CALLA

24: It's Not A Game?

I'm bored out of my mind. This is why I hate management position because they are required you attending meetings and dealing with all sorts of boring discussion and presentation. For days now, I had to attend meetings at Aion office and forced to review documents. 

"What do you think Ms. Lind?"

The man was talking so formally to me that I had to hold back a sigh. In fact, everyone in currently in the room were not that much older than me and yet they treat me like I was 20 years their senior. They were being careful because of who I was – James Lind's granddaughter. But is it really necessary to walk around me like they're walking on egg shells? I was just a harmless 18 years old girl. Well, I'm not that harmless but it's not like I'm a monster.

"I don't have any comments"

I could see the troubled expression on his face. Why in the world is he even asking for my opinion when his boss is sitting in the same room?

"You don't need to defer to me on any opinions in regards to the software designs and development" I glanced over at the leaders of Aion. "Allac is here only to observe how the money is spent"

I re-clarified why I'm there because I sure don't want any additional work load or more unnecessary responsibilities.

"We would like a third party opinion on the design" Eric Bloom, one of the co-founder of Aion said to me with a friendly, easygoing smile. "If that's alright with you Ms. Lind"

I didn't know why these people are constantly trying to get me involve when all I want to do is observe. And what's with them call me Ms. Lind? Holding back another tired sigh, I lifted my head toward the projection screen wall.

"It's boring" I said bluntly.

Silence filled the room. What? They wanted my opinion so I gave it to them.

"B_ boring?" The presenter was at a loss. "C_ could you be more specific, Ms. Lind?"

He wanted me to be more specific? I thought "boring" said it all. For a program designed for elementary students, it was colorless. It was like looking at a digital textbook with no pictures or shapes of any kind.

"The program is design for elementary students right?" I asked. "Yet the program seems to be design more toward university students and that already lack appeal for me. I doubt little kids would have fun with it"

"But we want to challenge the mind of the children..." He said wryly. "It's not a game"

"Wait, it's not a game?"

Several people chuckled in the background while he looked at me wryly.

"Ms. Lind, this is an educational program"

"Oh, no wonder it's boring" 

I was teasing but the guy was too serious to get it.

"Johnny, looks like you forgotten what's it like to be a kid"

Everyone turned to look at Eric Bloom when he spoke.

"You're in charge of design the program for elementary division, which means you're dealing with 4 to 6 years old children. You have little nieces and nephews that age" Eric looked at the presenter with a troubled expression. "Do you think they will sit still and go through the tutorial you just presented?"

It was like he was hit by lightning. 

"No one said a game can't be educational" Eric looked at me with a wry smile. "It seems we still have a lot to work on"

He didn't need to look at me like that. I wasn't there to judge anyone. From the start, I was only supposed to observe. Not my fault when they asked for my opinion. Besides, I didn't need to voice my opinion since the leaders already noticed the problem.

"You have a week to redo the program" Eli cold voice made people unconsciouslyflinch.

The man had a suppressing presence that commands anyone to follow his every orders. I was proud with myself that I was able to keep my usual composure despite how shaky my heart was.

"Y_ yes sir"

The poor guy looked like someone kicked his puppy.

"Next" Eli said indifferently.

The next presenter quickly stood up. He glanced at me with pleading eyes that silently beg me not to get him in trouble too. Everyone shared the same look. I had to cover my amusement by pretending to look through the next presentation file. These guys are too funny.