"Breaking into my house is some kinda sales pitch," I growled, leaning back in my chair, cornered in my kitchen nook. Murray sat across from me, drumming his fingers on the table. His crew hovering around the space, tossing through my cupboards.

Murray shrugged, the corner of his lips curved in a smirk. "I would've knocked, but you weren't home."

The stocky soldier held up the glass pot. "Coffee?" he asked. I shrugged dully, pushing my old mug closer. He poured a cup, brown steaming liquid, sliding it over. Offering me my own coffee...can't they see how rude this is? I glared at Murray

He crossed his arms, clearing his throat. "In all honesty, we didn't have time for manners. Not in this poltical climate." The other two soldiers stood, keeping attention. Periodic scanning, they looked very official. They're watching me.

"Well you tracked me down pretty fast." I raised an eyebrow, glaring at Murray.

Murray shrugged, eyeing the pot of coffee. "You have a file, I'll be it, a vague one." The man with the coffee pot ran back, searching for another mug. Murray leaned closer. "I found all these prison records for a nameless redhead who keeps disappearing from custody."

I frowned, sinking back in my seat. They know more about me than I realized. "That doesn't take you here," I grumbled.

Murray smirked, relaxing his shoulders. "You have a connection to blackmarket dealer, we know enough about him, to get more information on you."

Drake snitched on me? I tightened my grip on the coffee cup. He's not getting away with this. The stocky agent set a cup down, pouring the boss a glass. "I wouldn't blame him too much. We put him under significant pressure." I turned my head, stiffening. What did that mean?...Is he alright?

Murray lifted his cup, taking a sip. "Your ability, have you always been able to do that?" His eyes locked on me, burrowing into my soul. Why does he want to know that?

"Since I was young." I spun the handle of my cup, avoiding his eyes. Is this his idea of small talk? I took a bitter sip. My eyes stared up through the black coffee. I usually take cream, but I'm not wasting my food stamps on intruders.

Murray's eyes brightened, he leaned closer. "An ability like that, must be pretty useful, he mused.

"It has its moments." I lifted my head, locking my gaze. "So what's this proposal anyway?"

Murray raised his hands, "Oh no, I can't discuss that here. What we're doing is setting up a meeting."

This is vague. I scrunched up my nose, "A meeting? With who?"

"The Commander of course," Murray snorted.

I blinked, scanning their expressions. "You want me to have a meeting with the Commander?"

Murray shook his head. "The Commander wants to have a meeting with you. I'm just the messenger."

Okay, smart guy. I tapped my finger on the table, that burning curiosity...this could be dangerous. Right into the lion's den. I tightened my frown. "What if I don't want to have a meeting with him?"

Murray laughed, "Then I'll tell him we missed you and now you're long gone." His soldiers turned their heads, shifting uncomfortably. Murray shrugged, resting back. "I'm not here to force your hand."

Interesting…I locked eyes with him, trying to read his sincerity. He's very comfortable lying to his superiors. "And what does the Commander want from me exactly?"

"A big part of it is thanking you for saving his life." Murray took a breath, averting his gaze. "...and to ask you to join the war effort but that's as much as I can say. Like I said, I'm merely a messenger."

This doesn't give me much to work with. I frowned, taking a gulp of coffee. "Will he try to force my hand?" I asked.

"He'll try to be persuasive," Murray chuckled, lowering his voice, "but who can force a teleporters hand?"

I snorted, tucking my hair behind my ears. Not reassuring. "Fine...I'll hear him out," I said, straightening my posture. Not like there isn't any benefit in the situation...running won't do any good now.

Murray nodded, "Alright, let's go then." He stood up, a smirk slipping out. His soldiers moved in formation, shuffling towards the door.

"Right now?" I frowned, getting up from the chair.

Murray paused, his regiment stopping abruptly. "Does now not work?" he said. Everyone's eyes on me.

