Lisle reclined in his seat and picked up a mug of tea that was set to the side. He took a drink and pulled his scarf from his neck.

“The Planet is a special place, Ellis. It is a place of healing and self discovery, of disconnection from stress and technology, a place to find understanding. Our clientele are much like you, they need to be referred to book a reservation. They go through an extensive screening and interview process before any information is given. They, too, are stripped of their technology and connections to the outside world, and are allowed to simply exist for two months without interruption or stress. It is as exclusive as exclusive can get. Because what we do is so particular, we need to be particular about who walks through our doors.

“Could you imagine what would happen if the masses knew? We’d be flooded with influencers and celebrities and politicians trying to use it to better their own image. Not to mention the excess of damage it would do to the area and I shudder at the thought. This damn planet is already crumbling, we needn’t add more stress to it for the sake of content.  

“It would ruin our mission, it goes against our code of conduct and, even worse, what we believe in. As Roland said, you have until tomorrow to make up your mind, whether you want to stay or not. He arrives on the first day of every month and the last day of every even numbered month. It’s too much to make the flight regularly so the ability to leave is limited. We will, obviously, pay for your flights back home if you decide this isn’t what you want. You are more than welcome to leave come tomorrow if you have second thoughts. That is what this confidentiality notice is for. You’ll have twenty four hours to see the facility, to talk to the staff, and learn what we do. So…”

“The terms of the confidentiality clauses have changed now that I actually know what I’m getting into,” Ellis mused.

“Smart boy… apologies, I should have asked your pronouns first.”

Ellis looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He hadn’t thought about it.

“He/him is… fine…”

Lisle nodded, “I’ll make a note of that, if you come to find they change—if you change—let us know. It is entirely your choice as to whether or not you wish to take on this employment term, Ellis, I simply ask that you keep what you see here a secret.  or the safety and wellbeing of the employees and the guests. I feel like this place would be beneficial for you, though, so I do hope you consider it.”

“How can you be sure I won’t break this? Turn around and tell everyone what’s here?”

Lisle looked at him with a thin eyebrow cocked, a knowing grin on his face, “I don’t. There’s something about you that I trust, so I’m choosing to trust you, Ellis.”

Ellis grabbed a pen and read through the document briefly. He signed it with a flourish and handed it back, swapping it out for a new paper that Lisle quickly handed over.

“What do you mean?” Ellis inquired.

“Pardon?”

“That this place will be beneficial for me.”

“You arrived with nary a thing to your name, you took a job based on a referral with practically no information, one that lasts for two months in Antarctica, with only a week’s notice, and didn’t question it. Everyone here is running from something Ellis. I wasn’t lying when I said you’d fit in. 

“Now, your job requirements; your position is flexible, we all wear multiple hats here and it will depend on what best suits your talents and skills. We’ll start you in housekeeping, though, since it’s easy and will help you get the lay of the land. Your direct manager will be Luisa but you do report to me. I have an open door policy so please, don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything. Room and board are included, as well as three full meals a day and one free drink of choice at The Pink Hare when it opens in the evenings… I assume you are of legal drinking age?”

“I am back home, I turned nineteen in October,” Ellis assured.

“Wonderful, and happy belated birthday to you, Ellis. Now, due to the small size of our staff and limited number of guests, as well as the nature of what we do, there’s no need for uniforms. You’re free to wear whatever feels comfortable so long as you can adequately do your job. Your official start date is tomorrow, January 1st, and it will run until February 28th. Our seasons run for two months at a time, this is our shortest season so it’s a good time to start. New guests arrive bright and early on the 1st of each odd numbered month, they leave the last day of every even numbered month. We have four reservations slated for this new season. Any questions?”

“No.”

Lisle set his hands together and placed his chin upon them, “We’re going to be trapped together for two months, Ellis. Please, be honest.”

Ellis shifted with discomfort and forced a smile, “No pay? Not that it’s a necessity, I’m not going to leave based on that but it does seem… odd.”

