Chapter 4 - Behind the Scenes
A week after the first day Anthony started his lessons with Amy, something very different was happening at Area 51...
"So...this is the man you've chosen for the project?"
Major Sharpe was looking over a young lieutenant that was brought before him by another of his officers. The lieutenant looked like your garden variety soldier, save for the blue eyes that seemed to pierce as he looked forward at nothing in particular while he stood at attention.
"Yes sir," the other officer, a commander from another of Sharpe's portal outposts, said. "This is Lieutenant Alec Johnson. His records show that he had passed the initial tests, and that he is of the bloodline you were looking for."
"Excellent," Major Sharpe said, then turning his attention to Alec. "Lieutenant, have you been told why you are here?"
"Yes sir," Alec answered, "and I was told it has something to do with my bloodline."
"That is correct...and you may speak freely from now on. Tell me, lieutenant, have you been told of the Gamemaster?"
"I have, sir. My entire unit has even expressed a note of jealousy...wishing they too could meet the video game characters."
"Hmmm..." Sharpe mused. "You might not feel the same way if you heard what he had to go through. However...the military wishes to give you that chance."
Alec looked at Share in surprise. "Sir?"
Sharpe sat back down behind his desk and continued. "We discovered from an examination of your family records that you are related to Sir Eric of the Larson Clan...the first Gamemaster. As such, you have the potential to use the same powers the current Gamemaster uses. As such, we would like to train you to essentially become a Gamemaster for the military." Sharpe stood back up and looked at Alec with a more subdued look. "This isn't an order. Because our world still doesn't know all there is to know about psionics, there may be some risks involved. That being said, do you accept or refuse?"
Alec, without pausing, said, "I accept!"
Sharpe nodded in approval. "Very well. Report to our medical laboratory first thing tomorrow. Until then, you are relieved of all duty. You may wish to take this time to do some research and familiarize yourself with the worlds of Arcadia. Dismissed."
Alec saluted and then walked away, leaving Sharpe to ponder this turn of events. His thoughts were interrupted when a another soldier knocked on the door.
"Come in," Sharpe ordered.
The soldier walked in upon being ordered. Unlike the other soldiers there, this soldier was vastly different. He was a humanoid wolf, originally a human but transformed from genetic engineering. He was also Sharpe's liaison to Mobius, and went by the code name T-Bone.
"You wished to see me major?" T-Bone asked.
"Yes, Lieutenant," Sharpe answered, handing him an envelope. "We just received this in our diplomatic mail. As you see, it's for the Gamemaster. I'd like you to give this to him and have him report to me. I need to discuss something with him."
"Yes sir! Do you need me to tell him what you need to meet him for?"
"No, I will handle the details. Besides, I wish to ask him about this envelope. You can see where it's from..."
T-Bone looked at the envelope and noticed the seal. His eyes widened. "I've seen this symbol before...on the cape of the armor that appears whenever Anth uses the Descendancy Powers!"
"Yes, Lieutenant..." Sharpe answered. "That envelope is from the Larson Clan, and Mr. Bault was planning to tell me about it when it arrived."
"I'll rush this to him then, sir!" T-Bone answered back, then asked, "Was there anything else you needed, sir?"
"No, just make the delivery and escort the Gamemaster here. Dismissed."
T-Bone saluted and walked out towards the portal room, giving a curious glance towards the envelope as he walked. "What is Anth up to?" he thought to himself.
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"Amy...WHAT are you up to?!?"
Anthony was surprised at the scene he saw. Koopa's seven children were strewn on the ground and sound asleep, and Amy was there looking guilty.
"The Koopa Kids were helping me practice," Amy said. "I told them I knew a power that could make them fall asleep and they wanted me to show them."
"They agreed to this?!?"
"Well...yes, but...it was more of a dare to put them to sleep..."
Anthony rubbed the bridge of his nose as if to stave off a headache. "Amy...when I offered to teach you psionics, it wasn't so you could show off. I'd better wake them..." Anthony then concentrated on a power which enveloped all seven of the sleeping kids, and they began to wake up.
Lenny was the first to wake up. "Where...?" He then spotted the other kids waking up. "Aw man...looks like Amy did put us to sleep!"
"Sorry about that, Len," Amy said, getting his attention, "but you did dare me..."
