Chapter Text
The car was waiting for me outside of the temporary home that Prodigy had placed me after moving away from United Americas. Heavy rainfall matching the anxiety I felt, but then again, while I was only in New Siam for a few days, never did I see a single ray of sunlight.
The powerful company was seeking for my expertise to join their team on a new project I was soon to find out- was way above my head. But I needed an escape from trauma, despite it being 10 years since the incident, I was relishing on this job opportunity as an excuse for a fresh start. Leaving all my friends and family behind without much thought.
With a big inhale, and holding an umbrella sheltering me from the rain fall, I walk out the door of the apartment and walk towards the car without looking back. As soon as I close the car's door, like magic the rain suddenly stopped.
***
The trip to Neverland was much quicker than I had expected. I kept to myself not talking to anyone that was on board with me in the craft. My stomach was in knots thanks to my never-ending anxiety. When the craft touched ground, I followed Prodigy's personnel to what I had assumed was the main building. It was already late, but despite the darkness I spotted a friendly faced android. She was the one to greet me at the doors. She wore a uniform that was tailored to perfection, I was almost wondering if she was built to fit the clothing perfectly or if the clothing was personally tailored to her. Before coming up with my own conclusion she spoke in a friendly but in a tone that felt like she was reading off of a teleprompter.
"Hello, Welcome to Prodigy! Boy Kavalier, as well as the whole company has been buzzing with joy for you to join the team!" She said with a little too much customer service cheeriness in her tone.
Unsure what to respond, I simply flash her a smile.
"We apologize for the delays that happened with the aircraft. I know you must be tired with all this travel".
"Oh! I feel fine, don't worry about me," I reply.
Her red lips form a big smile and turns her back to me while walking inside the building "Follow me, I will give you a quick tour of the building before sending you to your quarters for much needed rest".
"What about my luggage?" I ask as I start walking with her
"It is being taken care of, you will find your luggage in your quarters by the time we reach your room," she replies with so much kindness I was wondering who programmed her to be this over the top nice. To the point that I was starting to feel bad for her. A friendliness that she didn't seem to personally choose.
***
She showed me what signs lead to public bathrooms, the cafeteria that was always fully staffed with many synthetics ready to serve you an omelette or any cravings at any given time (as long as the right ingredients were available), the common areas furnished with chairs and sofas, and how to rent out any books of my choosing from Prodigy's catered library. There were not many people walking around, I suppose due to how late it was getting. By the time we got to my quarters, my joints started to ache and my eyes were feeling heavier each step I took.
"This is your room, to enter you simply just need to punch in your room code. On your desk you will find a touch tablet which you can use to communicate or be communicated with. Boy Kavalier has informed me that he has slotted you in a meeting for tomorrow, more information can be found with your tablet if you check your agenda on it. Please make sure to not be late as Boy Kavalier is very firm with his instructions. I will come get you tomorrow to bring you to his office. Once the meeting is over, someone will bring you to your new office..."
I didn't have an answer ready as I was too exhausted and staring too hard at how perfect her bun was, just like everything else about her... perfect.
"Any questions?" she asked breaking my focus on her shiny jet black hair.
"No! Umm.. Thank you, I think I should be fine for now... " I respond with a smile, trying to mimic hers.
"Oh actually," I randomly interject before she could turn away from me, "I don't think I ever caught your name?"
"Becca" she replies with a thick coating of over the top warmth.
~~
I open the door to my new home, this one feeling much less temporary than the previous home. I was relieved by the warm glow the room emitted. The lights in the room felt very welcoming, and the wooden accents reminded me of my childhood home. I could see the tablette that Becca had referred sitting on a clean large desk next to the big window over looking the tropical forest. The trees swaying with the wind, mimicking the waves of an ocean.
My luggage was next to the massive and very inviting bed.
Do I shower before bed.... that can wait until tomorrow morning.
I plunge under the down duvet and before I know it, I fall in a deep dreamless sleep.
***
An alarm went off, grabbing me roughly back to my new reality. Disoriented, I look for where the obnoxious sound was coming from; to see the culprit: the tablet that I was finding out very quickly would become a servant to. I crawl out of bed to turn it off. Swiping up I see that I have a meeting in 2 hours with the one, the only, Boy Kavalier.
I had been so used to not having a boss while freelancing for a decade that I felt weird having someone to follow orders. I guess new life meant new rules. I walk over to the bathroom looking at myself in the mirror. Despite the deep sleep - I look exhausted. My skin fatigued, complimented by the dark circles under my eyes. Hopefully the shower will help.
***
I had just finished dressing up when I hear a knock at my door. I open it to find Becca. As immaculate as yesterday. As happy as ever.
"You didn't respond to the notice I sent via the tablet"
"Oh... ha oops, sorry, I guess I am getting used to using... that" I reply to her with a bit of shame because she was so overly nice that anything slightly wronging her made me feel bad.
"Not a problem at all," she says with a smile, "We should start heading to Boy Kavalier's office now."
"Yes, I just need to put on shoes and I am good to go…" I say while grabbing said shoes. "By the way, do we have any time to grab coffee?"
~~~
I had a feeling Becca would oblige to getting coffee. I fear her programming would short circuit if she said no, her programming was so obviously to please any one she was asked to help. Regardless as I sipped my coffee, I could taste a note of guilt for doing that to her.
We made it to the door where the meeting was being held. Instead of going in she gestured to it.
"This is where I leave you, I believe everyone is here already and the meeting will be starting in exactly 5 minutes"
"You're not coming with me?" I say now really feeling guilty for the coffee ordeal.
Before answering she, yet again, smiles at me. "No, I was asked to show you around the building and to get you settled in. Anything beyond would be going past instructions given to me"
I did not have time to say anything back as she was already walking away from me. Leaving me in front of Boy's door. Looking at the door handle I started to feel my hands getting clammy.
With a big inhale I walk in through the door of the spacious room. Almost like a deja vu from yesterday, this time with even more anxiety.
I was about to meet my new boss, who was known across the globe as a literal prodigy. That was to be expected. What I was not expecting was facing for the first time someone that will change my view on life. Positive, negative and challenge my morals.