Fandom High

Staff #17 and his plans

He strode forward, smiling as he entered the room of the latest expelled student. Staff #17 had an idea, and his ideas were legend. That was how he was getting so close to getting a proper job on the Fandom High board.

"Jennifer Brians." He acknowledged entering the room.

Jennifer was sitting on a bed, which was the only piece of furniture in the room. The room was bare and windowless, dusty and covered in grime. It was like a prison. "Hello." She answered with a glare, "I would say a name too but I don't know yours. Mainly because you think its fair to imprison me here without telling anything."

The staff member had been expecting similar retorts and smiled. He stuck out his hand despite his better judgement, and confidently replied, "Christopher Hendrix, though most call me staff number seventeen." He paused then added, "I'm here to tell you something." He was not meant to say his name, let alone tell her anything that wasn't vital for her to know, but seeing her had snapped something in him. She deserves to know.

Jennifer hesitated for a second before taking his hand and shaking it. "It would be nice to know a thing or two for a change." Her voice seemed nervous, her tone indicating to a distrust in Christopher Hendrix. "How long have I been in here? A week?"

"Only a day. Not really a full day either. I'm sorry, it must feel a tad bit longer when there isn't any daylight or company. We've been preparing tests for you, and were rather held up by some unusual screening measures and such that needed attending to."

"Tests?" Jennifer's voice shuddered. "Will it hurt, Mr... Mr. Hendrix?"

"No, not really." He responded calmly and gently. Staff #17 didn't need to frighten her anymore, and thought that the poor girl deserved some calm comfort and truth. "Please, call me Christopher. Chris if you want. Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

"Don't people call you staff number seventeen?"

"You call me what you want, not what they want."

Keen to change the subject, Jennifer said, "What kind of tests will they do?" She seemed brave, almost defiant, obviously willing not to be afraid of him or anything else.

"They just want to check you over before you return to your family. Then your mother will be coming to get you."

Jennifer's shock registered clearly on her face. She obviously had not remembered any family, or anything else about the outside world for that matter. This was all too common for fandom high students. "I can just- go?" Jennifer tilted her head in confusion. "What- I don't remember family..."

"Well you have a family Jennifer."

"Why didn't you just let me go then? Why didn't I know? Why didn't I remember anything about this stuff? Why should I trust you? Why-?"

"You have to trust me Jennifer. I don't mean you any harm, and wanted to protect you, your friends at fandom high and the general public. This was all nessesary. This- lack of... memory... it's normal for fandom high students. I need your help." Staff #17 tried to remain calm as he spoke to her, but he did feel sorry for her and knew how she felt. Alone, betrayed, used.

"Why should I trust you? What do I care about your problems when you've taken me and my friends away, made us forget... You did this to me. Surely- could you- could you make my memory come back?" Jennifer wondered aloud.

"The memory loss isn't me. I can't help you with that Jennifer. I can tell you what I know and keep your friends safe though."

"My friends at fandom high?"

"Yes, and they might be in danger. I promise after the tests I'll explain everything to you. Will you help me protect your friends Jennifer?" He asked carefully. It was vital she said yes. Jennifer Brians would add the special touch to his plan and make it believable. She paused to consider. After a long, nervous pause she answered.

"Yes, I will help you."