another tile travelling straight for her head. With her hand, she deflected the tile and stood up quickly to make a run for it again. As fast as she was, the creature managed to clip her on the shoulder with another tile. She dropped again, falling harder against the floor.
From the corner of her eye she saw the creature about to attack her. She swerved to the side to avoid being hit, retaliating with an attack of her own.
Alyssa wondered if security was coming since the alarm wasn’t wailing while they were fighting. She didn’t dwell on it as her main concern was to remain alive while fighting the creature until someone came.
If anyone was planning on coming at all.
Alyssa wasn’t a proficient fighter, but she was able to land a punch into the creature’s face. Its body became transparent in that moment. This seemed to upset the creature, causing it to barrage her with attacks. All she could do was keep her arms up to cover her face to protect herself against the attack. But the creature still managed to hit her, striking her in the face.
Alyssa collapsed from the impact and struggled to get up. She kept a hand in front of her as her blurred vision cleared and saw the creature walking toward her. This time she saw what was behind the flowing hair of the creature––a brown eye staring intensely at her.
The creature clenched its hand into fist, ready to finish their bout quickly.
Where is everyone?
Alyssa could hear many people running toward them and realised there was no alarm. She looked back at the creature, which has stopped still.
What are you looking at?
Then o
fficers arrived, aiming their weapons at the creature, but it didn’t seem to bother it at all.
Alyssa looked at the creature, doubtful if their efforts to speak to it were going to work. However, it didn’t matter. The creature’s body dissipated into thin air.
‘Damnit!’ one security officer said. ‘It got away.’
Moments later, Alysaa was taken to the infirmary and treated for her purple bruises and injuries.
‘It’s a good thing you’re alive,’ the nurse said, as they cleaned her wounds. ‘By the looks of it, this thing was a hard case, wasn’t it?’
Alyssa nodded blankly. ‘Yeah... it was.’
Her mind was active, as she was still processing the whole encounter. She found it ironic and strange to be the person to have a face-to-to face meeting with the creature when she had zero interest in having one.
While being treated by a nurse, she was visited by Mr. Atkinson, Dean of the Space Academy, who appeared to have been occupied prior to their meeting, as he was still in his uniform.
‘Miss Krovana,’ Mr. Atkinson said.
‘Sir?’ she said, surprised.
Mr. Atkinson asked the nurse to give them some privacy. When the nurse left, the Dean walked toward Alyssa. ‘Don’t be alarmed, Alyssa. I don’t intend to keep you coped up in here for too long.’ He sat himself beside her. ‘After the night you had, I think you would want to be lying on your own bed, or be near your friends, yes?’
Alyssa nodded.
Mr. Atkinson was in his forties, had short blonde hair and stood tall. His eyes were olive coloured which emulated a calm demeanour despite his broad, physical stature.
‘I don’t mean to be of an annoyance after what had happened, but I have a few things I require from you. The first is a recount of the encounter you had with the creature, the second is a response to two of my questions, and the third is your compliance towards a directive of mine. Do you understand?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Good. We’ll start with the first: tell me what happened.’
Alyssa told her story, which wasn’t much. She mentioned what she was doing prior to her encounter with the creature, before elaborating on the encounter.
Wanderers in the Dark : Part 1 Page 11