Beep...Beep...Beep.
From a night stand an alarm clock buzzed abruptly, causing the sheets of the neighboring bed to shuffle around. A fuzzy hand soon appeared from beneath the sheets and clumsily swiped at the air as it tried to shut off the alarm. Eventually the figure removed the sheets off of them completely, revealing a young cat Mink. He had a pink nose that was surrounded by a light sand color that enveloped the entirety of his muzzle, even leading down beyond his neck. The rest of the boy's fur was harvest gold, with light brown stripes that started from the tip of his ears to the end of his tail. The young Mink let out an inaudible grown as he finally opened his ruby eyes.
Now that the boy was able to see his alarm clock, he was able to end the constant beeping with the press of a button. The Mink then proceeded to stretch his arms and legs before finally getting out of bed and heading to his closet. Inside was a wardrobe of one-piece suits, all in the exact same color and fashion as the one next to it. They were all white and blue with the symbol of the World Government on the front while the back was marked with "G-4". The Mink seemed to ponder a bit on which suit to take before finally deciding to grab the one farthest to the right. From there the Mink then proceeded to the bathroom to prepare for the day. The first stop was the shower, being a Mink meant that taking good care of one's fur was vital. A well washed coat could be the difference between a Mink being in good health or not. Once he was finished with getting dress the young Mink finally stepped out of his room and walked towards the kitchen where his dad was preparing breakfast.
"Morning Charley! Today's the big day, so I made you your favorite breakfast; pancakes with hash browns and scrambled eggs"! Came the enthusiastic voice of a Golden Retriever Mink. His tail wagged back and forth as he flipped a pancake over on the stove's grill.
"Morning dad. Where's mom? Did she get called in to work early"? Charley asked as he grabbed a plate from the cabinet.
"Yup, one of the McClatchy's young boys got a hold of Mr. McClatchy's SEAHORSE and somehow managed to flush it down the toilet. As you can guess it wrecked the pipes which caused some flooding in water treatment, so the Over Admiral called in your mom and the other mechanics early this morning to go down there and patch things up." Nugget said as he placed a stack of pancakes on Charley's plate.
"So, mom is literally knee-high in..." Charley cut himself off at the end to avoid cursing.
"I guess she is." Nugget responded with a light chuckle.
The two then sat down for breakfast. Charley was able to finish almost half of his meal before his father spoke up.
"Today's the day you get the results from your GOAT, are you excited"? Nugget asked his son.
The Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test or GOAT for short was a placement test that was used to place young barricade dwellers in existing barricade jobs based on their knowledge and talents. This test was made to ensure the barricade would remain up and running for generations to come.
Charley took a sip of his synthetic orange juice before answering.
"No, I'm actually really nervous. There are certain jobs in the barricade that I know I would be horrible at." Charley replied as his ears and tail drooped.
Nugget could see that his son was in a lot of distress, so he offered some words of advice.
"Well, you'll never know until you try, and even if you have a slip up it can be used as a learning experience for the next time." Nugget said.
Charley gave a small smile; he was always surprised by how optimistic his dad was. No matter how bad things got, Nugget could always find something positive out of it.
"Your right dad, maybe I have a hidden talent for something or if I ended up in the diner with you, then I wouldn't have to worry about royally screwing up since you taught me all I know about cooking." Charley said hopeful.
"See, that's the spirit"! Nugget said as he playfully ruffled his son's hair.
Nearby the family's antique grandfather clock chimed as the hour hand reached eight.
"Well, I better get going, don't want to be late for class." Charley said as he got up from the dining chair.
"Good luck and don't forget what we talked about." Nugget said.
"I won't." Charley said as he strapped on his SEAHORSE and exited his home.
Before we continue let's dive deeper into what a SEAHORSE is. The SEAHORSE otherwise known as the Sustainable Electric Assisting Hazardous Obstacles Survival Equipment, is a nifty little gadget that was created by the scientist at Sea-Tec. This mechanical marvel is given to barricade dwellers on their twelfth birthday from the Over- Admiral. Worn on the forearm, the SEAHORSE is a multi-tool that helps barricade dwellers keep tabs on their health and items, as well as map out the user's surroundings. It also has a built-in Geiger counter to warn the wearer of any radiation leaks within the barricade. The SEAHORSE is also equipped with a security identification system that only allows the user and any blood relatives to use their device, this system makes it easier for the next generation to access helpful information left by the previous generation.
