Moon Angel

Chapter 15: The Next Section

Chapter 15: The Next Section

Thirty-two children sat in the assembly hall, murmuring between themselves. Miss Dunn stepped onto the stage and silence fell. A scene that replicated the one that had taken place three months earlier. Anticipation filled the room. After three months of intensive training, this was the announcement that would secure our place in Omega. That would make all the hard work we had done pay off. Everyone wanted this but everyone knew the chances. Everyone was aware that they might not be chosen, that they might not have done enough, that they might be leaving Omega. I sat between Em, Mackenzie, Kelsey, Luke and Jay, the six of us waiting nervously for the assembly to begin. I thought about how close the six of us had become and couldn't help smiling. I remembered back to our final examination, the test that would secure our place, the test that meant everything. Thirteen different stations were set up around the school, one for each subject that we had studied over the three months. We had half an hour for each exam. There were the written exams of Physics, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Linguistics; Practical exams for Computering, Drama, First Aid, Outdoor Survival, Stealth and Agility, Self-defence and Weapons Handling. Although some of the written papers were quite boring, the practical exams were exciting. In each we were given scenarios that we had to unravel and solve in the half hour we were given. Each individual test was graded and the total scores were added up at the end. No one had been told their final result. That was probably what made people the most nervous, no one knew where they ranked in the whole scheme of things.

My attention was brought back to the assembly by Miss Dunn starting her speech. "Welcome. As you all know, today is Graduation Day. All of you have tried your hardest to secure a placing but sadly, we can only take eight of you. When I read out the names, I don't want anyone to leave here upset if your name isn't called out. You should be proud of yourselves. You have managed to master numerous skills during this three month programme from speaking another language to learning self-defence, and I hope that you can take something away from this. Also because this programme has been more successful than we had expected, Mr Carter and I have decided to run the programme again next year. This means that there will be an opportunity for all of you to re-apply for the programme.

With that said, I know you are all eager to know the results so I will move quickly to the next section of this assembly. If your name is called, could you please come up onto the stage?" There was a slight movement in the room, as everyone shifted forwards, leaning towards Miss Dunn as if they were scared that by being further away, they would miss the announcement."

"The candidates going through to the next section of the Omega programme are Benjamin Freeman, Noriaki Toyama..."

Excited murmurs went up around the room, friends congratulating each other on the placement.

"Jacob Wilson, Luke Chapman..." Jay and Luke looked at each other, a smile breaking out across their faces. We all congratulated them quietly as they walked past us. I watched the stage as Miss Dunn shook hands with each candidate as they walked onto the stage.

"Skyla Robinson, Emelia Thompson, Selene Carter and Michelle Beaumont..." Em and I looked at each other and smiled, just like Jay and Luke had done previously. Mackenzie and Kelsey patted me on the back as I walked past them to join the others. Miss Dunn shook my hand as I took my place next to Em. I looked down the row of candidates. Luke, Jay, Em and I had all made it into the next stage of Omega. I couldn't believe it. All the hard work I had put in had paid off. Applause erupted around the assembly hall. Miss Dunn paused until the clapping died down before continuing, "Congratulations to the eight who made it through and to the rest of you for putting your best foot forward and taking part in the programme. I hope to see some of you again next year." She turned to the eight of us standing on the stage. "As for you eight, we will be seeing you again in a few weeks for the next section. We would also like to invite everyone here to share in an afternoon tea with us to say farewell."