48. A Fork In The Road

        Orius entered the underground Engine Chamber only to find a crowd of students gathering around Nolan, safety goggles on, standing as close as they dared while he set up his presentation, finally ready for a Show & Tell. The ignition system looked like some crazy old Solarian contraption, wired to a giant copper coil, connected through a series of twisted wires to the not quite perfectly welded casing of the boiler which theoretically, would heat the water and generate steam power.

         But as Nolan lit the ignition system, a spark, then a big blast threw him to the floor, obliterating the experiment, filling the air with a toxic cloud of white smoke and flying debris.
         The students jumped back, only to break out moments later in laughter and avid applause.

         "Ha!" Orius chuckled from the doorway, his timing couldn't have been better, he could identify the troublemaker right away. "Very good" he clapped louder than the rest with sarcastic amusement.
         Failing to have noticed his entrance, the students spun around and snapped to attention.
         Orius signaled to Nolan. "You."

         Nolan dusted himself off, nervous now, was he in trouble? As he made his way to the door, Orius held it open.
         Was this good news or bad? Judging by the tone in his voice, Nolan feared the worst. He was in trouble with the very god he sought to impress. "I'm really sorry about the damage I've done to the lab, Your Honor. Please understand, I've been working on a new power solution for the trains and I'm so close to figuring it out."

         But Nolan's talents had already been noticed. "Yes, I heard all about it" Orius smiled. "I believe I saw your name listed on the L&D reports a few times. Nolan, isn't it?"

         "Yes, Your Honor." Nolan didn't like where this was going, one bit.
         "I would like to talk to you about your future participation in projects such as these..." Orius stopped and handed him a business card. "Why don't you come by my office after classes tomorrow?"

         Nolan still couldn't decide if this was good news or bad. Future participation in projects such as these? Come by his office? He scanned the business card, his office was in the executive wing of Headquarters, it was a huge privilege to be invited to a penthouse suite, even if he was in trouble. "Yes... Your Honor" he snapped his heels and made a sharp salute as Orius turned to leave, almost in disbelief of the very unexpected meeting, completely unsure of his reputation now.

         The sunrise over the water was beautiful, but it was cold outside. Zara pulled her coat tighter, lost in thoughts about Nolan as the boat sped through the choppy waves, would she run into him while she was in Atlan? She couldn't stop thinking about him... Why? Even though she knew it was a malfunctioning thought, the special connection she felt with Nolan was powerful, it was as if she had known him her whole life, as if they were meant to be together... Even though he was completely out of her league.

         She swallowed hard as another wave of emotion surged, threatening her composure. It was these unhealthy yearnings for love and fantasies of marriage that had caused her to struggle with the whole Vine Club thing, and now this, after only one encounter. She would never participate, ever again.

         As the boat pulled into the harbor, her gaze returned once again to the statue of Medel, looking over the big city from behind the walls of the Grand Courtyard. The sights of the celebration grounds brought back happy memories of her graduation day, so long ago already. For a moment it was as if she travelled back in time, she could almost hear the cheers, feel the sensation of pride as the flags waved like a sea of promises... Never did she even consider that something like this would change her future, so soon after being rewarded with such a promising scholarship, too. What would Nolan think of her now?

         Eden and Zara disembarked and rode the train up Main St to the Headquarters of Atlan, it was a short trip. The Headquarters building couldn't be missed, it was fronted by a huge square with large fountain in the center. Within the fountain was an immense statue of Atalon slaying a mermaid like creature except this mermaid looked like she was half monster.

         She glanced up the street as Eden led her across the square, and smiled. There was the Temple of Medel. Once again, the familiar landmark gave her a feeling of reassurance, a reminder of what the statue represented. She was safe here. Atalon would slay even the most sinister beast from the sea, he would always make sure they were protected from harm, no matter where she was.

         The Headquarters building was an Architectural student's wonderland. Zara gazed throughout the lofty heights of the lobby with awe as Eden led her through the front door for the first time. Having only textbook knowledge of the building, the reality of walking through the doors was incredible. The ornate pillars were much larger in real life, the ceiling much higher than imagined, the gargoyle-like creatures much scarier. A central staircase towered above the panelled marble walls which framed the portrait gallery of the gods, a gallery for all who walked through the great entrance to see.  

         Curious, Zara wanted to take a closer look but Eden held her hand firmly and hurried her along. She led her into the Headquarters reception, registered her in the Guest Book, then took her down a series of corridors to a small waiting room outside the Moha Lab.
         As they waited in silence, Zara scanned the walls... Here was a painting of King Atalon and Dr Seton... Her eyes rested on the doctor's portrait, it was captivating somehow... As she stared into his eyes she felt a strange sensation, as if looking into them somehow brought his image to life... 

         She rubbed her eyes and tried to look away, but the painting continued to draw her in. Feeling stressed all of a sudden she closed her eyes, tight. Dena had told her about the Moha Lab too... 

         Would these things actually happen to her? Panic began to set in... She could feel the tears filling her ducts already. She pinched her skin, quietly disciplining herself as Hedena had taught her to do. This was a terrible time and place to start malfunctioning!