FOUR

"What?! Never, that, that...thing cannot stay in this camp. We can't possibly allow him to stay. If he insists on staying, then he'll be locked up in the dungeon. There's no way he's going to be a camp member. No way!". Professor Ethan, the hand-to-hand combat/obstacle course teacher shouted.

A meeting was being held by the dean alongside the other camp staff regarding the acceptance of the intruder and his conditions and demands. The meeting had been going on for about an hour now as the dean had been trying to convince the staff members but the arguments between the staff didn't wane one bit. The teachers, especially Professor Ethan, were bent and strongly inclined on not giving this intruder a chance to stay at the camp.

“Dean Lee, professor Ethan is right. We can't risk letting an intruder, someone we know nothing about, into our camp grounds. Not only are the lives of the students in jeopardy but the entirety of the camp as we know it. If we allow this to happen, we are basically imperiling innocent lives”. Mr Hwang, the head security commented.

All staff nodded in agreement to his words but the dean didn't seem convinced. The urge to find out what this strange creature was, was extremely overwhelming and the curiosity kept biting at the back of his mind. He needed to make the teachers understand and see things from his point of view, he needed them to reason with him.

“I understand very well what you all are saying and I felt the exact same way, until I thought deeply about it and weighed all my options”.

A deep frown formed on Professor Ethan's face at the dean's words. 

‘What is the dean driving at?’. He thought but chose to stay quiet to hear his conclusion. The dean continued further,

“Like you've all said, we know nothing about this intruder, for all we know, he could pose as a threat to all of us and that, we cannot risk happening. But the option of capturing him is way out of it. 

During my discussion with him so far, I made him understand what he would be getting himself into if he didn't tell us who he was. I made it clear to him that there would be no hesitation in throwing him into the dungeons to rot. I also mentioned the fact that he would be tortured mercilessly, but do you know what happened? Do you know what he said?”. 

He paused as he looked around at all the curious and interested faces of the staff present, who were anxiously anticipating his next words, before proceeding.

“He didn't seem fazed by it at all. In fact he even threatened, saying what made us so sure of the fact that we would be able to capture him. What he said was true. We were all there when the seal was destroyed. We all saw that he was the only one who emerged from the entrance. If he truly was the one who destroyed the seal, then we know nothing about his capabilities. We know nothing of his strengths nor weaknesses nor what specie of being he is. 

We can't afford to take risks in setting him free. Therefore, the only option we have is keeping him here under our watch than letting him walk the Earth freely with no knowledge of his powers or plans. The quote ‘The devil you know is better than the angel you do not know’ applies to this case exclusively. But the better term to use would be ‘The devil we have under our surveillance is safer than the one roaming the Earth freely’. I hope you all can see what I mean”. 

After the dean concluded his speech, all staff members were out of words, even Professor Ethan who always had a lot to say. They all reasoned about what the dean had said and unfortunately for Professor Ethan, the dean's words were true and his inference was accurate. 

The dean continued to scan through the faces of the teachers. Some had impassive faces on, some had very deep frowns (and I'm guessing you know who fell under that category) while others looked really calm and peaceful.

Though their expressions were different, the dean knew very well that they were all thinking deeply, trying to weigh the options. 

This was a rather tough situation for the camp. The risks they were exposing themselves to, just for the sake of unveiling this intruder, was very great. Their success was definitely not guaranteed as well but were they willing to take such risks all for the sake of one person? This was what really mattered to the dean as he watched their expressions carefully and anticipated their replies.

He was the dean of the camp, yes, he was entitled to make decisions but he wasn't the kind of leader to make decisions without the opinions of the others. He wasn't the kind to make decisions without carrying the others along. He ruled in democracy where everyone was treated equally and they each had equal rights. 

For about five minutes, no one spoke as they all thought carefully about the situation and what could be done to prevent it or at least go around it. 

Professor Ethan was strongly against this intruder staying in the camp. He had a strong hunch that there was something about this intruder that wouldn't benefit the camp. There was something about the intruder that was very unsettling and he was doing everything he could to prevent his stay in the camp but if the dean and the others agree to let him stay, he had no choice but to accept their decisions. 

The only solution to this would be to heighten the security around important sections of the camp and the students, basically everyone, would have to be extra vigilant and would always look out for each other. This intruder was not to be trusted, that fact was definitely for sure.

“Ok I think we've come to a conclusion then?”. Professor Dominic asked, looking at the faces of the other staff members in question. 

They all looked at each other before facing the dean, each giving a nod synchronously except Professor Ethan who sat with a hard look on his face. He, together with the dean, straightened his sitting posture as he awaited their decision.

“This is a huge risk we're about to take because we know absolutely nothing about this person. All we know is that he has enough power to destroy the seal of the gods and he also had the courage to threaten our camp, saying he could destroy us with a single flick of his wrist. Who knows if what he said was true but we can't take chances and I strongly agree with what the dean said about keeping our enemy under our noses for surveillance but we'd also have to make a few changes especially about our security”. Professor Dominic said before looking around at other staff members, motioning for them to speak if they had anything to say.

