PACHELBEL’S PILOT - I.b.

As the elevator doors opened, two imposing GUARDS exit, equipped with oversized weapons.

A jolt sent Eric tingling, his gut scrunching as his body began reacting, instinctively defending itself, preparing for the worst…

Wrapped within the folds of this experience-laden, drab scenery, he stepped through and tapped the button for the third floor. They escort Eric inside, an unsettling silence prevailing.

"Is... uh- Is something wrong?" Eric couldn't help but stammer, gulping subtly.

Both the guards seemed to ignore Eric's anxious behavior, probably used to the oddities of their civilian guests. It could be any number of reasons. It wouldn't help, wouldn't ease the knot in his stomach.

-Their laser rifles were astounding, in a sense that they paired well aesthetically with their chrome-plated armor and the clean lobby.

Eric couldn't help but avert his gaze completely.

The elevator moved along, until a ding finally came, dinging harmoniously.

There's... nothing.

Anxiety was the main villain of his existence. Eric heard the soft buzz of the camera in the far corner.

Before the elevator could click, the pair stepped ahead of him.

"Third floor, Mr. Rogers." a guard spoke in a raspy, synthetic voice.

The other guy huffed, and with no thanks, no sign of gratitude; Eric exited the confines of the elevator with caution and heavy-set shoulders, revealing the agency's office space.

Eric found rows of employees at their desks, eyes glued to a sea of screens: everything from television monitors to desktop computers, with holographic projections thrown into the mix. One or two people seemed to take notice, before promptly returning their focus to their assigned task.

From across the office, a few heads turned as Eric neared the conference room. Still, the nerves lingered, causing him to tense up. But either way, he maintained a professional, stoic demeanor. If there was one thing to do on this side of the spectrum, it's showing a little decorum.

-Maybe.

Eric spotted the sign for 'ROOM 3’, a beacon of relief.

The heavy wooden door creaked open, unveiling a plain brown carpeted space.