Chapter 1: The Summons
I waited and I was dreading every second. I just wanted to get this over with so I could finish my report and have that glass of wine with Miranda like usual.
"They'll see you now" said the receptionist and then stood by the metal door for me to enter the Council Room.
I looked at her, I knew I should know her name but it escaped me. I just hope that I didn't look as I felt, completely and utterly terrified.
I coughed and managed to say thank you as I stood and walked through that metal door. The sinking feeling in my gut told me that my life, as I knew it, was about to change.
I walked across the polished wood floor to the seat that awaited me, sitting very directly across the long table where the Council waited for me. I sat quickly and slowly made myself face the Council. I knew them all, but never in the context and this would be the first to meet The Seer, it was her presence I feared the most. She who would know all and see all of me just in one glance.
"Well, Alice. It is nice to see you again. Was your latest trip successful?" asked Mr. Tribesman.
"Yes, Steven. As you know, every trip brings enlightenment and knowledge. I was hoping to have my report done by tonight." I answered my head of department.
The Seer entered behind the Council's table and I stared as if I was seeing an actual angel. Light surrounded her and glowed off of her, slowly dimming until you could at last see her features. She was beautiful and welcoming.
"Alice" she said smiling.
I felt a sudden comfort and I began to feel at ease. I wanted to study her the way I study past society and historical figures.
She gave a small laugh, smiled at me and finally sat down in the seat that put her in the middle of the Council but also directly across from me.
"Let's start" Ms.Timple began "Alice Abarrane, aged 26, in the historical time travel department who holds the position of the top traveler/historian. You have received summons to declare whether you are a breed-able female but also one that genes have passed testing and should be used to continue on humanity. Should you be so, the Council will pair you with a breed-able male that has desirable genetic material. The Seer will also determine whether you will be competent to raise offspring or whether said offspring can go to fruitless parents."
I sucked in my breath and waited for what seemed like forever and a day before another Council member finally continued on.
"You, Alice Abarrane ARE a breed-able female. Your genes have been analyzed and have come back as 'good'. " Mr. Tribesman announced.
I let go of my breath but I suddenly felt sick. I wanted to pass out and felt like I just may do so. I don't know what was even happening around me but suddenly noticed that someone took my hand and I was starting to make sense of what was around me again. I looked up and it was The Seer who had hold of my hand. Smiling she said,
"Just take deep breaths for now. All the rest will catch up with you and you will be just fine. You, who has seen battles and met with Kings, will face this new adventure with grace and bravery."
The Seer went back to her seat and the meeting resumed. It was a blur and I didn't register much until I was back in my unit with a copy of the meeting in hand that I could watch again as well as a written report with all that was to come my way soon.
Miranda arrived at my unit a half hour later with a bottle of merlot, and with one look at me, sat herself down on my seating and read the written report.
"Oh Alice!" Miranda exclaimed, with pity and jealousy in her eyes.
