Surface R: Reunion

Part 02.4

::SEAN::

If there's one part of my work that I take pride in above all else, it's the shield.

Generated by a combination of machines and the unknown substance the atmosphere is composed of—filtered and purified, of course. It keeps the city safe. All the time I've been in charge of monitoring its performance, it hasn't so much as flickered. There was a disturbance earlier, about the time of sunset above at the surface but in no way had it anything to do with the shield's inefficiency. No one can do a better job than me. Which is why I've been able to dismiss Lindsay's remarks. She's obviously making it up—I'm that important to the safety of this city, no risks would be taken in regards to me. I've got the best security around me—The actual me, not the machine me. Day in and day out. Which makes the fact Ms. Caghan was able to talk to me slightly worrying. I checked her records, though. She's a dedicated tech, with nothing against her apart from a slight tendency to question superiors. After much deliberation, I decided not to pass the matter to the Councillors. I don't want them to think I'm easily panicked by a breakdown of routine. I'm sure Lindsay got the message that her tricks won't work on me, and that'll make her give up. If she doesn't...

I'm scanning the shield's generators again for abnormalities, when a message interrupts me. That in itself is unusual. Although the message is marked low priority, the only ones who know how to contact me without needing me to initiate it are the Councillors, the technicians immediately in charge of my life control systems and, I learn as I process the message, Nina Everhart as well. The message, much like Nina herself, is economical and practical.

*Mr. Spring, I do not wish to disturb you but if it's possible I would like to communicate with you. Monitor 24. Tech support Room 12.*

Well, although unusual, that shouldn't be any inconvenience. I finish process of the main shield then open the port to Monitor 24, TSR12. I contact Ms. Everhart through message transmitting. Simple really. I think of what I wish to say and the machine does the rest.

*Nika Everhart.*

*Hello Mr. Spring,* Ms. Everhart does the same. Impressive. *Thank you for accepting my request.* Now that wasn't. She still clings to the common courtesies. I see them as an incomprehensible waste of time. If a job has to be done, it should be prioritize. No buts, no please, and thank yous. She still has a lot to learn, it seems. Perhaps I could give her tips while we have this discussion... Of whatever matter she wants to touch.

*Is there a problem?*

*Yes. One that I require your assistance for specifically.* There is a slight hesitation before she continues. I opened the links to the back up shield and begin processing that, wondering why Nina would hesitate. She is not given to acting on impulse otherwise she would not have been a tech, even despite her fortuitous personal circumstances. When her answer comes, I am surprised. *My guardian is uncertain about allowing me to continue in the program. I would like him to meet you in order that he may be able to see what the result of my training will be and withdraw his objections.*

*That is illogical. After all, your guardian isn't  involve in the matter and his decisions have little authority. If the Council so wished, they could override any objections he made with no opposition.*

Nina replies evenly. *Even so, Mr. Spring I would very much like Thomas Stone to withdraw his objections from a more personal approach rather than political.*

I'd previously considered Nina one of the more pragmatic members of the city. This sudden display of unaccountable emotion was most disquieting. *It would have no significant result either way.*