Charley had just taken the elevator with a group of his fellow students to the instructional floor. While heading down, the students were chatting with each other over what job they hoped to be placed in. With each passing floor Charley could feel his anxiety slowly returning.
"It'll be fine, it's not going to be that bad, just remember what dad said." Charley said as he tried to console himself.
From behind Charley felt a hand touch his shoulder, this made the cat mink physically jump as he let out a yelp of surprised. Charley quickly turned around and came face to face with his friend Johari.
"Well good morning to you too." Johari said.
"Sorry Jo, you kind of caught me off guard there." Charley said apologetically.
"No worries C, but you seem a bit more on edge today than normal, is everything alright"? Johari asked.
"It's the GOAT, my dad had finally managed to calm my nerves, but their starting to act up again." Charley replied.
"I think there are a lot of students who are in the same boat as you today." Johari said.
"Really? They all look quiet chipper to me." Charley replied as he looked around the elevator at the smiling faces of his classmates. Charley felt his ears and tail drooped once more.
"No way C, their all nervous. They're just trying to hide it behind hope and dreams about how cool it would be if they ended up as Over Admiral." Johari said.
"Over Admiral? Isn't that being a bit to hopeful"? Charley asked.
"Not really, anything is possible. Heck I hope I can be Over Admiral just to get my parents off my back." Johari said.
"They're still hounding you about studying to be a barricade loyalty inspector"? Charley asked.
"Yes, and it's so annoying"! Johari groaned.
"I keep telling them that those inspectors are nothing but narks, yet they keep telling me that my family has had that position for generations and that "Its what's best for the barricade." Johari said in a mocking tone of voice.
Johari leaned her back against the wall before slumping down to the floor, lowering her head to her curled-up knees.
"I don't want to betray my friends." Johari quietly told Charley.
Charley sat down next to his friend as the elevator continued downwards. He had known Johari since they were babies, they grew up together in the barricade and she was often the one to protect Charley from any bullies that wanted to pick on the easily frightened Mink. After a deep sigh Johari looked up at the elevator's ceiling.
"Sometimes I wonder if life would be better outside of the barricade." Johari confessed.
Charley felt the fur on the back of his neck stand up.
"Johari you shouldn't say that in public, what if someone overhears you"? Charley responded as he glanced around the elevator to see if anyone had overheard Johari's confession.
"Besides, we don't know what's out there, if anything." Charley said.
"Even if there's nothing but a black void beyond the barricade door, that would still be better than being a snitch." Johari replied.
Charley felt really bad for his friend, while his parents allowed and supported Charley to explore his interest, Johari was constricted to only following the path her parents laid out for her, any divergent was looked down upon. Johari's parents were fully dedicated to what the Over Admiral thought was best for the barricade and would do whatever was necessary to ensure the Over Admiral's demands were met.
A sudden ding of a bell caught Charley, Johari, and the other students' attention as the elevator had finally reached the educational floor. Charley brought his attention back to Johari who was already up and heading for the exit.
"C'mon we don't want to be late for class." Johari plainly said.
Charley wanted to intervene but by then Johari had already left the elevator.
The classroom was a buzz with students talking and gossiping with one another. Charley was quietly seated at his desk, still concerned over Johari. He really wanted to help his friend avoid getting the job she dreaded so much, but what could one Mink like him do?
Charley let out a defeated sigh as the feeling of helplessness swarmed over him.
"Hey furball"! Shouted Gus, the local barricade bully.
The beefy teen wrapped his arm around Charley's neck, not enough to cut off the Mink's breathing but enough to hold Charley in place.
"What do you want Gus"? Charley asked, more annoyed at the bully's presence today than his usual fearfulness.
"Today's the day we get the results of our GOAT and I just wanted to let you know ahead of time that I like my burgers medium rare, capiche"? Gus said as he squeezed Charley's neck enough to cause the Mink to try gasping for air.
"c..c..capisco." Charley weakly responded.
