The Substitute

Question

Nate Dern

Calvin squinted. It was true that biology was the final period of the day, and there had been one or two times previously when they’d been allowed to leave early since they were all seniors, but such occurrences were rare. A class solely for him? Was this remedial? Was this about to be some lecture from some stranger who thinks he knows what’s what because he read a grade sheet? It occurred to Calvin that he should leave. His eyes darted back toward the hallway.

“I can’t force you to stay, Calvin,” Mr. K said, as if reading his mind, “but I will have to mark it as an unexcused absence if you leave.”

Calvin considered this. The whole thing felt off, but he also didn’t want to clock up another absence. He stepped forward and took a seat. He looked up at Mr. K and raised his eyebrows.

“Today’s lesson is of utmost importance,” Mr. K began, striding over to the windows where, one at a time, he pulled down the shades. “The significance of which applies not only directly to you and your life, but also to all of mankind.” Having finished with the shades, Mr. K walked over to the door, opened it and then looked both ways to make sure the coast was clear. Satisfied, he shut the door, then locked it. Calvin sat up, his fingers clenched around the underside of his seat. “And what I have to tell you will at first be overwhelming, but — ”

“Cut it out and tell me what’s really going on!” Calvin shouted, his sudden outburst startling himself more than Mr. K.

Mr. K’s composure was unshaken. He moved closer and then knelt down in front of Calvin. He smiled as he studied Calvin, like he was searching a familiar room for some lost object that he knew was there, somewhere tucked away, just out of sight.

“Okay, Calvin,” Mr. K said quietly. He stood up, took a step back, and then launched into what seemed like a rehearsed speech, his voice taking on a tone as if he was making a pitch to a group of investors. “I’m a time traveler. You may think that’s impossible, but you’ll very quickly have to believe me because I don’t have much time to convince you of the truth. Where? The future. How far? Approximately thirty years, give or take. How? By utilizing disruptive quantum technology developed by a rogue group of scientists known as The Optimal Trajectory Society. The OTS have made a series of concerning discoveries and believe that in the future — the future that I’ve come from — it is too late to change things. We have arrived at a certain power dynamic that appears to be intractable. So, I’ve come here on a mission. You, Calvin, are the target of my mission. My objective is to facilitate an attitudinal adjustment."

Write: What is Mr. K's point of view about his mission? How do you know?

Answer 1

Mr. K's point of view about his mission appears to be one of urgency and significance. He believes that his task is crucial not only for Calvin's personal development but also for the broader implications it holds for humanity. Mr. K views himself as a messenger or facilitator, tasked with conveying an important truth that could potentially alter the course of the future.

This perspective is evident in the way he describes the nature of his mission. Phrases such as "of utmost importance" and "the significance...applies not only directly to you and your life, but also to all of mankind" suggest that he feels a deep sense of responsibility and weight on his shoulders. His attempts to create an atmosphere of seriousness—by locking the door and pulling down the shades—underscore his belief that the information he is about to share is not only sensitive but possibly paradigm-shifting.

Additionally, Mr. K's choice to kneel in front of Calvin and approach him with a calm demeanor indicates that he sees this interaction as a one-on-one conversation of great importance, rather than just a routine lecture. His detailed explanation about being a time traveler and the dangers of the future indicates that he considers this mission not just a job, but a pressing imperative that could have dire consequences if he fails.

Overall, Mr. K seems to embody a sense of mission-driven determination, believing that he holds a pivotal role in influencing Calvin's beliefs and attitudes in a manner that could resonate far beyond this single moment in time.