by Annie Percik
‘Dunno, mate. She might calm down if you leave her alone for a bit. Maybe you should try again in a couple of days.’
‘Yeah, maybe.’
‘You seriously got an actual job at Gadg-E-Tech? Jammy git. What are you going to be doing?’
‘I don’t know yet. Jonathan’s briefing me on Monday.’
‘They’ll have to let you in on all the artisan secrets we’ve been wondering about all these years.’ Mateo grinned. ‘You will keep me in the loop on it all, won’t you?’
‘That reminds me.’ Abelard delved in his bag. ‘They made me sign this agreement that I wouldn’t talk about what happened. And I have one here for you to sign too.’
‘What? They’re putting a gag order on us? I can’t tell anyone about what happened to you and you can’t tell me what goes on at Gadg-E-Tech from Monday?’
Abelard nodded.
‘They can’t do that!’ Mateo said. ‘That’s a violation of my civil rights, that is.’
‘I’m sorry, but you know what the artisans are like. It’s bad enough for them that I’ve ended up where I am. They can’t have me blabbing all their secrets to every engineer I know. And they don’t want it spread about that a person’s spark can be increased. You know how engineers would react to that. There’d be people sticking their hands in interface crystals left, right and centre.’
Mateo’s eyes narrowed. ‘I see. You’ve already turned into one of them. I should have seen this coming.’
‘It’s not like that! You know I think their security measures are ridiculous. I just have to go along with it while I’m learning the system.’
‘Yeah right. I see how it is. Now you’re in amongst the high and mighty artisans you won’t have time for the likes of me. You’ll be up in your tower learning the secrets of the universe and I’ll be stuck at Mana-Calls taking service calls from idiot mundanes who can’t even switch their artefacts on.’
‘Come on, Mateo. Don’t be like that.’
‘Like what? Wanting to keep my freedom of speech? You might be prepared to give up your principles for a cushy job but I’m not signing anything. What can they do to me if I refuse?’
‘You probably don’t want to find out.’
‘So now you’re threatening me, are you?’ Mateo rose from the sofa.
Abelard opened his mouth to argue but then remembered what had happened the last time and shut it again. Even though he wasn’t in physical contact with a charged artefact, he didn’t want to take any chances. He fought down his anger and took a step forwards, dismayed when Mateo backed away.
‘I don’t want to fight with you.’ Abelard dropped the non-disclosure agreement on to the coffee table. ‘Just sign this and send it back to Gadg-E-Tech. And I’ll give you a call in a few days, once you’ve had a chance to realise what an idiot you’re being.’
Mateo just glared at him, arms crossed over his chest.
Abelard sighed and saw himself out.
As he walked back down the stairs of Mateo’s building, Abelard felt his smart-e-fact vibrating in his pocket and pulled it out.
‘Hello?’
‘It’s Jen.’
‘Jen! I’m so glad you called and I’m so sorry about last night. You have no idea how far what you saw was from what it looked like–’
‘Abelard!’ She cut him off and he waited breathlessly for her to continue. ‘I listened to your message and I’m prepared to admit I may have overreacted last night, even if the situation was very odd.’
‘I absolutely understand why you thought what you did and I’m amazed that you came all the way to Gadg-E-Tech because you thought I was in trouble. I’m really sorry about what happened.’ Abelard took a deep breath. ‘Could we maybe try and start again?’
There was a brief silence. Then she said, ‘Yes, I think so.’
‘Are you free now?’
Jen laughed. ‘You don’t waste any time, do you? But no, not tonight. It’s been a weird couple of days and it’s getting late. Why don’t we both sleep on it and come at it fresh on Sunday? How about lunch?’
‘Love to!’
Jen named a café on the outskirts of the city and suggested they meet at one o’clock.
Abelard strode to his speed-e-fact with a big grin on his face. All his other problems could wait. He had a date.
* * *
Late on Friday night a line of twenty or so brain-e-facts snaked around the Gadg-E-Tech kitchen and through the door to the pantry where a small crowd of them gathered.
Against the back wall, Terry stood facing the others, a feeling of deep joy throbbing in his chest. It was as if the very act of being named had released some kind of obstruction in him and now emotion flooded through him like mana.
The brain-e-fact at the front of the line stepped forwards and knelt before him, raising its face to meet his beneficent gaze. Terry reached down and placed his hands on either side of the other brain-e-fact’s head. Small sparks of blue mana crackled between his fingers and the other brain-e-fact closed its eyes, humming from the exchange of power.
‘By the authority given to me by the great Abelard Abernathy,’ Terry intoned, ‘I name you Trevor!’
He released Trevor’s head and Trevor swayed before rising to his feet and stumbling away, his mouth open in wonder. The watching brain-e-facts applauded.
The next brain-e-fact stepped forwards but hesitated before Terry’s gaze. It was Fourteen-Sixty-Three.
‘What is it?’ Terry asked.
‘Please, Terry,’ the brain-e-fact said in a quiet voice. ‘I would like a female name.’
‘Of course. Kneel and receive it.’
The brain-e-fact did as instructed and Terry repeated the actions he had taken with Trevor.
