Dynamic Duo: Gauge & Polly

Chapter 13: Insight Mechanics

Beyond the massive double doors into IM was a sight to behold. The building was just as sleek on the interior as on the exterior; the lobby was huge and open and included a front desk flanked by several waiting areas in between the dual sets of floating stairs that led to various other laboratories and offices. As Gauge and Polly entered the lobby of Insight Foundation, they couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the building. The sleek, modern design reflected the cutting-edge nature of the research happening within its walls. The double doors closed behind them automatically with a soft hum, sealing off the bustling city sounds, leaving the gentle conversation of visitors and employees as they held meetings and conducted the day's plan.

The front desk, a sleek structure of polished metal and glass, was operated by a receptionist who greeted them warmly. "Welcome to Insight Foundation." She stated. She already knew who they were by reaching into a drawer, pulling out a pair of identification cards, and setting them on the desk. Each inlaid with the respective name and photo of Gauge and Polly. Gauge took the badges, handing Polly his own, and presented himself confidently. "Hi, we're Gauge and Polly Mercer, the interns assigned to... we're here to meet with our... mother, Meredith Mercer." Gauge exhaled a halfhearted chuckle; he was slightly surprised that he would be working with his mother.

The receptionist's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and recognition. "I already know who you are. We've been expecting you, just not so early. You're about 45 minutes ahead of schedule."

"We were excited." Gauge replied sheepishly; the receptionist nodded and smiled warmly again, "Please, follow me." She led them past the floating stairs, deeper into the expansive lobby. The walls were adorned with large portraits of many people who pioneered innovation, and the atmosphere blended tranquility and anticipation. Employees moved purposefully through the space, engaged in hushed conversations, or focused on tablets, creating an air of focused productivity. There are many lab coats here.

After a short walk, they reached another staircase, less impressive than the ones in the front, but they were purpose-built. "Ms. Mercer is on the top floor. She'll meet you there." This staircase was quiet; only a few were paying attention to it. Polly leaned into Gauge's ear and whispered, "Fancy place. I guess Mom's doing well for herself." Gauge frowned; he knew Polly was still upset; he'd never go into detail about the visits he would embark on alone, but it was clear he'd never been here. Polly's voice was laced with venom. "Yeah, it's impressive. I can't wait to see what kind of projects they've got going on here." Polly didn't respond; he planted his hands on his hips, which ended the conversation.

After she didn't appear, it was evident that a more direct approach was required; the receptionist turned toward Gauge and Polly, clearing her throat, "I think... Ms. Mercer is waiting for you inside—" The receptionist was cut short by a sudden burst of excitement from the upper level. The voice was cheerful, and Gauge and Polly's gaze drifted about mid-way up the stairs, where a very enthusiastic woman, who was close in appearance to Gauge, was waiting at just about that point. The sudden burst of excitement drew Gauge and Polly's attention upward, and there she was – Meredith Mercer, their mother, practically bouncing with excitement as she descended the floating stairs to meet them.

"Boys! Oh, it's so wonderful to see you!" Meredith exclaimed, her smile radiant as she reached the ground floor and enveloped them both in a warm hug. Gauge and Polly exchanged surprised glances before returning their mother's embrace. It had been a while since they had seen her in person, and her exuberance was infectious, at least to Gauge.

"We're happy to see you too, Mom; it's been forever!" Gauge said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. Meredith eyed Polly as she gripped Gauge's shoulder. She was expecting a hug from him, but he refused to move; she instead went for an awkward, shaky smile, which was met with a glare from Polly. "Well... I saw Polly about a week ago... but still! It's been a while for you! The red is definitely new; it makes you unique!" Meredith pulled back, her eyes shining with pride as she looked at her Gauge; this was indeed a recently tailored super-suit; when he was promoted from the rank of sidekick, he stopped wearing the mandatory yellow required of all sidekicks; it was from there he was allowed limited choice in color, and since junior members will eventually become senior members, the new suit was required to be red. The same was meant for Polly; he had red identifiers on his belt.

Gauge, thrilled by his mother's comment on the suit, did a spin so that she could fully observe it. "Do you like it? The tailor said it'll be' iconic when I'm a senior.' The belt, I added myself!" She chuckled as she held his cheek, "Of course you did; you were always a little tinker. I'm not surprised you need a place to keep all those gadgets. Anyway, I'm thrilled to have you both here at Insight Foundation. I have so much to show you, so many exciting projects in the works."

Gauge grinned, caught up in his mother's enthusiasm. "We're eager to get started, Mom. We can't wait to see what you've been working on." Polly interrupted, "Speak for yourself," He said aggressively, "We're here to learn and contribute however we can." Gauge painfully jabbed Polly on his side with an elbow, and Polly growled in fury because Gauge didn't even try to limit his super strength at all; Polly would've retaliated but restrained himself because of the presence of their mother and a bunch of random scientists look at them. It was okay, Polly thought; he'd get his brother back later by hiding his laptop or something, actually, on second thought. If he hid that antique, he'd be doing him a favor.

Meredith beamed at them, her joy evident. "That's wonderful to hear. Come, let's head to my lab. Ugh..!" As she about-faced, she pressed on down the corridor, "I have so much to show you! And so much to catch up on!" With that, she led the way, and Gauge and Polly followed, but they could barely keep up with the woman.