The price of admission

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the old doctor gave Cillian a tour of the facility—the ones that were open to him, at least. The major just followed them wordlessly while the doctor explained each facility to Cillian, subtly omitting any important parts. The Norming research facility was just one of dozens operated by the foundation, scattered throughout the galaxy. He also learned the surprising truth that the system they were currently in, called Norming Z13-A or just Norming as the researchers call it, is situated in the borderlands of the New Terra Empire, facing the yet-to-be-fully-explored Frontier space. Cillian never thought that he would be able to visit the empire so soon. After a rough tour of the base, including numerous specialized facilities and equipment that Cillian had only heard of in theory classes or never heard of at all, they reached the doctor's office. As expected from a scientist, the office had a very utilitarian feel to it. The trio took their seats in the guest area of the office, facing each other.

"So, Cillian, what do you think of the facility?" the doctor asked.

"I don't think I am qualified to comment on something like that, but it sure looks impressive," Cillian replied.

The doctor smiled at Cillian's response and didn't push the topic any further.

The major suddenly spoke up, "Doctor, I think the other matters can wait. We need to conduct Cillian's induction ceremony as soon as possible. My time cannot be wasted any further."

There was a tinge of impatience in her voice, but her face didn't show it at all.

The doctor looked at the major for a moment before speaking up, "Well, you're right, Miss Andrea. You are indeed a busy person. The ceremony does take priority."

Cillian could tell that the doctor wasn't entirely happy with the major's actions. He wanted to ease the atmosphere, so he spoke, "So, what's this ceremony about? Is it some ritual? Do I need to cut my hand and make a pledge of allegiance or something?"

The doctor looked at Cillian before looking at the major, "You haven't told him yet?"

The major replied in a flat tone, "I didn't think it was part of my job."

The doctor wanted to say something back but held it in.

Cillian sensed that something was off, "Is there a problem?"

The doctor replied, "Nothing of the sort, Cillian. I just thought that you were aware of what you signed up for."

Cillian didn't like the way the conversation was going. The doctor continued, "No use in crying over spilled milk. I will can just you what the ceremony is."

The doctor reached into his coat pocket and took out a square transparent case. Inside the case was an electronic chip the size of a coin. The doctor held the case in front of Cillian and started explaining, "This right here is an Integrated Operations Chip, made using some of the rarest materials and advanced technology known to humans. This small thing right here has more processing power than the most advanced supercomputers that existed during the Great War. While this may sound like a huge thing , it still can't match even a fraction of the performance of an A-grade pioneer's brain.Unfortunately it wont make you any smarter, as there are no data banks and AI installed so that there are no loopholes for hackers to exploit. The only way information can go in and out is through a unique wave, one that is only accessible via a resonance user who belongs to the foundation. Even then, the user has to grant permission for the chip to upload any data to the brain, preventing the user from being affected in case the resonance user is compromised. In addition to this, the chip also acts as a communication network that is basically undetectable by normal means."

As the doctor rambled on about the chip's uses, Cillian had a bad feeling in his heart. 'Is he going to say what he thinks he is?' Cillian couldn't take the stress any longer and asked, "What does it have to do with the ceremony?" hoping the answer isn't the one he is thinking.

"It has everything to do with the ceremony. The first thing any member of the foundation has to do before joining is to get the Integrated Chip installed. Then only are they allowed to call themselves members of the organization" the doctor said in a serious tone.

Cillian's mind was racing as countless thoughts flashed through it. Unknowingly, he blurted out, "Can it be used against the user if the foundation wants to?" Cillian was expecting them to make up some excuses,

recite some propaganda about why it necessary or something of similar sort but he was surprised at the reply the major gave, "Yes, Cillian, that is correct. In case a member is caught by the enemy or betrays the organization, the chip can send an electric shock to the brain that will kill anyone who is a D-grade or below. But for C-grade and above, their regeneration will save them in 90% of the cases, and most will just end up with memory loss. But make no mistake aginst powerful pioneers, the chip is basically worthless and serves no porpose, as they have thousands of ways to get rid of the chip or can't be affected by it anyway. But in the foundation, even if a member grows strong enough to make the chip useless, many will still choose to keep it as a symbol of trust in the organization, like me," she said, pointing to her head.

This revelation surprised Cillian. A B-grade like Major Andrea willingly chose to keep something that could have ended her all these years willingly. This sent his mind into another turmoil over the decision to entrust his life to someone he hasn't even seen in his life. But Cillian came to a sudden realization: Does he even have a choice? He is basically at the foundation's base of operations; there is no way they are letting him go back on his decision to join the organization. And even if they allow him to reverse all this and go back on his decision, then what? He is an intergalactic criminal with no means to escape other than to become an outlaw or pirate. Does he want that for himself? After considering all the facts, Cillian came to a decision.

"I will agree to the ceremony."