The nightmare that had tormented him for several nights had visited him again, but this time Tom didn’t gave it any importance. He didn’t get angry, didn’t engage and didn’t dwell on his memories. Indifferently, he turned to the side, exhaling in annoyance, and surrendered himself once more to the hands of sleep.


The next morning , after a very deep and restful sleep,  the guards woke him up, informing him that A01 was waiting for him at the headquarters’ reception. “That’s a good sign”. He thought as he quickly prepared to go meet her. As he descended the steps, he noticed her standing tall in front of the main gate of the building. She wore a white fur coat, giving him the impression that he was approaching the snow queen. He stood opposite her, realizing that her height was almost the same as his. She didn’t match the typical towering stature of her kind.


<< This is for you >> she said kindly, handing him a white fur coat, similar in shade to her own. << You’ll need it >> she advised, gesturing to the guards, who then opened the massive gate.


A flood of light poured into the space, as if they were standing at the gates of heaven. A fierce, icy wind mercilessly wrapped itself around Tom’s human body, causing him to shiver involuntarily. He immediately put on the fur coat, feeling his body temperature return to normal.


A-01 approached him slowly and gently tugged at the edges of his coat, straightening it. Tom could feel her breath warming his face.


“ Get closer to her “’ , an instinctive thought surged through his mind. Abruptly, he turned his head away and waited for her to finish.


<< With pleasure, I inform you that you are officially welcomed by all members of the Leadership. This automatically means you are welcome among all the Plersizians as well. In their homes, there is a communication system where important decisions from the Headquarters are broadcast. Last night, the decision was sent that your presence here is safe and your intentions are pure. However, be prepared for curious stares.. many have forgotten what a human looks like >> she explained, giving him two light taps on the chest after finishing the adjustment of his coat.


<< Shall we? >> she asked, and Tom nodded in agreement. A-01 took him by the arm, a gesture that caught him off guard, but he accepted it without resistance. They stepped outside the headquarters and descended the stairs that led to the vast marketplace of the Plersizians.