Descent into the Abyss

With a low, deep hum, the elevator descends into the depths of the space station.
This is where the Containment Bay is located - isolated from other modules of the station. This place is said to harbor all kinds of dangers: from serious criminals and weapons to tiny but deadly viruses. Of course, I myself am not exposed to these dangers. Complex locking systems and constant surveillance ensure security.

I have a meeting with my supervisor, Mr. Kingston. I've been working as an investigator for almost six years now, but so far I've managed to avoid facilities like prisons or that infamous Containment Bay. If I'm honest, I've worked most of my cases from home. I'm not really the kind of person who likes to go out and socialize to investigate. I prefer to be alone with a huge amount of data and information to process.

As I make my way downwards in the glass cage, I watch as numerous corridors and barriers pass me by.
Again and again, the elevator floats past walls and in these moments, the dark background allows the glass walls to reveal my reflection.
I have nothing against my appearance: I don't think I'm ugly, but I feel like something is wrong. In fact, I use these few seconds to hastily inspect my uniform in that mirror.

But every time I don't find anything unusual. My clothes may not be to my taste, but at the end of the day, it's the official uniform of the investigation unit, so I should feel comfortable in it. Nevertheless, I have the feeling that people are staring at me all the time and I suspect that something is wrong with my clothes. Maybe I'm wearing the wrong jacket? No, everything seems to be right:

My black uniform with blue stripes fits properly and is freshly washed. My pink hair also looks well-groomed and as good as ever.

In any case, investigators like me are not uncommon on the space station and I am still at a loss...

“Hey Vivi!”

A familiar voice snaps me out of my thoughts. It's Serena, who is the only person sitting in this elevator with me. She is Mr. Kingston's secretary and also a childhood friend of mine.

“Are you nervous?” she asks me, tilting her head to one side questioningly.
Her black hair is tousled, but it hardly moves. What others would call a hairy disaster, Serena has managed to get into this shape with a large amount of hairspray. Her red bow completes this eccentric work of art. But I don't want to talk too negatively about my friend.

“Not really...” I reply.
I'm actually completely calm, except for my worries about the looks from the others.

“But... do I look weird? Is there something wrong with my uniform?”
I turn stiffly in a circle and wait for Serena's reaction.

“Hmm...” She looks at my appearance intently.
“Nah, I don't see anything weird.”

“Huh. Okay, then I have another question.”

“Huh?”

“Why do I actually have to meet Mr. Kingston in Containment Bay? I mean, it's already taken me almost half a day to get here!”

“Hm... I don't know. I'm just planning his appointments and organizing the location.”

“So you don't care about the effort behind this whole meeting?”

“Well, questioning Kingston isn't part of my job description, after all.”

“Someone's going to figure you out...”

We fall into a long silence. Serena has always been like this - she's not interested in anything outside her job role. Many people in our city exhibit this kind of behavior.

Serena taps the soles of her shoes:
“Maybe he just wants to give you your last case in a special place.”

Her words cut me like a knife. She actually knows how much the subject is bothering me and, without compassion, she literally slaps me in the face with these statements.

Yes, it's true: My next case will also be my last. After that, I'll have to give up my job as an investigator and devote myself to other tasks in society. I'm talking about getting married and starting a family. Of course, this is my duty and not my free choice; Giftear, our omniscient A.I. has decided this since I was born and I must comply.
But getting married and becoming a mother is the last thing I want...

“That has nothing to do with it!” I say with a mixture of sadness and anger.
“It just sounds illogical for me to go to such lengths because of the situation I'm in!”

“Hm. Yes, it could be...”
She really doesn't seem to show any compassion or interest. Serena is a good friend, but when she behaves like this, I can only get angry!
But before I can reply angrily, the elevator comes to a sudden halt: We've reached the depths of the Containment Bay.

“Hey, we're here! Please follow me!”

Wordlessly, I follow Serena. I'm about to meet my boss and receive what could be my last case. But at the same time, I may have the opportunity to change my predetermined fate. Because I have a plan!