The Meeting

Monday
20h35

A short nap did wonders for my headache. I nearly felt light-headed when I woke up, but my heavy heart made sure I stayed on earth. The upcoming meeting with my boss wasn’t how I planned to spend my time, but staying in my room wouldn't be productive either. I didn't find P waiting outside my room when I left. I didn’t know how to feel about that. I would be nice to be alone with my thoughts as I tried to make sense of the situation, but talking with P might speed up the process.

That is, if P didn't murder F. No. He's too kind-hearted to do anything of the sort. The worst he's done is flipping off Management. I bit my lip.

"V." A voice called behind me.

Oh, great. I sighed. "H." I nodded over my shoulder, slowing my walking speed but not stopping entirely.

"I presume you are on your way to the meeting?" Only she could phrase a question like a statement.

"Yup. I'm not in the mood to get my pay deducted."

"Yes, I heard your statement about buying Madagascar."

"Do you have your eye on that as well?"

"Oh, please," H smirked. "Italy carries my fancy."

I masked my sigh with a slow blink. "Is there something you wanted to ask?"

"I thought it might have been obvious."

"Enlighten me."

She shook her head ever so slightly. "If it will please you. I was wondering whether you had any idea why Management would call a meeting at this hour."

"Why, you have a previous appointment?" She answered with an annoyed silence. "No, I don't know why they've called a meeting."

"I figured as much."

"Management likes to keep their cards close to their chest. I guess we'll know soon enough."

"I see. Do you know anything else of value?"

"Of value, no." But I will start to add some rather unflattering words if you keep on using this attitude with me.

"And, not?"

First the headache, then F's death, Management's interrogation, and now being insulted by my least favorite person. My patience hit its limit. "No, nothing at all. If you don't mind, I've had a rather trying day, and I'd like some time alone. I will see you at the meeting."

Leaving her behind, I increased my pace until I passed the Mess Hall. Only after making sure she was a respectable distance behind me did I slow down and unclench my fists. Calm down, V. You'll give yourself a headache.

The outlines at the end of the corridor resembled M and N, but I kept my distance. Seeing them together usually brought a smile to my face, and a pang of jealousy. According to R, M arrived at the complex four years ago, and N three. As M specializes in bioengineering and N in genetics, they often find some overlap in their projects. It surprised nobody when a romance blossomed between them by the end of the first month, which supposedly resulted in a scuffled working bench, some spilt chemicals, and a pay deduction. They've been inseparable ever since. I've heard they requested Management for a shared room, which was denied. Only the threat of further pay deductions stopped them from ignoring Management's decision.

I sighed as I turned the corner and saw the conference room's doors. Being forced to hear Management spout blatant lies will be quite the morale breaker. I did look forward to taking it easy the next day. Only O has been given a day off before. It was a reward when he discovered a flaw in the lab's electrical wiring that threatened Hades's system integrity.

The doors slid apart when I stepped close enough. If anybody needed proof that Management was secretly evil, they only needed to look at the conference room. Navy carpet, cream-coloured walls, and somewhat dimmer neon tubes against the ceiling set the mood, as did the large black table with twelve black leather chairs evenly spaced around it. It always reminded me of an evil genius simulator I played in my previous life.

M and N occupied the furthest end of the table with R and O closest to me. Nodding at everybody else, I headed for my usual spot, that being the second chair on the left side. "Hey, V." P tapped me against the shoulder as he slid into the chair to my left. "Are we here because of the reason I think we are?"

"Yep." I nodded slowly. "But-"

"Don't worry." P leaned closer. "Management got in touch with me as well."

"Oh."

Footsteps drew my attention to the door, where T beamed a smile before sitting down between O and me. Last to enter was H, who didn't bother to greet anybody.

"Greetings." The white screen changed to show a familiar black silhouette.

Our reply was instantaneous. "Management."

"We have called this meeting as there have been some... unsavory activities in this facility."

T's chair squeaked as she leaned closer. "Where's F?" I merely lifted my shoulders in a shrug.

"Researcher T.’’ She quickly straightened herself when Management addressed her. “Do not disrupt the meeting. Doing so again will result in a five percent pay deduction."

"Yes, sir, my humble apologies."

Though they undoubtedly heard her apology, Management didn't give any indication that they cared. "Firstly, as Researcher T aptly questioned, you will notice that one of your fellow researchers isn't sitting among you. As of this afternoon, we've dismissed Researcher F due to several protocol breaches, which include substandard work, failure to follow proper protocol, and reckless use of office equipment." Several people gasped, but I didn't risk looking to see who it was. "Evaluation procedures for his replacement have been initiated, with an estimated induction time frame of two weeks. We will communicate more information as necessary."

It's impressive how fast they can spin this bullshit. I thought as everybody digested the news. Wouldn't it be easier to tell us somebody killed F? Unless they want us to feel under pressure... yeah, antagonize F, so the rest of us stay in line. Evil. Efficient.

"Are there any questions?"

M cleared his throat. "For how long has F's employment been under reconsideration by Management?"

"Researcher F's reckless behavior came to our attention a month ago, and we have monitored his performance since then."

I glanced at the others, knowing that F's killer was in the room. Was Management scrutinizing each of us? Looking for subtle ticks that somebody was not buying into their charade? Probably. Only P wasn't paying any attention. He busied himself by digging for gold with his left pinky.

"Are any of us in danger of being dismissed as well?" T asked.

"That remains to be seen," said Management.

"Will F's replacement fill the same duties as before, or will you consider other specializations?" M asked.

"That is yet to be decided." Management waited a second for any further questions. "Onto the second matter. We've sealed off the physical recreation area due to a gas leak in a hydrogen pipe until tomorrow morning. Attempts to breach the cordon will result in severe pay deduction and possible termination. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Management." We answered in unison.

"Good. Lastly, Management has noticed rising tensions among current personnel, both of a hostile and sexual nature. While Management doesn't condone any interaction between personnel, we will remind you that hurting each other will result in payment deduction and possible contract termination. For the female personnel, a reminder that becoming pregnant will result in contract termination of contract for both you and the father. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Management."

"Good. Are there any questions?" Nobody spoke. "This meeting is adjourned."