“I agree with Professor Dom, he can stay but we need to be vigilant”. Mr. Tancred complimented.

“So we all agree with him staying then?”. The dean asked as he took a glance at everyone in the room.

They all nodded in agreement, making Professor Ethan’s expression darken as his fists tightened beneath the desk. He was strongly against their decision but he wouldn't be the one to cause controversy amongst the staff over such matters. He would let them carry on with their decision but that didn't mean he would sit idly by and watch that intruder destroy the camp. He wouldn't relax while such a pest wandered freely within the camp territory.

“Professor Ethan?... Professor?”. He was completely immersed in his thoughts, oblivious to the calls of the dean until Lady Coretta, the etiquette teacher, who sat gracefully beside him slightly tapped his rigid arm, making him snap his head in her direction.

A deep frown made its way to his face as he looked round the room at the curious faces of the other staff members, all looking at him expectantly. 

“What?”. He asked.

“The dean has been calling you for a while now, where did your train of thoughts wander to? Hmm... do not tell me there's a new pretty young lady that has grasped the attention of our very own Professor Ethan”. Professor Dom joked, attempting to lighten the terse and taut atmosphere in the room.

He had almost succeeded if not for one rather arrogant and angry flaw which happened to be Professor Ethan himself. Everyone, even the dean had laughed at the joke except two people, but of course one of them was the professor. 

The other had been Miss Tabitha, the sparring teacher, who had smiled briefly while looking gingerly at Professor Ethan.

‘Oh, new young lady?’. She mused with a sad smile before turning back to look at the dean after a few minutes with a blank expression.

“With you, must every situation be joked about? We're in a difficult situation now and we're trying to find a solution but you took it as a time to make jokes?”. Professor Ethan spoke in anger towards Professor Dominic, who had only said it to clear the tense air.

“Calm down, professor. Professor Dom was just trying to ease off the tension, it isn't his fault we're in such mess and we're trying to find a way around it, aren't we?”. Miss Anais, the dexterity teacher declared. 

Everyone's attention was on professor Ethan's angry figure as he clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to bring his emotions under control. 

How easily they had allowed the intruder into the camp was very peeving. He wasn't worth it, he clearly is a threat to everyone yet they insisted on allowing him stay, thereby risking the lives of innocent camp members. If they wouldn't heed to his advice or consider his reasons, then he had no other choice but to do things his own way.

“You have all agreed to let him stay and though I'm strongly against your decision, I won't oppose it and we have more paramount matters in our hands. If you haven't noticed but the seal has been destroyed. We are only being guarded by the dome and we all know how rather penetrable the dome is. We're all basically at risk now. We've been exposed to the dangers of the outside world. 

Even if this intruder doesn't pose as a threat to the camp, external dangers have been granted access to pierce our camp and this is all because of this intruder, whom you all have allowed to stay. Now tell me, how does he intend to protect the entire camp from impending dangers?”. He said firmly at the end of the last sentence, making everyone fall into another deep, deafening silence as they fell into deep thought.

The dean was the first to move as he looked at the head security, Mr. Hwang as though relaying a message through his eyes. Mr Hwang nodded in reply before speaking.

“I think this would be the best time to try out the new security systems designed by the camp's special security team. As we all know that for some months now, the technological department and security team of the Students’ Council had come together to develop some gadgets that could be used for security purposes in case something happens. In other words, they were made in preparation for when something like this happens and since we're in such situation, it wouldn't hurt to try it out.

There's a particular one that I think would actually be beneficial to us during this period. They called it the Closed–Circuit Television, CCTV for short. It was tested out and it worked perfectly. A few tweaks and it would finally be ready, although we would need more resources to produce more. When the dean has the time, he can come check them out”. He explained while looking at the members of the staff in the room before his eyes rested on the dean.

“And of course, you all are welcome to check them out as well”. His eyes once again moved to the staff members who nodded their heads with less tensed expressions, all except Professor Ethan.

“So are you saying the entire safety of the camp and its members relies on some gadgets”. He said incredulously with a scowl on his face, his voice mocking.

“No, that's not what we're saying, so calm down, professor. The safety of the camp is now under the aegis of not only the gadgets but all of us included, the intruder is also not exempted”. The dean declared firmly, looking into the eyes of the professor.

They had been working with professor Ethan for a long while now, especially the dean but they were all becoming frustrated by his attitude. He was easily prone to anger and he had the habit of speaking before listening or thinking. But of course, there was one person that was willing to change him, if only he gave her the chance to.

