Chapter VII #2
As the other Omegas shuffle out of the bus, two Beta employees and an Alpha wearing impressive Comet XI uniforms make their way over to the group.
They greet us and introduce themselves as the Comet XI staffing committee.
Only, they don’t seem thrilled to be staffing any of us. Like we’re the worst part of their job.
After setting some stern ground rules, they lead us in through a side entrance.
I always imagined my first time entering this building would be a life changing moment signifying a new chapter.
I also imagined it being through the main entrance.
But beggars can’t be choosers. We walk quickly and quietly through the pristine hallway.
I feel like it’s all moving so fast, challenging my ability to catch up. The anxiety makes me dizzy under the harsh fluorescent lighting. I can’t fuck this up. Years of work went into reaching this very moment. Chin high, I swallow down my nerves and walk with purpose.
I belong here.
After the maze of hallways ends, we’re led into a large conference room for orientation.
The next several hours are spent learning about our daily schedules and tasks. We take some entrance exams and meet with a few Comet XI employees one on one. After lunch, we’re given our own crisp, white lab coats with each of our names sewn into the front.
We’re also given badges for access to various rooms in the building. I notice mine has a purple border, while the other Omegas have red, yellow, and green. Nobody has explained the significance of that yet, putting me further on edge as I try to unravel what it means.
The Beta giving us a tour already snapped at two Omegas for chatting, so I don’t bother asking about my different badge. Speak only when spoken to.
We finally make it to the main lobby of the building which is grand to say the least with a dome ceiling and modern art hanging down.
The entire first floor of the North wing is open to the general public.
We’re told we have an hour to explore before we need to meet back in the West wing for dinner.
As soon as the Beta leaves, our group disperses, some Omegas going off on their own, others in smaller groups. Based on my purple badge, I have a feeling I won’t be working in the same wing as any of them. So, I decide to stick to myself.
Slowly, I venture down a wide hallway, taking in each artifact in the display cases and every picture lining the wall that showcases significant historical achievements of the organization.
I’m careful to stay out of the way of passing Alphas and Betas.
They all look so important, standing tall in their lab coats.
I’m stewing in envy until my eyes lock onto the entrance to the Comet XI library, a sight that takes my breath away.
The glass doors are closed but I see an array of astronomers inside studying, scavenging the shelves, assembling dioramas, and even just having lunch while browsing through textbooks.
Without thinking, I approach the grand library and swipe my key card on the panel. It turns green and the door clicks open. The Beta did tell us to explore, didn’t he?
I slip inside with my neck craned to the classy, Victorian, stained-glass ceiling.
My bedroom ceiling window doesn’t even compare.
The shelves lining the walls tower above me and stretch into the sky, lined with millions of book spines.
How do they get all those books up there?
I wonder about it as I slowly enter the expansive space.
Wooden shelves and tables seem to go on for miles in all directions.
“Excuse me, are you lost?” a high-pitched voice has me turning around. I hadn’t even noticed the small lady at the circular front desk. She peers around a computer at me.
“Um, a little. Is there an Omega section?” I ask.
Omegas reading for pleasure or further education is usually frowned upon.
Indecent even. Because everything we want or need in life is supposed to be handed to us by an Alpha.
But some libraries have small sections with approved books allowed for Omegas.
Things like recipe books, simple entertainment, and sewing books.
It has never stopped me from sneaking textbooks out of other sections when no one is around.
Or slipping them inside less conspicuous covers.
The lady addresses my attire and frowns.
“No, we do not. Unless you are picking up an order from your Alpha, you really shouldn’t be in here.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I’m new,” I sputter my apologies, bowing my head in shame. I should’ve known they’d be strict. This is not a good first impression.
“Should I call someone to come collect you?” Her hand reaches toward a phone. Others close by have stopped what they’re doing to stare.
“No! That won’t be necessary, I’ll see myself–“
“He’s one of mine, Diane.”
A tall, middle-aged Alpha with glasses and an impressive lab coat over his suit struts toward me. He offers a pale-yellow smile before reaching for my badge. Instinctively, I step back and tilt my head to the side in submission, so that he doesn’t think I’m being rude.
“Shy, are you? My name is Alpha Minsley, but you may call me Sir. It looks like you’ll be cleaning in my lab.”
I don’t know what to say, so I remain quiet.
“Come along, Omega.”
“Oh. Uh. But my orientation– “
“Nonsense. Rule number one: you will take orders directed at you without a fuss. We aren’t paying you to negotiate.”
Before I can respond to that, he’s leading the way out into the hall. The receptionist still glares at me, so I have no choice but to follow Sir.