'Dear Ann Ivly
Congratulations! You have advanced to the final round of the interview process. Your in person interview is scheduled for September 27 at 9:30 AM. at Vitto Street x2oL on the 108th floor.
Please let us know if you have any questions or need to reschedule. We look forward to meeting you.
Best regards,
Vincent Ha
Technical Operations Coordinator
State Zhao National Technological Firearm Department'
That was the email she got before going to bed.
The interview was tomorrow.
She had just sent the application and interview video a couple of hours ago, why the heck were they so fast. The worst part about all this was that the interview was tomorrow!
"The interview is tomorrow?! Well rass!"
She hadn't expected a response that fast much less an in-person interview schedule within hours.
'What even made them think that she would be available for an interview so soon.'
Her eyes drifted to Ali before she exhaled "What do they not know"
'There are robots everywhere watching everything' a chill ran down her spine.
"Ali prepare the cleansing solution, I'm getting ready to rest. Oh, and wake me up at the usual time tomorrow morning." she didn't want to think about anything at that moment, not what she was going to do tomorrow or anything about this world at all.
Tonight was already creeping her out enough.
......
The lights in the room glowed a dim amber. it was morning.
Stirred, her eyes blinked slowly as she tried to adjust to the lighting.
Ali spoke in a chiding tone "Good morning, Ivly. It is currently 6:00 AM. You have approximately three hours and twenty-five minutes till your scheduled interview."
The interview, its real and It's today.
Rolling herself of the bed she walked to the clothing unit. After automatically opening with a hissing sound rows of refined bodysuits in various shades of gray and black all clean and in perfect condition.
After bathing, she pulled on the one she thought looked interview worthy, after a bath she pulls it on before strapping on various self-protective gear. She pulled her hair into a sleek low bun, taking more than half her strength in the process.
Making her way to the mirror she stared at her reflection. Ann's face stares back. Mimicking Ann's usual demeanor expressionless and closed off, that's more like it, clean, sharp and blank.
"Ali" she says, voice flat as she stepped away from the mirror "Bring out one of my firearm kit"
A drawer slid open, and a black mesh case rose up. Inside were the parts of an Electra-gun, waiting for her to assemble.
Walking up to the drawer her fingers hovered, unsure. Then they move, faster than she expected.
First the power core then the ionization chamber, magnetic acceleration attaches next and after the heat reduction system and importantly the recoil damper before lastly the casing made of carbon titanium.
In her hands was now a fully functional gun. But it wasn't her who did it, not really, it was Ann, her memories were embedded into every flesh and.
She tried again, assembling and dismembering various weapons, moving slowly to familiarize herself with the weapons and her new body.
She was watching her own movements like someone studying a strangers' habit.
A chime came from Ali signaling that her departure time was near.
After locking the kits she grabs her ID badge from the counter before stepping out.
Outside was lively at this hour, people going to work, children going to school, bots cleaning.
Just another typically Friday morning.
Reaching the hover-train platform she was quite surprised that it wasn't as crowded as she expected.
Avoiding any eye contact, she climbs into the cabin taking a seat as the glass door shuts behind her.
"You got this Ann, of course you got this!" she mutters under her breath as the train moved.
As the train lifts and began to move along the rails, the world outside became a blur. The sunlight was glaring too brightly this early in the morning against the sleepy blue sky. She squinted out the glass, it's hot, a bit too hot.
The train slowed to a stop at the Central Emergent Tower. The voice-over intercom cheered "Now arriving at Vitto Street, sector x2. Have a good day everyone."
Stepping out the air greeted her like freshly sterilize hospital ward cold and clean… far too clean.
'How nauseating' she took in the view of surroundings. Nothing out of place but her.
Shaking off her whatever thoughts were creeping in she walked in the direction of the firearm department.
Thankfully earlier this morning she took the time to search for the direction and appearance of the building in advance.
Now what stood before her was a magnificent skyscraper, so tall she couldn't see where it ended. It's reflective metal so bright it was the light source for a few streets within a wide radius.
She couldn't believe that everyone could see with such bright light, including herself. Taking a breath she walked into the building, time was running.
"Good morning, I'm here for an interview appointment on floor 108." she stepped in front of the receptionist, a Zhen.
It was her first time having a conversation with a Zhen, she was quite nervous.
The Zhen looked up, its smooth, metallic skin reflecting the overhead lights. Its face wasn't human, not even close. It was completely faceless with a vertical line running down the middle of its smooth oval-shaped head. A glowing badge lit just below its shoulder, blinking with the initials: ZH-LK32.
"Unit ID?"
Its voice was soft and sweet with an echoing effect, not what she was expecting.
"Name, Ann Ivly. Unit ID Nine-three-six-five-double-A." She replied keeping her tone even.
The Zhen started into the air for a moment, or that's what she thought since it had no eyes technically.
"Confirmed. Ann Ivly. Final round interview, Firearm Division. Identification?"
Mari slid her badge over the reception pad. The Zhen's fingers hovered above a crystalline panel, not touching, but guiding invisible screens.
"You are exactly on time."
"Not early nor late."
Was that… a commentary? Observation? Mari couldn't tell.
"You will take Lift Sector 9. Elevation to floor one-zero-eight will initiate after retinal verification. No personal weapons permitted beyond gate three."
"Clear" Ann confirmed
"Proceed." The Zhen sounded as if it was smiling.
Mari nodded, stepping away quick but measured. Her heart was drumming now, every muscle tense in pretense.
I am Ann. I am Ann.
She squared her shoulders and walked toward the elevator, the weight of her ID badge pressing cold against her chest.