The last three weeks had been shit. Sam had talked to the head of the Computer Science Department, the registrar's office, even the Dean of Students, but nothing could be done. It was up to Dr. Shepard to renew his funding, and that ship had sailed. At least he could make rent next month. After that though ...
It didn't help that he was unbelievably hungover. His head was pounding as he rolled out of bed. He chugged a glass water and collapsed on the couch. He had slept until noon, how could he still be this tired? His phone buzzed, but if it was important they would leave a message. Mr. Kitteh pounced up onto his lap and curled up. Sam absentmindedly scratched him under the chin while he wondered if it was too early to take a nap. He had almost decided that he should probably at least eat something when his phone buzzed again. Unknown caller. Probably another political robocall. He couldn't wait for November to get here so he could waste his day in peace.
"Oh, come on!" he shouted as his phone buzzed yet again. It was a text from Em.
"You should really answer your phone." He was about to reply when Unknown Caller interrupted him yet again.
"Yeah?" he answered, more than a little annoyed.
"Mr. Peterson. My name is Vincent Reyes. I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Alexander Fletcher."
"Like the actor?" Sam interrupted.
"Yes, exactly like the actor, Mr. Peterson. Mr. Fletcher would like to schedule a technical interview ..."
"How the hell did you get my number?"
"Hey, Sam," Emily's voice chimed in. "Sorry about this, I'm at an interview and mentioned your analytical engine. Mr. Fletcher thought it sounded interesting and wanted to give you a call."
"Wait, you're at a job interview? Like, right now?"
"Uh, yeah. With a startup called Future Sight."
"Oh. Sorry for being so ... uh ..." he trailed off, unsure of what to say.
A new voice saved him from having to finish his sentence. "Look, Sam. Is it OK if I call you Sam?"
"Um ..."
"Sam, I started Future Sight because I want to help people. Not just give money to a charity to get some warm fuzzies, not just talk about how great it would be if people actually gave a shit, but to actually, really help people."
"Wait a sec, so you're ..." Sam started to say.
"Look, Sam. You're drowning in debt, have no job, and you're flat broke. Not that there's anything wrong with that, those are fixable problems. In fact, I can help you fix all of those problems, and at the same time maybe we can do a little good in the world," the man said.
"Hang on a second, Mr. Fletcher. This is Mr. Fletcher, right?"
"Obviously. And call me Alex."
"Sure, um, Alex. I just, uh ... This is just a lot to take in all at once and ..."
"Oh, of course. Tell you what. Why don't you think about it on the flight up here and we can chat about the details in the morning."
"Wait, what flight?" Sam asked, still trying to figure out exactly what the hell was going on.
"Vince just got your ticket. The plane leaves in four hours, so get your stuff packed. I'll send a car to pick you up in an hour. Your schedule is pretty free, right?" Alex asked. He sounded quite pleased with himself, which Sam supposed was a good thing.
"Right now? Yeah, that should work, I guess. So will it be like an interview?" Sam asked, beginning to worry.
"Yeah, something like that. Enjoy your flight," Alex answered before hanging up.
YOU ARE READING
Wonder World: Ignition
Science Fiction"In the distance sirens were blaring, but Kyle's eyes were fixed on the faceless figure staring down at him from the burning roof. 'Where are they? Where are my mother and sister?' he shouted, his voice cracking with fear. 'Come and see,' the figure...
