Brief encounter
February 5, 2029
Brittany POV
- Breaking news, we are live from the White House where the first conference between humans and Celestians is set to take place, aiming to discuss the situation of our planet.
To our left, we can see the president who is already here, and we are eagerly awaiting the president and spokesperson for the Celestian people, Orion Starshade.
- Brittany, wasn’t your interview scheduled for 1 o’clock? It’s almost noon now. - my mom says from the other side of the door.
Oh no, no! Paul will kill me if I’m late for the job interview.
Without thinking much, I grab my backpack and get ready to run to the next bus stop. When I get there, I breathe a sigh of relief - I made it in time to catch the shuttle.
After 20 minutes, I finally arrive at my destination.
Daily Grind Café is a caffeinated haven on Earth for me. I discovered it in my first year of university after my father passed away, and surprisingly, I found comfort and emotional support here, not only in the coffee itself but also in the people who work here. Paul, the café owner, quickly became the older brother I never had.
- Paul, I’m here.
- I was starting to think you gave up.
- Do you really think I would give up the unique opportunity to annoy you every day?
- Ahhh, Brittany, always so concerned about people. Come, sit at that table, and let’s start the interview. Josh is handling things alone, and the last thing I need is a waiter on the verge of a breakdown. Give me your resume and tell me a bit about your work history.
- Ok, as you know, I recently finished my degree in English studies. I had a part-time job at the supermarket near my house, and I worked there for 8 months because I had some issues with the manager.
- Issues?! That idiot was constantly harassing and stalking you at work!
- Paul, isn’t this supposed to be a serious job interview?
- Serious my ass. How can you downplay a situation like that?
- It’s ok, it’s over now. We’ve resolved the issue.
- And that idiot was very lucky the police arrived before I could break his face! Lets not about that, i think i have everything i need. You start tomorrow at the 11 am shift. Here’s your apron and your badge, and I think that’s it. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.
- I think I’m good. Thank you, Paul. I swear you won’t regret it. But wait, how do I have a badge with my name unless you were already thinking of hiring me? - I wink at him.
- I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let’s stop this conversation before I change my mind.
- Ok, you win. It seems I can’t even joke anymore. Goodbye, Paul, and thanks for the job.
- We’ll see. - he says, heading to the counter.
Before leaving, I do my little celebration dance, and accidentally bump into someone tall - tall is an understatement; he looks like a tower. When I look up to see the face of the owner of this body, I come face to face with a Celestian? What? What is he doing here so far from Washington?
I quickly apologize, and he just nods. It’s not like I can tell if he’s annoyed or upset just by looking at a helmet... Celestians have a strict rule of always wearing helmets, not only because it serves as translators but also to hide their appearance. According to them, humans are not ready for that revelation.
After this discovery, our people found themselves wondering how they could differentiate between each other, and the answer was simpler than we expected. They explained that each helmet had a set of colors and inscriptions corresponding to their status and position.
And now, as I look at him, he has a green and red helmet! It’s one of the highest statuses in the hierarchy of helmets. I seriously wonder what his position is... And what is he doing far from Washington?