“During this period of ordeal, what we all need to do is work together. The last thing we need right now is something that would bring about dispute among us. We have no choice, it has happened and it couldn't have been prevented even if we wanted to. We have found a solution for the meantime, all we can do is make do with it, we have no other option. We would stand together as a family and we WILL overcome this encumbrance at all costs. Unless you have a better proposition, professor Ethan?”. The dean asked, his eyes, as well the other staff members, trained on the professor.

All he could do was clench his fists and stiffly shake his head in declination to the dean's question. 

The dean finally breathed in relief, he had succeeded in shutting the professor up and he had to admit that it was a challenging task everytime he had to do it.

“Well that has been taken care of. It is a tough time but together we would overcome it. What we need to do now is inform the other camp members”. The dean said as they all nodded in agreement.

“Miss Tabitha? Could you please ring the assemblage bell?”. She nodded in reply.

“Professor Dom, Miss Anais? You two should please accompany head security Hwang to the control room, I will be there shortly”. They each nodded as well.

“Lady Coretta, Mr Tancred? Please help Miss Tabitha with the organization of the kids in the assembly hall”.

“Lady Alexa, you know what to do and professor Ethan? Go and grab a bottle of water and get some fresh air, you need to cool off. We wouldn't want any of our staff to explode now, would we?”. He said jokingly as he looked at the professor, making a smile grace his hardened face.

“Alright then, let's get to work, the night is fast approaching. We need to conclude early so the kids can have a good night's rest and probably forget about today's unexpected event”. The dean concluded as he gave out orders to everyone.

They all nodded and got up to quickly get to their assigned duties.

“Everyone”. The dean called, making their movements come to a halt at the door. He looked at all of their faces before nodding with a grateful smile on his face.

“Thank you all very much. This wouldn't have been a success without you all”. They all looked at each other with smiles gracing their faces, even grumpy professor Ethan had a smile on. They all bowed slightly in respect to the dean as they made their way out of the room.

“Nurse Clementine?”. The dean called out to the middle–aged woman as she attempted to leave the room alongside the others.

“Dean Lee?”. She answered as she turned around to look at him with a gentle smile on her face.

“Take a seat, please”. The dean said as he pulled out a chair for her adjacent to him. She complied quietly as she sat and placed her walking rod beside her seat.

“Throughout the entire meeting, you made no single comment concerning the pressing matters at hand. You neither agreed not opposed. I would love to hear your opinions on what you think should be done in our present situation.

Sincerely, I've never dealt with matters as confusing and serious as this one and I have to say that it was challenging. We need all the help we can get, nurse Clementine. I wouldn't want to be left alone to handle this situation. At this point, every opinion matters and any suggestion at all is most welcomed”. 

The dean narrated as he took off his suit jacket and unbuttoned the buttons on his shirt before rolling up the sleeves. He heaved a sigh as he slumped tiredly on his seat, massaging the nape of his neck in hopes of easing the aching there.

The middle–aged woman, nurse Clementine, had been in the room through the entire meeting but she didn't utter a word. She sat at the far corner of the room, away from the table where other staff members surrounded and argued. All through the meeting, she only observed and listened to what the others had to say. 

Nurse Clementine was a woman that was quick to listen and observe and more patient to speak. You could say she was the total opposite of professor Ethan, who always had a lot to say. 

She was a knowledgeable and wise woman who was always ready to be of assistance to anyone who needed help. She was like a special advisor to the dean as he always consulted her whenever he had a puzzle to solve and she always had an answer to everything, though they may be presented in parables. She was capable of breaking down a conundrum or an enigma into a puzzle that would be easier to solve.

The gentle smile on her face didn't waver as she spoke in a cool and calm yet firm voice,

“You have given him a chance to stay in the camp, haven't you? I wouldn't say it was the right thing to do, nor would I say it was wrong either. You've made your choice as our camp leader and you have stated your reasons, we've all agreed as well but if you still have doubts about your decision, consider one thing.

We don't know the reason why he's here. We don't know what challenges or obstacles he might have faced that led him to us. The fault I took notice of in your discussion earlier was that you all were concerned about whether he was a threat to the safety of the camp or not. You didn't think of why he might be here. You didn't consider the fact that he could be the one running for his life and somehow the gods led him to us.

If you're still doubtful, I want you to think deeply about one thing; Second Chance. Think about the second chance you may have granted unto this young man, the opportunity to live again that you may have blessed him with. If you can look at the bright side of this situation, we have a new member added unto us. 

Hasn't that been our prayers for years now? And who knows, if we treat him well, he might count us worthy of being helped. We do need all the help we can get and most importantly, no one is unworthy of being helped”. She concluded with a smile as she stood up, dusted her white apron and grabbed her walking rod before proceeding to walk out of the room.

She halted next to the dean as she placed her right hand on his shoulder briefly before walking away as though nothing happened. 

“Rest well, dean”.

The dean watched as this wise middle–aged woman trudged down the hallway with her rod in hand, leaving him completely healed of his aches but with yet another puzzle to unravel...