UNSEEN [Vol 1]

N5. Busy and Intrigued!

The buzz in the atrium was electric, each conversation sparking around me like synapses firing. But there's no time for me to absorb it—I'm on a tight timetable: first to my lab on L182, then to The Nexus for a meeting Dad called about something serious—probably that awful news about Guardian Calloway. And Kai, I need to check in on him, make sure he's not too adrift. This is Nina Alesion's everyday marathon—always sprinting, thinking, solving. And honestly? I relish the relentless pace.

Dodging through Unity Plaza, I weaved around the casual strollers with a brisk stride. Why the slow tempo, people? I said to myself, a half-smile playing on my lips. Isn't there a world of mysteries waiting to be unraveled?

I was on my way to Transit Station O1, the hub where all lines of our underground city intersect, my thoughts ticking over with each click of my heels on the station's tiles.

The train slid into view and I slipped inside, snagging a window seat. My gaze drifted outside as we moved, blurring past familiar sights. There it was—Dad's favorite pizzeria, the backdrop of many post-experiment discussions with Dad. Memories of us laughing over slices while dissecting the day's findings filled my mind. Chasing gravity orbs in the park next door had been our version of downtime. "Nostalgia, you're a tricky beast," I muttered, tucking those sweet memories away. Focus, Nina, task at hand.

The moment the train doors whooshed open at L180, I was out, nearly tangling with an incoming passenger. With a nimble hop and a quick sidestep, I avoided a clumsy collision. "Joshua!" I cried out, my surprise mixing with delight. "It's been an age!"

"Nina," he greeted, his laughter ringing clear. "Ever the agile one, aren't you? Still dodging obstacles like a pro."

"Some things never change," I quipped, pulling him into a spontaneous hug. "What's your story today?"

"Off to a meeting," he replied, matching my grin. "And you? Still conjuring up scientific marvels?"

"Always chasing the next breakthrough," I acknowledged with a spark in my eyes. "I'm actually darting back to the lab. We're always making new discoveries."

"Can't wait to hear all about it," he chuckled, stepping back. "Go on, don't let me slow you down. Wonderful running into you, Nina."

"You too!" I assured him, already backing away into the stream of busy commuters. "Let's not let another age pass before we catch up properly, deal?"

With a parting wave, I turned and plunged back into the rhythm of my day, thoughts already leaping ahead to the lab's challenges.

I exited the station and immediately called for a Hover Taxi, the quickest way to bridge the distance to L182. Within moments, a sleek vehicle glided to a stop before me, its doors whispering open. I stepped inside, the interior humming softly as it lifted off and weaved through the city's bustling aerial lanes. The ride was short but gave me a moment to gather my thoughts before diving back into the sanctum of science.

I reached the entrance of The Research Collective, its grand doors marking a clear transition from the bustling chaos outside to the structured hum of intellectual activity within. As I swiped my keycard, familiar faces in security greeted me with nods and friendly smiles. "Hey, Nina!" echoed through the high, sterile walls, a chorus as integral to my routine as the morning itself.

I hurried to the elevator, pressing for the 17th floor, and felt the subtle lurch as it ascended smoothly. My heels clicked rapidly against the polished stone floor, a sharp counterpoint to the soft hum of the elevator. Exiting, the hallways welcomed me like an old friend. They were a familiar maze that I navigated with practiced ease, turning left with a purpose, almost racing to the lab, propelled by the thrill of what awaited