Two guards ushered them through a grand doorway and they entered, greeted by a man of average stature, a prominent potbelly, and a weathered countenance.
"Hello ladies,"he greeted.
"Hello,"Selene responded first.
"New here?"he inquired.
"Yes, I am,"she confirmed.
"Selene, this is Pablo, as we affectionately refer to him. Pablo, meet Selene, a prospective colleague,"Laura introduced.
"Ah, I see. I would be delighted to create a portrait of you,"Pablo remarked, squinting his eyes and chuckling playfully.
"Really? I would appreciate that,"Selene responded.
"No, thank you,"Laura interjected. "We are here to admire the company's artwork."
Pablo gazed at Laura intently and gestured for them to follow him.
"Why did you decline?"Selene quietly inquired.
"Well, you wouldn't want to find yourself depicted in a sketch without attire; Pablo enjoys exploring the human form rather than art itself."
Selene was perplexed, assuming she required a more suitable attire for a portrait, but she remained silent and followed along.
"Here we are, everything you need to know about art,you can view as many paintings as you want".He turns toward them."I'm preoccupied in the other rooms so beckon on me if you need anything".
They both observe him depart, accompanied by other ladies in the room of art, laughing and socializing with them."Is he consistently like that?"Selene inquires, her gaze fixed on him until he disappears from view.
"Likely".Laura responds.
"These artworks are fascinating, Laura. I've never encountered anything quite like them."
"Yes, Skype integrates the finest of arts, communication, technology, and more."
"Come see this, Laura,"Selene beckons as she approaches a display of armor crafted from silver, gold, and diamond particles. "May I touch it, Laura?"
"I'm afraid not, Selene. The most precious items in Skype are safeguarded, and any attempt to tamper with such properties will trigger an alarm."
"I understand, but it's so tempting to touch it."
"Yes, members of the company are granted leisure time on Saturdays to explore any area freely, including interacting with the armor. However, since your membership has not yet been approved, I'm afraid you are restricted."
" Alright, look at this statue, it's..."
"Unclothed!"she interjects, chuckling. "Do you notice what it's clutching?"
"Yes, some sort of hammer, perhaps?""It's a hammer that wields lightning."
"Are you implying it can manipulate lightning?"
" Yes, observe this."
She approaches a password-protected device and inputs the code, activating a mechanism capable of generating and controlling a small amount of lightning.The hammer suddenly emits intense heat, and in an instant, a long bolt of lightning is produced, illuminating the room even further.
"Cool, isn't it?"Laura exclaimed with awe.
"I am taken aback,"she confessed.
Laura elegantly glided her hand over the device, causing the power of the lightning to surge. However, her demonstration was abruptly interrupted as someone pulled her away and swiftly turned off the power.
"What do you think you're doing, huh?"inquired the individual who intervened.
"Damien!"she called out, embracing him warmly. "When did you return?"
"Not too long ago... You could have endangered yourself with that, you know,"Damien cautioned.
"I apologize; I was merely attempting to impress Miss Selene with Skype's technological advancements."
"Ah, a new acquaintance, I presume,"Damien remarked as they exchanged pleasantries. "It's a pleasure to meet you, welcome to Skype."
"Thank you, Damien,"she replied graciously.
"It's my pleasure... Laura, I must take my leave now. I will see you all later, Miss Bethany has requested my presence."
"Very well, do inform me when you have some free time,"Laura responded.
"Who is Miss Bethany?"she inquired as she wandered from one artwork to another, capturing images with her mobile phone, while Laura followed closely.
"She is the individual responsible for disseminating information from the elders to all the staff members in Skype. You will have the opportunity to meet her in due course,"Selene explained, as a flying robot approached them, followed by a swarm of others.
"Would you care for any refreshments?"the robot inquired.
"Wow ,"Selene marveled.
"It's a miniature robot crafted by the technological division to assist us with refreshments and communication within Skype,"Laura clarified.
"Would you like any refreshments?"the robot repeated.
"Please proceed, what beverage would you prefer? I believe I am content for now,"Laura inquired of Selene.
"Well, a chero cola would be delightful,"Selene responded.
"Chero cola... processing,"the robot announced, its core opening to present the chilled drink.
"How delightful,"Selene expressed as she accepted the beverage, while the robot proceeded to attend to the other museum visitors.
"So... where did we leave off? Are all workers prohibited from interacting with the elders of Skype?"she inquired, taking a sip of her drink.
"Not at all, only in cases of emergency,"she replied.
"I understand... I have admired all the artworks in this room, is there any other artwork you would like to show me?"
"Come, follow me, we have many more for you to see."
As they moved to the next hall, they encountered individuals who exuded importance through their attire, each accompanied by at least one bodyguard.
"Do not feel intimidated, you have the same rights as them,"she reassured.
"Alright then."
" This is the martial arts hall, Selene. It seems the people of Skype have a preference for it... I suppose,"she chuckled."You have a sense of humor, Laura. Who wouldn't appreciate martial arts?"Selene replied, as martial arts had been an integral part of her life since childhood, inspired by action series. While Mr. Ferdinand found it peculiar for a woman like her to be so engrossed in such activities, she persisted in her passion."Attention! Attention!"interrupted her thoughts.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen,"greeted a middle-aged woman, holding a black cat and addressing the audience with a microphone.