"Yes, but that's the LAST dare you'll accept!" Anthony said, scolding Amy. He then noticed Sasha approaching the area, ready to receive her next lesson. Sasha had also decided to study telepathic psionics with Anthony to learn more about her own latent ability. Anthony gladly accepted her request, seeing as how he would need practice with more than one student, even though Amy was his apprentice.
"Ah, good, you're here, Sasha," Anthony said, waiting for the Koopa kids to collect themselves and leave the area before continuing. "Now...if Amy can show a little restraint this time...I'd like to go over some of the basics again for a refresher."
"Sounds fair enough," Sasha said. "I need a little practice with the Hypnosis power. When I tried using it on one of Bookshire's patients to help him relax prior to some needed treatment, he wouldn't fall asleep."
"Strange...I didn't have that problem..." Amy remarked.
"Well, that's because telepathic psionics tend to work better on younger minds due to the fact that minds become more developed as the people grow older, thus becoming more complex," Anthony explained. "But for today I'd like to go over..."
"ANTH!" T-Bone called out, interrupting Anthony as he ran over.
Anthony looked towards T-Bone with a confused look. "T-Bone, can you wait a minute? I've got a class going here."
"Can't wait, Anth," T-Bone replied, handing Anthony the envelope. "That just came for you, and Major Sharpe wanted to talk with you about something."
Anthony eyes widened when he saw the seal of the Larson Clan on the envelope. "I understand...I did promise Major Sharpe an explanation of this. Lead the way, T-Bone!" Anthony said, then turned towards Amy and Sasha. "Listen, I'll have to pick up our lessons a little later. This can't wait."
"We understand, Anthony," Amy said.
"C'mon, Anth!" T-Bone remarked. "The Hummer's still running!"
Anthony nodded and followed T-Bone to the waiting vehicle, opening the envelope en route and looking at the contents inside...
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A quick Hummer ride and a portal jump found Anthony in the portal room of Area 51, where T-Bone then led Anthony to Major Sharpe's office. Major Sharpe appeared to be looking over a file very intently. As soon as Anthony and T-Bone had entered the room, Sharpe looked up and got up from his chair.
"Mr. Bault! I see you've gotten your response," Sharpe started. "As you mentioned before, you couldn't give any info until you got that response, correct?"
"Correct," Anthony answered, and then asked, "I assume you're still curious?"
"Indeed..." Sharpe answered. "Especially since I saw the Larson crest."
"Well, good, since I was planning on asking you a favor based on this," Anthony said as Sharpe offered both men chairs and the three of them sat down. "I have decided to begin training people in the use of psionics, starting with members of Sir Eric's bloodline. This envelope was a response from the patriarch of the Clan, saying that he has found two individuals of that bloodline willing to learn. Also, these two will take my place whenever necessary."
T-Bone looked at Anthony in surprise. "Really? Dang...I have to get used to three of you now?"
"We shall see," Anthony replied, then sensed something odd in Sharpe. Anthony looked towards him and noticed that Sharpe was stifling a small laugh. "What's so funny, Major?"
Sharpe stood up and motioned the two of them towards the door. "Come, I'll show you. It's actually the reason I called you here."
The three of them walked down a hall leading to the officers quarters. Sharpe knocked on one of the doors and after hearing a young sounding voice say "Come!", the three walked into the room.
The officer, Lt. Alec Johnson, appeared to have his nose in several books. Anthony noticed that the books came from almost all corners of Arcadia, and all appeared to be reference based. Alec looked up towards the group, and upon spying Sharpe, stood at attention.
"At ease, Lieutenant," Sharpe ordered.
Alec did so, and his eyes widened when he saw who one of his companions was. "Sir? Is that...the Gamemaster?"
Anthony smiled slightly and addressed Alec. "That's me. The name's Anthony Bault."
"An honor to meet you, Gamemaster!" Alec replied.
"So, Major," Anthony said, turning towards Sharpe, "what's so special about this man?"
"Lt. Johnson here has been chosen for a project we call 'Project Gamemaster 2'," Sharpe answered.
Anthony's eyes widened. "'Gamemaster 2'?!? Then this man...?"