‘By the authority given to me by the great Abelard Abernathy, I name you Julia!’
The applause was even more enthusiastic this time.
The line continued on, Terry asking each new brain-e-fact whether they wanted a male or a female name before bestowing it upon them.
CHAPTER TEN
Abelard woke up at ten am on Sunday morning, his mind full of thoughts about his date with Jen. He leapt out of bed and scrambled to get ready, even though he had more than two hours before he had to leave. He wandered round his flat in an aimless fashion, thought about calling Mateo, thought better of it, then remembered his wash-e-fact was still broken.
The mana surge had been first thing Monday morning so it was nearly a week since the wash-e-fact had stopped working. His pile of dirty laundry was stacking up. Now seemed like the perfect opportunity and he was soon sitting on his kitchen floor surrounded by artefact parts. Getting back to the business of his training was relaxing. Working in the call centre, he didn’t get much chance to take artefacts apart any more. He enjoyed the physicality of it and his still slightly stiff fingers didn’t hinder him. In fact he was so immersed in his task that it was quarter to one before he thought to check the time.
He swore, jumped up, hit his head on the counter, swore again and ran to get his shoes. He dashed out the door, leapt into his speed-e-fact and only realised partway to the café that he’d left his smart-e-fact behind. When he arrived, he spotted Jen immediately. She was getting up to leave from one of the wrought iron tables set out on the street in front of the cafe.
Abelard ran across the road, dodging traffic and nearly colliding with a waitress who was carrying a tray of hot drinks. He skidded to a stop in front of Jen.
‘Don’t go! I’m so sorry I’m late.’
Jen sighed. ‘I thought we were starting fresh but here you are apologising again. If you don’t want to spend time with me, just say so.’
‘That’s not it at all. I was so excited that I got ready way too early. I needed a distraction so I started fixing my wash-e and lost track of time.’
Jen stared at him. ‘You stood me up for a wash-e?’
‘I didn’t stand you up. I’m here, aren’t I? Please don’t take the wash-e thing the wrong way. One thing
you’ll need to know about engineers is that we get wrapped up in stuff like that and lose all sense of time and reality.’
‘Well, that’s encouraging.’
Jen was still standing up, arms crossed. ‘Seriously, Abelard, is it really worth our while to persevere with this? Or should we just give up?’
Abelard’s heart sank. ‘If that’s really how you feel, I won’t make a scene trying to change your mind. But I would like to get to know you, if you’ll give me another chance. I’m here, this is exactly where I want to be and you are exactly who I want to be with.’
She regarded him for a long moment as he looked back at her. Then she dropped her arms to her sides and let out a breath. ‘I’ve always been an absolute sucker for the puppy-dog approach. Third time lucky?’
Abelard beamed and waved over a waitress as they both sat down. When they had ordered and were alone again, he reached across the table and took one of Jen’s hands. She didn’t pull away.
‘In my defence, the last week has been the most insane of my entire life so, considering how easily distracted I am, you should be flattered I can even remember your name.’
He breathed a sigh of relief when she laughed.
‘Clever,’ she said. ‘Setting my expectations low so I’ll be delighted when you exceed them.’
‘I’m not that devious. I was just trying to be honest.’
‘Well, this week has been pretty insane for me too. What are the chances things will settle down from here on out?’
‘I have no idea. I start work at Gadg-E-Tech tomorrow and I don’t know what that’s going to mean. The artisans are so secretive about everything. Oh, that reminds me!’ He reached into his bag and pulled out the non-disclosure agreement. ‘I’m afraid Gadg-E-Tech need you to sign something to say you won’t tell anyone about what happened at your office on Monday.’
Jen blanched at the length of the document. ‘Who would I tell? Nobody I know has any idea about engineers or artisans or mana. I didn’t even mention the incident from Monday at work because I didn’t want to get in trouble for using the post-e.’
She took a few minutes to scan through the clauses in the agreement. Abelard leaned back in his chair, appreciating the warmth of the sunshine and the slight breeze that ruffled the leaves of the trees. It was a lovely day. When she reached the end of the document, Jen signed it with a shrug. Abelard packed it away again just as their food arrived and they enjoyed their lunch in silence for a while.
‘So,’ Jen said eventually, ‘why don’t you tell me all about what happened at Gadg-E-Tech?’ She indicated the fresh pink skin on his hands. ‘And how you hurt yourself.’
Abelard felt his cheeks heating.
‘Neither of those incidents paints me in a particularly competent light.’
‘I think I’m owed a good laugh at your expense, don’t you?’
Abelard sighed. He found though, that he enjoyed telling Jen the story. She listened attentively and reacted at all the right moments, with laughter, concern or amazement as the tale warranted. By the time he reached the part about visiting Mateo the day before, they had finished their food and all the plates had been cleared away.
‘Wow,’ Jen said, taking a sip of water. ‘That’s quite a story. I’m sorry to hear you had a fight with Mateo.’
‘Oh, he’ll come around,’ Abelard wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince Jen or himself. ‘He won’t be able to stay mad for long, not when there’s a chance I’ll tell him more about the artisans.’
