The Gate Hopper Series

Chapter 8

Osmet opened the door to the meeting room. He saw that there was a holographic table in the middle of the room surrounded by a dozen chairs. Just like the rest of the building the room was mostly orange and white with hints of black. On the far side was a window overlooking the gate district. The room was on floor 115 making the view breathtaking.

'This certainly beats anything back home.'

For as far as he could see there were buildings and spires intermixed. There was a slow but constant orange display from the various spires. Now more than ever he wondered what it meant. The simulated star above was a beautiful yellow and had just started to descend for the 'day'. Shuttles constantly buzzed from building-to-building filling the scene with a certain vibrance.

Everything looked so...different from what he was used to. This city was much more advanced than anything he had ever seen in videos, let alone with his eyes. Finally, he tore his eyes away from the view to see two pairs of eyes staring at him.

On the left side of the table was a young man with short brown hair, green eyes and an average build. To the right of the table was a short young woman with long black hair and ice blue eyes. The man gave an inviting but unsure smile while the woman remained impassive.

'Well neither looks crazy so that's a good start.'

Osmet decided to introduce himself first with a smile.

"Hey, I'm Osmet. I suppose were going to be squad mates then?"

The young man responded as he stood and approached Osmet. His voice had a slight drawl to it.

"Nice to meetcha! I'm Erin, pleased to meet you."

Osmet took his outstretched hand. He felt the numerous callouses on it. The cold looking woman turned her head and dipped it slightly as a sign of greeting. She was thin, sickly thin. It tugged Osmets heartstrings slightly. He couldn't help but think about if his sister was sick like that. She introduced herself in a cold but not entirely unfriendly tone.

"Greetings. My name is Weiss, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Erin grinned sheepishly at Osmet.

"Don't worry it's not just you. She was kinda cold to me too."

Weiss glared at Erin, breaking her impassive expression.

"I am not cold."

Erin raised his hands in defense. Osmet decided to intervene.

"Well as great as it is to meet both of you, standing isn't exactly great for conversation."

The new duo nodded, retaking their seats. Osmet decided to take one next to Erin who seemed like the more friendly of the two.

"So, where are both of you from? I'm from Elkhorn it's a tourist planet in the Colten galaxy."

Erin leaned back in his chair.

"Elkhorn. I've been there before, nice place. Me and my family went there a few years ago for vacation. I must say it's very different from Agri 5."

Osmets eyebrow rose.

"You've been to Elkhorn? That's...surprising. Do you often go on vacations with your family?"

Erin tilted his hand from side to side "Eh, not super often. With six siblings travel can be expensive."

"That's a lot of siblings. Must be a loud house, can't say I would enjoy it." Said Weiss.