The entire audience was tuned in on the edge of their seats. Hands shot up.
“We’re not answering any questions at this time, but we would like to point out how undisturbed you all are to be in the presence of aliens but perk up for a dopamine hit of fame. Most bathrooms will be equipped with mirrors if you would like to do some self-reflecting.” The PowerPoint continued going over things like how to control the announcements that flashed before my eyes, we learned about instant messaging chat features and the inventory system. “And now behind each of your sections you’ll see doors appearing for your more personal breakout sessions. In these small groups you’ll be given a chance to ask any specific questions you may have before heading back out to the dungeon.” The cookie lady finally got to me, and I took the last baked good on the silver tray. It was biscotti. I took a bite and it cracked like a breaking bone, crumbs waterfalled into my lap. In unison, the pigeons homed in on me.
New achievement! Human Watchers!
You’ve been ogled by another species. Whoever said love was the for the birds? Looks like they were right.
Reward: You already know about the birds and the bees.
As I took another bite of biscotti, crumbs pouring wantonly into my lap I felt eyes upon. Below the birds, on the first tier, was Earl staring unblinking. No mirth in his smile.
“Now, at this time will you please head to your guild door for your final briefings,” Mothman finished. Most stood causally but Earl jumped to his feet and saw running out of sight. I knew he was running to find stairs to meet me here. I jumped up running to the back wooden door hitting over Adidas man, the pigeons took off as I still held the biscotti. I pushed through a woman with an umbrella and a man in a suit with a navy-blue baseball cap on. The pigeons burst threw at the same time. I tripped over the threshold in a hurricane of feathers, biscotti rolled from my hands and they swooped at their prey pecking it into oblivion in a flurry of fluttering gray feathers pushing each other for the next bite.
Behind me, the guy in the suit said, “my word,” while stepping over me. I shuffled to my feet hoping to find at least a little dignity while dusting myself off.
The walls were large stone like the interior of a castle. Three torches blazed on each wall. In the center of the room was a cheap meeting table from Ikea lined with modern office chairs. In the center of the table was a telecom system, wire disappearing into a drilled hole.
I took a seat as the room filled up. The mothman walked in through a side entrance I hadn’t noticed. He know had on khakis, a white button up with pocket protector, three pens, red, black, blue and thick black rimmed glasses. He held a yellow legal pad of paper for notes. Rushing to the head of the table, “can everyone please take a seat, time is ticking people.” Seats filled up quick.
Then the door to the auditorium opened one last time. Earl came in and took the last seat. Directly across from me on the first row. Pit between us, it wasn’t even close to enough space.