Felix Cassian stood in his Dress Blues outside of the 15th Air Base Wing Commanders office. The hallway was brightly lit by fluorescent lights, and the tan walls with light blue carpet called to a world stuck in the late 90’s. Even the smell was old, like stale coffee and old books. He checked his watch: 08:27hrs. He would need to knock soon for his appointment with General West.
Using the opportunity, he did a quick glance over his uniform, straightening buttons, and checking for scuffs on his shoes. Never perfect, he decided this would have to do and steadied his breath.
The door in front of him abruptly opened and a young female officer immerged; eyes fixed on his. Felix popped to attention and saluted the lieutenant, to which she lazily returned the salute. He noticed the Basic Intelligence badge on her chest above a small assortment of ribbons. She stood only slightly shorter than him, thin framed, with her black hair pulled tightly into a bun that made her face look sharp but gaunt. Her name tape read “Blackwell” She grinned almost imperceptibly.
“Are you here to see the General?”, Blackwell stated more than asked, yet her bemused smile betrayed her.
“Yes Ma’am”, Felix Replied: Eyes fixed on the door.
“And do tell, for what?” She replied in a tone that dripped with mocking superiority.
“I’m not one hundred percent certain, ma’am” Felix answered.
She took a moment to look him over, then returned her hawk-like gaze back to his eyes. Hovering there, Felix could feel the pull. The human need to connect, and meet her, but he resisted mostly out of decorum. She scoffed lightly, and took a step towards him, only an inch or two closer than what would normally be considered appropriate, invading the boundaries of his space. Felix could smell the Satsuma in whatever product she used. It contrasted sharply with the aura of her raptor-like presence.
“If you’ll excuse me Ma’am, I’ll need to see the General soon”, Felix interjected in an attempt to break contact.
“Of course,”, Blackwell purred in a tone that was slightly unsettling. “Mustn’t be late for we don’t know what”. She took another step forward, her face now inches from his, eyes still fixed on Felix’s face. “Good luck”, she whispered. Eyes still locked, she glided past him, down the hall, and out of sight.
‘What the fuck was all of that?’ he thought.
The alarm on Felix’s watch chirped. 08:30. “……Shit”
Felix knocked on the door.
