A Golden Cage

"Are you ready?"

The words still lingered in my mind, but the moment had already passed. The speech had ended, and we were dismissed for the night.

A hotel had been booked for us. A luxurious one.

That alone was enough to make my instincts itch.

NASA prided itself on efficiency, on allocating resources where they were needed most. Yet here we were, escorted to one of the most expensive hotels in the city, a place where politicians and billionaires sealed deals over overpriced champagne.

And they had reserved it for months.

I followed the others, keeping my thoughts to myself. The logic made sense at first glance—accommodate the best of the best, keep them well-rested, well-fed, entertained. We had all traveled across the world to be here, after all. It was only natural to provide comfort.

But excessive comfort was something else entirely.

Entering the magnificent lobby, I couldn't help, but be captivated by the size of the venue with its marble floors shining like a mirror.

It had large chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, projecting golden illumination throughout the area. The walls featured massive glass windows, allowing for a breathtaking view of the city skyline. What's more is that bellhops in custom uniforms navigated gracefully, welcoming us with impeccable service.

And at the heart of everything—Elliot, his eyes filled with sheer, unrestrained wonder.

"Okay," he breathed, adjusting his glasses as he took everything in. "I knew NASA had a budget, but this?"

He turned to me, his voice barely containing his excitement.

"This is next-level."

I said nothing.

Because I couldn't shake the feeling.

Something was off.

We were each given private suites, the keycards handed to us with polite smiles.

Elliot's excitement had not diminished. He hardly paused to drop his things before pulling me along to check out the amenities.

With its cutting-edge equipment, specialty rock-climbing wall, and altitude training facility, the fitness center was spotless. Elliot experimented with the treadmill, marveling at its absurd features, while I slowly inspected the space, taking in every security camera and every door and window.

The sauna on the other hand, with its cedar wood, aromatic steam, and a relaxation area with silk robes provided, was the height of luxury. With a sigh of satisfaction, Elliot relaxed against the heat, letting it seep into his flesh.

"Never thought I'd be in a place like this," he muttered, eyes closed. "Let alone for free."

I exhaled through my mask's nose holes, arms crossed. "It's not free."

Elliot cracked an eye open. "What do you mean?"

I didn't answer.

The cinema room was next—rows of reclining seats, a massive screen playing whatever we wanted on demand. Elliot scrolled through the selection, muttering about watching something later.

The buffet was extravagant, a full gourmet spread available at all hours. Wagyu beef. Fresh seafood. Imported delicacies.

I watched as candidates indulged, filling their plates without hesitation. Laughter filled the space, tension melting away now that the trials were over.

Elliot wasted no time grabbing a plate, stacking it with an assortment of dishes. He looked at me expectantly.

"You're really not going to enjoy any of this?"

I picked at my food absentmindedly, my mind elsewhere.

Why?

That single question refused to leave me alone.

NASA had no reason to spend this much on us. Training facilities? Necessary. Proper nutrition? Essential. But luxury? Overkill.

Something wasn't adding up.

I caught sight of a few of the instructors from earlier. Even they seemed somewhat surprised by the treatment, exchanging quiet words among themselves.

I wasn't alone in my unease.

Elliot nudged me with his elbow, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Seriously, Angel, you look like you're solving a murder case."

I smirked slightly under the mask at the irony.

He rolled his eyes but grinned. "Come on. Just enjoy the moment."

I exhaled, setting my fork down.

Enjoyment wasn't the issue.

It was trust.

And I trusted nothing about this.

I left Elliot to his own devices, wandering the halls of the hotel. The place was eerily quiet outside of the main areas, the kind of quiet that felt artificial.

I passed by room after room, each one assigned to one of the "winners."

A golden cage, I thought absently.

A beautiful place to keep valuable assets.

Not guests.

I turned a corner.

And immediately collided with someone.

I took a step back, instinctively steadying myself, only to look up and see him.

The man from earlier.

The one who had given the announcement.

He didn't react with surprise, as if he had expected to run into me. His sharp, assessing eyes flickered with something unreadable before his lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile.

"Mr. Angel," he greeted smoothly. "Enjoying the accommodations?"

His voice was steady, conversational. But I wasn't fooled.

I glanced at him, at his crisp suit, his measured stance.

"Yes, it's rather enjoyable mister....."

"Mark," he answered simply. "You can call me Mark."

I narrowed my eyes slightly. 

"And Mark, what do you do here in NASA?"

He chuckled. "You'll come to understand soon enough."

I tilted my head. "I'll be more direct. What are you guys hiding Mark?"

That made him pause, just for a fraction of a second.

He was used to people being in awe of him. Used to commanding authority.

I took a slow step forward, closing the space between us just slightly. Just enough to watch the way his breath changed, the way his muscles tensed ever so subtly.

"You can dress it up however you like," I murmured, my voice quiet but firm. "But it's clear to me that there's more to this than a mission to Mars."

He regarded me for a moment, then exhaled lightly.

"You're perceptive."

I didn't respond.

Mark studied me carefully, as if debating how much to say.

And then—

"Why don't we talk tomorrow?" he suggested smoothly. "One-on-one. I'm sure you have many questions."

I met his gaze evenly.

"I do," I agreed.

A pause.

And then, before I could stop myself, the words left my lips—

"I'm going to die, aren't I?"

The silence between us was deafening.