Stella didn't have to wait long before Rachel met up with her. As they walked together through the bustling campus, Rachel couldn't resist asking, "So, how did your lunch date go?"
Stella rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "It wasn't a date, but it went well. We asked each other many questions and got to know each other a little better."
Rachel grinned knowingly. "Sounds like a date to me. Did you happen to catch his last name?"
Stella's smile faded as she smacked her forehead. "Damn it, I forgot it! But he knew mine."
Rachel tilted her head, curious. "Is that weird? You guys were talking, so it's not crazy he'd know your name."
"No, it's more than that," Stella replied, her brow furrowing slightly. "He knew where each part of my name came from and what it meant."
Rachel's eyebrows shot up. "Wow, that's impressive. He must be a language buff or something."
"Maybe," Stella shrugged. "He said his family trained him young to understand these things."
"Trained?" Rachel echoed, her voice tinged with suspicion. "That's an interesting word choice."
Stella looked at her friend, confused. "Why? What's the big deal?"
Rachel slowed her pace, thoughtful. "When you talk about learning, you usually say 'taught.' But 'trained' suggests something more intense, like it was a rigorous process or had a specific purpose. It makes me wonder if there's more to his background."
Stella waved off Rachel's concern. "Or it's just the term his family uses, and you're reading too much into it."
"Maybe," Rachel conceded, though her mind was still contemplating the possibilities. "Just keep an eye out, okay?"
"Don't worry, I will," Stella assured her. "But now, let's focus on you and your writing career."
They continued toward the editor's office, the atmosphere growing more dense with each step. The room was a hive of activity—papers scattered everywhere, the constant hum of typing, and the scratch of pens on paper. It was chaotic, yet it felt like the heartbeat of creativity.
As they approached the door marked "Editor-in-Chief," Rachel hesitated, her hand hovering just above the wood.
"What's up?" Stella asked, noticing her friend's sudden pause.
Rachel glanced at the door, then back at Stella. "Do you know who's in there?"
Stella frowned, puzzled. "The editor-in-chief? It says that on the door."
Rachel shook her head slowly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Not just the editor-in-chief. Amelia Harper. She's been in the newspaper since sophomore year, and now she's the president. Her work has influenced city politics and shifted perspectives. People bring her articles to their parents, who bring them to city officials. She's not just an editor—she's a giant. In this office, she's like a god. That's why I'm here, willing to work without pay, endure long hours, and take on brain-aching work. I want to be inspired by greatness, to see it firsthand."
Stella stared at Rachel, shocked by her reverence. She hadn't realized how much influence a school newspaper could wield or that such a formidable figure was among them. But she was here for Rachel, not Amelia.
"Snap out of it," Stella said, her voice firm yet encouraging. "Your work is great, and she'll see that. It's her honor to have you on the team. You're the one who's going to make her paper better. You're the giant, Rachel. Believe in yourself."
Rachel took a deep breath, and Stella's words gave her the confidence she needed. "Thanks, Stella."
"Anytime," Stella replied with a supportive smile. Rachel turned back to the door, finally ready. She knocked.
"Come in," a calm, authoritative voice called from inside.
They exchanged a look, then pushed open the door. The office was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Amelia sat behind a large desk, focusing entirely on the papers before her.
Rachel stepped forward. "Excuse me, Ms. Harper?"
Amelia didn't look up immediately, her pen still moving as she replied, "Yes, how can I help you?"
There was something about her voice—steady, deep, and rich with unspoken wisdom. It commanded respect, and Rachel felt a slight tremor of nerves.
"I've come for the open position on the writing team," Rachel said, trying to keep her voice steady.
This caught Amelia's attention. She looked up, her deep hazal eyes locking onto Rachel's with an intensity that made Rachel momentarily forget to breathe.
"Do you have a piece of your work?" Amelia asked, her gaze unwavering.
Rachel swallowed, then handed over her paper. As Amelia flipped through it, the silence in the room became almost tangible.
"Hesitation is not a good trait for a writer," Amelia said without looking up. "You know the words you want to say, you mustn't fear putting them on paper, no matter what others might think of you. Not even me." She paused, then added, "Especially not me."
