The curved shapes of the skyscrapers sparkled as the sun casts its shadow on the smooth glass windows. As the brisk sounds of traveling air-pods move past their flight zones, Adele wonders what the future might hold in store. She knows that many unexpected yet wanted changes will soon be coming her way. Tracing her index finger along the outline of a portal station in the distance, Adele can feel her heart race in anticipation of what the next day will hold.
As the doors slowly break their seal of containment, an automated female voice announces, “Adele Elyson, you have arrived at the Union Station portal. The weather is 65 degrees, cool and breezy. Would you like information on shopping, stocks, or directions?”
Pausing only for a second, Adele answers “No, thank you Vera. I’m good for now.”
The automated voice responds, “Shall I assimilate the temperature to your outfit?”
“Yes, that would be helpful” replies Adele feeling the fabric disperse warmth through the climate adjustment fibers of her polyptych suit. Admiring her choice of the silver and white stream-lined tailored suit that she ordered from the Holo-Mall specifically for her meeting today, she is grateful that the imaging worked well with her projected measurements.
“The poly-wear temp has been adjusted. Is there any other way I can help you? Shall I call ahead to Marks Star Travel to announce your arrival?” asks the comforting automated voice resonating within the air-pod.
“Thank you for calling, Vera. I’m fine for today” replies Adele looking forward to the plans for the next few hours.
“Hope you have a nice day” confirms Vera closing the airlock on the doors behind Adele as she steps out onto the arrival platform of the station. A teen boy coasting on his circular board nearly runs into her but smiles and waves as he passes her by. Just above her drones are delivering products of all different sizes through the shipping entrance in the ceiling of the station.
Glancing at her left palm, she reviews her appointment time in the effervescent images projected onto her hand. Gently swiping with her right index finger, she reviews her notes for the upcoming interview. Checking the mission, purpose statement, and history, she commits these notes to her memory relay inside the lens of her glasses. Adele sighs deeply and focuses on her list of points that she would like to articulate.
Upon arriving at Union Station, Adele swipes her hand in the terminal register and takes the next metro-cell transport to center city where all the major corporations are located. As advertisements whirl along the trimming of the pod, she notices many familiar companies with which her family has callaborated with in the past.
“Are you enjoying your day?” asks the older woman sitting next to her. “I love traveling to the city where there is always so much to see and do. I really want to get a hover board but my grandchildren are not supporting the idea.”
Looking directly at her now, Adele smiles “They look fun don’t they?”
“Yes, I think it would help me get around the senior center where I live. It's much faster than these mobile walkers. They have wheels but they don’t float. I’d much rather float” sadly admits the kind woman attempting to receive some temporary sympathy from Adele.
“Maybe you could get one and just not tell them", jokingly offers Adele imagining how fun that might be.
“Mmmm … I certainly like that idea” giggles the woman throwing her head back in a moment of perspective planning, “My name is Martha Jennings, but you can just call me Jennings like everyone else does. Maybe one day it will be Woodhouse if he’ll ever wake up from his nap that has been lasting twenty years or so. Tell me, what’s your name?”
“I’m Adele. It’s nice to meet you, Jennings” introduces Adele excited to make a new friend.
“I’m on way to visit my grandson at Marks Enterprises” explains Jennings “However, I’m meeting my best friend, Alice Hammer at the library. I like to read to the children and Alice likes to act out all the parts. Afterwards, we are going to do some shopping on my way to my grandson’s office but with your suggestion I’m not going to tell him about the hover board.”
“Okay, it will be our secret” agrees Adele making a pact with her new friend. “Maybe I’ll get one myself and then we can practice together.”
“Are you visiting family in the area? Or do you live here?” inquires Jennings wanting to discover more about the friendly woman sitting next to her.
“I lived here a long time ago and grew up in the area. Working for my family business, I ended up moving around a lot. I’m hoping to move back to Kell City if everything goes well in my interview today” offers Adele “I love this area, it feels like home.”
“I hope it works out for you to stay. I’d like to meet you again. Honestly, I can be of help if you need anything. I know quite a few people in the city who know a lot of other people too. You seem like a very nice person. Would you mind giving me your number? I like to talk, mostly to ramble about nothing because as you can see I’m at that certain age, but if you don’t mind you seem like you would be interesting to talk to”, Jennings smiles offering her wrist to scan.