"Good." Gus said as he released Charley from his grasp.
"Alright class, settle down." Came the voice of Charley's homeroom teacher Mr. Anderson.
The class became quiet and turned their attention to Mr. Anderson.
"Good morning everyone, I hope you all got enough rest last night because today we have a lot to go over." Mr. Anderson said.
Everyone in the classroom let out a groan of disapproval about the work ahead. Mr. Anderson let out a chuckle.
"Alright, alright I'm just pulling your guy's legs. Instead, we will be going over the results of the GOAT." Mr. Anderson announced.
This immediately caught the class's attention as they soon found themselves at the edges of their seats in anticipation. Charley though tried to make himself as unnoticeable as possible, sinking further into his seat while curling up his tail and flattening his ears. Mr. Anderson pulled out a metal briefcase and set it on top of his desk. A click could be heard as the latches of the briefcase came undone. Mr. Anderson then showed his class the sealed envelopes that were inside. The class stared on in awe and horror. In their teacher's hand was the envelopes that contained their future.
"So... Who wants to go first"? Mr. Anderson asked.
The students looked at each other in terror, who would be the first one to take the plunge? Charley looked behind him to see Johari staring at the envelopes. He knew she was dreading the results and had the most to lose no matter what the outcome was. Maybe if his results were just as bad, Johari wouldn't have to suffer alone. The young Mink nervously raised his hand.
"Yes, Charley"? Mr. Anderson asked.
Charley could immediately feel all eyes fall on him. He never liked being the center of attention and for a moment Charley thought of telling Mr. Anderson that he was only stretching or make the excuse that he just needed to use the bathroom, but looking at Johari Charley knew he couldn't abandon her like that. With a lump in his throat Charley spoke up.
"I..I.. I, Mr. Anderson I w..would like to have m..my re..results p..p..please." Charley stuttered.
"I'm very surprised Mr. Nolasco, glad to see that you're taking the initiative." Mr. Anderson said happily.
Mr. Anderson searched through the envelopes until he found Charley's. He pulled the envelope out and placed it on Charley's desk.
"Good luck Mr. C." Mr. Anderson said.
On the envelope was the GOAT's logo, a little goat standing on a little hill while it chewed on some papers, behind it was a rising sun emblazoned with the World Governments symbol. On the flap of the envelope was Charley's full name; Charley Nolasco. His family's maiden name Nolasco was a keepsake from all the way back to the first Mink inhabitants of Barricade G-4. From behind him, Charley could feel his classmates overlooking him.
"Aren't you going to open it"? Asked one classmate.
"Yeah, let's see what you got Charley." Another classmate said.
Johari managed to squeeze herself next to Charley's side. Somehow having his friend by him gave Charley the courage to open the envelope.
Dear Mr. Nolasco,
We want to congratulate you on passing this big milestone in your life as a barricade dweller. The GOAT is an important staple in every barricade and ensures that everyone has a part to play in our fight for survival in this post-apocalyptic world. We here at Sea-Tec have made sure to carefully look over and review every GOAT to ensure that our young barricade dwellers are properly placed in positions best suited to their skills and abilities. After careful evaluation of your test scores Mr. Nolasco, Sea-Tec was rather impressed by your skills in judgement, problem solving, and negotiation. As a result, we are happy to announce that you will be placed as Barricade G-4's next Over Admiral upon the completion of your senior year of school. On behalf of all of us here at Sea-Tec we want to say congratulations on your big achievement and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavor as Over Admiral.
Sincerely,
Your friends at Sea-Tec.
Charley and his classmates stared at the piece of paper, mouths agape. Charley's brain was having a hard time processing what was happening and the only thing that snapped him out of his stupor was Mr. Anderson.
"That's sure one way to start off the school day, congratulations Charley"! Mr. Anderson said with a smile.
From beside him, Charley could ever so slightly hear Johari whisper her reaction.
"Holy fucking shit dude." Johari said stunned.
The students around Charley were all looking at him, expecting a reaction.
"What"? Charley asked.
"I can see this is going to take some time for you to process this, so I'll let you be for right now. In the meantime, does anyone else want to volunteer" Mr. Anderson asked the rest of his class.