I sighed, stepping away from the table. "Now is fine…" The movement continued, his soldiers slipping out the kitchen. Murray raised his hand, motioning for me to follow.

I swung my jacket back around my shoulders, walking out after him. "How are we getting there? I can take us if you want."

The lanky soldier gave a weird look. Murray broke out in laughter, patting my shoulder. "As exciting as that sounds I prefer to drive."

I slipped my hands in my pockets, stiffening as I walked to the door. I didn't prefer to drive. I can get around much faster, without ripping around at high speeds in a tiny metal box. Why put your life in someone else's hands?

Murray swung open the door, the older agent stepping. I can still change my mind. I swallowed the lump in my throat, continuing forward. I won't learn anything by staying here, I've hit a wall.

I walked out the door, into the hall. The sound of footsteps, behind me. "Who is she anyway?" the younger agent whispered to the woman. "Do you think Murray's being vague on purpose?"

"Just drop it, it doesn't matter," she hissed back.

"Do you know?" His question went unanswered. Not everyone's equal on the team.

My hand traced the railing, walking along the hall. My landlady watched through the crack in the door. She slammed it shut, as we passed. Her book club's gonna love this, one of her tenants escorted out by shady government agents. I'll be the source of gossip for weeks.

I followed Murray down the steps, catching up to him. "What department are you guys a part of?"

Murray tossed his head, slowing across the checkered floor. "Why does that matter?" he said.

"It doesn't," I muttered, pushing on the door. "But it doesn't help me trust you."

"As if you should?" He tilted his head. I narrowed my eyes, frowning at him. Out into the fresh air, they moved around me, scanning the street.

Boots against the pavement, I followed them across the road. I should run...while I can. Raindrops fell on my head, a chill in the air. When someone tells you not to trust them…I don't want to get wrapped up in their politics.

Approaching the black vehicle, I pushed down my nerves. But I already am now. All I have to do is stay alert, keep my guard up.

Murray walked around the car, the older man climbing into the driver seat. The auburn haired woman held the door open, smiling. "Are you going to get in?"

I loosened my shoulders, squishing into the back. Stuck between her and the younger agent. I wish they just let me teleport us. I took a breath, fidgeting on my seat. "So what's all your names anyway?"

The woman frowned at me. "That's not-"

"Lewis." the younger man offered me his hand. Murray's eyes in the mirror, sharp disapproval. He recoiled from the handshake. "Oh...sorry," Lewis mumbled. Murray turned his head forward, angry silence.

I crossed my arms."What do you think that I'm going to pass on your names or something? I don't care about politics. All I want is something to call you."

Murray snorted, "Sure, but you deal with criminals, and secrets always pay well."

I laughed, "If I was interested in money, I wouldn't be living in that dump." Leaning back, my apartment building shrinking from view. I pulled on the seat belt. "I know your name is Murray. You weren't careful with that."

He lifted his eyes. "You and me have something in common, we both don't exist."

My jaw fell. He isn't registered either? How is that even possible? The car, silent, the hum of the engine stole the space. Murray averted his eyes. "I'm not saying more."

I rolled my eyes."Well what do I call you guys then?"

"You don't need to call us anything," the woman said, turning from the window. "It really doesn't matter."

"It matters to me..." I mumbled. They avoided my eyes. Friendly bunch. "Well...can I give nicknames then?" I grinned at them. She blinked at me, the older agent darting his eyes in the mirror. I pursed my lips, putting at the driver. "How about... Guard Dog and Scout." I pointed at the woman.

She twisted a scowl. "Scout...what does that mean?"

"You can always give me your name?" I hummed, tilting my head to the young soldier. " Lewis, gets to be Lewis." I tilted my head to the young soldier

Murray cleared his throat. "I wouldn't act so informally when we get to the Tower." A steady glare through the reflection.

"You think I don't know what I'm doing?" I raised an eyebrow. This guy.

"You claim to be uninterested in politics, that means you don't," Murray snarled.