“Sure, I’d love that!” uncharacteristically agrees Adele feeling as if she has found another soulmate. “Here is my number” placing her wrist next to Jennings as their numbers are confirmed and registered.
“There… I have your number, expect to be hearing from me. Maybe you can meet me and my best friend, Alice Hammer for tea tomorrow at ten tomorrow at Starcups in Market Square if you’re not busy”.
“That sounds wonderful!” exclaims Adele “I’m looking forward to it!”
“See you tomorrow then!” smiling Jennings take a step from the pod onto the transport platform with Adele following not too far behind “Good luck on your interview today!”
Another woman, whom Adele surmises is Alice Hammer, is waiting on the platform for Jennings. She is waving both of her arms and jumping up and down trying to gather Jennings attention who is completely and intentionally ignoring her. Alice breaks out into her “own” dance something between a shuffle and an a few absurd cubic motions while listening to music in her ear pods. Jennings glances up and slowly shakes her head. She raises her hand in a short wave to acknowledge a greeting while gathering her bags at her sides and then heading towards her best friend.
The optical doors open in rotating motion as Adele enters the lobby of the business conglomerate of Marks Enterprises. A large digital banner with various slides of upcoming announcements and opportunities available within the complex shines brightly hanging above the information booth in the center of the rotunda.
At the entrance of the Market Square, a curvaceous hologram reaches out to her holding a sculpted bottle speaking alluringly, “Discover the garden of Gentle Whispers”. As Adele quickly moves through the projected image, the essence of lilac, lily, and rose fill the scented air surrounding her. Another transparent handsome image welcomes her and suggests “improve your health in just three steps” displaying a visual list of simple steps to reach a better lifestyle. “If it were just that easy”, wistfully Adele comments to herself walking pass the live display.
Reaching the gliding spiral escalator, Adele looks at the gallery above her. Business leaders contained in clear multi-colored octagon globes cycle across the interior ceiling. The cyclists are suspended on tracks a hundred feet in the air, providing alternate transportation from one level to the next. Adele wonders to herself, “I admire these executives who don’t mind the heights but I’m not sure that I could do that all the time. But I guess it beats being stuck behind a desk all day.”
Just before reaching Level 17 on the gliding escalator, Adele checks her white wedges for any scuffs or dirt, “These polythene boots were an excellent purchase. They are so comfortable, but maybe I should have bought them in a more practical color.”
A voice softly announces “You have arrived at level 17, Marketing and Trade” as she enters the corridor behind large plexiglass automated doors. Entering the office chamber, Adele is sprayed by a tangible but elusive enzymatic mist that quickly dissipates. This is followed by a scan of the typical cell-vision for possible infections, substances, or particles that might potentially endanger any person within the facility. The same voice announces, “Cleared. Adele Elyson has arrived for her appointment at 2:15 pm with Clayton Slay in OS 1722.”
Vibrant blue arrows appear visible in the floor beneath her with each step, giving direction to the waiting room. Finding a comfortable position in the customized shell chair, Adele selects some of her favorite music to listen to. Although a huge k-pop fan, she chooses the translator mode which will transfer the voices of the vocalists from Korean to English in their original tone and depth but in a language that she can easily understand. “I really need to study my Korean lessons more, but at least I am understanding some words, if not fluent.” Reaching deep into her lab bag, Adele takes out a pin for her Ipad. Noticing a violet flower on the table beside her, Adele scans the petal with her pen admiring the blue pigment, transferring and blending into purple shaded ink on her digital notepad.
Taking a mirror out to check her appearance before the upcoming meeting, Adele after scanning her features, the dual screen highlights that her lips are dry and need another layer of lipstick. Rolling her eyes, she sighs and applies another layer of Acculine lip cream that supposedly guarantees to last five hours but only consistently manages two when she wears it.
The position for which she is preparing for was recommended by her good friend, Liana, who previously was a mentor but was more like a parent after the passing of her own mom a few years ago from a hover train accident when one of the rails randomly lost power during a storm. She had hoped that her dad would have some point recognized all of Liana’s romantic qualities but so far after much effort for years had only remained in the friend-zone.
