Emotion Hunter: System Awakening.

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[Jake's POV - Interview Room B, Same Time]

Jake Morrison had been in Guild facilities before.

Not as a detainee, obviously. But his father's position as Regional Security Director meant Jake had grown up around Guild events, ceremonies, and the occasional "bring your family to work" day.

He knew the difference between visitor areas and operational sections.

And this was definitely operational section.

"Mr. Morrison," the interviewer said, settling into the chair across from Jake.

The man was younger than Jake expected, maybe early thirties, with the kind of military bearing. "I'm Lieutenant Hayes, Guild Internal Security."

Jake nodded politely, falling back on years of social training.

When in doubt, be respectful and wait for the other person to show their hand.

"I suppose you know why you're here," Hayes continued, opening a file folder.

"I assume it has something to do with Riven and the Veil entries."

"Quite a bit to do with that, yes." Hayes consulted his notes. "And you got charges too, like Unauthorized dimensional operations. Material support for unregistered system users. Violation of Guild security protocols."

Jake had been expecting this conversation since Kane's message to Riven. The only surprise was that it had taken this long for them to come look for me and Maya.

"I provided equipment and transportation," Jake said carefully. "I didn't think that was illegal."

"It wasn't the equipment provision that concerns us, Mr. Morrison. It was the intent behind it."

Hayes pulled out a tablet and began scrolling through what looked like financial records.

"Tactical gear purchases totaling eight thousand dollars. Surveillance equipment. Medical supplies. Emergency communication devices. This represents significant material support for illegal operations."

*Ahh shit, Here we go.*

Jake kept his expression neutral. "I was helping friends with what I thought was a legitimate search and rescue operation."

"So, it was a search and rescue?" Hayes looked up from the tablet. "For people who've been legally declared dead for two years."

"Legally declared doesn't mean actually dead."

"No, but statistically, survival rates for Red Veil incidents are less than three percent after the first week."

Jake felt his temper rising but kept it controlled. "Statistics aren't people, Lieutenant."

Hayes smiled, and Jake recognized the expression. It was the same one his father used when he thought he was being clever.

"Indeed they aren't. Which brings us to the interesting part of your file."

A new document appeared on the tablet screen. Jake's heart sank as he recognized his own handwriting.

"Personal journal entries, Mr. Morrison. Quite detailed observations about Mr. Duke's abilities and your team's operational procedures."

*Shit. They'd searched his room.*

"Those are private thoughts."

"Not when they document illegal activities. But also not necessarily problematic, depending on the context."

Hayes set down the tablet and studied Jake directly. "Your father is Regional Security Director Morrison. You've grown up around Guild operations. You understand our mission and our authority."

"Yes."

"Then help me understand why someone with your background would choose to participate in unauthorized dimensional operations."

Jake had been dreading this question since the moment Kane contacted Riven. Because the honest answer wasn't something he could explain easily.

"Riven needed help. His family is missing. I had resources he didn't."

"And you believed this justified breaking Guild regulations?"

"I believed friendship justified taking calculated risks."

Hayes made a note. "Calculated risks huh. Interesting phrase. What calculations did you make?"

Jake felt the interview shifting...but not in his favor. Hayes wasn't just gathering information; he was evaluating something.

"Gray Veils have manageable threat levels. Riven's abilities were developing rapidly too. Maya provided medical expertise. Marcus provided combat support. I provided logistics and equipment."

"A functional team structure."

"We tried to be smart about it."

"Smart enough to survive multiple Veil entries with zero casualties."

"We were careful."

Hayes leaned back in his chair. "Mr. Morrison, your father has served the Guild with distinction for fifteen years. Your academic record shows tactical and leadership aptitude. And your recent activities demonstrate operational competence despite legal irregularities."

*Where is this going?*

"The Guild has an interest in people who show leadership potential and tactical judgment, even when that judgment leads them into unauthorized activities."

Jake felt a chill of recognition. This wasn't just an interrogation.

"What kind of interest?"

"The kind that offers alternatives to criminal prosecution."

*Of course. Just like with the others.*

"What kind of alternatives?"

Hayes pulled out different paperwork. "Guild Academy, Mr. Morrison. It's a officer candidate program. Your background and demonstrated capabilities makes you an ideal candidate."

Jake stared at the documents. Everything he'd never wanted, laid out like an inevitability.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then you face criminal charges for material support of illegal operations. Your father's position won't protect you from the consequences of your choices."

*They had him completely.* Jake realized his father probably knew about this conversation. Might have even arranged it.

"How long is the Academy program?"

"Eighteen months basic training, followed by specialized assignment based on aptitude assessment."

"And my friends?"

Hayes's expression didn't change. "Mr. Duke and Mr. Chen are being processed through Training Unit Seven. Ms. Chen has accepted a research position. Their futures depend on successful adaptation to Guild protocols."

*So everyone gets absorbed in their own way.*

Jake looked at the Academy paperwork. It wasn't what he'd planned for his life, but maybe it was a way to stay connected to his friends, to help them navigate Guild politics from the inside.

"If I accept, would I have any contact with them?"

"That would depend on your respective assignments and security clearances."

*That's not a no at least, but not a yes either.*

Jake picked up the pen. His father had always said the Guild took care of its own. Maybe it was time to find out what that really meant.

"Where do I sign?"

As he worked through the paperwork, Jake couldn't shake the feeling that this had all been planned from the beginning. Four college students stumble into dimensional adventures, and the Guild just happens to have perfect career opportunities for each of their skill sets.

"Welcome to the Guild, Mr. Morrison," Hayes said, collecting the signed documents. "Academy orientation begins Monday. You'll receive housing and equipment assignments tomorrow."

"Same day Riven and Marcus start their training?"

"Yes, it's Coordinated scheduling....it helps with your administrative efficiency."

*Sure it does.*

As Jake was escorted out of the interview room, he wondered if this was what his father had intended all along.

Get close to the interesting system user, let events unfold, then harvest all the useful pieces when the dust settled.

If so, it had worked perfectly.

The only question now was whether Jake could use his position to help his friends survive what the Guild had planned for them, or if he'd just signed up to watch them disappear into the institutional machinery.

Did I just rat us out?? This was a fleeting thought of his.