"Ahhh."
A low moan of pain escaped Eric's lips as he slowly blinked his eyes open, his head throbbing. A bright light immediately seared his vision.
"Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty. You hit your head quite hard there."
He squinted, his vision slowly clearing. He was in a small, stark room with a table and a single chair, but no visible doors. His headache was a dull, constant ache. Opposite him, a woman sat in a chair, her legs crossed, a flashlight pointed at his face.
"Not this again," Eric sighed, running a hand over his aching temple. "Look, I don't remember you, or what deal I broke, but if you brought me here to kill me, just get it over with."
"So you don't recognize this jacket?" she said, gesturing to the symbol on her chest, a stylized 'N' inside a circle.
"No, I don't."
A smirk played on her lips. "Wow, you're pretty outdated for someone who's labeled as a genius." The mocking tone was clear in her voice, but there was a playful spark in her eyes.
"Haha, funny," he replied, his voice as flat as a stone. "Who the hell are you?"
"Harley Stanford. Strike Officer, Sector 1, NEXUS." She leaned forward, the smile still on her face. "You're currently on Atlas."
The name hit him like a physical blow. He froze, his previous bravado gone. "I'm sorry, did you just say NEXUS?"
"Yes. Is there a problem, genius?" she said, her mockery returning full force.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the massive city-ship, an elevator descended, carrying a group of students and a male instructor. As the doors slid open, a breathtaking view of the futuristic mega-city, Atlas, unfolded before them.
The students stared in awe at the bustling, clean metropolis, its skyscrapers reaching for the sky. At its heart stood a massive, towering structure, the Atlas Tower, the main operations hub of the planet.
"Woah," a student whispered, completely mesmerized.
"As the best graduating students of The Stellar Academy of Orbital Science, I welcome you to Atlas City," the instructor said, his voice calm and composed. He led them forward, walking with the quiet dignity of a well-trained butler.
"Atlas houses some of the greatest minds in the galaxy," he continued. "This is where you'll apply for your internships, studying and learning under the brilliant geniuses of our time. Remember, it wouldn't have been possible to be here if you weren't the best of the best. So stand proud and embrace your destiny."
The students, their nerves buzzing with excitement, chattered among themselves, their eyes wide as they took in the sights.
"I can't believe I'm in Atlas City," a young woman named Koy said to her friends. "I've only seen this place online, and now I'm here in person! I'm so excited!"
"Imagine getting a chance to learn under an outstanding scientist," another female student gushed. "Someone like Dr. Halsey!"
A few minutes later, they arrived at the front compound of Atlas Tower, a fortress of security. Guards in mechanical suits patrolled the perimeter, and high-tech security systems hummed in the air.
"Can we help you, sir?" a guard asked, stepping forward to greet them.
"Yes, we're from the Stellar Academy of Orbital Science," the instructor replied smoothly. "We have an entrance permit to proceed."
While their instructor handled the formalities, the ten students enjoyed their own world of excited conversations. Among them, a young man named Jimmy Conway hung back, a troubled look on his face.
"Yo, Jimmy, what's with the long face?" his friend Hal asked, wrapping an arm around his neck.
"I don't know, man," Jimmy sighed. "I'm just… this doesn't feel exciting enough."
Hal's eyebrows shot up. "Are you kidding me? Dude, you're at Atlas! And you're not feeling it?"
"It's great, sure," Jimmy said, carefully stepping out of Hal's grasp and walking forward. He stared up at the top of the towering building. "But I don't want to be cooped up in a lab all day, doing experiments. It's boring."
"So... what do you want to do then?" Hal asked, his arms folded in curiosity.
Jimmy hesitated, shaking his head. He knew his friend wouldn't get it.
"Come on, dude, you can tell me. I won't snitch," Hal pressed.
"I want... I want to explore," Jimmy finally said, the words feeling too small.
"You want to explore?" Hal's voice rose in disbelief.
"Yeah. I mean, we're scientists, inventors. What's the point of creating something if you're not going to see it in action?" Jimmy gestured with his hands. "I don't want to stay in a lab all day, restricted and limited. I want to be free, Hal. Free."
A silence fell between them as Hal processed his friend's words.
"So you wanna go rogue? Is that it?" Hal broke the silence, his tone wary.
"What? No, gahhh. I knew you wouldn't understand," Jimmy said, turning away in disappointment.
"Look, I kind of get what you mean," Hal said, walking up beside him. "But we're some of the most intelligent minds in the galaxy right now. We can do good things with our brains, but at the same time, bad things can come from it. That's why people like us are always monitored and limited, for our own safety. Nobody wants you accidentally blowing up a planet like you did with your science project's virtual planet." Hal finished with a laugh, which Jimmy couldn't help but join in.
"Fine," Jimmy conceded with a small smile. "Guess no one wants to see me blow up a planet."
Just then, they heard the low rumble of approaching vehicles. A fleet of military transports and soldiers, all bearing the NEXUS emblem, turned the corner and headed toward the tower. The ground vibrated under the weight of their marching boots and heavy vehicles.
"Oh my God, it's NEXUS! Double the excitement in one day!" Koy squealed.
"Please move back for the incoming troops," the guard at the entrance instructed loudly. "We'll get you inside as soon as they pass."
As the massive aircraft and land vehicles filed through the gate, Jimmy, consumed by curiosity, hung back. He gently approached his instructor, Mr. Kail, who was also watching with a concerned expression.
"Mr. Kail, what's going on?" Jimmy asked. "The troops seem… unusually heavy."
"I'm not sure," the instructor replied, his voice as elegant as his demeanor. "But you're right. This is too large a force for a normal troop movement. I'd guess one of these vehicles is housing a person of high regard."
A few minutes later, the last vehicle passed through the gate, which then slid shut behind them. As the group prepared to enter, Jimmy intentionally stayed at the very back, sneaking over to a nearby guard.
"Sir, if it's not confidential, I'd like to know what that was about," he asked quietly.
"NEXUS Sector 1 Commander's team," the guard said, his voice flat. "They're here for a meeting of some sort."
"But why so many troops?" Jimmy pressed.
"That's classified, sir," the guard responded before turning to resume his patrol.