I leaned my head back, raindrops on the windows. "People are the same everywhere. Lacking interest doesn't mean I'm ignorant."

"Then you'll have a chance to prove it," Murray said, his eyes steady. He's really full of it. I sat back, crossing my arms.

A sharp corner made my stomach jump. Shutting my eyes for a moment, I gripped onto the seat. We drove through a tunnel, darkness surrounded us, moving deeper in. A little light broke through, the city center coming forth, Ruling district.

A ray of sun poked through the grey, reflecting off walls of crystal blue windows. The crown jewel of the capital. The Tower rose over the horizon, looming over the rest of Avarice. I'm walking into another world. The faded, dingy middle district; faded for a world of sleek lines, sharp corners. Brilliance and beauty, staring over a city of want.

I settled in my seat, an uneasy feeling in my gut. The Tower is a taunt, something shiny to gawk at. A reminder that you're just dirt under their shoe.

Driving the city, we sat in silence. Murray's crew kept their eyes forward. The car shifting corners, I picked at a thread on my jacket sleeve. I won't let anyone bully me. Deep breaths, I slowed down my heartbeat. I won't let them make me feel small.

The car drove around, going down to an underground tunnel. Dipping down into darkness, the light vanished. Weak lights along the concrete walls, the car slowed. Stopping in front of a swinging arm, Guard Dog flicked his badge. The officer gave him a wave, letting us through. What level of clearance do these people have? The car sped up, following the twists of the tunnel.

The car turned, circling the lot. We pulled into a spot. No running now. I shrunk in my seat. Murray clicked off his seat belt, leaning his head back. "I'll escort you up to the meeting and from there you're on your own. A ride home can be arranged, if you need it," he said. I nodded, crawling out after Scout.

Our footsteps echoed through parcade, walking around the car. Murray opened the trunk, scouring through it. He pulled out a black suit jacket and a tie, swinging it over his shoulders.

"Is this thing formal or something?" I raised an eyebrow, peering over his shoulder.

Murray slammed the truck. "It's called Professionalism," he hissed. Looping it around his neck, he knotted the tie.

"Professionalism...that's what it is," I grumbled. "Who are you trying to impress?"

He glared at me, turning back to his task force. "I will accompany Ms. Okie from here." The team nodded, moving back around the car.

Murray led me away, finishing the knot of his tie. Our footsteps echoed off of the concrete walls, headed towards an elevator at the center of the lot. The car doors slammed behind us.

Murray pressed the elevator button, tilting his head back. "Keep your language clean, you don't know who will hear you and be offended."

I furrowed my brow. Nothing I said was offensive. I opened my mouth to argue, his words, repeating in my head. You don't know who will hear you. There are people listening.

I gave a nervous laugh, "Are they really that sensitive?" I raised my eyebrows. Why wouldn't he warn me sooner?

He rolled his eyes, stepping inside. "Just some advice."

I crossed my arms, moving to the corner. Murray clicked the top button. 150, the button glowed, the door rolling shut. Murray held his gaze on the rising numbers, hands in his pockets. Are they watching us too?

5...6...7

The elevator rising, I rested my arms behind my back. "Anything else I should know?" I darted my eyes over.

Murray locked his jaw, "No, Ingrid will make everything clear."

I turned my head. "Ingrid?"

Murray cleared his throat, "She's the head administrator. You can ask her any questions, about formalities."

I nodded, guessing that meant I should be cautious around her. His head sweeped back, jaw clenched...almost tense. He's afraid of something...or someone here.

46...47...48

The elevator, climbing, I counted the floors as we went. It would help to know what he's scared of. I tightened my fists, frowning at my shoes. What am I walking into?

77...78...79

"Should I be worried?" I lifted my head.

Murray loosened his shoulders. "No...you should be honored. Not many people get a private audience with the Commander," his voice stiff, fake. Maybe I should be worried...he warned me in the car. I shifted my weight between my feet, heart pounding. I should've run, I should've run. A million questions lost in my mind, swirling with the rising numbers.

