Chapter Text
One of the politicians in front of me droned on. The whirring of the camera shutters seemed to encapsulate the speech; it was just as mechanical.
"Of course, we passed this bill with the citizens in mind. Our party requires the cooperation of all Svarians in order to achieve the full transition. This is for the sake of all of the people."
Of course it comes back to this. Clinging on desperately to false hope.
Solemn applause filled the room. Attention turned to the Prime Minister, who spoke with a strained expression on his face.
"This meeting is concluded."
The room filled with the sound of paper and feet shuffling. I quickly stood and left, heading down a familiar hallway.
Every time I hear those same words, this hallway is my fastest exit from the building.
I only joined the Nexus Security Alliance two months ago. The first month was spent on boring training, but the time I have spent in this country for my mission has not changed my initial impression. All the politicians and their buildings are the same.
There’s only one thing keeping me entertained. The Alliance didn’t send me alone, and hence my colleagues have become the only way to talk with real people.
“Klaus, hurry up. I don’t want to be here.”
I reunited with the present, one of said colleagues eyeing me from the exit.
Putting on a straight face, I moved towards a water cooler on my right. Grabbing one of those flimsy yet sturdy paper cups that never seem to make sense, I filled it to the brim.
The man muttered something under his breath and signalled for me to speed up.
I headed outside with the irritated Eike, following him into a narrow alley behind the building.
“So, got something to say?”
Eike sighed, refusing to make eye contact.
“Meet me and the rest of our unit at Feketeutca tomorrow, at noon sharp. I know you usually treat everything as a joke, but this time it’s important.”
By the way, that’s his way of saying ‘don’t be late’. Remember what I said about talking to real people? This guy is most definitely not one of them. Eike has been working for the Alliance for as long as anyone can recall. Ever since I was assigned this mission, he has been the biggest fan of my tardiness.
Well, I guess I can make an exception for an important matter.