"We are here." The robotic voice broke through his thoughts. "Are we?" A man looked out the window, but shut his eyes against the bright lights. "I told you they'd go all out on this," he adjusted his coat. The car door opened before the robot replied, "A rare sight, you have bested me again."
Shoes stepped out of the car, and white flashes captured him before he could make out where he was. A sudden shiver ran through him as the cold breeze hit. "Daniel." A warm voice called him out. A figure stepped into focus through the lights that shone at the entrance. "You're finally here," said the person. With his big hand, he held Daniel's, pulling him away from the crowd. "Too many," the person murmured. Daniel softened his expression, peeping at the wrinkled face, "Sir Goder."
Guards stood around them at Goder's signal, while his hand was on Daniel's shoulder. Their eyes met.
"There's a misunderstanding now, isn't there. I believe I told you to call me Goder. You're Sir Daniel now," said Goder.
"Of course not, Sir. And all those who respect you would agree," said Daniel.
Goder looked towards a group that chuckled near the entrance, as if the cold shied away at their energy. "Them? I wouldn't go that far."
"Sir." Daniel would persist if he had to, and look him in the eyes. "You've led me here, when it was just a dream."
Goder patted his shoulder, as he always did. "You'll like it inside," he said and turned to the entrance, glancing back at Daniel after a few steps with a smile.
Daniel hadn't realised his eyes were drifting up. "This place, huh? Still smaller than the headquarters." He walked on the red carpet with metal railings on either side. The paparazzi leaned over it, cameras in their hands that flashed while they shouted his name. Fireworks crackled among the stars above, the sparks flew with the gentle wind and glistened in his eyes. It was out of focus until he stood beside the building for a moment. Separated into three sections along its length. The centre being larger, more than half the height of a radio tower. A large dome roof crowned it at the top. As he panned across its length, two pillars stood at the entrance.
Daniel snuck a glance back at the guards. Vests that looked more padded than the ones he usually saw at the headquarters. They held the laser rifles, the new standard his bureau had adopted. Sir Goder needs security more than me, Daniel frowned at the thought. He took his next steps, and immediately someone jumped at him from behind, "I told you it's him!" Daniel sighed. "I thought you'd be here early," said the person. "Sir Goder's waiting for me inside," said Daniel.
***
"Thinking what to wear, he says!" The men in tuxedos glanced at each other.
"He doesn't change," chuckled Goder along with them.
"I believe it's important to take my time with it," said Daniel, "especially now."
"Resembles my younger days. I knew you'd choose a long black coat," said Goder, and stood beside him, almost posing to the other men who clapped.
"They look so similar," one of them said.
Daniel smirked at them, clearly avoiding Goder, "You all should start calling me the head."
Goder whispered to him, "I might steal the trousers, though."
They laughed and sat down at the white-clothed round table, among tens of others. Subtle music from the stage at one end of the circular hall, flowing through the atmosphere, overpowering the cold and resonating with the people who relaxed and chatted. Daniel didn't shiver anymore as his eyes wandered about the decorated place, brimming with the unusual vintage furniture. A waiter arrived with a grin, joining in the conversation. But Daniel couldn't hear any words over his entranced awe at the musicians on the stage.
A clink broke Daniel's immersion. "I told them the music you liked," said Goder, offering him a glass of red wine. With a quiet laugh, Daniel shook his head in an apology and received the glass from his hands. They enjoyed each other's company, unaware of the numerous eyes. Some filled with adoration, while others held jealousy that murmured around them. A man passed by, eyes on Daniel. Yet hurried away, noticing Goder. Daniel sipped the wine as if matching the rhythm from the stage. "What's the matter, Sir?" he asked Goder, who was glancing at his phone. "He's not here," he mumbled. "Who is it?" Daniel followed. There was no answer from Goder, unaware of what he had said out loud.
Eventually, the phone rang. Goder stood up.
Where are you, Tieron?
