The Inaugural Address

PART I - CHAPTER V

5.

Brock and I followed Mabel and her entourage of guards through the halls of one of Liberty Island's main buildings. We were escorted through hallways separating bustling offices into an elevator that opened up onto what appeared to be the building's top floor, which consisted of brightly lit floating walkways overlooking the building's multiple stories. If Liberty Island were a hotel, we would have entered the presidential penthouse upon stepping off the elevator. I couldn't help but study the extra security precautions requiring Mabel to swipe an identification card. Every twenty or so feet there seemed to be another entrance Mabel had to authorize entry for in order for us to access. It was beginning to get old as I counted a tenth requirement for authorized entry.

"High security is what makes the compound run so smoothly," Mabel said, remaining unfazed and unbothered by having to stop to authorize entry so often. I noticed she was the only member of the entourage to scan her card for entry each time. I wonder if she really was the only one of her team with the necessary security permissions to access the route we were taking, or if she just wanted me to think so. If that was the case and she wasn't the only one with access, I guess she may be as paranoid as I was when it came to trusting others (in Mabel's case, trusting others meant trusting me). If I believed only she had access to the route we were on, it'd be harder for me to turn away if I ever decided I wanted to leave. That undoubtedly had to put her more at ease.

Then again, am I paranoid or do I just hate it here?

"We'll begin the meeting as soon as everyone arrives," Mabel said as she made way to finally let someone else open a door. Kaster walked forward and opened a door leading into a large conference room. Mabel then gestured for Brock and I to enter first, and Brock led our way in.

Not-so-subtle stares from two strangers greeted us as we awkwardly waited to be told where to sit. Both individuals sat at a large table when we entered and our presence seemed to halt their conversations. I looked at Brock, who looked awkwardly back at me. We weren't sure what to do or where to go and so we both looked toward Mabel, who entered directly after us.

"Now don't be so shy, you two!" We heard one of the seated strangers suddenly speak. Our eyes jetted over to see a younger man around our age with platinum blonde hair and a beautiful face perfectly complemented by enhancing makeup. He got up suddenly to further acquaint himself with us, rushing around the table to hold out his hand. "My name is Jasper Langford, make-up, hair, and fashion designer extraordinaire. You can call me by my lovely sign though, Leo. Everyone does!"

"Nice to meet you," I managed to reply while lightly shaking Leo's hand. "I'm Philip--"

"Sangra! Our secret weapon! Of course, I don't mean to interrupt, but we are just so excited to have you and your gorgeous boyfriend here to join us."

"Gorgeous?" I reply, shocked by Jasper -- or Leo's -- forwardness. Brock put a hand on my shoulder in a subtle form of reassurance of our connection as he offered his own hand to Leo. "I mean, he is--" I attempted to continue but was interrupted.

"Brock Mavers," Brock spoke over me. "I appreciate the compliment, I'm lucky to have --"

"Oh you two are so lucky to have each other!" Leo added another interruption to the conversation. "You two are about to be the couple everyone wants to see and if they're smart enough -- want to be! If your beautiful bone structures don't sell the rebellion, I certainly will with my fashion!" Leo wasted no time getting up close and personal, squeezing both Brock and I's cheekbones as if we were babies. "Now we could talk about my plans for you all day, but there's more people to meet. Please say hello to my lovely friend... "

"I'm Charity, Charity Vanquent," We heard a much calmer voice call from behind Leo at the table. "Sorry about Leo, he can't help himself. He's been excited to meet you both ever since Philip's test came back," Charity then got up from her seat and joined Leo beside us. "I'm happy to finally meet you as well. I'm the new grassroots recruit and former RBB nursing student from the Virgonian Territory. I left after I had to deliver twins and then separate them. Makes sense why I'm here, right? Welcome to Liberty!"