When the World Ends

13; Daye

     "Good to see you, Commander." I said, scooting over in the car seat as she climbed in. 

After a moment of silence while she gets situated, she smiles and says, "Good morning Elector." A pause, "For the sake of simplicity, can we go by first names in the privacy of each others company?"

     "I don't see why not." I acquiesce. "Although I will only extend such privilege to you...and Angel. How is the apartment?"

Astrid popped open the mini fridge and pulled out a single serving bottle of orange juice. A few sips in, she speaks, "The place is nice for what I saw before I tumbled into bed and fell asleep. I was exhausted. I suppose we both slept well. There's not much food in the place so neither of us have eaten. I think Angel said she'd go looking for a store later and try to buy something."

I shook my head, picking up the receiver sitting on the wall of the car, on the back of the separation that divided Alfred from us. Dialing the keys in rapid succession, I wait quietly. One muffled conversation later and we've arrived at the school. I say my goodbyes and hang up the phone. 

     "I don't like the idea of Angel wandering alone. It's one thing to grow up here. It's another to be locked away from all of society for ninety-five percent of your life." I remark as we climb out of the car.

Astrid nods. "I have the feeling Angel doesn't need anyone defending her. Especially after seeing her confidence during the ceremony." 

     "Purely adrenaline. No one as soft spoken as herself is that bold all of the time."

Inside the school, I nod at Bethany who is waving from behind the massive oak desk. Glancing around, I drink in the details of the office I never cared to notice before. Now, having the ability to leave this place when I want to and technically not have to return if I don't want to has shifted my perspective. The beautifully hand carved arches that support the high ceiling are certainly a sight to behold. 

     "Elector! Good Morning!" Bethany shouts across the foyer, still waving madly. "I have your agenda for the morning. We can begin whenever you're ready!"

Before I know it, she's beside me holding her clipboard. Behind me, Astrid suppresses a laugh, presumably at Bethany's enthusiasm for the mundane. 

     "The prison headmistress still needs an answer on the reworking of the death penalty. Other than that, the only other thing is the planning of the gala."

"How soon do they want to meet?" I questioned, turning to ascend the staircase. 

Bethany smiled at Astrid, gesturing for her to go up first. "They requested to meet after they bring in the chairs and tables. They aren't here yet, so it might be a while yet." Pausing, she jogs up a few steps to catch up with Astrid. Lowering her voice, she says, "Commander, you look very dashing in your uniform. It's been a while since we've had a sitting commander. Daye's father was..." she trailed off, suddenly remembering that I was only three steps ahead of them. 

     "My father was a brute. Killed anyone who got in his way, anyone who stood in direct opposition of his plans and goals. Well...anyone, really. There weren't really requirements they had to meet, you know, like being guilty of murder... something like that." I stopped and turned, jabbing the button to the elevator. 

     "Forgive my boldness, Elector, but you don't think..." Astrid paused. "I'll ask you when we're alone." She glanced at Bethany. " No offense! I just.. I know it's easier to open up about vulnerable things in front of less people."

Bethany nodded. "I understand. It's not my business anyways. Here," she said, sticking out the clipboard towards me, "Take this, please and have a good time!"