We sat in his transport, hovering hundreds of yards above the void.
"It is daunting." I say in a whisper.
Adam turns to look at me and nods in agreement. "Have you ever seen it before?"
"Not in person." I stare down at a huge crack in the surface of our planet.
"Is it not fascinating that you work for the government on projects pertaining to this, but you've never seen it in person?"
"You are quite right." I acknowledge not looking away.
This crevice is where the parasite began. It started as a seed and began to thrive on its lack of light in the void. Soon it was this invader, killing living creatures at night.
"You intrigue me." Adam says after a long comfortable silence. His eyes still staring into the abyss.
"I beg your pardon?" My cheeks heat up but I tilt my head to the side out of curiosity.
"I apologize." He sighs loudly. "I know how improper this might seem. I am your boss. I am an Elite. I barely know you."
"That could be the reason I intrigue you." I point out.
"My father wants to keep and eye on you. Within the next year he intends to raise you to an Elite." He says all of a sudden.
"That is such an honor." I respond, confused what else to say.
"Would you consider getting to know each other better? We would have to be discrete, of course."
"May I think on it?" I say quickly. "It's been quite a long day and I need time to process what you have shared with me."
"Of course." He smiles. "Shall I take you home?"
"Please." I smile back.
The ride is beautiful, the stars shine bright and Caeruleum glows a bright blue. What an odd color for a planet.
Adam says something as we pull up to my apartment dwelling.
"I missed that." I say embarrassed.
"I said I got you something. It should be outside your door." I open the door to leave when he continues. "Happy day of your birth Calypso. I will await your answer most impatiently."
I smile, "Thank you Adam. For the ride, conversation, and gift. You are quite thoughtful. Enjoy your evening."
The door closes on its own as I make my way to my dwelling. A large package is sitting outside. I drag it in before shutting the door behind me.
Unwrapping the dull brown paper from the box, I find a note sitting on top of the tissue paper.
"Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read. Happy day of birth Calypso."
He didn't sign the gift. Discrete already.
I pulled out a small hologram cartridge titled, "Botany for the Brave."
A book I saw was recently released in our field. It was on my must have list. Something to read, check.
Then I saw an instant cooking pot. Something I have never taken time to learn was how to cook. Something I need, check.
Next, I pulled out a small stack of papers that contained all mentions in the comms. That made me smile from ear to ear. I always wanted all of my entries in one organized and efficient place. Underneath was an empty binder. Probably for the purpose of organizing them myself. Something I want, check.
The final item was something to wear. I pulled out a small red box. From the label I could tell it was from and Elite jewelry store and probably very expensive. I opened the box to find a small silver bracelet sitting on a bed of velvet.
Gingerly, I picked it up to examine it closer. It had engravings on the inside. A quote from someone perhaps?
"Together we found our purpose by embracing the chaos."
I smiled, I have never heard that quote before. Should I accept Adamanthe's offer to get to know one another? My rational mind said no. I needed to prove my worth by throwing myself into my work. On the other hand, my emotions made an appealing argument. Why not see what Adam has to offer. If we were discreet there is not really a downside.