“Well that settles it then,” agent Chaemin said smiling. “Here is my card, when you have everything ready call me and I will have the arrangements made for your move.”

  “It might be a couple of days. I don't want to leave the students without someone to assist them.” Alex said.

  “Of course, time is allotted so that you can get your affairs in order. When we say immediate we don't mean this second, but quickly.” Agent McGuinnely stated.

  Alex’s face split into a slight grin, “Agent McGuinnely, you almost sounded friendly there. Better be careful or I might think that you like me.”

  Agent McGuinnely frowned and looked at his partner, “Are we sure about this one?” he asked gruffly.

  “Give me a call when you’re ready.” Agent Chaemin said again to Alex. With that, she turned and walked towards the door. Agent McGuinnely gave Alex a last glower as he turned to follow his partner. The door groaned as they opened it and Alex watched as they disappeared behind it. As the door shut he was left with only the hum of the fluorescent lights once again.

  “Wow,” he said to himself, “I can't believe that just happened, and I said yes…” He stated as he looked at the test papers before him. “Whelp, let me get myself together.” Alex finished grading the exams and made a note to put on the door ‘No Office Hours Today’. He taped the sign to the door and gathered his belongings. So much to do, he thought to himself as he turned off the lights and locked the door.

  Alex headed to Professor Langdon’s office which was down the hall from the lab he was in. He knocked on the door and heard a muffled “Enter!” from the other side. “Professor Langdon?” Alex asked as he entered the office. A woman in her mid fifties with salt and pepper hair hanging in a loose bun looked at him from behind her desk.

  “Ah Alex! How can I help you? Did you finish grading the exams?” she asked, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

  “Uh yes, here you go. Umm, I need to talk to you about something important.” Alex said.

  “Okay, shoot.” she said as she took the papers from him.

  “I was just recruited by W.E.R.P.A., and I am going to have to leave. Soon.” Alex blurted.

  Professor Langdon stared at him for a moment and tilted her head. “I see.” After another pause she broke out into a smile. “I guess Ashley will be happy since she will get the newly opened T.A. position.”

  “You aren’t upset?” Alex asked, relief flooding his voice.

  “Oh, I am extremely upset, but what am I to do? You are the most intuitive, genius, and promising geologist I have ever had the opportunity to work with. You will do great things. I believe if anyone can help figure out what is happening on this planet, you will be one of them.” she said.

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  Alex felt a slight sting in his eyes. “You mean that Professor?”

  “Absolutely my boy.” she said as she got up from behind her desk and walked around to him. “I know it hasn't always been easy for you, but I also know you were meant for something greater,” she said earnestly and embraced him in a motherly hug.

  Alex hugged her back, a feeling he hadn't had since he had lost his mother when he was twelve. He had so much respect for her and hearing her say this gave him a push he didn't know he needed. “Thank you. I didn't want to leave you in a lurch, but if you are good then I don't have much else to do except pack.”

  “Go do great things Alex.” She smiled at him, while squeezing his shoulders.

  He smiled back at her, the sting still in his eyes as he fought back tears. Turning he left her office and headed home. His tiny apartment wasn't much to look at as he didn't own much. He didn't really have much he felt like he needed to take with him. He packed his clothes in a duffle bag, only leaving out clothes for the next couple of days. Two days later he called agent Chaemin and the final arrangements were made for his move.

  “Look forward to seeing you,” she said before hanging up the phone. Alex stood there looking at his life all packed in boxes. Tomorrow morning the movers will be here and by the afternoon I will be taking a tour of the campus grounds, he thought to himself

  The next morning he woke with anticipation drumming in his chest. He was nervous about the flight. The idea of not being on the ground was never appealing to him. Thankfully it’s not a long trip, he thought. A knock at the door interrupted his inner turmoil. He greeted the guys at his door and directed them on what to take.

  Well, they were efficient, that’s for sure! he thought as they grabbed the last of the boxes and headed to the moving truck. He grabbed his backpack and locked the door behind him. Alex headed towards the office and called himself a ride to the airport. After a forty-five minute ride he arrived at the airport and made his way to his gate. As he approached the knot of anxiety weighed heavy in his stomach.

  “I can do this,” Alex said as he closed his eyes. “I’m a big brave wolf, I’m a big brave wolf.” he smiled to himself as he said the phrase. It was something his mom would have him say when he was scared. It had been a little over ten years since he had lost his parents, but little things like that had always stayed with him. He boarded the plane, his heart thumping in his throat. I can do this, I have to do this, he thought to himself.

  “Would you like something to drink?” asked a stewardess, “you look a little pale”

  “Something strong,” Alex grimaced.

  The Stewardess smiled, “I have just the thing for you.” She came back a few moments later with a cocktail. “Here, drink this and we will be there before you know it.” she winked.

  “Thank you,” Alex said, his mouth dry and his hands shaky. He slammed it and settled into his chair, closing his eyes.

  DING! “Please buckle your seatbelts and remain seated as we begin our descent” said a melodic voice over the intercom.

  “Wow,” Alex said, “what was in that drink?! I slept through the whole flight!” The cabin rattled, and he gripped his armrests. The cabin rattled again.

  DING! “It appears we will be having some slight turbulence. Please be sure your seatbelt is fastened and remain seated” said the voice again.

  “Oh man, why did I have to wake up now?” Alex moaned. The cabin shook violently. Only this time it didn't stop. Alex looked out his window but could see nothing as they were flying through a cloud. The rattling turned into a roar. The emergency door was ripped off and the plane dipped. Screams filled the cabin. The oxygen masks fell and Alex reached to put his on.

  Who are you? whispered a voice. Alex looked around to see who asked but only saw the panicked passengers. Interesting… whispered the voice again. Then everything went black.