Lisle chuckled, “It’s alright, everyone asks. Thank you for your honesty. Yes, there is a monetary benefit to the position, it is paid at the end of each season. You’ll soon come to see that everyone who works here has also made this their personal home. We all live on-site, so we really don’t… need for much. We also like to think that what we offer our employees is more than worth its weight in monetary compensation. Yes, you will be working, but you also live rent free, with free meals and luxury comforts. How much do you think a season costs a guest here, Ellis?”

Ellis shrugged and sipped his coffee.

“A season costs the equivalent of half a million pounds,” Lisle stated.

Ellis choked on his beverage as he inhaled sharply. He cleared his throat and blinked a few times. That did indeed seem to be well worth it. Especially for someone needing a fresh start. Someone who was running toward a new life with nary a thing to their name. Someone like him.

Ellis looked at him, “Not to be offensive but the cost, the secrecy, the referrals? It sounds…”

“Elitist?”

“Yes?”

Lisle chuckled, “It can seem that way at first. However, you need to think of it more along the lines of… The Planet finds you when you need it most. We are particular about who can come and stay, but we take all kinds into consideration fairly. Not everyone is charged, either. Some are sponsored, some are simply in desperate need and we do not judge, we simply welcome them with open arms. One such guest is arriving tomorrow, but their stories are theirs to tell. You’ll find yourself amongst poets and writers, heiresses and doctors, lost souls and the ill. The Planet doesn’t discriminate and we all have our reasons for being here. You’ll meet everyone soon. In the meantime, let’s get this signed off on and get you to your room.”

Ellis nodded and read through his job description. It seemed simple enough, if not a bit vague, but the benefits were crystal clear and it was too late to back out now. Even if he decided to leave come morning, there was nothing to return home to. So, he signed his life away and handed the documents back.

Lisle finished his tea and rose to his feet. He slid the paperwork into the appropriate folder and set it at the top of his stack before urging Ellis to follow. The young, exhausted man did so. He continued to sip his coffee as they left for the foyer that was now filled with crates. A luggage cart sat beside the door with several boxes and suitcases tucked neatly atop its surface.

The chipper pilot stood beside a tall, burly gentleman with the sharpest groomed beard Ellis had ever seen in his life. He had dark eyes, a warm smile upon his face. A turban was wrapped atop his head and his muscular arms were crossed over his chest. The coat over his body struggled to stay on against the pull of his frame.

“Good morning, Masoud! Thank you, as always, for helping Roland unload. That wind is fickle today,” Lisle greeted as he stepped out around the concierge counter.

“Good morning, Lisle. Is this our new arrival?” Masoud inquired.

“Indeed it is, this is Ellis. Ellis, this is Masoud Laghmani, our valet and technological genius in charge of keeping this building up and running. He handles the programming, security protocols, and getting our shipments where they need to be,” Lisle explained.

Ellis extended his hand. Masoud took it with a genuine grin upon his face. The handyman picked up a small box from atop the snow-dusted crates and handed it to the newcomer.

“I believe this is yours,” Masoud stated.

“It is, thank you,” Ellis replied as he took it.

“Wonderful, thank you for your help Masoud. I’m going to take Ellis to his room so he can rest before lunch. It is much too early for any of us to rightly be awake. Our guest should be arriving for departure shortly, please make sure Mrs. Olmsted is treated well, gentlemen,” Lisle said firmly.

“They always do, dear.”

The group of men turned to face the gentle, small voice. An elderly woman, hunched over with a cane in her hand, approached. She was draped in a heavy coat and hat, appearing more as if she were preparing for a day at the races and less for a day of intense travel. Those who knew her smiled widely with admiration. It was apparent that she was a beloved guest in the hotel. Judging by the lack of other voices and luggage, it was also apparent she was the only guest in the hotel.

Lisle approached and took her hand. He kissed it softly and smiled.

“Do be well, my dear. Are you positive we can’t get you to stay another season?” Lisle asked as he extended his arm to help steady her.

“Oh, you bad boy, tempting me like this! I’ve been here long enough! I have grandkids, you know,” Mrs. Olmsted replied cheekily.

