Academy of Social & Technological Innovation

The Interview (Part One)

Cole Michaelson sits in the cramped and stuffy conference room of the local library, feeling trapped. Her skirt twists around her knees as she squirms in her seat, her foot tapping nervously. She is waiting for the representative from the Academy of Social & Technological Innovation to arrive for her admissions interview.

This school was highly recommended to her by her career advisor, Mr. Robinson, who had never steered her wrong. But as she sits there, she can't shake the feeling that she is walking into something she doesn't fully understand.

An overwhelming urge to escape seizes Cole. She can't bear the stifling atmosphere of the conference room any longer. With a sudden determination, she makes a hasty exit. But just as she reaches for the door handle, Ursula Craft appears in the doorway.

Shrouded in a white double-breasted coat and an exoskeleton that aided her mobility, Ursula's striking eyes capture Cole's attention. A mesmerizing contrast between the inner ring of bright yellow and the outer ring of deep green give them the semblance of a blooming sunflower. Cole finds herself in a hypnotic state, unable to look away.

Ursula's voice breaks Cole's trance as she interrogated her with suspicion. "Going somewhere?" Ursula asks, analyzing her every nuance.

Ursula gestures for Cole to return to her seat, and the room falls silent.

With a calculated precision, Ursula flips over the top sheet of Cole's application, revealing a heavy stack of papers. The only sound comes from the tics of a vintage clock hanging on the wall.

"My name's Ursula Craft," she declares. "You may call me Dean Craft." Ursula surveys Cole, her eyes darting across the table. "I am Dean of underclassman at the Academy."

Ursula lists off Cole's achievements, each word precise and calculated. "Valedictorian and student body President. Captain of your tennis team. A center-forward on the Varsity water polo team. An active member of several clubs. Your potential is undeniable."

Cole's heart swells with pride, but Ursula quickly deflates her ego. "But to excel in our program, potential alone is not enough. The Academy is not just any school," Ursula whispers. "It is a place for those with exceptional abilities to hone their skills. You will face challenges that most people could never imagine."

"Challenge accepted." Cole blurts out without hesitation.

But Ursula's curbs her enthusiasm. "First, you must take an assessment," she interjects.

Cole scoffs, eager to prove herself. "That's no problem!" she declares, her straight-A record and perfect SAT score giving her confidence. Her face lights up with excitement at the prospect of acing this test too.

Ursula chuckles, her eyes hinting at a secret knowledge that Cole cannot fathom. "Our test is not like any other," she says. "At the Academy, we take pride in our technological innovations."

Cole is determined to prove her capabilities. "Whatever it is, I'm ready," she declares with unwavering conviction.

Ursula reaches into a small bag by her side and pulls out a device no larger than a quarter. She hands it to Cole, instructing her to place it on her temple. "This is a portable version of a reality simulator," she explains. "While it doesn't offer the full immersive experience of the one at the Academy, it's more than enough for our admissions screening."

As Cole begins to place the device on her right temple, her intuition rebels. With a rush of adrenaline, she makes a split-second decision to disregard Ursula's instructions and places the device between her eyebrows. A shiver runs down her spine as she defies.

Suddenly, the reality simulator's power surges through Cole's body, engulfing her in a digital world. She feels herself being pulled in every direction. The world around her begins to warp and distort, losing its solidity as it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. A bright, blinding light envelops Cole, and she feels herself being transported to another realm.