Alex leapt into action, grabbing Emily and diving out of the way. He looked back expecting to see the chunk of earth, but was puzzled as it wasn’t there.

  “Woah! Good reflexes!” said a tall skinny guy with glasses.

  “I was not expecting that!” laughed an older lady.

  “You can let me go now,” said Emily. Alex quickly let her go, jumped to his feet, and

  extended his hand to help her up. “Thank you,” Emily said as she stood up and adjusted her clothing.

  “Well that is one way to react to that,” said an older gentleman as he extended his hand out towards Alex. “I am Reshma Choe. The team lead for this experiment group.”

  “Alex Moorez,” he said, clasping his hand in return.

  “That young man is Siddiq Gully,” he said pointing to the guy with glasses. “She is Evalyn Dirkse,” he continued, pointing towards the older woman. “And that one back there,” he said pointing to a man in his thirties, “ is Zayd Dressen.”

  “Nice to meet you all,” Alex responded.

  “Well, now that the introductions are done, I will leave you to it. Come back by the office when you are done here for your scooter.” Emily said. “Be nice to the new guy everyone!” she called as she left the room.

  “So what happened to the boulder that was flying at us?” Alex asked

  “Oh yeah, we disintegrated it.” said Siddiq with a smile.

  “Let’s get you up to date on what we are working on.” said Reshma as he walked towards

  Alex. “There are five laboratory buildings on the campus. Each of those have numerous lab stations. There are about 250 scientists on the campus, all hand picked for various reasons to be here. So you are one of a select few, if you think about it.” Reshma smiled.

  “Yea, I was given the tour. The campus is pretty amazing.” Alex said.

  “It really is. I was working in a small lab station in the north researching plate shifts there when I was approached. Definitely much warmer for these old bones!” said Evalyn with a smile

  “Many of the teams here are working on the same issues, but the hope is that one of the teams will find the solution. So don't be surprised if occasionally we are shifted from one team to another. It's a way to flow fresh ideas to each other so we don't get stagnant in our thinking.” said Reshma.

  “I have been switched about three times now,” said Zayd. “I have been here for four months.”

  “I think that is more of a you problem than your ideas being needed.” said Siddiq with a roaring laugh. Zayd threw a pen in his direction and Siddiq laughed harder.

  “As you can see, we do allow some fun but we are focused on our task. We all know what is at stake. However, if we don't have some fun we might all go crazy.” Evalyn said with a soft giggle.

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  “Speaking of, our task here in this lab is to try and find a way to harden the earth material in hopes that the plates will settle.” said Reshma. “You are aware of what has been happening?” he asked Alex.

  “Yes, I have been keeping tabs. I know the plates seem to be out of balance and more earthquakes are happening in places there haven’t been. As a result there has been increased volcanic activity, sinkholes, etc.” Alex stated his tone serious.

  “Exactly, so we believe if we can find a way to solidify the layers of the earth that in turn the quakes might slow down thus everything else might stop.” said Reshma.

  “Okay, so what are the theories you all have? I have published some stuff on this.” Alex said excitedly.

  “Oh we know and we have been going through them, that’s why you are on this team,” Reshma smiled.

  “Oh,” Alex blushed slightly, “They did tell me some of my theories were being used.”

  “I think there are fourteen teams that are using your theories as a base so I would be surprised if you are switched around or at least called upon to pick your brain.” Reshma stated.

  “Well, in the meantime let’s get to work here then. I am excited to get my hands dirty.” Alex said. Reshma pointed out to Alex where to get his lab gear and walked towards the back of the lab room. The team gathered and went over the experiment they were working on.

  Hours went by while they worked diligently until Siddiq finally exclaimed, “Food time, I’m starving!”

  “Oh man! I have to get to the office for my scooter,” said Alex.

  “I guess we can call it here.” Reshma yawned. “Let's meet back at 7a.m. I think we have made some good progress here.” he said looking over the diagrams and numbers on the white boards. “Maybe we do another once over and try out some of these ideas”

  “Sounds good to me boss,” said Alex. “Uh, how do I get to the administration building from here?”

  “It's the building next to us, on the left if you are facing the recreation center.” Zayd told him.

  “Oh, perfect. Thanks. See you all in the morning then.” Alex called as he sprinted out the room. I hope Emily is still there, he thought to himself. Alex started to run down the path then decided to cut across the grass towards the building instead. Hope I’m not being a rule breaker, he laughed to himself. As he approached the building he noticed the garage was open and went towards it.

  “You are here!” said Emily in a chipper tone.

  “Yes, sorry, we got lost in the work and didn't realize the time,” Alex said apologetically.

  “No worries, it happens all the time. I was just going to leave it at your door before I left for the evening.” Emily smiled.

  “Oh well that was nice of you. I can take it now though.” Alex replied.

  “Well this is your key for it. Few rules, do not use it on the grass, make sure you bring it into your apartment at night, and lock it up whenever you park it when you are out and about.. Simple stuff.” Emily replied.

  Alex took the scooter, “no problem.” he answered. “Thanks again for everything.”

  “No problem, if you need anything just stop by.” Emily answered.

  “Will do,” Alex said as he stepped onto the scooter and headed towards his apartment building. Oh this is the life! He thought as he zoomed towards the building. He hopped off and carried it to his door. Opening it, he stepped in and looked around. “I wonder how late the stores are open. I am going to need a few outfits.” he yawned. “Might be tomorrow’s problem though. I am exhausted,” he stood the scooter against the door and walked towards the bedroom. He pulled back the sheet and slid into bed. What a day, he thought as darkness took him.