Them and Us by Paul Schueller - HTML preview

Chapter 3

Within a week of submitting his application Sam found himself sitting at a table alone about to be interviewed. The process to this point went much more quickly than he anticipated but it didn’t leave him at all confident.

Sam heard a quiet knock at the door and before he could stand up or acknowledge anyone a man walked into the room. The interviewer was a nondescript and exuded the same indifference to Sam that he evidently had for his job. He put in an earpiece and sat there for a minute just staring past Sam.

Two other men gathered in an adjoining room on the other side of a two-way mirror. One of them, Kevin was a thin man with a mischievous smirk, black hair, brown skin and eyes so dark and set so deep that one would think they’d absorb all the light in the room. Yet somehow they still twinkled with anticipation and emotion. The second was Dr. Canard. He was a peculiar looking man with large eyes and glasses that made them look even bigger. Pasty white skin with an imperceptible chin that faded gradually from below his mouth to his chest. They stood next to each other facing the mirror.

Kevin turned to Dr. Canard and spoke first. “This is an applicant with the genetics you were looking for. In fact, he’s the only applicant this year in the whole city with this genetic profile.”

They watched as the interviewer ended his awkward silence and addressed Sam. “So why do you want to work outside the city?”

Sam sat up in his chair and answered quickly. “I knew the day of my senior class trip I needed to apply. The fresh air, the wind in my hair…I felt free. I have always felt trapped in the city.”

“What would you like to do?” The interviewer asked.

“Well someday I would aspire to be patrolling the open range. I want to be out there protecting our resources from poachers from other cities and nomads or whatever else us need protection from. Whatever you need me to do I will do.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know exactly. I just think you need people committed to do whatever it takes.”

“Well don’t assume that it will always be exciting.”

“I just want you to know that I’m up for anything and I also know that if I’m accepted I’ll likely have to start on the bottom of a team. Maybe working in the growing fields or better yet out in the open range on a harvesting team.” Sam said.

Dr Canard had seen enough. He turned to Kevin and said. “Hire him. Get him in the advanced training program immediately.”

Kevin was completely caught off guard and responded by saying “But us never take guys like this. He’s got the Wander Gene. Once he gets a taste of the open range it’s only a matter of time before guys like him run.”

“Not this one.” Dr. Canard assured him. “Us are desperate for people that aren’t cowards and I’ll make sure that he can’t run. Trust me. Hire him.”

The puzzled look continued to linger on Kevin‘s face but he moved quickly, went to the interview room, knocked on the door and entered. He turned towards Sam and said. “I’ve never seen this happen before but young man you’re already hired.”

The interviewer proceeded to leave the room without saying goodbye to Sam or acknowledging Kevin‘s existence. Sam and Kevin continued their conversation both relieved that the interviewer had left.

Kevin extended his hand and said. “You made quite the impression. You’ve been accepted into an advanced training program, if you’re interested.”

“Yes of course!” Sam said.

“Great. You’ll get your orders via your personal communication implant. I’ll be the manager for your training. I’ll see you at the training facility in two weeks.” Kevin turned quickly and walked out leaving Sam to sit back down, sighing and wondering exactly what had just happened.

As Sam sat pondering his future the individual that interviewed Sam now stood in front of Dr.

Canard, staring at him blankly.

“So, Joe, do you have what I need on this young man?” Dr. Canard asked.

Joe said, “Yes sir. His mother’s chip indicates hormonal changes that are consistent with early pregnancy. They don’t have the assets to buy this offspring and they already have two children.

I’m sure I can get Sam to see how cooperating will be in his family‘s best interest.”

“Excellent. I assume you’ll re-introduce yourself once he’s out at the training facility.”