Thanks for the reviews!
I didn't know whether to say this before or after this one shot, but the Kennedy Space Center, which is briefly mentioned in this chapter, is an actual place.
Also, I forgot to say this in the first chapter: the Octonauts do not belong to me.
Enjoy!
"One, two, three," the creature grunted. A green paw held a wrench firmly, which just finished tightening a bolt. The paw pulled away, and the back of its wrist wiped against the brow of its owner, brushing against her bangs. It was warm and humid in the Florida air, making her sweat. But she was used to it by now.
The creature, a green rabbit, lay on her back underneath a car. Her eyes roamed over the section of machinery she was assigned to. Everything seemed to be fastened. After placing the wrench in a tool box nearby her, she turned onto her stomach and crawled out from under the car. She stood up, placing the box on a nearby table and leaning against it. Her large ears, each about a foot tall, took in the noises around her. The warehouse was filled with the whir of drills and the pounding of hammers and the crackle of welding. After a couple of moments, she picked up the sound of a creature's voice.
"Hey, Tweak," the voice called her from the right. She looked over and saw her coworker Tom, who was a badger. He was attaching a hood to the front of another car. He looked at her most of the time, but he had to look down once in a while to see what his hands were doing. "You're already done?" he asked in an amused, incredulous way.
"Faster than you could say, 'Bunch of munchy crunchy carrots,'" she joked in her Southern accent.
He chuckled, "Once I put on this hood, we can move the assembly line again. I'm almost done."
She nodded. Tweak was an employee of a car company named Darlon, and the warehouse she was in was where the automobiles were manufactured. The products were set in an assembly line, where the cars would go from the entrance of the warehouse to the exit. They went along a line that went from the entrance straight to the wall on the opposite side of the room. Then the line would go in an arch, moving the car to the direction where it once came, only to turn again. The assembly line zigzagged in this way within the entire warehouse, giving more room for the cars to be worked upon. Along this line were employees, each of them stationed about ten feet apart from each other. They each had a specific job; for Tweak's, it was to fasten the pipes underneath the back side of the cars. By the time a car went through all the employees in the line, it was ready to be sold (after the paint dried, of course).
Tweak looked at the left towards the employee that went before her in the line. The worker, a middle aged fox, just finished attaching a catalytic converter and fastening parts under the front side of the car. As she put her tools on her personal table, they both heard "I'm done" come from the badger.
"Ok," both Tweak and the fox, whose name was Celia, replied. Tweak pushed off from the table and came towards Tom, who was behind his car. Making sure the next platform was already devoid of vehicles, they pushed the automobile towards it. Once it reached the station, Tweak and Celia's cars were moved in a similar manner.
They all began their work again. Tweak walked to her table and pulled the tool box off of it. However, she lost her grip, and it fell. The tool box hit the floor with a clang, spilling out instruments and bolts.
Sighing, she crouched down and started putting the contents back into the container. She leaned forward, trying to see if there was anything under the car. A few stray bolts lay underneath the front area of the vehicle. Moving forward a little bit, she reached in, her head coming underneath the car a slightly, and grabbed the bolts. As she pulled her head back and up, she noticed something.
At first she thought she had not seen it correctly. It was something very small, not really noticeable unless someone was close to it. She put the bolts into the tool box then went closer to the catalytic converter.
The car part under scrutiny looked like a gray box with grooves on the side that faced towards the ground. A pipe from the the front area on the underside of the car was attached to it on one side, and the converter's opposite side connected to a pipe that led to the exhaust.
Tweak looked on all sides of the converter, observing it closely. Everything seemed fine, except for the hairline-thin crack running down its side. She reached forward and touched it, running her paw down the crack gently. It must have been a defective converter, receiving the tear when it was being manufactured. She pushed the metal on one side of the crack, not that hard, and the metal moved easily under her will. A gap showed now that one side of the metal wall was farther back than the other one.
This isn't good, she thought. She went to a sitting position on her knees.
The catalytic converter had the function of reducing dangerous gases, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. As gases came from the engine into the converter, it initiated chemical reactions which turned them into water and less harmful gases before they came out of the car and into the world. But with this tear, the gases would not get completely converted. Sure, at first everything would look fine, but after a while the tear would grow. Eventually the converter wouldn't be able to change the gases anymore. They would pollute the air, coming out of the cars in black fumes.
She was not okay with that.
She got back on her feet and walked a little bit away from the assembly line to a rack, which held equipment that was more advanced than screwdrivers and hammers. She picked up a welding machine and a helmet, and soon she was back to the converter. Laying on her side, away from the flames, she quickly sealed the crack. Just as she finished, a bell rang, signifying it was lunch time. She took a sketchbook and pencil from her table with one paw, keeping the welding gear in the other. She dropped off the welding equipment at the rack and went into the cafeteria, which was connected to the main room in the warehouse.
The cafeteria looked sterile with its white walls, tiled floors, and white fluorescent lights. It was filled with benches, some already occupied by employees. Many of the employees were lined up at the right of the room, near the entrance, where the food was being served. Tweak got her tray of food, holding it with both hands and putting the sketchbook under her arm. She sat at a table with Tom, Celia, and a few other workers. Tom was telling his usual stories, instances of everyday life that was funny or memorable, usually about his five year old son.
Tweak listened in, laughing and shaking her head, while working in her sketchbook. She didn't usually have it with her during lunch, preferring to separate working and spending time with her friends.
Tweak stuck out her tongue to the side as she got more into her work. But before she got too deep into it, Celia got her attention.
"What have you got there?" the fox asked quietly, with a timid smile.
"They're blueprints for an engine I designed," Tweak answered, showing her the page. "It's going to run off of a battery, so it won't need any gasoline. I've already figured out how they're going to work, but," she laughed sheepishly, "my notes are pretty sloppy. You see, I want to show our manager this, so maybe Darlon can be more environmentally friendly. But before I do that, I'm redrawing and writing my work so it would make sense."