"Yes, Mr. Bault," Sharpe interrupted. "This man is a descendant of Sir Eric as well. We have decided to train him to become a Gamemaster for the United Nations military. His primary function will be to protect Earth from any Arcadian based threats, just in case a new threat like Packbell or the Master were to surface."
"I see...were you planning on having me train him in psionics?"
"Not exactly," Sharpe said. "We only wanted to inform you of this in case you need his help on any missions after his training his complete."
"Well, now, I'm confused..." Anthony said. "HOW are you going to train him in psionics? At the moment, I'm the only guy who knows them."
Sharpe turned to Alec and ordered, "Show him, Lieutenant!"
Alec nodded and stretched out a hand towards a lamp on a nearby desk. To Anthony's amazement, the lamp flew into Alec's hand.
Anthony was even more confused now. "How...?"
Sharpe smiled and explained. "Before we even knew about Arcadia, Lt. Johnson here volunteered for a past experiment on ESP."
"Extra Sensory Perception..." Anthony mused. "Of course, by now, a more appropriate term would be CTP or Clairsentient Telepathic Psionics."
"Indeed," Sharpe continued as Alec replaced the lamp. "As the experiment continued, we found that he also had strong telekinetic ability as you have seen. Once you discovered the worlds of Arcadia and the role Sir Eric's bloodline played, we discovered that this bloodline was the source of Lt. Johnson's ability and figured he could be trained as a Gamemaster on the home front."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then turned towards Alec. "Have you begun your training yet?"
"Not yet, sir!" Alec replied.
"Don't call me 'Sir'," Anthony replied back. "You say 'Sir', and I'm expecting to see Dubya behind me."
"Alright then, Gamemaster!"
"That's not any better! Call me Anthony!"
"But Sir, that's not considered proper!"
Anthony shook his head, exasperated, and said, "Alec...technically, we're distant cousins. Treat me as such!"
Alec smiled and then said, "In that case, can I borrow twenty bucks?"
Laughter emanated from all four men, and Anthony spoke up. "That's better. Now, when will you begin training, Alec?"
"My treatments begin tomorrow, and then I'll begin work on various powers."
Anthony turned towards Sharpe. "Treatments?"
Sharpe nodded. "Do you remember the amino water you used to restore your psi power?" Anthony nodded and then Sharpe continued. "Using that, and a medicine derived from medications used to treat mental functions, we have developed a regimen that will allow Lt. Johnson to increase his psionic ability, thus allowing him to reach your power level at a fast, but gradual rate."
"Is the medicine safe?"
"It is safe," Sharpe answered. "We tested it thoroughly to ensure there were no side effects that could prove dangerous. We also plan to keep you informed of his progress, just in case you notice something we don't."
"Good," Anthony answered. "Now, as to that favor I need..."
"Yes?"
"I'll need transportation arranged to Oslo to meet with the Larson Clan," Anthony said. "Also...when I talk to the Clan to finalize the arrival, I'll probably need someone who speaks Norwegian to translate."
"I understand, Mr. Bault," Sharpe said, then turned towards T-Bone. "Go get one of the diplomatic carriers ready for transportation." T-Bone nodded and went off to ready the transport, and then Sharpe turned back towards Anthony. "I'll have one of our European contacts speak with the Larson Clan. Do you have a time frame you want to keep?"
"Tomorrow or the next day, if possible," Anthony explained. "I'll also be taking along three others as well on this trip."
Sharpe raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh?"
"Yes. Sasha Prower, a Mobian telepath I'm training, Amy Rose, who recently acquired psionic ability and who is my apprentice, and her mother, Mary."
"That pink hedgehog is your apprentice?" Sharpe said.
"Well, unlike the descendants of Sir Eric I plan to train, Amy will require some special training to help her master her new powers. So, I decided to make her my apprentice. Sasha already has some mastery and just wants to see what more she can learn."
"I see..." Sharpe said. "Alright, I'll make sure the transportation is ready for four then." He then turned towards Alec, who was listening to the entire conversation. "Well, let you return to your studies, Lieutenant. Be ready at 0700 hours for your first treatment."
"Yes sir!" Alec said.
As Sharpe and Anthony left the room, Anthony turned back towards Alec and said, "Hey Alec! Good luck, and I hope we'll be working together soon!"
"Thank you sir...er, Anthony!" Alec replied.
