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“Will I be the lead?” I question.
He looks at the men, almost smiling. “Of course.”
A lead in a field assignment for Dr Hayes? That would open doors that would allow me to research what I want. I could make a name for myself.
“Can you tell me about the research?” I ask, and he nods.
“Yes, but you will sign an NDA. This does not leave this room. It is top secret.” That makes me raise my eyebrows, but I nod, and he carries on as if he was waiting for my confirmation before telling me what exactly he wants me to do. “We are researching themonsters” —he spits the word— “and trying to understand what happened, how we can help them, and how we can find peace.”
I blank at that. I didn’t know they were researching the monsters, but it makes sense. They are a phenomenon. Nature is amazing, and even though what happened between our species was terrible, I can’t deny they are incredible specimens.
“But when the war broke out, some important research was left in our lab in the Forgotten City.”
“I see.” I don’t really. “And you want me to…”
“Retrieve it, of course.” He smiles like it’s easy.
I laugh as I look around, thinking they are joking, but they aren’t, so I sober quickly. “And how would I do that?”
“By going through the wall, of course.”
I jolt at the new voice—a deep, dark, confident one I would recognise anywhere. I twist in my chair, gawking at the man I didn’t see until now. He’s leaning against the wall, looking out at the city he runs. After all, he’s the president.
What is the President of Athesa doing here?
This is a lot bigger than I first thought. I sit up straighter, the pride I feel at being chosen almost making me beam at them. I am finally being recognised for what I can offer, and I cannot help feeling prideful of that, but then I slump. How can I do this? Despite the fact that it’s an amazing opportunity, I would surely not survive it.
“Through the wall… I wouldn’t survive,” I say in confusion.
“We have a contact, a…woman from the slums who can apparently get through the wall and back. She’s been doing it for years, according to our contact.”
“Whatever for?” I ask in shock.
“Money, of course. What else? Either way, it works for us,” he answers dismissively, brushing it aside. “She has agreed to take you in during the day. That way, you will be safe. She can get you there and back before nightfall. Nothing will happen to you, and we will have the research we need.” He sees me hesitate and leans forward, imploring, “It would mean advancement for our species and understanding where there is uncertainty. And for you, Ms Ledger, it would mean an open contract and endless funding to research whatever your little heart desires.”
I stare at him, shocked. Is he telling me that if I do this, I can research anything?
Yes. I read it in his eyes. It’s a good incentive, excellent actually, and I know deep down, it’s the only way I will get there. I will never get noticed otherwise, left to wither and die in a lab doing others’ works.
Am I actually thinking about this?
I can’t be, that’s crazy. I don’t even like going outside!
“Why me?” I ask instead of outright denying their request.
“We see your potential, Ms Ledger, and this is your chance to show us, me, why I should trust in your dedication to the field. Plus, you’ll be the first scientist over the wall, the first scientist to explore monster nature. Think of it now…”
He’s right.
I can’t do this, though, I really can’t. Not only do I not even like being around other people, but I also wouldn’t have a clue what to do in a monster infested city. Whoever the woman they hired is, she’s obviously insane for going back there all the time.
But the funding…the research. I could save so many.
“Yes. I will go.”
The words are out of my mouth before I even have time to think through the implications.
I’m going through the wall.
