Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi by Donsha Hatch Page A

type of aggression happen here often?” he asked.
    “Unfortunately yes. And it’s been especially tense, now that Turans have been at war with those Engi characters. Somehow they’ve deemed it acceptable to equate us to those monsters.” condemned Dex.
    Realizing this was a good time to change the subject, Eiris asked about Dex’s accent.
    “I noticed you speak with an English accent. Have you ever been to Earth?” asked Eiris “No, of course not.” laughed Dex. “You’ll notice that most of us speak English here at the academy. Which in truth, is a foreign language in Undaria. I also find that fact quite comical because we think ourselves above the humans, but often imitate them in many ways. Nevertheless, as a linguist I’ve become quite fond of the English language. Spoken with the accent of the Englanders of course. It’s quite exotic.”
    “That’s pretty cool.” Eiris admitted.
    “Indeed it is my friend.” said Dex with a smile.
    Everyone in the auditorium began to settle down as various conversations began to turn into whispers and people hushing each other.
    “What’s going on?” asked Eiris.
    “One word. Epic.” whispered Dex.
    Eager to see what was about to happen, Eiris looked to the stage. Soon, a well-dressed man with silver eyes shining through a set of smart glasses, slowly walked onto the stage. The sleeves on his buttoned shirt were rolled up, revealing black markings on his forearms. The anticipation was astonishing. One could hear a pin drop with the silence of everyone in the auditorium.
    “XENOGEEK!” thundered the speaker.
    “What’s a Xenogeek?” whispered Eiris.
    “N.W.A. You know, nerds with attitude? Ah, don’t worry. He’ll explain.” replied Dex.
    “Xeno!” the speaker yelled. “Alien! Strange! And by definition, synonymous with the word different! Geek! And…. I…. quote! Someone who is intelligent, single-minded, and accomplished in either mathematics or science. But! Is often unfashionable and socially inept! Does that sound like you?” he asked.
    Then he paused and paced the stage, scanning the crowd closely with his hand on his chin.
    “From the looks of it, yes. Up until now you all have lived up to the stereotypes the galaxy has about you! BUT NO MORE!!!” he shouted. “Here at Undarian Academy of Science, Medicine, and Technology, you will break the stereotypes! Defy the odds! Social skills, wit, humor, and combat are but a fraction of what you will learn here. You won’t just be doctors, scientists, and engineers, but you will also be athletes and soldiers. So take courage and apply yourselves. And in time, you will be different. You will…….be…. xeno. Besides people, we’re Xenogeek. We’re just………. better.” he smiled.
    The crowd then erupted in a standing ovation with applause and cheers as he walked off the stage.
    “Who was that?! asked Eiris, trying to speak over the loud applause.
    “His name is Dr. Stephen Masterson! He’s the former lieutenant of the Areolian military and war hero of the battle of Areolus. His squadron single-handedly prevented one of the primary Arcs from being destroyed, thus allowing other Turan forces to help save millions of lives. He’s now the Authore of the Undarian Academy!” yelled Dex as he clapped.
    “What’s an Authore?” asked Eiris as the crowd quieted down.
    “Oh, right. I forget you’re not familiar with these terms. Authore means overseer in Undarian. He’s pretty much the dean.” informed Dex.
    Once the students began sitting down again, a screen less display appeared on the back of the seats in front of everyone. It showed the message: Please select your guild . Listed, were the names of the various academy guilds, including the Black Horde Guild and the Sea Dragon Guild.
    “What’s this?” asked Eiris.
    “Ah. Well I’ll try to keep it brief. At the beginning of the year, we’re separated into guilds that we will remain a part of throughout the course of the year. A guild