…What? How many?
…Just one?
…Approaching this location?
I'll wrap up here.
Daniel could barely make out the words as Goder sat down with a sigh. "Do you have your speech ready, Daniel? You must show you can embody the role," he said. "I have… Sir," Daniel rephrased, while the call revolved around his thoughts. Goder panned at Daniel's face, as if gauging his thoughts with the gaze. "Look at you, already being the head," said Goder and leaned back on his chair. "A separate group is handling it. Stop worrying," Goder glanced back, "the stage is ready. We should hurry." He stood up, setting the chair aside. "Hm. If that's the case," said Daniel, who still held his glass. He knew he couldn't be like Goder if he just sat and watched. "That call," words came out, as Daniel pushed out his chair. "You're still tensed about that?" said Goder, who was already walking towards the stage. "I thought you trusted me more," Daniel heard ahead. Goder didn't stop.
"I do, sir. I didn't mean it to-"
"They have strong backing. It'll be fine," said Goder.
Even for my team, he'd still pick a thing or two. The thought stung Daniel. But his next steps felt lighter. He heard his name called out and paused.
"Mr Stapleton. Congratulations."
Daniel didn't turn back immediately. He gave a peer, then wished he hadn't. The two people he had been trying to avoid since he had come here. "I'm most glad you're here, Sir Carlson," he said and turned, expression stiffening with another gaze. "I'm surprised that she agreed to come," said Daniel, looking at the woman sitting beside Carlson on the white couch. "I am too," said Carlson, grinning at Daniel. "Did she prove to be a challenge? I heard the selection was quite fierce from Goder," said Carlson and waited, expecting a response. "Oh, yes, it was indeed," replied Daniel. The woman didn't look at him. That said enough. She caressed the fiery ends of her black hair instead, strands twirling around her fingers.
"Well, there's a dance after the speeches and," Carlson whispered, unaware of her daughter, "she doesn't have a partner yet." The wink broke Daniel's chuckle. "Well? What did you sell them for this position in the interview?" Daniel lost his words at the question. Carlson laughed. "I suppose I mentioned the new leads on some cases, if that answers it," said Daniel before Carlson gave him a gentle pat, "I'm just pulling your leg. Of course you did." Smiling at Daniel, he continued, "Goder told me about all the small cases you solved to work your way up." Daniel warmed up inside. "Sir Goder has already started his speech. I must go now," he said with a quick bow.
Running ahead, Daniel arrived backstage. "Now, where is he?" Daniel looked around the small opening beside the stage, watching his steps as he entered the dark place. The floor was a mess of wires and devices, and there was barely any light. "Better not ruin my own ceremony…" said Daniel. The faint chuckles from the technicians poked his steps as he hopped through the cables, paving his way to the other end. Occupied, he didn't notice how quiet it had gotten.
…my pleasure! As the previous head…
Left of the alley. He gently swayed the curtain aside and peeked. "Go-", he felt a pull. "Who let this weirdo in?" It was the manager. Daniel clenched his teeth. Weirdo? He exhaled as if letting out steam. The others came running. "Manager, that's…" The manager did not listen, ready to kick him out. Daniel sighed. His hand explored his coat and pulled out a card. He never imagined someone wouldn't know whose ceremony this was. The manager didn't budge until Daniel shoved the card ahead. "What?" The manager leaned closer, glaring at the hand. For a moment, fear flickered across his face, while he fixed his phrase, "Ahem. It's dark. Should have shown me that ID earlier." Daniel's brows tightened. "Straight down the alley, then on the left. Up the stairs. But, only when you're called out." Daniel scoffed and turned. The others jumped at his aggressive steps on the wires. Hoping it would reach Daniel, one of them said, "He hadn't seen your face!" Daniel had already stepped up onto the stage.
…That's enough of old times, Mr Goder Frank. The youth doesn't falter either. Let's welcome him on the stage!