A week after the first day Anthony started his lessons with Amy, something very different was happening at Area 51...
"So...this is the man you've chosen for the project?"
Major Sharpe was looking over a young lieutenant that was brought before him by another of his officers. The lieutenant looked like your garden variety soldier, save for the blue eyes that seemed to pierce as he looked forward at nothing in particular while he stood at attention.
"Yes sir," the other officer, a commander from another of Sharpe's portal outposts, said. "This is Lieutenant Alec Johnson. His records show that he had passed the initial tests, and that he is of the bloodline you were looking for."
"Excellent," Major Sharpe said, then turning his attention to Alec. "Lieutenant, have you been told why you are here?"
"Yes sir," Alec answered, "and I was told it has something to do with my bloodline."
"That is correct...and you may speak freely from now on. Tell me, lieutenant, have you been told of the Gamemaster?"
"I have, sir. My entire unit has even expressed a note of jealousy...wishing they too could meet the video game characters."
"Hmmm..." Sharpe mused. "You might not feel the same way if you heard what he had to go through. However...the military wishes to give you that chance."
Alec looked at Share in surprise. "Sir?"
Sharpe sat back down behind his desk and continued. "We discovered from an examination of your family records that you are related to Sir Eric of the Larson Clan...the first Gamemaster. As such, you have the potential to use the same powers the current Gamemaster uses. As such, we would like to train you to essentially become a Gamemaster for the military." Sharpe stood back up and looked at Alec with a more subdued look. "This isn't an order. Because our world still doesn't know all there is to know about psionics, there may be some risks involved. That being said, do you accept or refuse?"
Alec, without pausing, said, "I accept!"
Sharpe nodded in approval. "Very well. Report to our medical laboratory first thing tomorrow. Until then, you are relieved of all duty. You may wish to take this time to do some research and familiarize yourself with the worlds of Arcadia. Dismissed."
Alec saluted and then walked away, leaving Sharpe to ponder this turn of events. His thoughts were interrupted when a another soldier knocked on the door.
"Come in," Sharpe ordered.
The soldier walked in upon being ordered. Unlike the other soldiers there, this soldier was vastly different. He was a humanoid wolf, originally a human but transformed from genetic engineering. He was also Sharpe's liaison to Mobius, and went by the code name T-Bone.
"You wished to see me major?" T-Bone asked.
"Yes, Lieutenant," Sharpe answered, handing him an envelope. "We just received this in our diplomatic mail. As you see, it's for the Gamemaster. I'd like you to give this to him and have him report to me. I need to discuss something with him."
"Yes sir! Do you need me to tell him what you need to meet him for?"
"No, I will handle the details. Besides, I wish to ask him about this envelope. You can see where it's from..."
T-Bone looked at the envelope and noticed the seal. His eyes widened. "I've seen this symbol before...on the cape of the armor that appears whenever Anth uses the Descendancy Powers!"
"Yes, Lieutenant..." Sharpe answered. "That envelope is from the Larson Clan, and Mr. Bault was planning to tell me about it when it arrived."
"I'll rush this to him then, sir!" T-Bone answered back, then asked, "Was there anything else you needed, sir?"
"No, just make the delivery and escort the Gamemaster here. Dismissed."
T-Bone saluted and walked out towards the portal room, giving a curious glance towards the envelope as he walked. "What is Anth up to?" he thought to himself.
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"Amy...WHAT are you up to?!?"
Anthony was surprised at the scene he saw. Koopa's seven children were strewn on the ground and sound asleep, and Amy was there looking guilty.
"The Koopa Kids were helping me practice," Amy said. "I told them I knew a power that could make them fall asleep and they wanted me to show them."
"They agreed to this?!?"
"Well...yes, but...it was more of a dare to put them to sleep..."
Anthony rubbed the bridge of his nose as if to stave off a headache. "Amy...when I offered to teach you psionics, it wasn't so you could show off. I'd better wake them..." Anthony then concentrated on a power which enveloped all seven of the sleeping kids, and they began to wake up.
Lenny was the first to wake up. "Where...?" He then spotted the other kids waking up. "Aw man...looks like Amy did put us to sleep!"
"Sorry about that, Len," Amy said, getting his attention, "but you did dare me..."
