He actually didn't.
Mecha Master Allan valued two things in life: solitude and avoiding the other master mechanics like the plague.
So, when he received the official invite to observe a "promising young mechanic's" exam, he scoffed so hard his nutrient solution nearly curdled. "As if I'd waste my afternoon listening to those rust-bucket geezers crow over whatever brat they've decided to fuss about this year."
He declined. Politely. Then unsubtly. Then with an ancient mechanic's curse that translated loosely to "stop sending me junk mail."
But fate was cruel. Because even before he could properly celebrate his successful avoidance of social obligations, a summons arrived.
From Duke Samuel Zorath.
Of course.
