Chapter 38: Mission: Getting To Know Each Other

Charlotte stopped her line of thought and looked toward the two young men who stood at the front of the table, silencing everyone with their authority.

"As I have already mentioned towards the group of 'informants', we have divided you into groups. Each group will be accompanying a group of fighters, so this is your opportunity to get along and get used to each other's company. Until the end of this week, I hope everyone will take time off to spend time with your comrades until we leave next week," Blake spoke in a louder voice, informing everyone.

The man next to him continued, "There will be no takebacks! We have arranged for everyone to fit each other's strengths. Please do not ask us to change your groups as everything is already finalized. With everything said, take this time to mentally prepare for battle, especially for the newcomers who are just joining us this week."

His voice was commanding and didn't have the soft tone of Blake's voice. His was deep and resonated across the room which provided a major impact on those who weren't used to it. During his speech, he discreetly yet intimately placed his hands on the back of Blake's waist. Although it wasn't noticeable, it didn't escape Charlotte's field of vision.

'That's really cute...' she thought while suppressing her urge to smile at their intimacy.

Blake's face didn't change by this movement. He continued, "If there aren't any complaints or comments, I'll now showcase which groups are with which."

In the middle of the table, the holographic screen showed up. It presented a list with only the names of the leader of the group. Charlotte quickly scanned the list and found Lucianna's name.

'We are paired with Eric Lucason's team.'

Looking around the room, she saw the man bearing the name of "Eric Lucason". He was busy looking at the list and didn't notice her gaze. The man had an angular face with beautiful chestnut hair. Judging from his demeanor, he looked like someone that was easy to get along with.

"With your teams assigned, everyone now is dismissed. Don't forget to interact with each other!" the man beside Blake exclaimed. They then make their retreat, leaving the room to their subordinates to create whatever chaos they decide to make.

It didn't take long for people to gather in their team and quickly find the team they were assigned to. Of course, Charlotte's team wasn't an exception.

"Alright let's get along from now on!" Lucianna happily exclaimed.

"Yes, we should organize an outing to formally get to know each other," Eric softly said.

"Maybe after today! We can still get dinner today. Maybe a few days later we meet up again?" the cheerful man next to Eric suggested.

"I also think it's a good suggestion!" Charlotte chimed in herself.

Excluding a few members who were a bit shy, like Luna, there were two distinct people who just wouldn't quit their little staring contest.

'It doesn't even take a stupid person to realize they would be grouped up together. What fate! Truly destined!'

As if they harbored hate from their past lives, they kept glaring at each other.

'Well, it seems more one-sided. Lucian is glaring from hate, maybe curiosity? The other side is more so playful. It's practically plastered on their expressions.'

As if noticing, Lucianna asked, "Anyone have a good restaurant they recommend?"

"We do have a place we frequent. The food is good as well as the service. I think it's worth it!" the cheerful man once again answered.

With an agreement in mind, they all collectively left the room and began their ride toward the restaurant.

Unlike Charlotte, the "normal" people called a driver, and the car arrived in a matter of minutes at lightning speed. It literally zoomed in front of them and automatically opened its door.

'It's like it has no concept of what a speeding limit is.'

The car wasn't like the bus she rode, as it was a bit smaller and longer lengthwise. It wasn't shaped in a box but had distinct characteristics that makes it look like a car. The vehicle itself was a beautiful black color that had a few strips running through it.

The insides of the cab were similar to those of a party bus, except it didn't have the party aspect. It was spacious and was able to accompany a total of eight people, which was the exact number of people present. Everyone got on one by one, leaving Armand the last person to get on. As fate would have it, the last seat was next to Lucian. He grins at this, as if mocking Lucian's sour expression, and sat down without a slight hesitation.

Although everyone wasn't completely familiar, people soon started to chat and have a conversation with each other. With the formalities out of the way, everyone relaxed and the awkward atmosphere soon disappeared.

Half paying attention to what people were saying, Charlotte looked out the window and took a good look at the view. Except, she couldn't see clearly with the high speed the car was moving at. It was strange how people got used to such speeds as she could see the car zoom past everything. She could only assume people had enough trust in robots in order to allow such things. It didn't come as a surprise to find out the car was also automated. It was set to auto-pilot, with no one in control. This caused a bit of controversy from the world Charlotte came from, but people here would put their life in the hand of the robots.

In a sense, she could understand. If all of the cars were made of robots, that means perfect driving. The car would follow all the rules and laws, unlike some humans. Because they were programmed to do so, it gives a sense of security Charlotte never thought she would understand. Therefore, they could be secured even when driving at such high speeds.

Although there wasn't much to see, she still looked in awe at how fast it was moving. After a couple of minutes, she vaguely looked back and people were still chatting happily not minding how fast the car was moving.

'I can't even feel the vibrations of the car, nor any pressure. How do they do that?'

With a few questions in mind of how the mechanics worked, she silently sighed knowing she won't be able to get any information now, and went back to chatting with everyone.

They would soon arrive at the restaurant as fast as how the car arrived.