Before the Rise

Chapter Six- The New Head Tech

Chapter Six

            Percy was working at his computer when a knock at the door caused him to look up from his work.  Amanda came sauntering in, completely business like.  “Is there something that I can help you with?" Percy asked her, returning to the work on his computer.

            “Yes.” Amanda walked towards Percy’s desk and sat down in a chair before Percy’s desk.  Crossing her legs, she told Percy exactly what he wanted to know.  “I think we can step up the timeline to get rid of Simon.”

            The statement grabbing his attention, Percy saved his work on the computer, and then turned back to Amanda.  “Really?” he asked, “Why do you think that?”

            “When I talked to Birkhoff, the new tech guy, he seems to think that Simon is not as good as we thought.  Birkhoff told me that Simon’s programs are very simplistic and that he has created more complex programs while hacking; programs that would save us time and effort.  He gave some pretty convincing ideas and suggestions.”

            Letting her comments sink in, Percy thought for a few seconds before asking Amanda, “Do you think he is ready to be the head tech?”

            Amanda smirked.  “I don’t know that he is going to be any kind of problem.  He may be a non-conformist, but he is looking for the approval too.  A large part of him is looking for approval- approval we could give him in that position and some that would be given to him just by giving him the job.  I think a small loyalty test may be in order just to test things, but I think as long as we stroke his ego a little and give him chances to excel and gain approval, he won’t be a problem of any kind.”

            “Okay.” Percy knew Amanda’s analyses were always very accurate so he could trust her assessment.  “For the loyalty test, what do you have in mind?”

            “I want to see what he does when Simon disappears.  We won’t kill Simon right away but I want to see how he reacts and what he does.” Amanda explained her idea.

            Percy nodded in agreement.  “Good.  I’ll put it in motion.  Roan will kidnap Simon tonight while he is out.  Then we will put young Birkhoff in charged and see what happens.”

            Birkhoff found himself in the lunch room after a busy morning of physical training.  Lana, who was pretty talented at the fighting side of things, had worked with him to help improve his limited fighting skills.  She had gotten quite a few good licks in on him, but he also had learned a lt.  Now they were getting a lunch break before going to tech class.  Lana sat across from him eating.  She gave Birkhoff a smile and said, “You really did a good job today.”

            Birkhoff blushed lightly.  “Thanks.” He replied, “I had a good teacher.”

            “But I expect you to help me when I need help with the tech stuff.”

            “Of course.” Birkhoff smiled in reply.  He was excited he was starting to finally fit in a little, at least with Lana.

            “Birkhoff!” one of the guards called him, “Amanda would like to see you.”

            Sighing, only half-finished with his lunch, Birkhoff picked up his tray.  “I’ll see you later.” He told Lana.

            She waved goodbye to him as she continued eating her lunch.  Getting rid of his garbage, he walked to Amanda’s office, knocking on her door.  “Come in.” he heard Amanda call back.