"Yes, but that's the LAST dare you'll accept!" Anthony said, scolding Amy. He then noticed Sasha approaching the area, ready to receive her next lesson. Sasha had also decided to study telepathic psionics with Anthony to learn more about her own latent ability. Anthony gladly accepted her request, seeing as how he would need practice with more than one student, even though Amy was his apprentice.
"Ah, good, you're here, Sasha," Anthony said, waiting for the Koopa kids to collect themselves and leave the area before continuing. "Now...if Amy can show a little restraint this time...I'd like to go over some of the basics again for a refresher."
"Sounds fair enough," Sasha said. "I need a little practice with the Hypnosis power. When I tried using it on one of Bookshire's patients to help him relax prior to some needed treatment, he wouldn't fall asleep."
"Strange...I didn't have that problem..." Amy remarked.
"Well, that's because telepathic psionics tend to work better on younger minds due to the fact that minds become more developed as the people grow older, thus becoming more complex," Anthony explained. "But for today I'd like to go over..."
"ANTH!" T-Bone called out, interrupting Anthony as he ran over.
Anthony looked towards T-Bone with a confused look. "T-Bone, can you wait a minute? I've got a class going here."
"Can't wait, Anth," T-Bone replied, handing Anthony the envelope. "That just came for you, and Major Sharpe wanted to talk with you about something."
Anthony eyes widened when he saw the seal of the Larson Clan on the envelope. "I understand...I did promise Major Sharpe an explanation of this. Lead the way, T-Bone!" Anthony said, then turned towards Amy and Sasha. "Listen, I'll have to pick up our lessons a little later. This can't wait."
"We understand, Anthony," Amy said.
"C'mon, Anth!" T-Bone remarked. "The Hummer's still running!"
Anthony nodded and followed T-Bone to the waiting vehicle, opening the envelope en route and looking at the contents inside...
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A quick Hummer ride and a portal jump found Anthony in the portal room of Area 51, where T-Bone then led Anthony to Major Sharpe's office. Major Sharpe appeared to be looking over a file very intently. As soon as Anthony and T-Bone had entered the room, Sharpe looked up and got up from his chair.
"Mr. Bault! I see you've gotten your response," Sharpe started. "As you mentioned before, you couldn't give any info until you got that response, correct?"
"Correct," Anthony answered, and then asked, "I assume you're still curious?"
"Indeed..." Sharpe answered. "Especially since I saw the Larson crest."
"Well, good, since I was planning on asking you a favor based on this," Anthony said as Sharpe offered both men chairs and the three of them sat down. "I have decided to begin training people in the use of psionics, starting with members of Sir Eric's bloodline. This envelope was a response from the patriarch of the Clan, saying that he has found two individuals of that bloodline willing to learn. Also, these two will take my place whenever necessary."
T-Bone looked at Anthony in surprise. "Really? Dang...I have to get used to three of you now?"
"We shall see," Anthony replied, then sensed something odd in Sharpe. Anthony looked towards him and noticed that Sharpe was stifling a small laugh. "What's so funny, Major?"
Sharpe stood up and motioned the two of them towards the door. "Come, I'll show you. It's actually the reason I called you here."
The three of them walked down a hall leading to the officers quarters. Sharpe knocked on one of the doors and after hearing a young sounding voice say "Come!", the three walked into the room.
The officer, Lt. Alec Johnson, appeared to have his nose in several books. Anthony noticed that the books came from almost all corners of Arcadia, and all appeared to be reference based. Alec looked up towards the group, and upon spying Sharpe, stood at attention.
"At ease, Lieutenant," Sharpe ordered.
Alec did so, and his eyes widened when he saw who one of his companions was. "Sir? Is that...the Gamemaster?"
Anthony smiled slightly and addressed Alec. "That's me. The name's Anthony Bault."
"An honor to meet you, Gamemaster!" Alec replied.
"So, Major," Anthony said, turning towards Sharpe, "what's so special about this man?"
"Lt. Johnson here has been chosen for a project we call 'Project Gamemaster 2'," Sharpe answered.
Anthony's eyes widened. "'Gamemaster 2'?!? Then this man...?"