Rachel and Stella exchanged a quick, confused glance. Amelia's words were cryptic, leaving them unsure what they meant for Rachel's chances. The seconds dragged on, each clock tick seeming louder than the last. Amelia continued reading, her expression giving nothing away.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Amelia finished reading. She set the paper down and looked directly at Rachel. "I didn't realize the extent of what's happening in the world. You've highlighted something significant. But this feels more like a research article than what a typical writer would produce. If that's what you want, I can put you on the research team, but…"
"No," Rachel interrupted, her voice firm. "I want to be a writer. I want my point of view to change the world around me."
Amelia leaned back slightly, considering this. "Then tell me, what do you think this is?"
Rachel took a moment to gather her thoughts, then spoke. "I think this is a change—a shift on a biological scale. These mutations in plants and animals aren't isolated; they're happening globally. While this could be dangerous for humanity, it's also an opportunity. We're animals, too, and if these changes can happen to birds and boars, why not humans? It hasn't happened yet because we're more complex or because we've distanced ourselves from nature. The mutations started with plants, then animals—plants create nature, and animals live within it."
Amelia considered this, her expression thoughtful. "How do you know this isn't biomagnification?"
"If it were, we'd see it more in insects and smaller creatures first, but it seems to have skipped that step," Rachel replied confidently.
"You have a strong grasp of the science, and your perspective is valid—rough around the edges, but valid," Amelia said finally. "You can join the team, but I'm putting you on the scientific team."
Rachel opened her mouth to protest, but Amelia held up a hand. "Finish this story before you move on to something bigger. This will give you the chance to express your point of view rather than just reporting facts. If you can boost our science column numbers, you'll have done your job."
Rachel nodded, understanding the challenge. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
Still puzzled as they left the office, Stella turned to Rachel. "What was all that? It didn't sound so serious when you explained it to me earlier."
Rachel chuckled. "That's what writers do. They explain serious events in ways that the public can understand and absorb."
Stella squinted a playful smirk on her face. "That's just a fancy way of saying 'dumbing it down.'"
Rachel laughed, nodding. "Guilty as charged, but what I said in there was just my take on the situation. If I'm right, this could start a new era for everyone. But I'm probably wrong, and it's just some new drug the big shots are testing out."
"Hopefully," Stella sighed, relieved. "We've got too much exploring and so many adventures ahead. It would suck if something got in the way of that."
They both smiled, the tension easing as they walked away, ready for whatever came next.
Meanwhile, a figure stepped out from the shadows back in the office as the door closed behind Stella and Rachel. Theo's voice cut through the silence. "Is what she said true? Has the eve of the resurgence already caused such changes to this planet?"
Amelia remained calm, her eyes now focused on Theo. "Yes, young master. There's been significant evidence to support this claim."
Theo frowned, frustration evident in his voice. "Then why didn't my father tell me? Why send me to this mortal school to learn... what? Simple math?"
Amelia, feeling a chill run down her spine, replied carefully. "I don't know. It's not my place to question or predict the thoughts of my lord."
Theo scoffed, unimpressed with her response. "Keep me updated on the situation." With that, he melted back into the shadows.
Amelia let out a shaky breath, relieved but tense. Her relief was short-lived, as she felt a cold blade press lightly against her throat, sending a jolt of fear down her spine.
"You've done well, Brain," a voice whispered from the shadows, dark and menacing. "But don't get ahead of yourself. You think I don't know what you plan to do with that girl? You're not in a position to recruit, especially those connected to blessed individuals. But I am."
The blade lingered, a silent threat, as the voice continued. "She has potential. She's too old, but perhaps we can use her talent and access for greater purposes."
Amelia's heart pounded in her chest, but she remained still, her training forcing her to stay composed. The blade slowly retracted, the presence behind it fading into the darkness.
"If she performs well, there might be a promotion in your future," the voice added a final taunt before disappearing entirely.
Amelia was left alone, and the office was quiet again. Still, the pressure weighing on her shoulders was heavier than ever, she knew she couldn't afford to panic. Any misstep could cost her everything, drawing on years of discipline, she steadied her breathing and resumed her work as if nothing had happened. The hard life of a Brain did not allow for weakness.