“We look forward to your return, as always. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you do decide to come back early. Roland, treat her well! Come, Ellis, let’s get you to bed. Farewell, Frances,” Lisle bid his guest farewell and grabbed Ellis’ bags.

The young man nodded uncomfortably as he bypassed the elderly woman and raced off after his new employer. They headed toward the back hall, where Ellis took in the new area with parted lips and awestruck wonder. The floor was made of a navy tile with swirling gold speckles across the surface. The hall held rounded windows meant to reflect the cycles of the moon, stretching off in both directions. The moon-shaped openings looked out into what appeared to be a sitting area that sat beneath a domed ceiling of glass, one that was fabricated to look like a park with stone pathways and grass with an indiscernible authenticity from this far away.

They headed to the left and made their way down the curved hallway.

“This side of the hotel is where the suites are. There are fifteen guest suites and eight employee rooms. These on the first floor are the staff rooms, each one has a beautiful view of the tundras. At the far end of this hall you’ll find the infirmary. The elevator is this first door, it will take you to the second floor where the guest suites are. Luisa will teach you how to turn over the rooms this afternoon. We only have the one to handle so it’s your only opportunity to see it done before our guests arrive, so I apologize about thrusting you into work so soon.

“The infirmary is the last room before you reach the lounge. You’ll meet our resident doctor, Grant, later. He’ll ask for your medical history to ensure everything is documented. He can be intimidating but he’s a sweetheart once you get to know him. The entire hotel is a circle so continuing down this hall will eventually get you to where you need to go. It can be a bit confusing so please, do not hesitate to ask if you need assistance. We’re all here to help you, including myself. I am available at any time of day that you may need me. That being said, my room is a bit tricky to find so,” Lisle stopped beside a panel on the wall, “If you do need me, you can use this.”

He pressed a button and the small panel lit up. It had a retro aesthetic to it with pipework that crawled up the wall, running across the tops of the employee doors. The whole of the hotel felt gilded, pulled from a different era than Ellis was used to. It was high above his standing and he felt uncomfortable, afraid to touch anything for fear of dirtying it.

“This is our intercom system. Since this is a place of peace, we don’t want to be disruptive by calling out over loudspeakers, so Masoud designed this beautiful contraption that has all of the employee names and locations, as well as a space to notify us if it’s an emergency. You simply scroll through each and press enter, like so,” Lisle pressed a few buttons and let the machine work.

The three small screens rotated and lit up with bright green text.

Lisle - Employee Hall - Not Urgent.

“And viola! This will appear on all of the intercom screens to let me know that you need my assistance, where to find you, and not to rush. We’ll get your name added at some point, so keep your eyes on the panels. It’s a good habit to always check when you walk by one. Please, and I do mean this, don’t ever hesitate to summon me. Even if you just need to talk,” Lisle reassured, tone gentle, almost parental as he kept walking down the hall

“Of course, thank you,” Ellis said quietly.

“Good! You’ll be in room six. It has basic necessities but we do keep extra stock of items and furniture on hand if you decide you need something once you get yourself settled. The door is unlocked, we’ll program your fingerprints into the scanners tomorrow once we’re sure you’re staying.”

They stopped in front of a room with a massive golden 6 upon its surface. Lisle pressed the door button and watched the panel slide open. Ellis peered inside and was unable to keep his mouth from opening in shock. It was too much, much more than he deserved. Everything was pristine, new and sparkling, with soft earthen colors set atop a deep brown tile flooring. A heater ran in the space, the duvet atop the bed looked warm and comforting. The small fridge was stocked with water bottles and juices, all visible behind the glass pane. Several plants sat happily in the sunlight that came in through the windows that took up the entirety of the far wall.

Lisle set the bags down and leaned on the doorframe, “The blinds can be closed using that button above the bed and I suggest you do so, it is horrendously bright this time of year. Please rest, we’ll come get you for lunch so you can meet the rest of your coworkers. Welcome to The Lonely Planet Hotel, Ellis Hughes. We’re happy to have you.”