120...121...122

"...There really is nothing to fear," Murray whispered. Ya right.

I darted my eyes over, a smile slipping out. "I'm not afraid...just nervous. A fish out of water, this place so elegant," I chuckled. I'll be ready for anything, they can't trap me. No one in this world can.

Murray blinked, moving his eyes away. "Good, that makes things simple." What does that mean?

147...148...149

"This is our floor," Murray raised his voice, the door sliding open.

A world of white appeared beyond the door; wall to ceiling, clean, pristine. Green succulents lined a strip along the wall. Different shades of green followed out into the greater room. Strangely jungle-like, in a modern business sort of way.

A busy young man with a headset sat behind the front desk. Eyes glued to the screen, fingers tapping at the keys. Murray stopped in front of the desk."Is Ingrid nearby," he asked.

"I'll tell her you've arrived," the young man's tone annoyed, his focus stayed on the screen.

I hung back, keeping my body language neutral. I won't show any nerves, none. Murray sighed, leaned back on the counter. The assistant looked up for a brief second, a sliver of disdain. I smiled back, giving him a wave. He moved his eyes back to the screen, tapping keys, his fingers fumbled. How curious...

A tall blonde woman came around the corner, clapping her hands. "Murray, I'm impressed. You've made good time for once," she said, a fake lipstick smile.

"Ingrid," Murray huffed, standing straighter.

Pushing up her glasses, she stepped closer. Circling, she narrowed her eyes."Is this her?"

Murray nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. Is he afraid of her? Ingrid pursed her lips, stopping in front of me. "You can go then," she said.

Murray darted his head, fidgeting. "Of course..." He stepped back, pausing beside me. "Phynley, I'll make sure you get a ride home later." Aiming a warning glare at her. He stomped away. Wait, no, don't leave.

"Ms. Okie, is it?" Ingrid tilted her head. A sickly sweet smile, her dress a deep green like the succulents.

I offered my hand, clearing my throat. "Yes, but call me Phynley."

She squirmed, her smile wavering. "Yes...certainly." She turned down the hall. Well, alright.

"Are you coming?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Her heels clicking down the hall, I chased after her. Walking by rows of tinted windows, the tiny world below, caught in blue. A little dizzy, I moved back. Ingrid's attention fixed forward.

White shifted into blue carpet, dark borders. He said I could ask her about formalities...A question wouldn't necessarily hurt? I took a breath, slowing my steps. "Do you have any advice for the meeting? What's the Commander like?"

She turned her head, taking a breath. "The Commander is used to a certain level of etiquette. Speak when spoken to. Don't overstep your place."

"So I should keep quiet and play stupid? Great suggestion." I rolled my eyes. Like I'm going to do that.

She sighed, stopping in front of the door. "You're merely a guest here, Ms. Okie. Take my advice to heart." She slipped her hand around the handle, swinging the door open. "The Commander is waiting in here."

A great arched window, bright light poured through. A silhouette of a man, faced out towards the city; broad-shouldered, a glass in his hand. He watched the world below.

"May I present Miss Okie," Ingrid announced, slipping back behind me. I stayed in the doorway, her footsteps echoed down the hall.

The Commander turned, setting down his drink. Slow and without urgency, the seconds ticked by. Shuffling papers on his desk, he looked up. "Are you coming in?" A dim shadow almost hid his different coloured eyes.

I took a step over. Am I afraid? No, this feeling is different then fear. As if I'm standing on the edge of a cliff, looking over, about to fall.

He met my eyes, his expression soft in the dim glow of the window. "I'm sure I've got you curious," he said, his voice a touch melodious.

"Maybe a little," I breathed, walking deeper in. Am I making a mistake? Something in me is nagging for purpose. To break through the grey...even if I don't know how.

He leaned on the desk, the light shining off his dark curls. "I want to thank you for saving my life.". He motioned to the window. "And to show you the view."