Signing The Contract

"You haven't even answered my question, Dr. Kayle. Who are you really and what kind of research are you doing? If I have more information about you, then I will sign the contract," said Reynard later. Indeed, until now for him Dr. Kayle is still a stranger. He did not know the ins and outs of the man at all.

"So you doubt me, alright then." Dr. Kayle walked over to her desk. He placed Reynard's contract papers on the table. He took a deep breath as he poured his drink. His feet walked towards the window near his desk. "What do you know about time travel, Mr. West?"

Hearing that question made Reynard a little confused. He din't know why Dr. Kayle instead asked him a random question. Perhaps this would lead to an explanation regarding the research project the man was currently undertaking. Reynard replied curtly, "I don't know. So far, time travel has only been science fiction. I believe you know more than I do."

"Imagine if you could transport yourself beyond the boundaries of time and space to the far past or future. You would know many secrets about life and death. You would be given knowledge on a par with God's angels," muttered Dr. Kayle sipping his drink. It seems that now he is starting to explain about his interest in science.

"You believe in God? I thought you were an atheist. Most scientists don't believe in God until they try to rival His powers. Are you one of them or not?" Reynard asked. He tried to follow the train of thought of the scientist. Even though he was completely uneducated, his logic was good enough to answer this kind of question.

"I'm an agnostic. It's not that I don't believe in God. I believe there is one person in this universe who created and rules everything. But I've never performed any rituals of worship." Dr. Kayle then returned to his desk. He put down the drink cup and picked up the blueprints of his latest engine design.

Then Dr. Kayle showed Reynard the blueprints. He explains with various theories and physics equations that build the machine. Of course Reynard didn't understand that. But he could still conclude one thing from the scientist's explanation. "Dr. Kayle, are you designing a time machine?" Reynard asked in the end.

"Exactly." A wide smile broke from Dr. Kayle's face. He was happy that Reynard finally understood what he had been thinking. He also didn't get ridicule or insults from Reynard, like most people did to him. So actually he likes Reynard as his new friend.

"Okay, that's pretty ambitious. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. I have one more question. You said you've been watching me for months. Was I chosen for this project on purpose? Why?" Reynard asked the biggest question that now disturb on his mind. If he gets a satisfactory answer, then he will agree to sign the contract.

"Sit down for a moment. I will tell you something." Dr. Kayle asked Reynard to sit on a sofa. Before he sat down, he closed and locked the door first. Only then could he talk to Reynard more calmly. "Listen to me. After so many research, I discovered a time in history where there lived a kingdom of mythological creatures we now know as the werewolf nation."

For a moment, there was a strange feeling in Reynard's heart. Hearing his kind being called made his heart flutter. However he also feigned ignorance, "I thought they were just a myth. Old people used to tell them as bedtime stories."

Dr. Kayle smiled and went back to continue his explanation. "In those days, werewolves lived in a large herd led by an alpha who was also the king of the kingdom. I'm not lying, I'm not making up stories. They did exist in the past and are still around today."

Reynard was starting to feel uneasy. His heart was so upset when the words of Dr. Kayle cornered himself even more. "I'm sorry Dr. Kayle. Your words confused me. Which kingdom are you referring to? How do you know if they really exist? Do you have solid evidence of their existence?" asked Reynard again. He tries to make sure everything is as clear as possible.

"You're real enough for me." Reynard suddenly rose from his chair. His face turned pale and frightened. He wanted so badly to leave the room. But he knew that the only door that existed had been locked tightly by Dr. Kayle. Haltingly, Reynard then asked, "What do you mean?"

"Don't be so surprised like that. I know you are a werewolf. It is very difficult for me to find your kind in the present. I feel very lucky to have found you, even in a slum like this. That doesn't make you worthless. The strength within you is extremely rare. That's why I need you to go to the werewolf kingdom to do some observations. Trust me, you'll be fine. Don't you feel lonely? All this time you've been living alone amidst the sea of ​​people. Don't you want to meet your ancestors? People who have the same form and strength as you. There you will never be afraid to be yourself," said Dr. Kayle.

Dr. Kayle' explanation threw Reynard's mind into a dilemma. The problem is that all the words of the man managed to convince him to take part in this research project. It was as if the man had gotten inside his head and knew the greatest desire that had been in his soul all along. Finally, Reynard couldn't deny it anymore. "Dr. Kayle, you're really good at persuading people. I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult for you to hold a bachelor's degree. All this research are the result of your smart brain. So honestly I can't afford to argue with you. Since my head is already starting to hurt so just give me the contract and stop your small talk," Reynard said resignedly.

Of course that made Dr. Kayle is feeling happy. He got up from the sofa and took Reynard's contract file. A smile appeared on his face again when he saw Reynard signing his work contract. "Welcome to my team, Reynard West."

***