When I got to my floor of the building, I heard music. That's strange. An assistant hurriedly directed me to the conference room. Entering slowly, I hear the pop of a champagne cork and cheers erupt.
"Congratulations Scholar Calypso! Your idea has been accepted by The Alliance."
I sighed in relief. "That is wonderful news." An assistant handed me a glass of champagne. I took a small sip, savoring the bubbles on my tongue.
Slowly, I look around and noticed my idea was not the only thing we were celebrating. The walls were decorated in silver and navy. Flashing holograms said, "Congratulations Calypso on your next step."
"My next step?" I breathed.
From behind, a hand patted my shoulder. I glanced up to see Noah smiling down at me.
"You are now, officially, a Major." Noah whispered in my ear, he smelled of firewood and mint.
My mouth opened and the glass fell from my hand. In a spectacular motion, a man in front of me caught it. Sure the champagne spilled but the glass was unscathed.
"Forgive me, I was astonished." I smile at the man holding my now empty glass.
His eyes were a silver grey and his hair black as night. "Nothing to forgive. You must be Scholar Calypso."
I nodded, apprehensive of the chatter that has died down to whispers. An assistant takes the empty glass from his hand and gives us both newly filled ones.
"Congratulations on your step. You must be thrilled." His tone is light but I detect a hint of sarcasm.
My cheeks flush and I feel heat creeping up my neck.
"This is Elitist Adamanthe." Noah informs me. I nod, a curt smile in recognition.
Adamanthe. The name sounds vaguely familiar. I rack my brain trying to figure out his place in all this.
"Please call me Adam." He smiles as he sips his champagne.
Adam, the son of the most famous Elite. Also known as my boss and the head of the government. At the recollection of this knowledge, I hold my glass firmly.
"A pleasure, sir." I sip my champagne, watching his every move.
Noah moves away to talk with someone else. I excuse myself, but as I walk past he catches my arm firmly.
"Success tastes sweet, but I bet you taste sweeter." His breath against my ear makes my skin tingle. "Let me know if there's anything I can do for you. Anything at all."
He walks away without looking back. I feel my watch buzz and it's a message from Adam with his contact information. That was quick.
Another thought struck me, like lightening hitting a post. A new step means a new dwelling. I would have 10 days to move to a new location. Once your status is no longer the same as your family, you have to separate. With the exception of your spouse. It was rare a member of a family moved steps and remained intact.
Once I had talked to everyone, Noah found me again.
"I want you on my project. You know everything there is to know about horticulture, agriculture, even biology."
I laugh, I had been studying biology for the past few years as a hobby. "Sure, I would be thrilled."