As a general rule of thumb, if you can get out of meetings, run and don’t look back. After all, no one wants to be stuck in a place where their every move is watched by some snidey upper rank. That being said, if you are specifically called to attend a meeting, you’d better get your butt in a seat and straighten your posture, because you’re either about to get promoted or in some serious trouble. I would know, seeing that I’m currently the subject of today’s emergency meeting.  

  Rank One sits at the head of the table, her auburn hair in a neat bun. To her left is rank Two, and on her right is rank Three. The trio is a deadly-looking thing, each powerful in their own ways. Rank One has her presence, Rank Two has her brain, and Rank Three has his bulk.            

  Normally, I’d sit in Rank Four’s spot, but since I’m the topic of today’s meeting, I’m across from One. No one else is in the room, which only serves to make me tap my fingers against the desk at a more frantic pace. There are enough seats for all twelve ranks in our sector to be present, but it seems most were told they could sit out this meeting. That, much like everything else about this situation, is concerning.  

  Three shifts in his seat, sweat rolling down his neck. He flashes a grin at me, one I’m sure would be charming if not for the fangs adorning his smile. Two passes a glance at me, sniffing in distaste before looking straight forward once more. The silence is a thick sheet, threatening to smother me if left unbroken. My heart beats loud enough that I’m sure everyone can hear it, especially with the enhanced hearing most shifters like to keep at all times. That thought alone makes it speed up to a nearly inhuman rate, which is finally when One stands to speak.  

  “I’m sure you are all aware of why I called this meeting, yes?”  

  Two twin huffs of confirmation ring out, followed by a sound of my own, albeit confused and out of place. At the sound, all three of the ranks turn to me, and I know I’ve made a mistake. Rank Two smirks at me and Rank Three winces in sympathy, while Rank One simply stares. Once more, my heart rate picks up, and now I know it’s exceeded human territory. I plaster on a smile, praying to whatever gods are out there that I haven’t just gotten myself demoted, and open my mouth to speak.  

  “If I may, I wasn’t informed about the topic of today’s meeting. I was simply told I was being called to attend, nothing more.”  

  At my words, Rank One clasps her hands together, glaring down on me.  

  “And you didn’t think to ask? Now you’re wasting the time of everyone here. I expect better from you, Four.”  

  I lower my head, shame coloring my face a bright red.  

  “Rank Two, if you would please explain why Rank Four has been called in?”  

  Rank Two nods her head, her smirk appearing once more.  

   “You’ve been chosen for a very important mission to get the new rogue pirate who’s been sinking our ships.”  

   The pirate Two speaks of has been a huge thorn in our side as of late. Despite the shabby state of their ship, they’ve somehow managed to sink every boat we send out to apprehend them. To be given the task of taking care of them myself would be a huge achievement, and I can’t let it go to someone else – especially considering this would be my first actual assignment. My musings are cut off by Rank Two’s voice, condescension rolling off of her.  

“It’s a miracle you were chosen with your lack of experience, Rank Four, and to be frank, you don’t deserve it-”  

  “That’s enough, Rank Two. You don’t have the power to decide whether or not Rank Four can handle this mission.”  

   The woman deflates a bit at that, while Rank Three covers his mouth. From my angle, I can see a smile peaking from behind his fingers. He quickly schools his features into something calmer before removing his hand.  

“However,” I swallow thickly as Rank One turns to face me, her eyes boring into my own. “Rank Two isn’t completely wrong. I had given you this assignment because you need experience, not because you are best suited for it. I’m not sure that you can handle it properly, especially with how you’ve acted today.”  

    “I’m sorry for how rude I was earlier, but I truly do believe that I can handle this mission. I’ve been training for something like this for as long as I can remember, and I’m ready to get out on the field. If you would only give me the chance to, I swear I will successfully capture the pirate and bring them back to our sector.”  

  My voice gets louder with each word, ending at a nearly embarrassing volume. Even so, I sit tall in my seat, proud of myself. Rank One pauses, contemplation flashing over her face. Finally, she swiftly nods her head.  

  “I suppose it is about time you got some field work in. The mission is yours.” 
I silently cheer, a smile threatening to break through my stony facade. I see ranks Two and Three standing up, and I follow suit, making it to the exit last. Right as I reach the door, Rank One speaks one last sentence, freezing me in place.  

  “Oh, and Four? The mission isn’t to capture the pirate – it’s to kill them.”