Chapter Text
The forest was magic. That's how I felt as I drove through it on my way to my interview. The sun's rays filtered through the tall evergreens and left streaks of light between the trunks. It gave the forest an ethereal beauty, and I wouldn't have been surprised to see a mythical creature or two. Bigfoot would feel right at home here with his friend, the unicorn.
I laugh to myself as I continue driving. I love the forest. I love the soft earth, the cool air, and the way the sounds of my busy city become muted the further I drive. Looking out my windows into the cool green, I felt as if I were coming home. It's why I had joined the forestry service, to begin with, and now my dream job was giving me a chance for an interview.
Bangtan Forestry Center was one of the most coveted places to work in my town. They paid their people well to keep the forest safe, clean, and free of fire danger. They provided on-site apartments, health insurance, and a very comfortable retirement package after ten years. That's right; after ten years, they paid for you to retire comfortably. Many of my colleagues want to work there and have tried for years, but this time, it's my turn, and I'm so nervous.
I see the turnoff to the Center up ahead and take the road indicated. The forest becomes even lusher if you can imagine. The road narrows and meanders through the enormous trees, and I realize that the road moves around the trees instead of the forest making way for the road. That would fit the Bangtan philosophy of preserving the forest.
After twenty minutes, the trees open up to a beautiful meadow surrounding the Forestry Center. A sign welcomes guests, but the parking is minimal, making it clear that not many guests are actually expected.... or maybe not even wanted.
I park my car and step out, and look around the premises. The Center sits on the edge of the forest with a large lawn sprawling in front. Douglas firs, Spruce, and Jeffrey Pine dot the edge of the lawn leading towards the forest. The recent rainfall helps give the place a clean and lush smell that reminds me of camping in the rain as a kid. I love the smell of wet evergreens. This is only one of many reasons why I love working in the forests of my home.
I walk up the walkway to the Center and pull open the front doors. Inside, the center is open and inviting. Along one side, a rounded staircase hugs the wall leading to a second floor where doors to more rooms can be seen. Interactive displays are set up around the room for patrons to learn about the forest. I smile at the displays, thinking of the limited parking. They want visitors, just not a lot of them at once, it seems.
I hear a door open, and my head tilts up at the sound of a person's footsteps on the balcony above. An older gentleman appears as he comes down the stairs. He notices me and smiles in a welcoming way, putting me at ease.
"Doctor (L/N), welcome to the Bangtan Forestry Center," he says as he walks up to me and shakes my hand.
"Just call me (Y/N), please." Shaking his hand firmly. Dad always said to never be afraid to shake a person's hand. It inspires confidence and trust.
"I'm Dr. Daniel Castor, the director of the Center. It's nice to meet you. Why don't we take a seat?" He indicates a pair of couches set on the side in a comfortable array. I take a seat while he provides a couple of cups of water from a nearby table.
"Thank you for the opportunity to interview with your amazing organization, Dr. Castor."
"Daniel, please," He takes a seat. "We were pleased to receive your application. As you know, this is a highly desirable place to work in our small town, so the competition is high. We only interview the best."
I take a deep breath and smile at the compliment. I had worked hard to excel in my field, and it felt terrific to hear another recognize my hard work.
"I grew up here and fell in love with the forests and the wildlife, and I hope to continue that love working for the Center," I reply.
Daniel smiles and continues asking questions about my background, work-life, and even touches on my thesis in forestry management. "Your doctoral work has been of particular interest since we are concerned with the conservation of the forest and protecting all who live within its boundaries."
I nod, "I had a few people get upset with my work because I advocated healthy levels of logging and clearing debris so that in cases of forest fires, there was less for a fire to eat. Something that had been a major problem for forests on the west coast of the United States. Judicious forest planning keeps things from getting out of hand and allows the forest to stay healthy while providing well for the animals who live within."
Daniel smiles at my words and puts his cup down before looking at me seriously, "We have a variety of animals who live in this forest. The Bangtan group has acquired several types of animals that are not native to these parts but can live within our boundaries. We take special care to make sure they are provided for. So your work in fire prevention was of singular interest. We have been lucky so far that none of the local fires ever reached our grounds."
"I would love to help keep our forest safe, Daniel." He nods at my comment and continues with his questions. After a couple of hours, he asked me if there were any questions I had.
"My only curiosity is the required retirement after ten years. If a person is working well, you'd want to keep them on to continue the work they are doing. Why the forced retirement?"
"Ah, yes, that," Daniel nodded. "There are only two of us who have been allowed to stay longer than ten years. Mrs. Kim and I are the caretakers of this center and the private home of the Bangtan group on the grounds. The Bangtan Group also wants to take care of the people for whom this forest is also home and work. So they keep opportunities open so they can help as many as they can have a good job."
"What does it take to get to stay longer than ten years?" I asked.
Daniel took his time answering. He gave me a long look, his eyes giving nothing away, "That is for Bangtan Group to decide. I will tell you this, " He put down his cup. "The members of Bangtan Group are very private. You will rarely see them, if at all, during your tenure here. This has been a problem with most who have worked here, disliking the secrecy."
"Is there a problem that has to be kept secret?" I ask, concerned.
"Not a problem, but a condition. I can't go into specifics, but I can tell you that being able to work with this condition is only one of the things you'd have to be okay with to continue to stay on after ten years. So far, nobody has been able to deal with that condition. So the Bangtan Group provides a good early retirement to compensate for what has bothered many."
"I have never heard anyone complain about that before," I comment.
"We pay extremely well, and that tends to stop complaints," Daniel says with a wry grin.
I nod and chuckle, understanding too well that most of my colleagues only cared about the healthy paycheck this place provides. Who am I kidding? I want a healthy paycheck, too. If they want to be secretive in who they deal with directly, who am I to complain?
"I don't see a problem with that condition. Are there any others?"
"Just one more. Your devotion to the forest and its creatures will be tested. Tomorrow night, you will come and spend the night in the forest. If you can survive the night, then the job is yours."
"Am I being hazed in this overnighter?" I'm both amused and concerned.
"In a way. We want to see how truly comfortable you are in the forest at night. You will not be in any danger from the animals within, but many will work in the forest during the day, but wouldn't step into one at night. We need people who love the forest at all times of day to help us manage and sustain its beauty."
"I don't have a problem with that condition. It's been a while since I have been able to go camping. It should be fun." I smile and offer my hand to Daniel.
"Perfect, then we will see you tomorrow at 9 pm. We'll provide everything you need, so just bring yourself and some warm clothes." Daniel takes my hand and shakes it. I leave the Center and walk back to my car.
As I drive away, I notice a wolf standing on the edge of the clearing, watching me drive away. I hadn't heard we had any wolves in the area. That should make tomorrow night's "test" interesting. Should I be worried? Daniel did say that I wouldn't be in danger. Maybe the wolf is domesticated but can run free in the forest? I shake my head. Wolves aren't domesticated animals.
What did I sign up for?