On the same team

Nora started to turn the pages, it was too thick for a hand manual, plus she had no idea where to begin.

"Do you know where to look?" Luke asked.

She shook her head, without looking up from the book.

"Page 68, read the important guidelines." He said.

Nora opened the page and started reading it. As on the last line, Mr. James entered, "Hope you went through the guidelines." He took the seat across them. "So as you know this no longer is a group competition. You'll enter as a team, for the first round, and the winners will advance to the second round. And there's the catch, for advancing into the second round, there's this qualifying exam you'll have to give." He continued. "The first round is a Hackathon, all four of you will participate in it. And then the exam."

"Okay Mr. James what position will I hold?" Joseph sputtered.

"Yes I am coming to that Joseph. Rachel is in charge of designing; graphic designing, user interface and all. You and Nora are up for the programmers, while Luke will be the project manager. But obviously, that doesn't mean you are restricted to your duty only, feel free to help each other and communicate. Remember, communication will be your key to success. Once you get through this, then the exam is your individual responsibility, and I am always there to help you out." Mr. James finished and looked at the students sitting in front of him. "Any questions?"

"No Mr. James no further questions" Joseph said.

"Okay, if there are no more questions, get to know each other, and how you'll manage the situation at hand. You have two weeks starting from now. Feel free to contact me in case of any queries. Now off you go."

They were standing out of the faculty room when Rachel blurted, "So now what?" She asked Luke.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean? You know what I mean. He just asked us to babysit these forsaken kids." She said agitated.

"Yeah, I understand. We have no choice, just deal with it." He shrugged his shoulders.

"So, what do you guys want?" Rachel asked Nora and Joseph.

"What do you mean by that? Don't forget we're a team as for now even though it's quite clear you're not content with that, but bear with it." Nora snapped.

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Oh is it? And how are you making me do that, Nora."

"Let's meet up for dinner, we'll get to know each other and discuss everything." Joseph spoke.

"Not a bad idea. We'll meet at Big Joe's at 7:30." Rachel said. She gave Nora a cold stare.

"Let's go Luke." She said grabbing him by his arm. He shook her off, "So that's final. See you guys." He turned on his heels and left followed by Rachel.

**** * ****

"How are the things coming along?" The Master asked.

"It's going to take some time. But I can guarantee the results Master." The woman said in a small voice.

She knew what had happened to the last person who was working on this subject, so she thought about every word she uttered.

"What do you think about her?" The Master asked.

"I don't understand Master." The woman said.

The Master pointed at the picture which was on the screen. "Yes Master, she is different, I have never sensed this much power for a long time." The woman said.

"I know, that's why I am so eager." He moved towards the huge screen which displayed the picture. "But I have to be patient. I've waited so long, I cannot miss it." He said gently touching the picture. "I'll give you the time, but I need her at any cost. If you fail, you know the consequences." He said, his voice laced with danger.

"Yes Master, I understand. I will not disappoint. May I ask something Master?"

He looked at her and nodded. She hesitated but finally spoke, "Master, when I try to invade her, it can have some side effects, she might unleash some of her strengths which will only make it difficult for us, it might also affect her. Are you sure you want to do this? You seem to care for her."

The Master, looked directly in her eyes.

"Ah!" The woman was lifted off the ground, she could feel a tightening grip at her throat, she was struggling to breathe. She tried to break free but the grip only grew tighter. As she was about to pass out, she fell on the ground, gasping for air.

"You don't have to worry about her. I know what she can handle, I know her the best. You better concentrate on your job or else I can find a replacement." He said looking down at her.

She nodded, making a mental note to never speak until required. The Master smiled, seeing the fear in her eyes and left the room, leaving her alone.