"Yes, Mr. Bault," Sharpe interrupted. "This man is a descendant of Sir Eric as well. We have decided to train him to become a Gamemaster for the United Nations military. His primary function will be to protect Earth from any Arcadian based threats, just in case a new threat like Packbell or the Master were to surface."
"I see...were you planning on having me train him in psionics?"
"Not exactly," Sharpe said. "We only wanted to inform you of this in case you need his help on any missions after his training his complete."
"Well, now, I'm confused..." Anthony said. "HOW are you going to train him in psionics? At the moment, I'm the only guy who knows them."
Sharpe turned to Alec and ordered, "Show him, Lieutenant!"
Alec nodded and stretched out a hand towards a lamp on a nearby desk. To Anthony's amazement, the lamp flew into Alec's hand.
Anthony was even more confused now. "How...?"
Sharpe smiled and explained. "Before we even knew about Arcadia, Lt. Johnson here volunteered for a past experiment on ESP."
"Extra Sensory Perception..." Anthony mused. "Of course, by now, a more appropriate term would be CTP or Clairsentient Telepathic Psionics."
"Indeed," Sharpe continued as Alec replaced the lamp. "As the experiment continued, we found that he also had strong telekinetic ability as you have seen. Once you discovered the worlds of Arcadia and the role Sir Eric's bloodline played, we discovered that this bloodline was the source of Lt. Johnson's ability and figured he could be trained as a Gamemaster on the home front."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then turned towards Alec. "Have you begun your training yet?"
"Not yet, sir!" Alec replied.
"Don't call me 'Sir'," Anthony replied back. "You say 'Sir', and I'm expecting to see Dubya behind me."
"Alright then, Gamemaster!"
"That's not any better! Call me Anthony!"
"But Sir, that's not considered proper!"
Anthony shook his head, exasperated, and said, "Alec...technically, we're distant cousins. Treat me as such!"
Alec smiled and then said, "In that case, can I borrow twenty bucks?"
Laughter emanated from all four men, and Anthony spoke up. "That's better. Now, when will you begin training, Alec?"
"My treatments begin tomorrow, and then I'll begin work on various powers."
Anthony turned towards Sharpe. "Treatments?"
Sharpe nodded. "Do you remember the amino water you used to restore your psi power?" Anthony nodded and then Sharpe continued. "Using that, and a medicine derived from medications used to treat mental functions, we have developed a regimen that will allow Lt. Johnson to increase his psionic ability, thus allowing him to reach your power level at a fast, but gradual rate."
"Is the medicine safe?"
"It is safe," Sharpe answered. "We tested it thoroughly to ensure there were no side effects that could prove dangerous. We also plan to keep you informed of his progress, just in case you notice something we don't."
"Good," Anthony answered. "Now, as to that favor I need..."
"Yes?"
"I'll need transportation arranged to Oslo to meet with the Larson Clan," Anthony said. "Also...when I talk to the Clan to finalize the arrival, I'll probably need someone who speaks Norwegian to translate."
"I understand, Mr. Bault," Sharpe said, then turned towards T-Bone. "Go get one of the diplomatic carriers ready for transportation." T-Bone nodded and went off to ready the transport, and then Sharpe turned back towards Anthony. "I'll have one of our European contacts speak with the Larson Clan. Do you have a time frame you want to keep?"
"Tomorrow or the next day, if possible," Anthony explained. "I'll also be taking along three others as well on this trip."
Sharpe raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh?"
"Yes. Sasha Prower, a Mobian telepath I'm training, Amy Rose, who recently acquired psionic ability and who is my apprentice, and her mother, Mary."
"That pink hedgehog is your apprentice?" Sharpe said.
"Well, unlike the descendants of Sir Eric I plan to train, Amy will require some special training to help her master her new powers. So, I decided to make her my apprentice. Sasha already has some mastery and just wants to see what more she can learn."
"I see..." Sharpe said. "Alright, I'll make sure the transportation is ready for four then." He then turned towards Alec, who was listening to the entire conversation. "Well, let you return to your studies, Lieutenant. Be ready at 0700 hours for your first treatment."
"Yes sir!" Alec said.
As Sharpe and Anthony left the room, Anthony turned back towards Alec and said, "Hey Alec! Good luck, and I hope we'll be working together soon!"
"Thank you sir...er, Anthony!" Alec replied.