Part 5: Identity
Being nobody is a danger
18:00, May 13, 2412
The steady tick of the clock is matched by Drew’s impatient paces.
Even though he’s sure he’s hit the jackpot, he’s at a loss regarding how to get in touch with them without being considered a creep or a lunatic.
How do I do this…How…How?
It’s been three hours, and he’s still pacing about in his room.
He certainly can’t just go up and say “Hi, how are you?”.
How can I —
Wait.
He stops in his tracks.
An idea just sprang to his mind, and it can’t be better.
I can be a teacher at their high school!
He sits down on the bed and flips his laptop on.
The connection to the current year has been rocky the first few days, and the laptop almost died completely halfway through. But luckily enough, it managed to keep up perfectly.
All the softwares and whatnot certainly look much more sophisticated, and that will, of course, be most convenient for information.
But it’s better kept secret.
He gets into a secure search engine that he just stumbled upon a few days ago, then types in his query. He clicks onto the most reliable source he can find, and almost instantly, the article unfolds for him to read.
Apparently the kids’ high school is facing a shortage of Literature teachers, especially those who specialize in classic works ranging from the late 1900s to the early 2100s.
Drew smirks. One of my strong suits.
He examines the application process, then opens a blank file to start working on his CV.
10:30, May 16, 2412
“Drew Graham.”
He enters the room for his interview.
“Greetings,” he gives the interviewer a faint smile.
“Please take a seat.” The aged interviewer’s sharp eyes observe him closely from behind his gilded spectacles. “I’ve read your CV and I found it impressive. So, Mr. Graham, would you mind telling us a bit more about yourself?”
“Of course not.”
“How about we start from why? Why did you decide to teach this particular subject?”
“I do recognize that classics have their own values. They may not be obviously applicable in our current time, but they did hold significance to a degree in the time that they were written. I believe that the main point of classics, combined with their historical backgrounds, is to teach readers lessons and help them understand and appreciate how society’s standards have evolved.”
The interviewer nods, seemingly intrigued by Drew’s answer. “Well worded. I have another question for you. What is your opinion on incorporating technology in the classroom?”
“Oh,” Drew chuckles lightly, “according to my understanding, all schools currently see technology as an inseparable part of teaching. So incorporating technology should be normal. But if I had to elaborate, I’d say that technology is only supplementary. It shouldn’t override all other methods of teaching like almost all teachers allow it to nowadays. I still value direct, face-to-face interaction between teachers and students, as I believe they can learn best this way.”
A thoughtful smile takes over the interviewer’s face.
“You have very fresh perspectives. It’s rare to find someone like you applying for teaching nowadays.”
“Thank you for your praise.”
“But there’s a problem.” He gestures to someone outside the door.
Drew turns to watch as two policemen step in.
He stiffens.
“I’ve searched all the databases on records of citizens in this country.” The interview fixes him with a stern look. “And there is no one named Drew Graham, born on your birthdate, on this land.”
Shit! I forgot about that!
Drew tries not to let his panic show.
“Even though the way you answered our questions was remarkable, and I personally highly value you, I still have suspicions on my part. Could you be an illegal immigrant? Or a criminal who broke out of jail?”
“No, I’m not — ”
“Either way, forgive us for not being able to take your word for what it is. You could be telling lies.” He diverts his gaze to the policemen. “Take him away.”
The two of them force Drew up on his feet and escort him outside, ignoring Drew’s desperate pleas.
He’s stuffed roughly into a simple wooden chair.
“You wait here until the investigator comes in.” One of the policeman tells him gruffly before leaving.
“Wait, I’m really not — ”
The door slams shut.
Why the hell did I get into such trouble?
He knows the school has a justifiable reason to do so, but then again, he really doesn’t have any connection to this world just yet.
In this world, he’s just a stranger. A nobody. Someone who showed up out of nowhere.
I should have thought of this before I started this whole deal.
The door opens again, cutting his train of thought short.
The investigator.
Donned in black, the investigator steps in quietly to sit down opposite him.
“I hope you won’t mind answering a few questions.”
Drew shakes his head, hoping he looks more confident than he feels.
Suddenly, he’s aware of the investigator’s stare. But it’s not just any stare — it actually feels familiar.
Definitely feels like someone I know —
“Drew.”
The familiarity hits home, eerily accurate.
“Adrian?” His voice comes no more than a whisper, still afraid, unsure of what he’s seeing and feeling.
Can this be true?
The investigator nods.
