(Viewpoint: Roum)

  "Welcome to Unit 1," Ela announced, squeezing my arm. "Now go and see your apartment," she pushed me inside.

  "Aren't you coming?" I murmured.

  "We don't have the right," whispered a soft voice from the back.

  It was beta 2

  Arms behind his back and eyes fixed on Asmara

  – Ela, can you come help me set up Asmara? Let's leave the boys to their own devices.

  Then everyone dispersed

  Leaving me feeling a little rejected.

  Then the large door of the apartment closed.

  No dramatic lockdown.

  No alarm.

  No harsh lighting.

  Just… silence.

  I remain motionless for a few seconds, the card still in my hand, as if the apartment was going to reject me too.

  But nothing happens.

  I finally look up.

  The place is bigger than I imagined.

  White, obviously, but not empty.

  A different kind of white than that of the corridors. Less clinical. More… inhabited.

  A simple, light grey sofa.

  A coffee table.

  A huge bay window overlooking the circular city, suspended in the artificial void of the Dome.

  In the distance, slow, steady, almost soothing lights.

  I let out a breath that I hadn't been able to hold back.

  – So… this is my place.

  My voice barely resonates. The acoustics are soft, carefully designed.

  I take a few steps, still wary, as if the ground could disappear beneath my feet.

  But everything is stable.

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  Normal.

  I have never doubted such a simple word so much.

  I place the card on the table.

  It switches off almost immediately, becoming an ordinary object.

  A discreet beep sounded.

  Welcome, Roum.

  Apartment Unit 1

  Status: active.

  I frown.

  — Is that all…?

  No message from Alpha-1.

  No order.

  No threat.

  I collapse onto the sofa.

  The fabric is cold at first, then it slowly warms up under my weight.

  As if even the furniture adapts to me.

  I run a hand over my face.

  My thoughts are finally racing, now that no one is watching me.

  Alpha-1.

  his.look

  His voice.

  "You're a problem."

  I grit my teeth.

  — So why keep me here?

  I sit up and observe the apartment more closely.

  On one wall, a sliding door surely leads to a bedroom.

  Another one has a bathroom.

  Everything is… functional. Simple. Human.

  Nothing resembling a prison.

  That's what bothers me the most.

  I get up and approach the bay window.

  The city is immense. Circles within circles.

  People walk, live, seem happy….

  All integrated.

  Everyone in their place.

  — And me… what is my place?

  A subtle ticking sound makes me jump.

  Someone is knocking.

  I stand frozen for a second, then I slowly approach the door.

  It opens automatically before I even touch anything.

  Alpha-1 is standing there.

  She is no longer in official uniform.

  Just simple clothes, grey and black.

  Her white hair is loose and flowing freely.

  She looks at me in silence for a few seconds, then sighs softly.

  — You're not inviting me.

  I let out a nervous laugh.

  — Sorry, well… Of course

  She enters without waiting for an invitation and looks around.

  — Do you like it? … It's quiet, you can even change the view

  — Do you often come to check on the new ones?

  — Only those who ask too many questions.

  She gives me a sideways glance.

  I look away.

  — Chetan asked me if you were “stable”.

  — And what did you answer?

  She stared at me, smiled, then simply said:

  — That you are yourself.

  I don't know if that's reassuring or worrying.

  Alpha-1 approaches the bay window in turn.

  — Listen, Roum…

  She pauses.

  — You know, others have a bit of trouble accepting a newcomer, especially if they don't consider him good enough.

  — I suspected as much.

  — Chetan thinks you're a mistake. A grain of sand in the machine.

  I clench my fists.

  - And you ?

  She finally looks me straight in the eyes, with her beautiful deep blue eyes, so clear they're almost transparent

  — Don't be too mad at me

  A shiver runs through me.

  — That doesn't reassure me at all.

  "Me neither," she admits.

  A new silence settles in, less tense this time.

  "You're going to work with us," she continued. "Missions, decisions, fieldwork. Nothing special... for now."

  — What if I'm not ready?

  She slowly shakes her head.

  — You have it, you're just having trouble seeing it.

  Then, more gently:

  — You can do anything, even the impossible.

  I'm thinking.

  — You're exaggerating a bit too much, Chetan already hates me and the others feel the same way… .

  A sad smile appears on my face.

  — Chetan hates everything, it's just his nature.

  As if summoned by name, a deep voice resonates from the corridor.

  — Touching.

  Chetan stands in the doorway, arms crossed, a forced smile on his face.

  — So, the new… comfortable one?

  — Enough, I replied.

  He stayed at a distance.

  — Enjoy it while you can, it won't last long.

  Alpha-1 stared at him out of the corner of his eye and asked him coldly.

  — What are you looking for, Chetan?

  - Nothing.

  He looks me up and down.

  — Just to understand why him.

  I hold his gaze.

  — I'd like to know too.

  An electric silence.

  Then Chetan sneers.

  — We'll see on the field.

  He turns away and walks off without another word.

  Alpha-1 stroked my head

  – be wise

  — Hum .

  She nods her head and steps back towards the door.

  — Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be tough

  - Obviously.

  Before leaving, she stops.

  — Rome…

  - Yes ?

  — you're a good number, a nice number

  Then

  She disappears.

  The door closes.

  I remain alone.

  I go back to my seat, my eyes fixed on the city.

  An apartment.

  A team.

  A future that is uncertain.

  I place a hand on my chest.

  — I don't know what's happening to me…

  I whisper.

  [ DO YOU FEEL SICK ?]

  a voice echoed in the apartment

  - who is it?

  [YOUR HOME ASSISTANT]

  I feel less safe.