Off to Courtlyn

On his way towards the class Roza met with Tony, only a nod and "Let's go" was exchanged. Soon they were sitting at their regular seats looking at their homeroom teacher going on about how to prepare for the professions and life ahead. After a long inspirational speech the teacher called the students and gave them their results and certificates one by one.

When Roza went up to receive his results, he was subjected to a smiling face and a, "Come to my office after class." Tony also received his results soon after and they both walked out of class. Roza went to meet Mr Harris while Tony was waiting in the corridor.

knock knock..

"Come in."

"Good afternoon, Mr Harris."

Roza entered the office and was asked to sit. A very enthusiastic Mr Harris soon began his pitch, "Roza, your results have been excellent, with an outstanding grade in mathematics, logical reasoning and economics you are destined to have a bright future."

Roza was aware about the customary words and didn't take the words to heart, knowing well how bright of a future he can have with his present qualifications. So he kept a straight face waiting for Mr Harris to finish whatever he wanted to say.

"The State Wildlife Reservation center has shown willingness to recruit you immediately after school, so you should be ready to complete the recruitment process and formalities in some days."

After understanding the situation, Roza looked up to his teachers smiling face and said, "Sorry Mr Harris, but I'm going out of town tomorrow."

Mr Harris had a confused expression, "It's such a good opportunity, you should not miss it Roza."

"I understand, sir. But I'm going to meet my father tomorrow, we haven't met for five years, also I have not been able to contact him for about a year. I am very worried, I won't be able to calm down until I find what happened to him."

Mr Harris was quiet for some time,

"Roza I know about your dad but I think even he would not want you to miss this opportunity."

"Sir if I join the reservation centre now, I won't be able to receive a leave soon and this matter will remain unfinished. I can only promise that if nothing happens, I will return by this weekend."

Mr Harris took some time to think about it and only agreed on the condition that, Roza stays in contact with him until he returns to town.

When Roza walked out of the office, he looked relieved. Tony was curious as to why Roza was called to the office, "What did Mr Harris say?"

~~~

When Roza finished his explanation, the duo were already sitting in the canteen sipping coffee. After some time Tony spoke hesitantly, " Are you sure about this? if you reject them now, maybe you won't get a chance later."

"Doesn't matter Tony, I wish to go to college, this job doesn't affect my overall plan."

"But you need a lot of credits to go to college."

"Yes, and theirs a lot of way to earn credits. State services maybe stable but they only pay the bare minimum. I can't wait five years just to have enough credits for my college fees."

"You should think this through, after all, instability is not a good thing to live with. Where are you going to find a high paying job?"

"Hehe, well I'm not sure about it but if I don't find anything, I'll just join your service garage. Hehe, the only advanced service garage in Eastdale surely can provide good salary."

"Haha, welcome anytime. Father would be happy to have you working for him."

"Don't worry brother, I won't bother you if I find any other way. Right now I need to find out what is going on with pa... till then."

Roza stood up to go, Tony also stood up and gave him a hug.

~~~

Roza went back to prepare for the trip next day. He planned to go by hypertrain, it is the fastest and cheapest for short distances. Hypertrains were developed by the government some 1500 years ago, the ones currently in use are the latest iteration, only providing better safety and slightly more power efficiency. It can't be helped, after all the government has long since been fully focused on developing the new settlements and left Earth with zero technical breakthrough. They have used the excuse of not testing the limits of the ecosystem to stop the supply of funds. Even the advanced laboratories and research centres have long been shifted outside the planet.

Hypertrains use a shockproof giant tube made from synthetic concrete running underground, connecting cities throughout the world. They are also built through the sea floor when adjacent landmasses are not too far apart. Hence one can truly travel the world by only using hypertrains. It's just that it is expensive and slow to travel the world on hypertrains, when airships provide faster and cheaper alternative. Roza had to pay 5c for an one hour journey ticket to Courtlyn from Eastdale. There are faster lines but their cost is too much in Roza's mind.

Early next morning Roza was busy packing up what little possessions he had. One backpack was only enough to carry his clothing so he had to run to the supermarket to buy a suitcase. In it he packed up his Holocast and personal computer. At eleven in the morning Tony came to see off Roza at the substation. Half an hour later, Roza was on the hypertrain off to Courtlyn.

After reaching Courtlyn, Roza booked a Hovercraft to his father's place. His father works as a fire lookout, so he lived in his workplace in the middle of the forest. To go that far on a car was not feasible hence even though the payment was undesirable, Roza had to call for a hovercraft.

Only ten minutes was required because the craft was hovering over everything, a direct route to the destination together with it's fast speed makes it the best off-road vehicle. Roza was both anxious and excited to figure out the problem with his dad. But before his feelings could reach a crescendo or he could reach his destination, the hovercraft was brought to a halt.

"What happened driver?"

"It's the police, there's a blockade ahead."