Moving on Up

“So, Mr. Philips,” Mr. Jevol said, shuffling papers around in front of him. “I've heard nothing but good reports coming from your manager down in the... ah, ritual chambers. How have you been liking it so far?”

I held myself back from shrugging. “It's solid, respectable work, sir. It keeps me busy. Igor is an excellent coworker. We often chat about the game when things are slow. I have to say it's been beyond my expectations in many regards.” Especially after that... whatever showed up a few nights ago. There was no official report on that, though.

“Very good, very good,” Mr. Jevol said, trying his best to appear that he'd been paying attention. “So as it happens, there's a position a bit higher up that's opening soon. How do you feel about that idea? Ready to show off your ambition?”

Ambition. I'm sure I'd had that once upon a time, before college, before losing my family. Now I could honestly say I'd be content hauling corpses in a dank basement the rest of my career. Judging by the look on Mr. Jevol's face, though, that wasn't the kind of answer he was looking for. I took a deep breath.

“I have been very happy here, sir,” I said. “I would be glad to contribute in a different way if you feel I could. What did you have in mind?”

Mr. Jevol laughed his fake laugh that seemed to echo even in a small, well-carpeted room. “Ah, so modest, Mr. Philips. We'll work that out of you yet. As it happens, the logistics manager for energy channeling on one of our corporation's peripheral nodes is stepping down. Nothing unseemly, mind you, just decided he's had enough and is moving on with his life.”

“Peripheral nodes, sir?” I asked. “How far away?”

“Oh, this one is close, only about thirty minutes away. It's an excellent position and I think your prior experience in runic structures and your talent with energy fluctuations will be an excellent fit.” Mr. Jevol smiled too wide, with all his teeth showing. “What do you say?”

“Sounds great, sir,” I said. As if I could have said anything else.