Chapter 54: The Path Forward
Monday – Caltech Registrar's Office – 10:02 a.m.
The office smelled faintly of old books and printer toner. Jake sat in a padded chair that made him feel even shorter than he already was, though it didn't bother him. He'd long since learned that the power in a room had nothing to do with height.
Across from him sat Mrs. Franklin, the academic registrar, who'd been at Caltech for 28 years and had seen her fair share of prodigies. But none quite like this one.
She peered at his file again, lips pursed, and tapped her pen against the corner.
"You've completed nearly double the undergraduate credit requirements in under two years," she said. "Half of that through independent research and industry work. You're thirteen years old."
Jake nodded once, calm. "I'll be fourteen in March. I'd like to begin the challenge exam process and formally request review for early doctoral candidacy."
Mrs. Franklin raised an eyebrow. "And you believe you're ready to graduate from Caltech—possibly as the youngest Ph.D. in U.S. history—before your voice even finishes changing?"
Jake let out a breath, more amused than annoyed. "I've already published peer-reviewed research. I co-wrote a breakthrough equation with Dr. Sheldon Cooper. My current projects include quantum infrastructure, AI systems, and cross-device integration at the scale of nearly one hundred million users. What I haven't done… is write it all down for a group of older men with tenure."
There was a pause. Then, to his surprise, Mrs. Franklin smiled slightly. "Spoken like someone who knows exactly what he's up against."
She signed off on the form in front of her. "You'll be notified of your challenge exam schedule by Friday. Some of the faculty will resist this, but… if you pass, no one can stop you. Not even the ones who want to."
Jake stood. "Thank you."
She handed him a copy of the form. "And Jake?"
He glanced back.
"Be careful. The closer you get to changing the world, the more people will try to slow you down."
---
Physics Department Lounge – 2:19 p.m.
The chalkboard was already half full by the time Sheldon entered.
Jake didn't look up. "You're late."
"I was reviewing string theory models with a visiting physicist from Zurich. He wanted to show me his model for multi-dimensional wave interference."
Jake paused, marker still in hand. "Did it work?"
"No," Sheldon said flatly. "But his penmanship was elegant."
Jake chuckled, then stepped back from the board. "I initiated my path to doctorate status. Challenge exams start next week."
Sheldon stood silently for a moment, looking at the board, then at Jake.
"You realize this is going to cause friction," he said. "Some faculty think of this place as a proving ground. You're proving them… irrelevant."
Jake leaned against the table. "If they want me to slow down, they can match me in a debate. Or solve my equations. Or build a working prototype of what I'm trying to publish."
Sheldon tilted his head. "You've grown more arrogant."
Jake shrugged. "No. Just more efficient."
A slow smile pulled at Sheldon's mouth. "Then may the physics gods have mercy on your examiners."
---
Brentwood – That Night – 7:46 p.m.
Judith stirred pasta in a pot while Jake organized folders on the dining table, each labeled with a subject: Quantum Mechanics, Complex Systems, Advanced Computation, Electromagnetic Theory, and Theoretical Cosmology.
"Are those all your exams?" she asked over her shoulder.
Jake nodded. "It's more efficient to take them all within a ten-day window. Keeps the pressure on."
Judith turned off the burner and walked over, sitting across from him. "Jake… I'm proud of you. I really am. But I also want to make sure you're not burning yourself out trying to prove something."
"I'm not proving anything," Jake said, then paused. "Okay… maybe a little."
He looked down at his folders. "I guess I just want to get there faster. I see what's coming—technology, communication, the whole world shifting. And I don't want to wait for the system to catch up."
Judith reached over and squeezed his hand. "Just don't forget you're still my kid. You're allowed to be thirteen sometimes."
Jake gave her a tired smile. "I'll take the weekend off. Maybe."
Judith stood. "I'll hold you to that. Now eat before your brain eats you."
---
FaceWorld HQ – 11:14 p.m.
Back in his home office, Jake sat at his desk one last time before bed. The room was dim except for the glow of the monitors. User growth was steady. Bug reports were quiet. Callum had everything under control.
He opened a private chat channel and typed:
> To: Callum
Taking a step back this week for exams. Stay the course. FaceWorld's stable.
-Jake
Then he reached for his phone and tapped on Haley's name.
> Jake: Exams start next week. It's official. I'm going for the Ph.D.
A moment passed.
> Haley: Dr. Harper, huh? Should I start calling you that now or after you build us a moon base?
Jake smiled, leaning back in his chair.
> Jake: Let's aim for the moon base first.