It was all a blur, but the next moment, Jason opened his eyes and found himself standing on a massive platform with soldiers and select individuals. But there was no crowd anywhere, no screaming, no fear, no smell of death, just a bunch of scientists staring at them while taking notes.
The soldiers immediately stepped down from the platforms and began ushering Jason and the people they had picked, off the platform and into the hands of the scientists.
The next thing Jason knew, he was standing in a room with a pretty brunette scientist who was holding a tablet and appeared to be typing on it. After she was done, she placed the tablet on a table, looked up at Jason, and smiled.
"Good Morning, Mr. Xenophyte." She spoke audibly. "My name is Dr. Gordon and I'll be doing your medical checkup before you're free to leave. Due to being teleported from Earth to Blasmora, we'll have to make sure you don't contract radiation sickness or have any mutation defects. I advise it's for your own good as if it's not done, some changes you experience may be permanent. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good." Dr. Gordon replied, removing a patient gown from a bag she had brought out. "The dressing room is just behind you, please put this on so we may proceed."
Jason collected the gown and immediately turned and walked to the dressing room. He wore the patient gown, noticing how it was very comfortable and fitted him properly.
He got out of the room, and Dr. Gordon ushered him to an inner room where he saw a huge white pod attached by wires in the center of the room. The scientist made her way to the computer and entered a code to open the pod, which whirred and hissed.
"Please enter, Mr. Xenophyte. " She commanded gently, to which he nodded and entered the pod. He lay quietly as the pod slid tight and then it switched on and began scanning. Outside, Dr. Gordon stood monitoring his vitals from the tablet she held in her hand while nodding occasionally. After five minutes, the pod was switched off and Hason got out of it.
"Okay, Jason." Dr. Gordon spoke after Jason had changed back to his former clothes and sat down in a black swivel chair. "It seems your vitals are stable and you're not suffering from radiation sickness. That's good. No mutation defects either so you're good to go."
Jason nodded to her words then spoke. "Can I ask a question?"
Dr. Gordon smiled. "Go ahead."
"Has Earth been ruined yet?"
Dr. Gordon hesitated for a second then spoke. "Dr. Guilermo hasn't briefed the citizens here on that yet. I, on the other hand, am just sorry for the people we left behind. It'll be like an apocalypse there where theyll have to survive."
"So people can't be teleported to Blasmora again?"
Dr. Gordon sadly shook her head. "I'm sorry to say this but your group was the last. Ever since the announcement was made six months ago, people have been teleported to Blasmora daily. You're lucky to be in the last group."
Jason nodded, expecting that answer. Strangely, he had maybe thought that some people would still be telerported but it seemed that was never going to happen.
"One thing I don't understand?" Jason asked, confused. "This facility and I bet there are more of them, how were you all able to build this quickly in a few months?"
Dr.Gordon grinned at him. "Well, you're certainly the first to ask me that, but the truth is Dr. Guilermo had already predicted the chaos on earth will happen, he said he didn't know when but it was certainly going to happen, after first noticing Blasmora, he and other scientists colluded with high ranking politicians and were secretly building facilities in this place, waiting for the perfect time."
"What you just told me sounds like official top secret," Jason said, narrowing his eyes. "Won't you get in trouble?"
"Not at all."
"Why, if I may ask?"
"That's because every politician who pulsed various countries on earth, as soon as they got here they were stripped of their position in exchange for security and comfort."
Jason was shocked as he widened his eyes in surprise. He certainly wasn't expecting that. So the same power that brutally made the announcement that all humans on earth could leave, was now stripped of their power? What a satisfying payback! They were good people who desperately needed to be here.
"So who or whom is in charge of this country?" He asked.
Dr. Gordon smirked. "Who do you think?"
Jason was confused at what she said then it dawned on him, leaving him frowning. "So he's basically a dictator now on a strange planet?"
"Not really, he has a cabinet of top appointed officials that he mjust discuss with them before he's able to issue a law or a task."
Jason was about to ask again but Dr. Gordon stood up abruptly.
"It spent too much time. I bet people are waiting for me. It was nice to see and hear from you. Goodbye."
Jason nodded as Dr. Gordon escorted him out of the room without making so much noise. She took him back to the main room where the other people who had been selected had also finished their medical checkup and were waiting.
The soldiers immediately rounded up everyone and then escorted them outside where a huge hover bus was parked and waiting for them. One by one, they all entered the bus and it began to hover in the air before it took off for its destination.
Inside, Jason sat quietly in the air-conditioned seat as he stared out of the window, marvelling at the great view he was witnessing with his eyes. He noticed that the sky was not blue like on Earth but was blood red, it was as if doomsday or an apocalypse was about to happen to Earth. The soil was also sandy, the same distinct colour as the Great Sahara Desert.
Huge skyscrapers, tall towers, and buildings of different sizes and shapes filled the plants as they flew, giving it the same feeling as one staring down below from a helicopter on earth. As they flew, buses went past them, clearly carrying passengers inside the car.
'For a planet that just became popular and civilised, they were so quick.' Jason thought, surprise etched on his face as he continued to stare.
Ten minutes later, the bus began its descent as it stopped at a huge building.
"Alright, " a soldier announced. "Would you please step down from the bus?"
They all complied and were immediately escorted into the building with practised efficiency, not one making a sound as they moved in sync. Jason then found himself in what looked to be the reception of the facility and waited as a soldier came up holding a few items.
"Mr. Xenophyte," the soldier announced. "Here is your National Identification card, your room key for the night, and a tablet which you will use for your activities. You are required to attend Astreus Academy tomorrow which is Monday. The ceremony for new students will be held at the Academy Hall and you are invited to attend."
Jason nodded then asked. "How will I get to the academy?"
"The card you hold acknowledges that you're an Astreus Academy student which means that it is free of charge to use for students, the bus will take you to Astreus Academy where you will get your dorm. Please also note that you will have a roommate. Your uniform will be sent shortly. "
The soldier gave him his items and walked away, leaving Jason all alone in the reception. The other people had gone
to their rooms. He carried his items and walked to an elevator which immediately took him to the hall where his room was. He walked down the hall until he saw his room which he unlocked with a key.
He opened the door and walked, the fresh air wafting through his nostrils as he placed the box down and spread it around the room. The room was neat and well arranged, even if it was for one night. He sighed contentedly and collapsed on the bed, exhausted from the day he had had. His mind replayed everything he had witnessed. Then it landed on Rose and his breath hitched. He sat up, a deep frown on his face. Had he really done her wrong? She actually looked genuine but he knew there was nothing he could have done. It was every man for himself.
A knock at his door jolted Jim back to his senses as he got up and opened the door. A young, pretty Asian girl in a maid uniform bowed slightly as she spoke. "Your uniform, Mr. Xenophyte. We have made sure it's tailored to fit your measurements."
"Thank you."
Jason collected the uniform and closed and locked the door. He placed it gently on a table and inspected it. The uniform was sleek, ironed, and smelled fresh.
"It's a big day for me tomorrow.' Jadon thought. 'I've been given a huge chance to survive.
He stared at the window. He was going to survive. He had on earth and now he was going to do it right here on Blasmora.