Chapter 4
Over the next few weeks, Kevin settles into his new environment. His days are spent running errands, making calls, and keeping track of Mr. Ling’s schedule. At night, Kevin explores the city. At first, he stayed in the mansion secluded from the town. Eventually, he began going out to different places, finding his favorite spot on a peak in the east side of the city. The buildings went on as far as the eye could see on one side of the peak, while the other had a view of the harbor.
~
“Kevin?” Stan calls through the office door, “Can I come in?”
“Yes, of course,” Kevin looks up from the papers sprawled across his desk. Stan pops his head in through the doorway, “Are you ready for tonight?”
“Oh, for the gala? I didn’t think I was invited.”
“Yeah, we need you to be there to take notes of people Mr. Ling talks to. This is the biggest night of the year – it needs to go perfectly. We’ll see you at six.” Stan closes the door behind him, leaving Kevin scrambling to figure out what to wear to an event like this.
Hours later, Kevin walks from his quarters to the foyer to find himself greeted by another butler he has never met before. “Mr. Lee?” he inquires and Kevin nods. “Mr. Ling is in the main room, he’s expecting you.” Kevin thanks him and retreats to the main room, amazed by how many butlers, waitresses, and other people he’s never seen before in attendance already. After scanning the crowd, Kevin spots Mr. Ling by the fireplace, chatting with a group of three other men dressed in the same black suit, white shirt, black tie combo. As he approaches, Mr. Ling breaks off the conversation and introduces Kevin, “Here he is. This is Kevin Lee Min, Subject 247, my assistant.” Kevin shakes everyone’s hands and mumbles a "nice to meet you" with each.
After introductions, Kevin stands with Mr. Ling while he goes from person to person, talking about the Republic and all the good it has done for society and the old region’s people. Kevin takes notes on who they speak to, anything they learn about them, and whether the conversation went well or ended in a dispute. He’s not exactly sure why he’s taking these notes, but he’s learned over the course of serving as Mr. Ling’s assistant that it’s better to not ask questions.
Finally, Mr. Ling excuses himself. “Kevin, I’ll be back in a bit, why don’t you grab some food and meet me back in the foyer in a half hour?”
Kevin fills his plate and gets a drink before finding himself emerged in a small group of people. He stands awkwardly among them, trying not to seem like he’s eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Yeah, I don’t get it. Prior to the handover I was a salesman – A SALESMAN. I was able to interact with other people and do something I enjoyed, not doing what I am now. The work is terrible. They don’t give me any responsibility, and don’t get me started on the lower pay. I know we’re supposed to be “free,” but if I had known this is what we were signing up for, I’m not so sure I would’ve stood by the Republic during the war.”
The other subjects in the circle mutter in agreement and take sips of their drinks, looking around to see if anyone is paying attention to their conversation. “Hey,” one of them speaks, waiting until Kevin makes eye contact, “You’re a subject too, right? What do you do?”
Kevin stands up a little straighter, “How did you know I was a subject?”
“Please, as if you’re not. Look at your suit. I’m sure you couldn’t afford half of a suit that anyone important here is wearing.”
Kevin looks down, silently judging his outfit and looking increasingly more self-conscious. “I guess that’s fair. And uh, I’m the assistant to President Ling.” Everyone in the circle looks up from their plates.
“Oh,” a different subject speaks, “So you have it pretty good then. How on earth did you score that job?” His judgement can be felt in the air.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Kevin responds, “it's what I was assigned?”
“Right,” they all laugh.
“The assignments aren’t random. What did you do prior to the Handover?”
Kevin hesitates, “I, uh, don’t really remember much prior to the ceremony.”
The subjects stare at him, eyebrows raised in disbelief – he must be lying. “How do you not remember? It was only a few weeks ago, your memory can’t be that bad. I’m sure he was some hot shot lawyer or politician, and President Ling needed someone to save his ass from whatever happens during this transition.” The subjects all nod in agreement.
Kevin, thinking on his feet, forces a smile and chuckles, “Yeah, you’re right. I was a lawyer. Not so much anymore, but hey, I’ll take what I can get.”
While the tension in the conversation is alleviated, Kevin remains visibly uncomfortable. He excuses himself after the conversation turns to a different topic: all the mean things their bosses have done to them.
After he finally gets away, Kevin heads back to the foyer, uncertain of how much time has passed. On his way, he slips on a wet spot in the hallway and collapses on the ground. A maid hurries over to him, “I’m so sorry. I was just coming to clean that up.” She begins frantically mopping the ground.
“It’s okay,” Kevin stands up and flaps his pant leg in an attempt to dry it off, “Don’t worry about it.”
The maid looks up at him and smiles. “Have we met before? You look so familiar.”
“I’m not sure we have. I’m Kevin Lee Min,” he holds his hand out, offering a shake.
She grabs his hand, “That name, too. I’ve definitely seen you before.” She stands and thinks for a second, leaning slightly onto the mop for balance. “Oh! Is your picture hanging on the wall somewhere? I love reading the descriptions, so maybe it’s from that?”
“No, no,” he scoffs, “All the people on the walls were killed in the war. As you can see, I’m right here.”
“Oh, yes, you're right. Of course. Well, I should clean this up before anyone else spills. It was nice meeting you, Kevin.” She smiles one last time and begins mopping up the rest of the spill.
Kevin makes his way to the foyer to look for Mr. Ling. When he doesn’t find him, he steps outside for air.