Trip

Dear Oliver Kali,

After much consideration, we have reached a decision regarding the application you requested. Your various achievements and contributions to this city have proved to be more than enough to qualify for the position of Electrical Engineer. You still require the official ceremony to be considered full time but you will have the ability to work as an intern studying in the field with some of our leading experts. We hope that you do not disappoint. You will hear from your school shortly with confirmation and your official certificate of graduation. Please see the attached paperwork for details. If you have any questions please call us at 423-765-0324

Thank you,

Deputy Ling of Forthaves Electrical Institute

Oliver waited patiently for the bus to arrive. The cold winter air turned his breath into puffs of smoke. The sky was ashen as always, sprinkled with little flakes of snow.

The bus stop had a small overhang of metal to shield the passengers from the elements, but no additional warmth was provided. Soon the steady hum of the bus engine could be heard. Since fossil fuels had run out, all vehicles became electrically powered.

The bus slid to a stop in front of Oliver. He waited for the doors to open before stepping lightly inside. He found an empty seat and sat down. The bus lurched forward and began moving. Soon the small bus stop disappeared in the snowy fog.

Occasionally Oliver would see small settlements along the road.

The trip stretched for an hour.

During this time Oliver went over his script. He would walk into the building with a self-confident stride. Not too pretentious but also not hesitatingly.

He would talk steadily but not without pauses. It would be perfect. The bus stopped and Oliver and a few other passengers departed. The place where they were dropped off was a long road leading towards a large metal gate.

The other passengers walked away, down the slope in the opposite direction of the gate. Oliver turned to the gate in resolution and confidently strode down to the gate, reciting his script the whole way.

Oliver stopped at the gate and pressed the buzzer attached to the metal bars separating him from his destination. The buzzer beeped and a mechanical voice asked him to state his name and business.

Oliver cleared his throat and began to speak into the mic. "My name is Oliver Kali, I'm here to speak with Maske William. I believe I scheduled an appointment for 6:30." The mechanical voice told him to wait as his request was looked over by security. Eventually, after a few minutes of waiting, the door slowly opened.