Chapter 35: An Unexpected Encounter

Charlotte was all dressed and ready to head out.

That morning, she asked her little robot friend what exactly her appointment entailed.

"You set the date today at 9:00 am to head to the Federation Agency."

"The Federation Agency?"

"You mentioned that you had to attend a meeting today before heading out."

"Heading out where?"

"You did not mention Ms. Charlotte."

'I'll find out one way or another.'

So, she heads out once more except with a location in mind.

Using her headset, she was able to pinpoint where the agency was. A neat feature of the headset is to suggest the most efficient, comfortable, and affordable way of getting to a specific location based on the person. It didn't only provide a route but the ideal way of getting there with the capabilities of the person in mind.

She arrived in front of the building faster than she thought.

Charlotte stood in a different city square this time. Surrounding her were other agency buildings that had people coming in and out in their work outfits, seemingly busy. People had a little robot friend, that had a top similar to that of a helicopter. It seemed like they carried their documents like how a briefcase would, except the documents were virtual.

The tall building loomed over her, casting a hidden shadow that couldn't be seen under the light of the sun. The windows of the building reflected the light that danced in Charlotte's eyes. The door that opened and close every time people came in and out let out a rhythmic thud at a very fast pace, frightening her a bit.

Although afraid, Charlotte quickly walked through the doors, shrinking her neck and squeezing her shoulders. She merely hoped she won't be crushed by the automatic door.

Once she was inside, she was greeted by the sight of the lounge. Adjacent to where she was standing was a very large and long couch that stretched further into the lounge. A long table was set to accompany such a large couch. There weren't as many people inside as Charlotte thought. Those who were present all were fiddling with their headset device, making it seem like they were pointing at the air.

She looked to her right and saw the attendant desk, the attendant seemed busy at work typing something on the holographic monitor, an advanced computer.

Charlotte couldn't think of anything else that would help her situation so she walked up to the front lady and spoke.

"Excuse me, I seem to have an appointment here."

The young lady looked up at Charlotte and then quickly smiled, her short hair dangled slightly as she turned. Her hair was clipped upwards with a crescent-shaped hair clip. She looked young and youthful. Her blue eyes looked Charlotte up and down.

"Ah yes, Charlotte! Sorry, the building is different, right? We just had it renovated while everyone was out of the office."

"Yes, a very... fresh look."

"The new decorations looked lively as well, it brightens up the office. Since everything was renovated, I'll send you a map of the structure so you won't get lost!"

"It seemed like the rooms were also moved?"

"Yes, everything has been redone, you won't even recognize it! The meeting would be in 'Meeting Room 2', I heard there are new people coming in today."

"New people?"

"Yes. Your job as an informant is very important after all. Apparently, 'the authority' felt you guys were a bit understaffed and so hired new people. But I can guarantee you they are extremely experienced."

"Yes, relaying information has its difficulties."

"Just like any job would! You sing for a living? It gives you a soar throat. You bake for a living? It gives you back pain. Everything has its difficulties, even in a world like ours."

"Yes, in this world, it proves such challenges along the way. Of course, they all are solved by 'the authorities'."

She grinned at Charlotte's comment and let out a small chuckle.

"The new name tags as been made, here is yours," the lady said while tapping one of the holograms.

A name then suddenly appeared on top of Charlotte's head. It clearly stated 'Charlotte Whitlock' as if a character out of a game.

Charlotte gave the young girl a look and she only smiled, her eyes curved into crescent moons.

"I hear the topics they will cover for this meeting is very important so do listen carefully."

"I will do my best," Charlotte gave her an all-knowing smile.

She then waved the girl goodbye and went towards the elevator with the map open.

Although she didn't hear it, the young girl meekly said, "Good luck," and she was out of sight.

She pressed the floor nine button and quietly stood at the back of the elevator. As people start to walk in, Charlotte could see the different names on top of other people's heads. The elevator wasn't crowded, but she couldn't move to see the people's faces.

When it was her turn to exit, she walked her way out and went in the direction of "Meeting Room 2". As she walked, she saw a black-haired young man walking towards her. He silently gave her a nod to which she responds with another nod. They passed each other and briefly made eye contact. He seemed to have entered "Meeting Room 1". Since she didn't pay attention, she didn't see his name but she doubt they would ever meet again.

As she went into the meeting room, she was greeted by quite a lot of people. Using the naming system, she greeted them back and naturally started a conversation without suspicion. People seemed to know her, and so she assumed they were the old employees who worked here.

As they chatted about the newly hired staff coming, someone briefly asked, "The fighters are having their meeting next door, should we go and greet them as well?

'Fighters? What kind of profession is "informant"?'

"No, we get to do that later anyways. Since our break, we haven't gone out together in a long time. We could do so later as a reunion!" someone else commented.

The room was then silenced by a person walking into the room. He seemed to be the one in charge of the "informants". His hair was neatly gelled back and wore a dignified look. His suit was gray but his tie had a poke-dot pattern, contrasting the commanding look. He had a little robot in his arm, similar to the one Charlotte saw outside with the helicopter top.

"As you may have heard, there will be new people joining us today and so I hope you all treat them with a warm welcome. Whenever they need help or are asked a question, be sure to respond and give them the guidance needed, tell them how the mechanics work."

He then gestured his arm and a group of people came into the room.

Of the group of people, a pale blonde hair stuck out from the crowd. Their golden eyes gaze into Charlotte's and they both stared at each other with a look of surprise displayed on their faces.

On top of the blonde-haired man was a name.

'Lucian Woodward'