"Reece, to be honest, I don't know you and your abilities. Tell me—what kinds of things do you excel at? Where do you see yourself helping us in the future?"
Before me stands a young man named Reece, a newer face amongst the crowded bunch. Supposedly he's my assistant but well, I've never really interacted with him much.
He looks around eighteen, fairly built for his average height and has that unexplainable persistence in his golden eyes.
He straightens his collar before answering.
"Well sir, I'm confident in my abilities. Organizing, scheduling—I came from logistics, managed the corpse rotation schedules and storage. That was my job at the time."
"Why the change?"
"Well… I just wanted to do something more, you know?"
"I see." I glance down at his file. "You were an orphan here. Only graduated a couple years back. Tell me—how far are you willing to walk for this cause?"
A shadow hides under his brow.
"I would kill sir, if that's what needed to be done." He responds curtly. "Truth is I don't trust you either, but I trust Jiord; tell me Desmond what are you willing to sacrifice to be our leader, because I have my doubts."
I lean backward, fingers rubbing against each other.
The audacity. I like his honestly, he's young but he can learn. Let's see how he copes under pressure.
"Sacrifice." I taste the word as it comes out. "Such a convenient word, don't you think?"
He stares back blankly but remains attentive.
"It implies you have something to lose. To give up, to yield as a cost to oneself for a better future. That's not how I think, truth be told."
His nose scrunches up with presumed confusion.
"Sacrifices shouldn't be parted with easily—that's the whole point. But regarding me, your perception of me..." my eyes meet his.
"I would never do so because I believe that to survive is to thrive. I won't give up myself, nor what matters to me. I'll work in spite of them—in spite of my circumstances, obstacles, even this world itself if necessary."
I lean forward, voice tightening as I feel the paperweight's chipped edge as it digs into my palms.
"You want to know the difference between us? You're asking what you'll sacrifice. I'm asking what I refuse to lose."
". . ."
"And I simply refuse to accept any necessary losses." my fingers in-front of me lock inside themselves as I finish.
His silence speaks volumes.
"Now," I continue, "are you willing to work for someone who won't ask you to die when he himself won't? Or, would you prefer a leader who demands your blood while keeping his own?"
His eyes flinch, then narrow.
He nods slowly.
"This.. I can work with this, sir."
"Good. Then I think we understand each other now."
Standing up from my seat I shake his cold but firm hand, noting how his posture slightly straightens upon our physical contact.
"Here."
I hand over my designated assignment.
"I've decided, you need to compile this full inventory for me in the coming days. Then I will be satisfied."
"How soon do you need this.. Sir?"
"Three days will do."
"That's—" His voice catches.
"It'll be done in two."
"I like your dedication. That will be all, thank you." I gesture towards the door and swiftly, he marches out.
What an enthusiastic kid. Reminds me of myself back when I did charity work.
Speaking of kids, when does school—
Herds of padded footsteps, run. Thumping.
Floorboards creak down and through the hallways.
Like a stampede.
A sharp knock rattles on my door just as the bell chimes throughout the building.
I hear a faint "fuck" muttered on the other side, followed by childish giggling and more running.
"Oi, language." I call out from my desk.
Quiet wait a moment.
Then a muffled voice responds.
"Sorry,"
". . ."
"Can I come in?" another voice asks.
"Sure."
The door opens.
Waving off some other kids lingering in the hallway before stepping inside, Tim shuts the door behind him.
"Busy again?" He asks.
"Work is work, but tell me how was your day at school." I continue looking at a file before me.
A black blur shoots out from under my desk.
Mute, meowing loudly charges into Tim.
"There she is!" Tim laughs, scooping her up and drops on the couch.
"Such a sweet girl. Yes you are." She purrs, kneading his lap with her paws before curling up.
"My day huh, it was, just fine."
That all?
I glance up from the open file.
"You realise how this tells me nothing." I push dryly.
"Well that's a problem with you."
My pitch heightens.