"That's Miss Bethany Selene, our liaison from the elders, she appears to have some information to share,"she whispered to Laura."I hope you are all enjoying your time here, I simply wanted to capture your attention,"she chuckled.
" And she certainly has a sense of humor,"Laura whispered back.
"No, just jesting,"she laughed again. "A martial arts performance is about to commence in three minutes, please proceed to the central stage behind you and enjoy."With that, she vanished as if she had pressed a remote control to turn off a television."
"It was a holograph all this time,"Selene remarked."Yes, Miss Bethany prefers to relay her messages through holographic displays to avoid unnecessary stress,"Laura explained.
"I see..."
"Come on we have a show waiting for us".
Turning around, they nearly collided with a sophisticated lady accompanied by a monkey."And in whose presence do we find ourselves,"she remarked, her attendant fanning her with a grand gesture."We sincerely apologize, madam,"Laura implored.
"Be mindful of your steps, you modern day girls"the lady scolded.Selene pondered about the woman's demeanor as she continued to observe her intently.
"Why the fixed gaze, miss?"
"Excuse me?"Selene turned to Laura, who gestured for her to lower her gaze, prompting Selene to comply.
"Hmm..."the lady pondered, "are you a colleague?"
"I am on the verge of becoming one, actually."
Casting a discerning look at Selene, she introduced herself, "I am Madam Gerard, the mother of the current savitar of Skype."
"Savitar?"Selene inquired.
"Must every concept elude the comprehension of the youth?"
"My apologies for seeking clarification on unfamiliar matters."
Madam Gerard seemed to admire Selene not only for her audacity in conversing with her as an equal but also for her inquisitiveness. A monkey caught their attention as it struggled to reach a banana on the adjacent table.
"Oh,"Selene approached the plate and offered a banana to the monkey, which promptly returned to Madam Gerard.
"What is your name, young lady?"Madam Gerard inquired.
" Selene, madam."
"The performance commences in 30 seconds; let us secure a table,"a voice resonated through the hall.
"I anticipate our next encounter, Selene."She emphasized.
"Indeed, madam."
Madam Gerard moves on as they watched her escorted by her subordinates.
"I am acquainted only with Savitar from 'The Flash,' and he portrayed a villain,"she remarked to Laura, who struggled to maintain her composure amidst hearty laughter. "Shall we proceed, Selene, please?"
Taking their seats, they observed as the stage, of moderate dimensions, unfolded before them. A radiant light illuminated the space as two gentlemen entered, exchanging respectful nods before commencing their performance, which lasted an hour.
"I believe time has elapsed considerably,"Laura remarked.
"Yes, it is nearing four o'clock,"Selene concurred. "Are you feeling peckish?"
"Indeed, I am. I had intended to return home first after the elders deliberated on my request."
"Very well, let us seek sustenance."
Making their way to a quaint restaurant adjacent to the museum, they ascended a finely crafted wooden staircase leading to the establishment. Upon entering, they found themselves in a spacious spherical room encased in glass, allowing the sun's rays to filter in. The restaurant was sparsely populated, primarily by women engaged in lively conversations and laughter. Approaching the counter, they settled on high stools, engaging with the attendants.
"What may we offer you?"inquired one of the attendants.
"What appeals to your palate, Selene?"Laura inquired.
"It appears I will be returning home late,"Selene murmured.
"Fret not, I shall accompany you. Perhaps the staff is preoccupied with other orders,"Laura reassured her.
"Very well, I suppose I ought to make a call then,"Selene remarked, dialing her parents' number as Laura finalized their orders and secured their seats.
"Hello, mother,"Selene greeted.
"How are you, my dear? How goes the day?"
""Am yet to receive a response, but fret not,"she hesitated as Laura seized the phone from her grasp. "Good evening, mother,"she greeted, restraining Selene from reclaiming the phone. "I am Laura, entrusted with the care of Selene. Rest assured, she can spend the night at my abode if necessary."
"Ah, I understand. Then I shall deem you both sisters for the night,"her mother responded. "That sounds delightful... I shall pass the phone to her now."
"Very well, Laura."
"Darling, do you require anything? Perhaps I could swing by and deliver it to you. What about dinner?"
"Thank you, mother, but I am content. I have been thoroughly enjoying myself since my arrival,"she replied, shifting the phone from her right hand to her left and indicating a dish on the menu.
"I comprehend your wishes,"the attendant acknowledged as she prepared the meal, while Selene softly expressed her gratitude and resumed the call.
"And Jacob?"inquired Miss Walter.
"He is presently occupied, and I am surprised he has not reached out since our parting."
"I see. He will surely reach out."
Springing to her feet, she joined Laura at their table, who appeared engrossed in a conversation on her phone, her face lighting up with each message exchanged.
"Farewell for now, mother. Please convey my regards to father and our young companion."
"Of course. Notify me if you require anything."
"Very well, mother. I shall."
