This was the worst meeting spot that she could have chosen.
The mere vastness of the room sent a cold shiver down his spine, especially since he was alone. The hall was bare, with glass windows that rose high over to the ceiling. A single desk rested in the centre of the hall, with two chairs on either side of it. A single vase rested on the desk, and he was confused as to why it had only red hibiscus flowers. The glass walls allowed him to look down from the sixteenth floor at the busy traffic that moved like ants. The good thing was that nobody could see him and nobody could hear him.
He hadn't realised when the doors opened, or when she entered, but soon a hand rested on his shoulder, startling him. He turned around in surprise, expecting the worst in this solitary room. Upon seeing the woman in front of him, his face turned as white as the ceiling of the hall.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Atlas," she said, a professional smile on her face.
"I-It's okay, Madam Elisenda," he replied, sweating nervously.
"Why're you nervous? Just relax. I'm not going to eat you up.
"I'm fine, Madam."
"Good," she replied, her dark brown eyes twinkling like the stars in the clear, dark sky. She was a beautiful woman, with her silky brown locks and a slender frame. Nobody could imagine a woman like her to instil such fear among the masses. But Atlas knew her well, a little too well for his own liking. In fact, Atlas could read her like a book, like a horror story that he'd rather not read.
"Please take a seat, Atlas."
Slowly and nervously, Atlas Mahogany settled himself into the beige leather seat in front of Elisenda, holding his hands together in fear, anticipating what she would want to talk about.
"So tell me-"
"Madam, the arena is ready and-"
Elisenda gave him one of her signature smiles. It was warning enough for him to know that he should shut up, and being the smart man that he was, he obliged.
"I've called you for some other reason, Atlas. I'm not interested in the Games."
"You're- you're not interested?"
"No, I'm not. What I'm interested in is the space shuttle launch that we were going to schedule on the Reaping Day. Unfortunately, our scientists will be unable to complete the project by the stipulated time. However, the rumours have already circulated among our people that the spaceship is not only constructed, but is also ready for its first expedition."
"And…?"
"Atlas, you double as the Head Gamemaker as well as the Head of Outer Space Expedition. I want you to tell the people that these rumours are, in fact, rumours and should be treated as such."
"Yes Madam."
"Also, please try to make the construction quick. This is the first time our scientists have discovered life on Neptune. Our telescopes have detected some people on the surface. It'll be a shame if we're unable to find out what they're like."
"Our ancestors could only dream of interacting with aliens. However, we've seen them, albeit from a little too far away. If we can observe them closely, we can learn a lot about them.
"So Atlas, I hope you will dedicate your time and efforts on this research, and will ensure the rapid progress of the construction of the spaceship that we'll be sending to observe Neptune and its people."
"Yes madam," Atlas replied, feeling as if a weight had lifted off his chest. "It'll be done soon madam. We've made some good progress there."
"Very good, Atlas. I'm sure you'll carry out the operation well. However, you must remember that at the same time, the Games should be good too. It will be hard for you, and I understand that, but we do have a standard to maintain."
"You don't need to worry about that, madam. The arena is ready and-"
"No Atlas. Don't tell me about it. It's none of my concern. That's your department and you have the right to work on it the way you want to. I don't want to interfere, and I'd rather you not discuss the plans for the Games with me unless there's a problem."
"Y-yes madam."
The Head of Department of Research and Sciences, Elisenda stood up with a smile and Atlas followed shakily. The two shook hands, Elisenda's grasp firm and strong, Atlas' slightly weak.
"Good luck Atlas," she said with another of her professional smiles, "I know you'll exceed all expectations."
"Atlas nodded slowly before taking his leave. He didn't look back once, already starting to ponder over the consequences if he failed.