Level Zero Love

r new employees, each isolated within their own silence. Protocol dictated that every new member should receive a ses

ke plastic, spoke to them for almost 40 minutes. The pre

utional objectives," she said without flinching. "That includes romantic relati

, her express

nels will be reported and sanctioned with immediate disciplinary action," the woman added,

cí

ut ethics. It's about control. Love is a threat here.

y, as if that rule had always been part of the air. As if they'd neve

re minimal: clicking keys, muffled footsteps, the distant tapping of the HVAC system. She took off

he deep voice fro

un

rself, putting her shoes

me

arrying a folder, but his face didn't look like t

id, placing it on her desk. "The new pr

t. But he didn't move. He remaine

cía asked, without fu

ething odd about his expression, as if h

t politics?" h

ch o

onal ties. Relationshi

m. She didn't smil

ned it this morni

for a long time, crossin

" Can a conversation outside of w

xt," she replied tersely

example

hi

w. Is it part of som

mething thick and unspo

inappropriate, the answer is n

leaned slightly toward her,

t some poi

't answer

cí

ses, these kinds of questions. I know it. But your voice i

lied, her voice firmer than she fe

But he didn't

un

o lose it either. All I know is that his voice is dragging me toward somethin

said finally

said, witho

sed. Lucía e

bining authority and weariness. His jacket was unbuttoned and a dark gray shirt outlined his broad shoulder

t the report he had open. He didn't read

Executor. Silent, efficient, almo

ontact, yet sought it out at the same time. There was something about him that didn't fit the perfect

nse it. But I don't know if i

ize about redemption. She wasn't that kind of woma

y, late night. The dim office lights. He entering her office, closing the door without a wo

gies. No

h, desire and relie

f insubordination. It's a cry. A need.

voice of the woman from Human

ill be punished. Ther

the present. She closed the unread report and stood up to pour c

sn't inta

to imagine it. And that... tha