Contribution to Humanity

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Normally when I fly such distances across the country, I have many layovers and many other flights to catch. I've been on this plane for 5 hours. We had champagne, and meetings with Mr. Abbot. Jack and I even spent time brainstorming and researching the area of space we will be monitoring. I have no idea what the evening has in store for me, but I am feeling the excitement more than ever.

We finally land in an unknown location in Washington D.C. Jack and I gather our things, I look at my phone for the time. I also have a missed call from my mother. Factoring in the time difference from Pacific to Eastern, it's actually not as late as I thought.

Mr. Abbot and his assistant exit the plane before us where another limo awaits. Jack and I enter the limo sitting across from Mr. Abbot and his assistant.

"Because my wonderful assistant did not book the hotel for you until it was too late, I will personally be escorting you to the Ritz-Carlton just a few moments away and we will get you registered." Mr. Abbot said. He looked directly at Jack. I don't think it was intentional, but it doesn't surprise me.

"Have you ever stayed at a Ritz-Carlton Jeanette?" Jack looks to me and asks with a grin on his face. He has been acting like a Chihuahua since he arrived at my house with the limo. I think he might have tired himself out, his excitement is subtle now.

"No, actually I haven't." I said hugging my purse a little tighter on my lap. I can't help but feel a little overwhelmed now. I knew our jobs were important but I did not think we would be riding in limos, flying in private million dollar jets, and sleeping at the Ritz-Carlton. I guess I should just go with it but I feel really important right now. I have to keep telling myself to stay humble and not get greedy. Shit, why can't we just stay at the White house?

We arrive at the hotel only a few minutes later. The streets of Washington are still damp from an earlier rain shower. The lights of the surrounding city reflect in the puddles. The limo stops along the curb to the Ritz-Carlton. The dark and quiet cabin of the limo is transformed with city smells and late-night lights when the driver opens my door. Even for Washington at nine pm there are still many people out on the town.

I gracefully slide my legs out of the door with my knees firmly together. The driver holds out his hand to me. I accept it and emerge from the limo. All that effort to remain lady-like and my polished heels step into a puddle.

"Shit." I said out loud.

I flick my ankle.

Several men and women linger near the entrance of the hotel to see who appears from the limo. I ignore the onlookers and stand on the curb pulling my handbag onto my shoulder. The driver opens the trunk and begins unpacking the luggage onto the curb.

Jack, Mr. Abbot, and Mr. Abbot's assistant climb out from the limo. Mr. Abbot walks into the hotel with his assistant a few paces behind. Jack and I follow behind.

"Wow! This place is gorgeous." Jack says as we enter the hotel. He stares up at a grand chandelier that illuminates the entire lobby.

The lobby is so huge that it could pass as a ballroom.

At the front desk Mr. Abbot speaks to the receptionist to secure a room for Jack and me. He turns around and hesitates to speak. He walks a little closer until he's standing in front of me. He leans in to whisper. "We have a penthouse available, would you two mind sharing it?" He looks around suspiciously.

"It is two bedrooms?" I ask.

"Yes, of course, each with its own bathroom. It's really quite nice." He nods his head and smiles.

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