Controller: Rise of Kaelum

Chapter 2

The ten beta testers stood making their way out of the room, following their ginger hair guide, Professor Hardings back into the hospital like room. She stood at the door and as everyone made their way in she handed them a plastic card, each with a number from one to ten in bold print on the front. As April took hers she realised that it wasn’t much different from a credit card, she could even feel small bumps in hers from that must have been writing of some sort. Taking a closer look at her card she realised that her name was printed on the front as well as her work ID photo and a six digit code. Her thoughts where interrupted by Stella barking orders at her and her new work mates.

“Move it flea bags. Each loading station has a different number on the head gear, go stand over with the same number station as your card. I don't have all day!” Professor Hardings huffed brushing a handful of her curly orange hair out of her face. With a grin April quickly made her way over to one of the white beds, examining the technology closely.  Cautiously, she picked up one of the face masks. The mask looked like a clear diving mask that would cover from the neck to just behind the ears, a large clear tube containing five smaller tubes attached over where the mouth would be. This stuff is so cool, its nothing like the people predicted it would be! April was so fascinated by the piece of expensive technology that she unknowingly pushed a small button on the side of the mask. Then someone cleared their throat behind the girl causing her to jump. She turned to see the brunette with glasses.

“Ah, April right?” Jeremy questioned awkwardly as he looked down at the shorter being. Slowly she nodded holding the mask in her hands still. She began to freak out a little, not sure if she has of done the wrong thing or touched something she shouldn’t. The boy cleared his throat again and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

“This is my table.” His voice was rather sharp, and he sounded almost too sure of himself. Jeremy held up his card so April could read it. So he got my lucky number, so unfair. She scanned the card then with a quick node April put down his mask and stepped away from the table.

 “Oh, I'm sorry.” As April continues to observe the man. Jeremy’s movements where very solid, almost like a business man without the stressed expression. He didn’t seem to want to talk to the other people in the room as he sat in the office chair next to his bed. But that didn’t stop the scarlet haired boy, Matt, from striking up a conversation. April turned away slowly, realising its rude to stare, her footsteps loud on the hard concrete floor. Looking around at the other members of the team she spotted Rei who was standing at a station, comparing her card to the mask. Rei’s expression was as cold as ever as she sat in her designated seat. April looked at her own card, heading the number quietly to herself while she stood to the side of the room.

“Ten…” she murmured, still looking down at the card in her hands. Out of nowhere, an arm wrapped around her shoulders and began to lead her forward. April was startled by this looking up at her guide. Her face went from a light olive to bright crimson in two seconds; Eric had put his arm around her and was leading her to her set console. A small squeak left the girls lips in shock as the blonde male chuckled lightly. He looked down at the girl, his voice as soft as silk.

“You seemed confused, here.” He took Aprils hand as they reached the tenth station, wish a quick movement he spun the flustered girl and pushed her lightly down into her own seat. April looked up at the handsome man for a second then quickly diverted her eyes at the only empty table beside her. Oh no, don’t tell me I will be next to him the whole time! Her breaths were short and came rapidly as she leant back in the chair. That’s when Eric spoke again but his voice was much more serious.

“No thank you? What a shame, I thought someone like you would have much better manners.” April was shocked by what he said, but it was true. She couldn’t thank him; she was way too embarrassed. No one had ever had an effect on April like this but before she could think any more into the situation, her thoughts where interrupted by the roar of the dragon.