Tales from the Former Universe

10. High Profile

Year 12166: People Anew

In the dawn of a fresh year, expected with promise and potential, the world stood poised for transformation and renewal. Across the globe, individuals carried new dreams and ambitions, while the United Nations prepared to embark for novel initiatives, missions, and commitments, extending a hand of opportunity and cooperation to nations and their citizens

However, for Haumecea and Martinner, it was the same cycle all over again, one they were accustomed and comfortable to follow, for the sake of the family they have built together.

Haumecea confirmed an invalid document.

"Denied?" the struggling woman read. "Understand, I do not. How so? I waited and dealt with every process as home affairs did."

"I am sorry, but your district, we had contacted—they confirmed your registry to be fraudulent," Haumecea said.

The struggling woman then put her hands close. "Mrs. Haumecea, please..." she begged.

"I am sorry, but you made a mistake; support you from here, I cannot," Haumecea stated.

"Miss, please, I beg you!" the struggling woman said. "I ran away from home, it was a horrible place. Starving, I am! A job, I desperately need!"

"But you weren't legitimate with the application like others. With respect, this is on you," Haumecea said.

"I can't afford the money nor the time to do any of this. Many companies that have the wage can't accept me for this, yet they accept people that don't even belong here..."

"Miss, I understand your struggle and what you want to achieve. But what can I do?" Haumecea said. "I helped you far, similar job-desperate applicants are waiting. Their time, I shall not waste."

"Please," she cried. "Living, I need... give me living, please."

"I am sorry," Haumecea said. "Security!"

"NO, NOOO, PLEASE, YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!" the struggling woman was pulled out of the branch.

"Oh, when can it ever be the right time for chaos?" Haumecea said and drank her pill before resuming other applications.

Meanwhile, Martinner was in the room for manual validation of the approvals and cross-tasked in an emergency for the misspells by IT.

"Oh, soaring, I believe my eyes are looking at the shades!" the staff said.

"Well, the sooner, the better. Some effort, you should save and contribute for us," Martinner said.

"All this because of a prioritized application mishap?" the staff was in disbelief.

"By a trust-fund baby," Martinner said.

"Still, the havoc, this one application in particular caused," the staff said. "I don't want to know how it happened."

"You tell me," Martinner said.

"You two," the robot called. "Fifty remaining approvals are at your desk awaiting reviews. Then you can have your leave."

"Noted," Martinner complied.

After the robot left,

"That clump of metal, think he understands our labor?" the staff teased.

"Let him be, he can't dominate his power, only submit his feedback and insubordination to his bosses," Martinner said.

"Least there ain't more of him," the staff relieved.

"For now," Martinner said.

In First Avenue, Singapore, Orama and his partner, Han-Cho walked to the apartment site, in search of the deserter,