They were both served their ordered dishes and Selene began to eat first, while Laura continued to grin and focus intently on her phone. She pondered to herself whether she would encounter other colleagues as amiable as Laura; she certainly hoped so. After spending hours in Laura's company, she felt a sense of camaraderie that she had not experienced with Jacob, with whom she still felt uneasy.
"Aren't you eating your meal?"Laura inquired.
"I was just contemplating something,"Selene replied.
"Come on, share it with me,"Laura insisted, always striving to dispel any hint of melancholy.
"No need to worry, Laura, I am content,"Selene reassured her.
"Very well, then let us dine,"Laura proposed.
As they began to eat, two women rose from their seats and approached them, occupying the remaining two seats at the table. The first woman was tall and slender, while the second was slightly plump.
"Hello,"they greeted simultaneously.
"Hello,"Laura responded.
"I'm Sara, and this is Anabel. You must be new here, miss?"Sara inquired.
"Yes, I am, Sara...pleasure to meet you both"Selene replied.
"Welcome to Skype,"they chimed in unison."You do not recognize us Laura?".One of them asks.
"Colleagues?"Laura questioned.
"Yes, indeed. Don't you remember us?"Sara asked.
"I apologize, I have a tendency to forget faces easily. I only recall those I work closely with in my office,"Laura admitted.
"That's understandable. We actually applied here together after you intervened when those bullies accosted us before the security arrived,"Sara explained.
"Oh, how are you both faring?"Laura inquired.
"We are doing well, just wanted to express our gratitude,"Anabel replied.
"That was merely a reflex. I simply detested witnessing such behavior,"Laura modestly replied before resuming her meal.
One of the miniature robots flying around approached their table, appearing somewhat different from the one that had previously served Selene a drink. It hovered towards Selene, obstructing the view outside the window.
"Greetings, are you Miss Selene Javis?"it inquired.
""Yes, I am,"she affirmed, meeting Laura's gaze, who merely arched her eyebrows in response."You have a message from the council of elders, ma'am,"a holographic display announced, showing an image of her application being approved and stamped.
"I suppose the decision has been made."
"Congratulations, dear friend,"Laura exclaimed with a smile as they embraced."I've been offered a position in the technological sector... I am thrilled, Laura,"Selene exclaimed, brimming with joy as she examined the hologram."We are delighted for you, Selene, but we must return to our duties. We shall catch up another time,"Sara remarked."Thank you for keeping me company,"Selene replied, waving as they disappeared from view."Alright, Laura, it's getting dark. I should probably head home now,"Selene suggested."Yes, you're right. I'll escort you outside,"Laura replied, walking towards the transparent glass that enclosed their surroundings, with Selene following closely behind.
"Oh, my goodness, Laura, how high up are we? I can barely make out the buildings below,"Selene exclaimed.
"You're amusing, Selene, but we are likely a thousand and ten feet above the ground."
"That's incredible! Skype is truly breathtaking with its towering skyscrapers,"Selene marveled."Let's arrange for a car to be waiting for you when we descend,"Laura proposed.
Approaching one of the miniature robots, Laura made a request on Selene's behalf."My friend requires transportation home,"she stated."Please present your ID for verification,"the robot requested.After Laura complied and the robot scanned her ID, it inquired, "What is the destination?"Stepping forward, Selene provided the address."Order completed. Your ride is awaiting you outside,"the robot confirmed before departing."Alright, Selene, let's make our way,"Laura urged.Exiting the restaurant, they boarded the elevator, descending to the ground level. As they descended, Selene couldn't shake off a nagging thought about the miniature robots. She hesitated to burden Laura with more questions, knowing her friend's patience, yet also aware that Laura was always there to support her.
"How do they recharge the robots? or are they self functional?"
"The technological sector facilitates their recharging by replacing the charged units and instructing the one operating at dawn to return for a recharge."
"That's remarkable."
"You are fortunate to be in such a sector as a woman, considering you have a position there."
"Yes, I am aware,"she replied with a smile.
As the elevator doors opened, Selene attempted to exit, but Laura gently held her back as more individuals entered the elevator, causing it to continue its ascent. Laura fought back the urge to burst into laughter, while Selene appeared somewhat embarrassed, especially when one of the ladies who joined them noticed her and smiled.
Upon reaching the ground floor, Selene embraced Laura.
"Thank you for accompanying me."
"No problem at all, I will see you tomorrow then."
Outside, she noticed a car waiting for her, which she recognized as the one the earlier miniature robot had arranged for her. She got in, with Laura waving goodbye.
"Where to, ma'am?"the driver inquired.
"Please take me to Bridget Street."
"Of course, please fasten your seat belt. Thank you."
As they drove off, Selene struggled with the seat belt, sensing there was something troubling her mind despite everything going smoothly. She paused, sighed, and adjusted the belt. Jacob? Yes, he was the one she had been pondering about.
The fact that he didn't even bother to check on me or inquire about the job is rather impolite, especially since he was supposed to ensure my presence while I secured the position.
"Those considerations were unnecessary,"she realized. She was the one seeking employment, not him, and she had someone to keep her company.