Snippet #941692

"Okay...Master Townsend, then." Although Cale didn't let it show, Cristov had delivered him a huge compliment. For a moment, his thoughts drifted to the idea of become Head Scientist one day, but he wrenched his focus back to the issue at hand. "Anyway, she did seem kind of homesick, but she was also talking about how nobody understood her. People started gossiping about her as soon as she got here." As soon as he voiced the thought, he allowed himself to daydream.

Head Scientist...the words echoed like chimes in Cale's head and brought an unwilling smile to his face. Of course he wanted to be Head Scientist, but he also assumed that he shared that dream with eleven other trainees. As far as he had seen, he was the youngest among them. His goal was by no means unreachable, but he definitely had his work cut out for him for the next year. The Search for the Missing Roommate was the first step. He felt like a little kid wearing his father's too-big clothes, like the whole situation was just a game, but he tried to take it seriously. It was like an exercise for his mind, and on a more superficial level, it gave him an excuse to catch the attention of Dr. Zhao.

Cale already had his hand on the doorknob before Cristov had agreed with him, but as soon as he got the word he turned the handle and stepped out into the lounge. Sitting right there in a nearby chair, Dr. Zhao head his head turned toward Cale as though he had expected him to open the door right at that moment. Briefly turning to make sure Cristov was behind him, Cale crossed the lounge to approach the Head Supervisor, who rose from his seat to greet them.

"Callahan, Cristov. It's good to see you up and about. How are you this morning?"

"Good, sir," Cale replied. "And you?"

"Just fine." The doctor seemed to notice the tinge of impatience in Cale's voice, and a small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.

"We're really excited for orientation."

Dr. Zhao's smile broadened just a little more. "No need for small talk, Callahan. How can I help you?"

The lightest shade of pink flushed over Cale's cheeks. "Right. Well, Cristov and I, we had this roommate, America. But all her stuff is gone and the paper on her bed said she got transferred." He looked over his shoulder at Cristov. "Do you still have that paper?"