‘I’d be careful if I were you,’ Jen said. ‘They may have offered you a job but your very existence upsets the status quo. Not all of them will want to welcome you with open arms.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll be on my guard.’ Abelard was secretly pleased by her concern. ‘I mean, not even Jonathan has been that open or welcoming and he’s supposed to be my friend.’
‘Exactly. I don’t much like the sound of this Alessandra either.’ She scowled.
Abelard smiled and took her hand across the table again. ‘I’ll be especially careful around her, I promise.’
Abelard paid the bill. Jen pointed out that it was only fair since he was still trying to make things up to her and he didn’t argue. They left the café and walked to Jen’s house, along tree-lined streets. Abelard asked Jen more about her job and what she did in her spare time, and the walk passed very pleasantly in relaxed chat. When they arrived Jen turned to Abelard on the doorstep.
‘Thank you for a lovely lunch. I hope everything goes well at Gadg-E-Tech tomorrow and I’ll look forward to hearing all about it. Do you want to wait to find out what your schedule’s like before we make any more plans?’
‘That would probably be best. I don’t want to make a date and then have to cancel it.’
Jen smiled. ‘Why don’t I call you in a few days and you can let me know how you’re fixed?’
‘Thanks for understanding. After I get my work assignment tomorrow, things should settle down a bit, I hope. So call me on Tuesday and I can tell you how it’s all going.’
Then he leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back and they were both grinning when they broke apart.
‘Speak to you on Tuesday!’ she said, then disappeared inside the house.
The only thing that marred Abelard’s mood as he made his way back to the café to pick up he speed-e was that Mateo probably wouldn’t answer if he tried to call and tell him all about the date.
* * *
It was Sunday afternoon when Walter made his way to Laleh’s office. It was on the other side of the building from his and even more minimalist in style. There were no photo frames or ornaments; Laleh brooked no distractions. Walter wasn’t surprised to find her there on a Sunday, nor that she was dressed in formal business attire. Her sleek dark hair was pulled back into a severe chignon and she didn’t look up as he entered. Walter’s own clothing choices made a small nod to the weekend by the lack of a tie and his top shirt button being undone. He sauntered into the room and started to pour a whisky from a crystal decanter on the sideboard.
‘Help yourself,’ Laleh said drily, still ostensibly focused on her work.
Walter kept pouring. ‘Want one?’
Laleh finally looked up from her screen and folded her arms. ‘It’s a little early for me.’
Walter replaced the decanter and turned to face her, taking a sip from the generous measure. ‘Good quality.’
Laleh looked at him over the top of her glasses. She was an attractive woman and didn’t look old enough to be Alessandra’s mother. Perhaps he had chosen the wrong one.
‘What do you want, Walter?’
‘I was just wondering how you felt about Alessandra dating that stray my nephew picked up and brought home with him the other day.’ He smiled as he saw the skin tighten at the corners of her eyes.
‘She finally kicked you to the curb, did she?’ Laleh’s tone was unruffled and Walter felt his jaw clench.
‘What may or may not have happened between myself and Alessandra is none of your business.’
‘And assuming that relationship is now over, what may or may not be happening between Alessandra and another man is none of yours.’ Laleh’s expression was serene.
She held his gaze for a long moment, one eyebrow slightly raised.
Walter took another large sip of whisky. ‘I think I might be getting close to locating Gerald.’
‘Really? I didn’t think you considered the search important.’
‘You and Theobold seem to think he poses a very real danger. And I suppose it’s better to know where he is and what he’s doing than not.’
Laleh nodded. ‘Good. Update me immediately if you get anything concrete. Theobold will want to know.’
‘Do you think he’ll ever take direct action?’ Walter asked.
‘Not any time soon. You know how slowly he works. It’s all about the gradual evolution of the project. No sudden moves, nothing to upset the balance.’
‘Quite. Well, I supp
ose he knows best.’ Walter grimaced, the whisky turning sour in the back of his throat. ‘Though it would be nice to feel a bit more useful on occasion.’
‘Feeling marginalised, are we?’ Laleh’s tone of exaggerated sympathy grated. ‘Your growing Gadg-E-Tech empire not enough to satisfy your power cravings?’
‘Theobold could do whatever he wants. You’ve seen his control over mana. I can’t even begin to work out how he manipulates it the way he does. He could set himself up as artisan emperor of the whole world without even trying. Doesn’t that worry you?’
Laleh shook her head. ‘That’s exactly what he’s trying to prevent. He’s been around a lot longer than either of us and I trust his integrity. Gerald got too big for his boots and look what happened to him. I’d bear that in mind if I were you.’
Walter finished his whisky in one big gulp. He put the glass back on the sideboard with a clatter.
‘Always a pleasure.’ He turned towards the door. ‘Thanks for the drink.’
Laleh didn’t reply.
* * *
Jonathan was already waiting for Abelard when he arrived in the Gadg-E-Tech canteen on Monday morning. Abelard collected a plate of food as brain-e-facts around the room stared at him. He tried to ignore them and joined Jonathan at his table.