****************************************************************************
Autumndusk, Black and White Time Headquarters, Time: 4:00 AM.
****************************************************************************
A flurry of papers littered the expansive headquarters, accompanied by the rhythmic hum of a printing machine.
The air was thick with urgency as employees scurried about, their actions intermingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
They moved like automatons, mechanically processing paperwork with drowsy determination.
Some struggled to keep pace, their movements sluggish amidst the frantic atmosphere.
"Ensure the new publications keep flowing; we must have them ready posthaste!" commanded an imposing, feminine voice that resonated through the room.
The owner of the voice was Alice Summerglow, President of 'Black&White Time.'
Her long, disheveled yet elegantly purple hair framed her face, radiating an air of authority. Clad in a unique black and white suit, her gloves blended intricate patterns of both colors. Her intense amber eyes held a hint of intimidation as they surveyed the scene.
"By 6:00 am, or mark my words all of you are getting a pay cut!" she bellowed, intensifying the collective urgency as employees redoubled their efforts.
The looming specter of potential loss drove them to strive even harder for their paychecks.
Amidst the frenzy, a softer, gentler voice piped up, "Excuse me, Alice, ma'am?"
The speaker was Sarah, Alice's right-hand woman at 'B&W Time.'
Sporting a stylish white suit, complete with matching gloves and shoes, she exuded an air of sophistication. Her cyan hair was elegantly tied back, and circular glasses lent her an intellectual air.
Palpable concern filled Sarah's voice as she continued, "Do you think we might be a tad harsh on them? Yes, the urgency is clear, but wouldn't working together achieve our goals more effectively?"
Alice's frustration was evident as she retorted, "Oh, Sarah, can't you see? It's because a certain tin can forget something crucial!"
The mention of Tino's forgetfulness struck a nerve, a reminder of a late notification. In another part of the COU Castle, Tino, the robotic assistant, let out a sneeze in his sleep.
"I've prepared coffee for both you and the co-president," Sarah reassured, her voice marked by a touch of reassurance as she resumed checking on other employees.
Meanwhile, Alice decided to visit her co-president, Pierre Mournsteam.
She knocked gently on his door, "Come in and don't you touch anything." Upon his invitation to enter, she stepped inside.
Pierre's attire sharply contrasted with Sarah's—his black suit exuded sophistication. Tousled blonde hair, falling in disconnected waves, complemented his casually elegant appearance.
A blue dress shirt peeked from beneath his suit jacket, and he notably lacked gloves. His sword stood proudly nearby, a symbol of his identity as a retired S-rank guardian.
"Alice," Pierre's voice carried confusion as he contemplated her unexpected visit. He mused internally about her absence from her usual role orchestrating the distribution of the new batch for the day.
"I have the new draft for you, Pierre. I'm seeking your approval before sending it out," she stated, extending freshly crafted papers toward him. His gaze lingered on the documents for a moment before delving into their content.
Alice watched intently as he read, the scene akin to an art connoisseur engrossed in analyzing someone else's creation.
His emotions remained an enigma, weariness seemingly the only expression he possessed. In a mere ten minutes, he concluded his perusal, his fatigued countenance unchanged.
"This is a pile of shit," Pierre critiqued, handing the papers back to Alice—a response she had been anticipating, patiently waiting.
"Publish it," Pierre directed, nonchalantly sipping his coffee. Alice emitted a resigned sigh; Pierre's penchant for facetiousness was a well-known facet of his personality.
"It's rather astonishing you'd phrase it this way. Nonetheless, I'll ensure its publication as we both command," Alice declared, her hand reaching for the doorknob.
With a brief statement, she announced her departure, "I shall be on my way now, Pierre."
As the door swung open, she left to initiate distributing numerous copies of the publication. Left to his own devices, Pierre released a weary sigh, his gaze fixed upon a photograph capturing a moment he shared with Ace.
Memories of Ace's tendency to unexpectedly grab people invaded his thoughts.
"Tell me, Ace, what sort of foolish predicament have you embroiled yourself in?"
A muttered curse escaped Pierre's lips as he grappled with his frustration, disapproving of Ace's reckless tendency to challenge Gray Phoenix alongside his friend.
Alice let out a weary sigh, her earlier happiness fading in the face of new urgency.
She knew Captain Bada's appearance, head of the Congregation of Unity (COU), was not to be taken lightly. His sudden demand for a copy of the new draft sent a ripple of concern through her.
"Captain Bada requires it immediately." Sarah relayed the message, her worry evident, Alice leaned against a nearby desk, her mind racing.
Why would Bada want it now? She knew COU's authority extended far beyond their headquarters' scope.
Alice understood this request wasn't routine—it held implications rippling through their operations.
"Get a copy ready immediately and deliver it to Captain Bada," Alice instructed, her voice laced with determination and fatigue. She had been pushing herself relentlessly, and the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll.
Sarah nodded, her ponytail swaying. "Right away, Alice. And... ensure the others stay focused on the remaining tasks," she added, concern for Alice evident in her eyes.
Alice straightened up, momentarily pushing aside her weariness. "Yes, you're right. We can't afford any distractions now."
As Sarah hurried off to deliver the draft, Alice turned her attention to the bustling scene. Employees were still in overdrive, diligently preparing the new batch for release.
Alice's gaze swept across the headquarters, taking in the sight of printing machines churning paper, employees collaborating in controlled chaos, and the overarching sense of purpose in the room.
With renewed determination, Alice stepped forward, her commanding presence cutting through frantic energy.
She clapped her hands loudly, capturing everyone's attention. The room gradually fell silent as all eyes turned to her.
"Listen up, everyone!" she called out, her voice projecting strength and authority. "We've got a special request from the COU, making our work even more crucial. I need each of you to focus and give your all. We've come this far together, and I know we can meet this challenge head-on!"
A wave of determination swept through the room, and employees nodded in agreement, unity palpable.
Alice's ability to rally her team under pressure was one of her defining qualities, evident as the atmosphere shifted from panic to purposeful resolve.
As hours passed and the draft was prepared for Captain Bada, the headquarters buzzed with a different energy.
Urgency remained, but it was infused with collective determination. Alice knew that no matter the challenges, they were a team capable of weathering any storm.
****************************************************************************