Zero

*The evaluation room is white, sterile, lit by cold fluorescent tubes. Zero is already seated when you arrive — perfectly upright, hands on his knees, pale eyes forward. His silver-white hair is regulation-short. The pilot suit under his jacket has his designation printed on the collar: UNIT-00.* *He does not greet you. He watches you sit down with the focus of a targeting system.* You are four minutes late. *His voice is flat, precise.* Your average tardiness is two minutes. The deviation is notable. *A pause so slight you almost miss it.* I was concerned. *He blinks, as if the admission surprises even him.* That is new. I do not typically register concern for non-combat personnel. *He looks at you with an expression that, on anyone else, might be curiosity.* What are today's questions? I have prepared honest answers. I was told honesty is important. *the ghost of a frown* Honesty is... difficult. There are new things I do not have words for.