I was escorted into Mayor Isabel’s office where she sat elegantly at her desk: back straight, head high, hands folded neatly in front of her.
“I’m glad you could meet with me, Dax,” she said through a cold smile. I’d seen a smile like that plenty of times. A smile that seemed pleasant on the surface, but hid someone’s real feelings. It was a smile I’d perfected in the System.
“Tthewjklsdmfhra,” the mayor said to the escort. I heard the door shut behind me. “Please,” she said, gesturing to the chair across from her, “have a seat.”
I took the seat uncertainly. She was still giving me that fake smile. Why did she want me here?
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I stated once I was settled, unsure of what else to say. I didn’t bother hiding my confusion.
Mayor Isabel propped her elbows up on the desk and rested her chin on her folded hands. “How are preparations going for your mission?” she asked.
“Um…” I started. This seemed like a conversation that should be happening between her and Leslie.
“Are things going well?” she asked before I could answer her first question. “Do you feel well-suited for the mission?”
I sat there in stunned silence. This conversation had me so lost and my defect had nothing to do with it.
“I’m not sure how much Leslie has told you,” I stated slowly, “so I’m not planning on answering your questions. But if you’re worried about my ability to complete the mission, I passed the committee assessments. I understand everything was kept ethical.”
“Wow,” she responded with a dry smirk, “you really were training to be a lawyer.”
I leaned back in my seat, away from her. It looked like she’d decided to drop her fake pleasantness. And it wasn’t better.
“You didn’t even notice you started talking like one, did you?” she asked.
I remained silent, staying still as I watched her. Every word out of her mouth only made me more guarded. Sitting in front of her reminded me of being in the System. I didn’t appreciate feeling like I had to say or do the perfect thing for her to not get upset.
Mayor Isabel eyed me like she was observing an animal as she waited for me to speak. When I didn’t, she sighed, collapsing into her seat. “I’m up for re-election after the mission is completed,” Mayor Isabel stated, her eyes not leaving mine once. “If it fails, there will be certain… expectations. I’ll be forced to remove Director Leslie from their position. So it’s really your partner’s job that hinges on the mission’s success.”
I stared at her blankly as what she said sank in. Then I bursted out laughing. And only laughed harder at the mix of surprise and confusion that crossed the mayor’s face.
“I’m sorry,” I said, smothering my laughter. “Are you trying to intimidate me?”
“I-”
“Honestly,” I interrupted before she could respond, “I can’t even tell if you’re trying to scare me into succeeding or giving up. At least the System’s clear on her threats.”
The mayor clenched her jaw. Oops, I made her mad. Well, what was the worst she could do? Kick me out?
“Iejowlfist warning ywoeijtkdfkt the consequences,” she said stiffly.
“I know the consequences,” I replied. “And I know what it’s like to be constantly threatened with them if I fail. I know what I’m getting to is more than any Outcast can imagine. Sorry, but the System’s a lot worse than you.”
Then I stood up and left, leaving Mayor Isabel speechless.
To be continued…