"What's the point? Charley already has the best job anyone can get in this place!" Gus complained.
"Now, now Mr. Dalton there are plenty of other exciting jobs here in the barricade." Mr. Anderson assured.
"Yeah, but that still leaves that furball as our boss." Gus grumbled.
Charley's ears perked up at that. If he was going to be the one running the barricade, then maybe he can...
"Charley Nolasco to the Over Admiral's office please, Charley Nolasco to the Over Admiral's office please." Came a monotone female voice from the barricade's intercom system.
There came an echo of oohs as the students thought Charley had done something to warrant a visit to the Over Admiral's office. As he got up from his desk, Charley felt Johari grab his arm.
"Everything's going to be fine." Johari reassured.
Charley nodded his head before leaving the classroom. The Over Admiral's office was located a level above the barricade's atrium. As Charley headed up, his thoughts became occupied by the results of his GOAT.
"I'm going to be Over Admiral, I'm going to be Over Admiral. How did this happen? What should I do? Am I even capable of handling all that responsibility"? Charley questioned himself.
Charley soon found himself outside of the Over Admiral's office. In front of the Over Admiral's office were two barricade security guards, they stood armed and at the ready. Charley felt very uneasy around the armed guards.
"Halt, no one is allowed to enter the Over Admiral's office without and appointment." One security guard called out.
Charley froze on the spot, easily intimidated by the guards.
"Um, I'm Charley Nolasco, I was instructed by the intercom system to go to the Over Admiral's office." Charley spoke up.
"Ah, you must be Ratchet's son. Great job on the test kid. Go right on in, Over Admiral Brand is waiting for you inside." The guard said.
Charley thanked the two security guards before heading into the Over Admiral's office. A putrid stench hit the young Mink's nostrils as soon as he entered. Charley was taken aback by the smell and felt like he was going to vomit, however he held back the bile once he saw his parents sitting in front of the Over Admiral's desk.
"Charley! I heard the big news, congratulations sweetie"! Said Ratchet.
Like her son, Ratchet was also a cat Mink though instead of having the bluish green hair and golden fur, she instead had gray fur with a few darker gray stripes with Orchid colored hair. Ratchet tried to give her son a hug but stopped her advances once she saw her son covering his nose and backing away.
"Sorry mom, no offense but you kind of smell like sewage right now." Charley said.
"I'm sorry hon, I was called in to the Over Admiral's right after work and didn't have any time to wash up." Ratchet explained.
Nugget stood close to his wife, not seeming to mind the stench.
"Hey kiddo the Over Admiral just let us in on your GOAT results. I knew you would ace it"! Nugget said as he gave his son a big hug.
"Ah Charley, glad to see that you were able to make it, please take a seat." Said Over Admiral Brand.
Brand was a finely built man, he wasn't too muscular, nor too thin. He had slick back bronze hair and petite handlebar mustache with a few strands of grey. Brand wore a fancy suit reminiscent to those Charley would see the Gorosei wearing in old school books.
"I was just telling your parents about your GOAT results. I have to say Mr. And Mrs. Nolasco you two have quiet the brilliant boy there. You must be really proud." Over Admiral Brand said.
"We most certainly are sir." Nugget said.
Over Admiral Brand noticed Charley seemed uneasy.
"Is everything alright Charley"? Over Admiral Brand asked.
"Over Admiral, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to get distracted in the middle of our meeting." Charley apologized.
"It's alright Charley. I was in the same position as you when I was told that I was going to be the next Over Admiral. It can be very overwhelming to someone so young, but thankfully those of us in the older generation are here to help guide the next generation into filling in our positions." Over Admiral Brand said.
Once young barricade dwellers had received the results of their GOAT, they would be assigned to shadow and study under an experience barricade dweller in their assigned job field up until the young barricade dweller graduated from school. Upon completion of their graduation the young barricade dweller would then take over the position of their retiring superior and thus the cycle of barricade life continues. Over Admiral Brand then got up from his chair.
"Here Charley, take my seat, I think the future Over Admiral should get a good head start by knowing the layout of their work space." Over Admiral Brand said.
Charley looked on in awe at the fine leather seat before him, it was every bit as fancy as Charley imagined and every bit as comfortable.
