Code Lyoko: Revolutions and Evolutions

Chapter 7

The morning came, and the news was more than saturated with the events of the night. Fire crews battled the blaze of what they could as best they could. But the studio apparently had several blasting charges, not just the charge on Edna that tore through main sections of the studio. The city was shaken to its core, what was once a peaceful and secluded area was now a nervous frenzy. John entered Jean-Pierre's office, and John noticed the old man looked like had the epitome of a rough night. Sitting down silently, John let Jean-Pierre collect himself.

Amy's voice came through John's implant into his head, "Remember this is the standard procedure. The man is greatly shaken. Listen more than you talk and console him, comfort him in this time."

John heeding this advice sat silently, and all that could be heard was the tick-tock of the clock on the wall. The slow, steady ticking making a beautiful form of music. The look on Jean-Pierre was that of pain, fear, and doubt albeit thinly masked under the guise of courage. Taking off his glasses, Jean-Pierre cleaned them and then put them back on his face.

"The fact of the matter is this," Jean-Pierre began, "We know now the full extent of what has happened practically in our backyard. You have told me of the good of Amber and Reese and its security of Sentinel Sanitation Solutions. I want that here for Kadic. I don't care so much about the conduct of a few students, I want safety for our Kadic family at large, and we need it sooner than later in the wake of the bombing."

John nodded, "I understand Jean-Pierre. What would you like me to do?"

"I know you are bound to have connections within Amber and Reese. You practically sold me on their security system. I am appointing you as security oversight officer to look over its implementation as well as instructing our students and teachers."

"I don't know quite what to say, Jean. I don't. I mean I don't think I'm exactly worthy of that."

"I've spoken to your oversight officer at Sentinel. She spoke very highly of your ability to coordinate and lead major team functions and do so within exact timing." He leaned forward and said, "John, even I know you are grossly overly qualified for your job here. I'm asking you, please, help me."

John leaned forward, "If this is what you truly want, I will help you to get it. I will make my call as soon as I leave this office. But, Jean-Pierre it will require a visit to Amber and Reese headquarters in the north of the city and I will be gone most of the day. I say this because I promised Jim to help oversee and build on his work with the ninth graders."

Jean-Pierre nodded, "You're noble. I like that. But this is a direct order from me, go to where you need to go and get what you need to be done completed. The security of the children comes first. Then we can focus on their physical fitness."

John nodded and stood, "Very well. I'll be back by this afternoon with a rough-overview of what we can expect."

Jean-Pierre nodded, "Thank you, John."

As John headed out, he stopped and asked, "How do you know if I'm overly qualified?"

Jean-Pierre smiled, "Jim speaks very highly of you and your conversations with him, and as Jim may jump to conclusions, he is generally an excellent judge of character. Also, I researched your prior work history. Why did you truly come here?"

John was silent a moment and said, "Because I wanted to leave my old life behind, and I wanted a fresh start where not as many people knew me."

Jean-Pierre noticed this slight change in demeanor, "What do you mean? Your past is filled with all manner of exemplary service, especially regarding the scientific field."