The Auditorium had a thrust stage, although, its interior design was built to be more institutional than theatrical, carrying an essence of sophistication with some modernism. On the stage was a single black podium with lights directly aimed at it and three massive digital white screens secured on the burgundy walls, hidden behind black curtains. The black metal ceiling was adorned vertical panel lights placed adroitly in vertical rows to allow a wide range of the area to be showered with cool lighting. A fly system on the ceiling served to hold grid decks to walk on and a mesh of electrical line sets to help interconnect the lights and interface systems, coiling against one another in a snake-like maze. The audience floor had flip top nesting tables with metal frames and faux-leather industrial chairs to accommodate the institution look.

Personnel were beginning to seat themselves in their place, casually conversing with their colleagues to pass time before Giuseppe could walk in. Small murmurs and chattering are heard with quiet echoes repeating what the audience was talking amongst themselves. Near the edge of the arena under one of the white screens was a young chromatoon standing with her back against the wall and arms and legs crossed. She was a fauna-type chroma, a wolf-like sentient in her early twenties with long blunt cut plum hair and bangs, smoky black eyes, a small snout and gray fur. She was wearing a black crop top shirt, high waisted jeans that complimented her hourglass figure with and a leather jacket and black pumps. She quietly stood away from the crowd, contemplating about today’s events.

"Where the hell is Deltra? He's usually on time for these meetings."

Victor felt annoyed with her colleague’s absence since he always fusses her about being in on time for Giuseppe’s meetings. “He probably had those weird dreams again…” Victor thought to herself. It wasn’t unusual for him to be a heavy sleeper when he’s stressed and after last night’s patrolling through Atramento Peak the physical work probably knocked him out cold Since Delta has been guilty of having a horrible sleeping schedule, often turning all-nighters into a habit to get projects done. However, his hard work has made him very established inside GUDS. Victor was still worried though about her friend’s well-being and his lack of self-care sometimes. She felt Deltra had no one to visit outside of GUDS’ walls, like a single blood relative to talk to. A girlfriend was out of the question, having his last relationship end horribly and with little answers. It put Deltra’s emotions on stance and convinced himself to lose interest in the dating scene thereafter. Regardless of his distant behavior from past years of experiencing some form of tribulation, Deltra had become an instant asset when GUDS recruited him at a very young age. GUDS prioritized isolation for the protection of its personnel and those outside the institute, and when seeking to recruit the right people it was almost mandatory to be a stray. Regardless of long hours of being isolated in his lab, fidgeting with electronics and gear, robotics and whatever gadgets he can tinker with he was still naturally charismatic and inherently empathetic. Deltra’s open personality and charming humor got him friends, easy. He made close connections wherever he went, and it wasn’t unusual for someone on the streets to come up towards him to greet. It put the face of GUDS in a good light with his humanitarian attitude. Victor was not surprised when Deltra’s presence allured a few curious eyes to glimpse at his direction. When Deltra and she would walk in public some young women would observe him, staring, sometimes giggling and smiling amongst themselves or their small clique of friends, but once they moved their gaze towards her, she could swear their eyes would turn to a sickly green. Victor found humor in their behavior, sometimes joking next to him that his gremlins are nearby and best to feed them attention before midnight. Deltra would only chuckle in response. Victor knew Deltra was a friend only and the closest thing to a sibling figure, besides her younger sister Annabelle. She liked his modesty and knew better than to take advantage of his social life or the people around him. She noticed he preferred his interactions to be discreet and avoided anyone he knew, sometimes for their safety or when he just wanted to be alone. After the day, he prefers being by himself in his lab working on a gadget, fixing a machine part, reading or whatever he likes to do. The only thing that would interact with him in his lab during dead hours of the night was an artificial bot, no bigger than the palm of his hand named Sparks, built by him and two former friends from years back.

Victor chuckled, “He’s still a dumbass sometimes…” If Deltra wanted to he could be mean. If he felt off about any situation or person, it was hard for him to swallow his tongue and remain quiet about it. He was extremely intelligent, almost too much for his own good which got him in trouble sometimes.

Victor stared at her wristwatch, counting every second that passed before Giuseppe arrived. It’s still five minutes early before the scheduled enunciation.

I guess…I should look for him? She thought to herself. Before she moved out of her position, Giuseppe suddenly entered through the main entrance with his secretary behind. Scattered personnel quickly moved back to their seats and the auditorium became quiet. Giuseppe stepped toward the main arena, his steps echoing as he walked past the rows of tables and seats. When he came close to the arena, he noticed Victor standing there and she greeted him casually, “Hey boss.”

Giuseppe smiled, “Good afternoon Victor! This is a new sight to behold I must say. I always see you and Deltra waiting here before I arrive. Where is he?

Victor felt a sweat drop as she thought of what to say to her elite. He was aware of Deltra’s sleeping habits, but she tried to keep the conversation about his nightmares at a low. They weren’t uncommon because of his stress, but lately, they have been returning more than once. Of all the days, it had to be during an important meeting where she had to find an excuse for his absence.

Victor lied, “He… told me he was getting ready last I checked on him. Last night’s patrolling just tired him out completely. I was going to check on him again before you arrived.”

Giuseppe only smiled, never breaking his gaze he replied, “Well, I’ll be here starting the announcement in about fifteen minutes. But I need you two here present to listen to today’s discussion. It’s extremely important. Deltra needs to be here.

Giuseppe emphasized the last sentence, and Victor quickly gathered herself. Victor never felt threatened by Giuseppe, but she knew how critical the discussion was going to be.

Victor cleared her throat, “Don’t worry sir, I’ll go get him. I’ll probably use the airhorn on him again.”

Giuseppe shook his head and chuckled, “Be easy on the boy when you find him.”

Victor gives him an okay symbol before heading out of the auditorium.

Victor sighed as she found herself going to his apartment more now to wake him, pounding at his door with an ear over to check for any sound. Sometimes she’d think he’s even testing her field operative or investigation skills when she’s trying to figure out his whereabouts. His stubborn behavior sometimes put Victor on the edge when she checks on him in his lab to see if he has gone to bed, getting in the way of her own proper sleep. It’s an unasked favor she’s done for him, but she didn't mind. It is the least she could do when he was there during her lowest point in life.