As Adele looked up a woman was stretching out her hand to her, “Hello, my name is Clayton Slay, the marketing manager at Marks Enterprises,” while analytically looking her over from head to toe adds, “Are you Adele Elyson?” Clayton is wearing a mustard short shoulder cape with angular cut-outs at the neckline of her custom fit apparel.
Standing up nervously smoothing her dress, “Yes that’s me, my name is Adele. I have an appointment at 2:15 pm” attempting to keep her balance while smiling confidently through her wide-eyed fear slightly intimidated by the well fashionably accessorized woman in front of her.
“If you follow me, I will take you to Mr. Worthington and Ms. Daring, the Director of Operations, and also the CFO of our company. It’s a bit unusual that the Director of Operations asked to interview you. He doesn’t usually take part in the interview process but trusts his colleagues in their choices. I’m not implying that you will get the job but the circumstances are somewhat peculiar. Do you know him?” curiously asks Clayton aware that there must be some connection between the two.
“Not that I am aware of” responds Adele wondering why she would be meeting with both directors. “My friend recommended the position to me. She went to college with the Human Resources manager.”
While listening Clayton pierces her lips intuitively fearing some competition with this stranger, “Just so you are aware, politics do not play a part in our company. Competence is valued over connection. Mr. Worthington is a fair boss and discourages any kind of favoritism.”
‘Oh alright, that’s good to know. I guess it helps that I don’t know anyone in the company” honestly confesses Adele wishing that she had at least done some research on the CEO not just the facts about the business.
“Here we are” Clayton points to an office a few steps in front of her at the end of the hallway. “Would you like some coffee? How do you like it?”
“Do you have tea?” asks Adele feeling that coffee might make her even more jittery during the interview. “I like it with three creams and sugars”.
Raising a lip that isn’t entirely noticeable, Clayton replies, "Jeeves will bring it to you in a moment.
Standing in front of the entrance to the corporate office, Adele licks her lips and straightens the edges of her casual dress comparing it to the standards of the other employees in the office.
As the glass door separates in a puzzle like fashion into the hidden alcoves of its storage, Adele’s eyes lock with an old friend whom she knew many years ago. Their eyes meet in greeting even if their expressions do not. A familiar smirk slowly rises with a gentle nod, “Adele Elyson? Are you here for the appointment?”
Caught in thoughts of in-between time, Adele doesn’t verbally respond but calmly moves her head in agreement to the current question confirming her existence not only to those in the room but to herself as well.
“This is Ellie Daring, our CFO for the past fifteen years. I don’t know if you have met before” introduces Raiden Worthington extending a hand in the direction of the woman standing next to him. She looks like sheer power dressed in a black form fitting pant suit with a high neck collar with obvious delicately handsewn solo-tech into the fabric. Adele has seen similar outfits in fashion magazines worn by high-end global models, affordable only for the inconceivably wealthy.
Speaking formally with little warmth in the inflection of her voice, Ellie Daring explains “It’s nice to meet you, Adele. I don’t normally participate in company interviews, however Mr. Worthington has asked me to join him today to provide a second balanced opinion of your work skills and experience.”
Trying to gain her composure in the unexpected situation, Adele grasps the edge of the conference chair in front of her, “I brought my portfolio of my previous work for you to review”.
“Please sit down” directs Raiden Worthington as he detaches the lowest magnetized button of his stylish indigo jacket “Jeeves has just arrived with your flavored tea.”
The AI butler, smoothly passes the cup of tea filled with cream and sugar to her, “Here is your tea, Ms. Elyson", laying the saucer skillfully on the table and then gracefully turns towards Raiden, "Is there any other way I may be of service, Mr. Worthington?”
“No thank you, Jeeves. That will be all for now” responds Raiden opening the digital resume that Adele has previously provided during her application. "Lets see ... it looks like you have quite a history of writing marketing ads for social media. What type of writing do you enjoy?”
Wondering if Raiden recognizes her or if is choosing to not remember her in front of his colleague, Adele swallows before speaking, “Umm, I uh ... write articles for social apps, travel, and entertainment. I particularly enjoy writing about travel or literature.”