"How does it feel"? Over Admiral Brand asked.
"Like I'm sitting on top of a cloud sir." Charley responded.
Over Admiral Brand laughed.
"Charley, we are on equal footing now, you don't have to address me as sir or Over Admiral, just Brand will do." Brand said.
"Thank you, sir... Brand." Charley corrected himself.
"No worries Charley, now let me show you some of the nifty features this office has." Brand said.
The Over Admiral showed Charley the basic functions of the barricade, from the security cameras to monitoring the vital barricade life supporting systems. It was a lot to take in but Brand assured Charley that he would get the Mink familiar with the barricade's system during Charley's internship. Charley noticed a small computer on the far left of the Over Admiral's desk.
"What's that for"? Charley asked.
Brand seemed hesitant but spoke up.
"I really shouldn't be telling you this, but that little computer there controls the barricade door." Brand admitted.
"The door can be opened"? Charley asked astonished.
"It can, but it's still too dangerous on the surface for us to go out." Brand answered.
"When will it be safe for us to return topside"? Charley asked.
"The World Government is keeping tab of things up there, once they deem the surface is safe to live on again, they will notify Sea-Tec, who will then notify all of their barricades that we can leave the barricade." Brand replied.
"And when will that be"? Ratchet questioned, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
Charley's mother was not one who would blindly follow orders, if she grew cautious of something she wouldn't just let it go, especially if it put her family at risk. Ratchet's rebellious nature usually left her bumping heads with the Over Admiral and the two could sometimes be heard arguing with one another from all the way in the atrium.
"Now, now Ratchet. Let's not ruin your son's big day. I'm sure Charley here probably wants to celebrate with his friends and family." Brand said.
Ratchet dropped her inquiries, but only for Charley's sake.
"Speaking of your friends, how would you like to dismiss class early today"? Brand asked.
"Our you sure we can do that Mr. Brand"? Charley responded.
"Why not, you kids deserve a break after a tough test like the GOAT, plus an early dismissal is sure to earn you some brownie points with your fellow classmates." Brand said.
The Over Admiral then took the den den mushi on his desk and gave the microphone to Charley. Charley looked at the microphone and then back to the Over Admiral who gave a nod of approval. Charley grinned as he spoke into the microphone.
"Attention class of Barricade G-4. This is Charley Nolasco with an important message from the Over Admiral's office. As of now, all classes today will be dismissed." Charley said as he heard his voice over the intercom system.
From the floor beneath them, Charley could hear the whoops and hollers of his classmates celebrating their early release. Looking up at the security monitors, Charley could see Johari entering the hallway from Mr. Anderson's class. Johari didn't seem happy about class being let out and Charley didn't have to guess that her down mood was related to her GOAT result's.
"Hey, Mr. Brand." Charley said.
"Yes, Charley"? Brand responded.
"As Over Admiral would I have the power to override someone's GOAT results"? Charley asked.
"Unfortunately, that's the one thing an Over Admiral cannot do. The Goat was designed by the World Government and Marines to ensure the survival of those in the barricade, they would be the only ones who could change the results of a barricade dweller's GOAT." Brand sadly responded.
Charley's ears and tail dropped once more with the thought of Johari being stuck in a job that would bring her nothing but grief. The Over Admiral looked at the disheartened Mink and to the screen Johari was on, a smile soon grew on his face.
"However, there is a loop hole that can negate the GOAT if, let's say there is an empty spot on the barricade council." Brand said.
Charley's ears began to perk up as the young Mink listened to the Over Admiral.
"And Mrs. Palmer will be retiring soon..." Brand trailed off.
Charley felt his smile returning as he realized what the Over Admiral was suggesting.
"Then, I could have Johari fill in the vacant spot since Sea-Tec wouldn't allow the barricade council to operate without a full cabinet." Charley added.
The Over Admiral nodded his head.
"Although an Over Admiral can't change the results of the GOAT, they can choose who can be on the council, especially if the candidate in question has good credentials and looking at your friend Johari's GOAT results here, she more than qualifies to fill Mrs. Palmer's spot." Brand said.
Charley felt like he could fly. This was it, for once Charley felt that everything was going to be smooth sailing from this day forward.