"Me? What'd you say you gotta problem with me for?"
Tim doesn't even look up from Mute. "Being annoying."
"I'm ann— I asked you about your DAY!" I raise my voice.
"Exactly." He speaks back.
Little shit. Are all kids like this.
And just like that, after a couple of back and fourths conversing some hours pass.
Finishing my final form, I lean back in my chair letting out a humongous groan.
"Bleh?" Tim groans questioningly from the other side of the room.
"Boah", I explain, gesturing openly whilst nodding my head backward.
"Blipblooble-Ble!" He squeaks back, accusing me with a stern expression.
"Blep blep blep." I wave my hand dismissively and chuckle.
"So you hungry boy?"
"Yeah, getting fed sometimes would be nice Des."
"Greedy little pig. Starving you is only what you deserve." I laugh loudly.
"Now where do you wanna go?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nice place isn't it Des."
"It has an atmosphere, nothing else really though."
"Yeah we used to make fun of this place."
He goes quiet.
I recognize that look. Thinking about dad.
"Hey, so you're gonna order salted yonk-loin again or what?"
"This time I'll have salted zerg that's been roasted with moongrass served on rice."
"Well doesn't that sound nice, might have the same thing then."
They really need to do a better job with names.
After ordering, our meals arrives on wooden plates.
I pick at the roasted zerg, the shell crunching as I take a savory bite.
Not so yummy lizard.
Well at least it's salted, tastes like any other tough meat.
Tim laughs at me as he peels his shell off before eating it.
Now for the real question, how should I approach Zerbus? It would be better to understand the farmers' basic situation before going in for negotiations or diplomacy.
From memory there were a high quantity of farmers that were Norts/Northerners—especially outside the quarantine. If they are mostly used for farmwork, it's reasonable to expect that would be the major occupation they choose most to integrate into here.
Plus if Norts are persecuted peoples, you would hope they're less likely to be working for their oppressors. From this I think they are more reliable as a group than any others.
Just how do I approach this.
A conversation from a nearby table catches my ears. I eavesdrop.
"Why weren't you at the showgrounds this morning?"
"My wife said I shouldn't gamble anymore."
"What, she find out about the losses?"
"Nah—she thinks those pluffers are too cute. Says she couldn't be with someone who'd harm them, even indirectly."
"That's rough."
"Yeah... but they are kinda cute, so maybe she's right."
"So fucken cute. Ever had one waddle up and just stare at you with those massive eyes?"
"I prefer when they flip on their backs and demand the belly rubs. Good times."
"Too true."
"That said, you're missing out, brother. Zerg Destroyer did it again—fire zerg beating a water zerg. Almost unheard of."
"Man, I could've made so much on that match. He was my spirit animal."
"I'm telling you, it's incredible to watch. You're missing out."
"Yeah, yeah. But maybe I should step away from gambling for a while. Just come watch in my free time instead y'know..." He lowers his voice. "I love my wife."
"You're too lovestruck. It's making you stupid. Coming from me, that means something."
"Well, if that's the cost, I'll pay sacrifice all my future gambling profits." He laughs.
"If I were in your shoes, I'd be the same. Your wife is like really hot."
"If I hear another word out of your mouth, I will punch you. You're lucky you're drunk."
"Sorry, sorry. I don't know what came over me apart from the truth."
"It's fine." He exhales. "But she's just... too kind. Too thoughtful, for you to be speaking about her like that.
"She stole your heart, huh?"
"I'm not afraid to admit it." His face tenses. "That said, lotta people look down on northerners like her."
"You mean the Norts."
"See? That's exactly what I mean. Hearing that makes me feel uncomfortable now. I used to listen to the daily announcements and think like you do. But lately... I know my wife isn't the way they describe them."
"She's an odd one out. The farmers are the really bad ones."
"I thought so too at first—every batch of bugs has a beetle and all. But watching her and the other two teach those kids? It's broadened my perspective. There's a sense of community I've scarcely seen before. I dunno how else to describe it."
