The day of my birth was celebrated with family. I came to their dwelling. There we enjoyed cakes and sweet treats. Memories were shared with all who lived there. This year the birthing story was told. It was told on every significant day of birth.
"We are so grateful to have you as our third." My father rose his glass.
"Agreed!" Everyone cheered and sipped from their cup.
My mother gave me one last hug before she announced my departure. "Calypso will be attending her first meet and greet. May she find her partner."
"Onward!" Everyone cheered.
I said my goodbyes before I left their dwelling. While I was never very close with my family, I appreciated them. Although I often felt like we were puppets going through the motions of our lives. Doing what was expected of us without questioning why.
When I entered the establishment, I noticed how stunning the architecture was. Everything was made with intricate details. Carvings of wood and marble held colored glass panes. I was staring at the ceiling when someone touched my elbow. A young woman about my age.
"Be careful. The steps are shorter than you think." Her smile reached her eyes as she bowed her head to me. "I am Major Gaia."
"Nice to meet you Major Gaia." I nod and introduce myself. "My name is Major Calypso."
"Ah, the scholar." She smiles, "I heard of your promotion through the comms. It's fascinating and impressive."
"Many thanks." I smile as we walk arm in arm up the steps.
We enter the building and separate to cross the threshold. It's ceilings are so high, I think my family dwelling can fit inside.
"Gorgeous architecture." I comment to Gaia as we grab drinks.
"Many thanks." She sips her fizzy drink.
"Wait, are you...?"
"Better known as The Architect. Didn't know it was a female?" She smirks.
"Gender did not play a role in assembling my schema." I laugh. "Age did. I thought you'd be older."
"Likewise." We clink our glasses together and sip our drinks.
I glance around the room and notice we are all female.
Seeing my interest, Gaia explains. "Not only are you separated by class, but gender and preference."
"Ah, that is what the excessive amount of personal questions were for." I had to fill out a document a week before to attend tonight.
"First time, I presume." She finishes her glass and flags down a subordinate for another.
"It is." I glance at the time.
"Do not worry, we will get to meet and greet soon. I would have another drink if I were you."
I nod and when the subordinate hands her a drink, I ask for one as well.
"You know our room will be filled with Majors, but down the hall is the Minors. The door we passed on the way in, that is where the Elites are." She smiled. "This is my seventh round here. While I have found many compatible matches, I am waiting until I am promoted."
My mouth opens slightly at her bold statement. "Do you know when that will be?"
She shrugs, "I have been in the comms many times for my abilities. It is only a matter of time before I build the piece that defines history."
Her bold and confident demeanor is seeping into me. I feel more sure of myself just being in her presence.
"I bet you will be promoted again too." She whispers conspiratorially.
I gasp, "It has been a decade since someone has made two tiers."
"And very few have been young." She nods, "Or female."
In agreement, I find my head bobbing up and down.
The men are announced and the mingling begins.
"I will call on you another time." Gaia pats my arm and leaves my side.
The night is filled with men after men making small talk. It is excruciating. While some are physically appealing, their compatibility leaves something to be desired.
"May I step out?" I ask the subordinate at the door.
He nods and lets me out of the room. I walk to the entrance. Leaving early is frowned upon but I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of encounters and conversations. Besides, I work in the morning.
Waiting for transport, I shift from heel to heel. Maintaining careful balance on the short steps.
"Calypso?" His voice sends a shudder down my spine.
I turn to face him. A crowd of people rush out of the building. I have waited so long, the night is now officially over.
"Elitist." I bow my head slightly.
He glances around and moves closer. "We have to stop meeting like this."
"Unintentional, I assure you." I smile at him.
"I have not seen you here before." An eyebrow raises like what he said was meant to be a question.
"Today is the day of my birth and consequently my first meet and greet." I smile and he smiles back
"Congratulations." He moves closer, eyeing the crowd. I am conscious that others might listen in. "Are you waiting for transport?"
"I am." I confirm, eyeing his proximity. "You might want to make space. We would not want our acquaintance to become a topic of conversation."
"Cancel your transport. I would like to show you something."
I hesitate, looking at the others. Most of the Elitist have left in their personal transport. Majors and Minors fill the shuttles.
He extends his hand and I look around to make sure no one is observing our interaction. I quickly grasp his hand and we're moving stealthily away from the crowd.