Again, Raiden’s eyes intensely match Adele’s concern but without any other conformation of acknowledgment. “I see that you have spent a great deal of time living in different locations this past decade or two. Do you have plans to permanently settle in Kell City or are we only a temporary stop? It looks like your family business, Elyson Resorts, has already taken you to many locations.”
Tilting her head to the side, Ms. Daring seems amused. Detecting a slight sneer in his tone followed by a very formidable look at Ms. Elyson. This confirms to Ms. Daring that she needs to have very little concern about being replaced in her position.
Folding her hands back and forth, Adele softly answers but wanting to be truthful, “I hope to stay at Kell City for a long time if the circumstances work out to do so.”
Leaning back and stretching as if to inhale the space between them, Raiden replies, “I’m sure your experience has helped you to become a more effective writer. I see a list of accomplishments and recommendations in your portfolio that you have provided to us. How dependable are you as an employee? Do you find yourself being inconsistent or able to complete tasks? It’s amazing how some can adjust and adapt to so many changes in a short matter of time.”
As the deluge of character questions continue, while taking a sip of her coffee, Ms. Daring raises her eyebrows finding it entertaining that this potential employee is experiencing an interrogation rather than an interview. She has never seen her boss act his way in the hiring process of a potential employee, only in the deliberation of an acquisition of another business opportunity.
Finally, Raiden turns to Ms. Daring, “Do you have any questions that you would like to ask Ms. Elyson?” closing his notebook at the same time.
Feeling as if the interview may have gone just a minute too long, but also wanting to add to the discussion, Ms. Daring asks, “Why do you want to join Marks Enterprises and not let’s say a successful company like Elyson Resorts that is owned by your family?”
Biting her lip before beginning, Adele decides to be truthful albeit humiliating to confess during an interview, “You’re right Elyson Resorts was successful. However due to some less than advantageous investments and unguarded spending, our company had to reduce in size and diversify. The tourism branch is dismembering to shift funds into more marketable products.”
“I suppose this was due to the pandemic in 2042 about five years ago?” inquires Ms. Daring aware that many companies were affected during that time which resulted in the transition and reorganization of the economy.
“Yes partly, but some consequences were already set in place due to poor management and lack of potential planning” frankly responds Adele knowing that her father’s desire to have more than he could afford kept them always finding ways to try and recover from a business inherited from his father.
“Do you think you’ll be able to be content in a lower position, considering the power and opportunities you previously held while working for your own family?” cynically Ms. Daring inquires wondering if she will need to remind Adele of her place within the hierarchy of the employment realm.
“I’m a hard worker and will do my best no matter what position I am given”, honestly responds Adele, fully aware of her own standards by which she judges herself, let alone anyone else.
Rising while he is speaking, Raiden remarks “It was nice to meet you Adele, we will let you know in a few days how the position will be filled.”
Cautiously Adele looks at him to see if there is any recognition that they use to know each other or if he has completely forgotten their friendship twenty years earlier. For a second, she feels as if he remembers as his lip slowly raises into a partial smile, but he quickly looks away gathering his things.
Adele disappointingly sighs inside her thoughts believing she has been forgotten, “Thank you for your time. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity. Hope you have a good day.”
“Yes, we hope you have a good day as well” responds Ms. Daring while Raiden remains stoic and silent beside her. A second later, he turns to the side cleaning his optic lenses and wiping the corner of his eye acting unaware that Adele is leaving the conference room.
Feeling as if she is missing something, Ms. Daring remarks “Well, she seemed like a nice woman but not very reliable. She’s moved around too much.”
“Yes, she has been many places and probably forgotten a few people that she has met before” absentmindedly adds Raiden looking out his office window at the panoramic view of Kell City. “It’s probably very difficult to remember each person that you have known before under different circumstances.”
Ms. Daring moves her eyes from one side of the room to the other not knowing who he is talking too but realizing she is the only one left in the room. She cautiously proceeds, “Did you know her before?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure how much one “knows” a person just by spending time with them” in a tone slightly sarcastic Raiden replies “I think that I am going to take the rest of the afternoon off. There are some things I need to do.”
He raises his hand as a virtual screen of pages, web sites, graphs, and charts appear before him. Raiden moves his hand as if to erase an old-fashioned chalk board and the images disappear for a later time to be reviewed again.
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