"Pfft, ha! You big softie. She emptied your cock so much you forgot what being a man was like."
"Hey! Come on, I'm just saying—if I was wrong about that thing, what else are they telling me that I'm wrong about?"
"Maybe your relationship decisions."
"At least try to be respectful."
"Sorry." He sips.
"How are you and Stacey going?"
"...I caught her fucking another man. Again."
"Shit. Sorry to hear that."
"Yeah." He takes a long drink. "The things I let her do in the name of love."
"Well, at least you get some spare change to go gambling again. Think about the positives."
Silence.
"She lowered my allowance again," he mumbles.
"What? Why'd she do it this time?"
"Wants to save up. Give the baby a good future."
"Fuck, you can't blame her for that, right?"
"...I guess not."
"You should work with me in the mines. I'll get you a nice recommendation. Would be good for you, money from your own pocket is always harder to spend."
"Is Giana really as bad as the rumors say though?" He questions.
"You'll be fine. Too old, you're not her type anyway."
"I'll think on it" he sighs.
The other man gives him a worried look, then shifts his eyes almost catching mine.
Looking away, I scratch my beard.
"Yeah yeah you've got points after points, I'm thankful for you sticking wit me, really am man, but that doesn't make me feel any better about the matter."
"Take your time. I've known you since childhood—I won't abandon you that easily."
I look back over.
They fist-bump.
"Thanks, brother."
"I gotchu."
Their mugs thudding as they collide.
The conversation shifts. "Hey Henry, how's your little girl doing?"
Henry shifts in his seat.
"Poor Evon's having a hard time at school. Won't tell me more about it though."
"Why don't you let your wife teach her instead?"
"If she could, she would. But she believes she needs to take care of the orphans first. Says she'd rather give resources to a child who's struggling than indulge in her own wants." He traces the rim of his mug.
"We have the ability to sustain Evon's education at the church. Not many of the orphans have that kind of familial support, so..."
"I personally wouldn't do that. My child is mine. If I think they're struggling, I'd help them any way I could. The orphans are one thing, but your own blood and bone is another." The second man interrupts.
"How's your boy doing, then?"
Silence.
"Sorry didn't mean to hurt you." Henry leans forward. "I agree with you too. It's just—this is the only source of contention in our relationship. I'm not sure how to handle it. I shouldn't take it out on you." He takes another sip.
The other guy, turning to the waiter,"Hey you, nother one over here, thanks mate." He turns back to listen.
"Maybe this'll all be fine. Remember that time you bet on a dark zerg against a light zerg? I've never seen you pull a face like that—so confident, then so sad.."
His train of thought switches. "Wait, which zerg did you bet on earlier today?"
"..."
"Don't tell me you bet on that water one."
His head hits the table.
"Ugh, don't remind me."
"Why do that though? Didn't I tell you Zerg Destroyer was the sure bet? He woulda carried your small sack over the finish line to make it 'burly bigger' for once?"
"Burly bigger huh, it's a shame no one says that stuff anymore. Losing character. Gamblers used to have life, have fun, but now it's all bout the money, it's prolly a good thing you left."
"You're deflecting Spud."
"Fine shit, I thought I was playing smart for once, learning from my past mistakes. Blew all my balls on the match too."
"See that's why you're moping, none of this romantic stuff ey."
"..."
"Just be quiet. Please."
Standing up Henry pats his back.
"Well, let me know if you want that job. Visit me anytime." He walks off leaving two primstones on the table.
"Thanks for the meal." Spud calls out.
Waving back, Henry walks away, exiting the yurt.
I like this Henry, and he has a relationship with one of the people I wanted to talk to—the three sisters. I've heard so much about them, this could be my opportunity.
If I approach him as someone who wants to change education in the administration, I can't see neither him nor his wife declining my proposal.
I signal to Tim.
"Time to leave."
"Oki."
Jumping up, he walks with me back home.