"That's very ambitious, and noble of you," Celia said in her small voice. Tweak smiled at the compliment. "You're aiming for something huge, because it will take a lot to have a company change its product and manufacturing process. But take it from someone who has been in the workplace for a long time; you won't be able to make it."
Tweak's mind froze. "E-excuse me?" Tweak managed to say.
"I have been in this company for twenty years," Celia said, in a way that was quiet, yet matter-of-factly and genuine. "And I was never given a raise, promotion, nothing. And it's not that I wasn't qualified. As a kid I had started inventing and using tools, and in college, I got an engineering degree with flying colors." To Tweak's dread, she realized that she had those same traits.
"You have been at Darlon for how many years?" Celia asked.
"Two," Tweak answered despondently, yet a little tensely.
"You've probably thought that your job as an car manufacturer would be temporary. That either you would join a special project, since Florida has a space center; or you would get a higher position in Darlon. By your plans, I can tell you were going for the second one."
Tweak nodded quietly in confirmation.
"I'm telling you this with only good intentions. Don't wast your time or gain frustration; just be content with where you are now."
All other conversation had already ended, and the table lapsed into silence. No doubt others had listened, but Tweak could not look at them.
She thought she had a chance, but how could she respond to something like this? To a person who wasn't able to do it? What if she herself couldn't get to where she wanted?...
"I think she can do it," Tom said with a little confident smile, trying to make up for what Celia said, but absolutely believing his own statement. "She's smart and knows how to work hard. I'm sure that if she wants to, she can go far."
"But you don't understand; with Darlon, it's different," Celia pressed.
"Whether it's Darlon, the Kennedy Space Center, or anywhere else, as long as she's persistent, she'll do fine. I myself love this job, but I wouldn't put down anyone who would want to pursue anything else." Although he didn't say it meanly, it was undoubtedly directed to the fox. Celia didn't say anything, but with her rabbit ears, Tweak could hear a small sigh. Whether annoyed or melancholy, she wasn't sure.
Lunch, and the rest of Tweak's shift, ended rather quickly. Taking her sketchbook, she left the warehouse and went down the street, passing the Auto Repair Shop, whose name made it pretty self explanatory. After a few minutes she went to her apartment.
It was a small place, but comfortable. She had a living room with a dark green carpet, a sofa, and a t.v. with a video game console, one of her most prized possessions. She also had a small kitchen and table, along with a bedroom and bathroom. She went to her kitchen table and, sighing, sat down. She was surprised at the conversation at lunch. The most shocking thing was that Celia was usually so quiet and agreeable, so to hear such negativity (even though it was not said aggressively) was a huge change.
But Tom was really helpful, Tweak chuckled thankfully. Because of him, she wasn't too discouraged; and she still wanted to go on with her plans. He was a great friend.
Speaking of friends, she thought, I better finish these blueprints before Sandy comes tomorrow. Sandy was a sea turtle who Tweak met right after she moved to Florida. They had instantly become best friends, and although Sandy traveled all over the world's oceans, she would always visit the green rabbit whenever she was nearby. Tweak was expecting her to come tomorrow after work, so she wanted to finish and talk to the manager before then. Sandy would want to know how it went.
Tweak went right to work and finished about midnight. The next morning, excited, yet a little nervous, she took her sketchbook and other papers and went to the factory, using the route that passed the Auto Repair Shop.
The day went on as usual, with all the employees working on their assigned areas of the cars. Tweak was waiting for three o'clock, a few hours after lunch, because the manager usually came around that time everyday.
She must have been on her fifteenth car for the day, coming right after lunch, when she stumbled upon another defective catalytic converter. She had come under the car from its frontside instead of the usual backside, trying to fasten a particularly stubborn pipe, and soon found another hair-line tear on the converter. With everything that happened yesterday, she had forgotten about the first catalytic converter. After fixing this second one, though, she grew concerned. As she worked on the next few cars, she realized that all of them had broken catalytic converters, all with the same hair-line fractures. And, she realized, all the cuts were clean.
After welding together her fifth converter, she walked over to Celia, who applied that car part. Although things were looking bad for the fox, Tweak didn't want to jump to any conclusions.
"Um, Celia?" Tweak asked her. Celia came out from under the car and stood up, brushing off her paws. She had that small smile.
"Yes, Tweak?" she asked. It seemed that the conversation from yesterday did not affect her at all.
"I found that all the catalytic converters have small tears in them," Tweak told her. She didn't say it accusingly; she just wanted to now what was going on. "Have you noticed that too?"
"I asked the manager about that, but he said not to worry about it," Celia replied, but seemed nervous.
"What?" Tweak asked. "But Celia, you and I both know that after a while, the converters will wear down and break."
Before Celia could answer, Tweak's sensitive ears picked up the manager's voice. With her fixing all the catalytic converters, she must have lost track of time.
Celia saw him, and pointing discreetly at him, she said defensively, "You can talk to the manager about it if you want, but I won't to be a part of this." Before Tweak could say anything else, Celia went back under her car.
Tweak was again surprised at how touchy Celia had been recently. What was going on?
She quickly turned and came towards the manager, who was a red panda. When she first found out what type of animal he was, she was surprised. With his reddish fur, pointy ears, "masked" face, and striped tail, he looked more like a red raccoon than anything else. Bu she was used to it by now, and finally reaching him, she waited a bit for him to finish talking to another worker.
"Hello," he greeted once the worker went back to his car. He turned to her. "Do you need something?"
"Yeah," she said quietly, trying not to have anyone overhear her. "I've been noticing that all the catalytic converters have small cuts in them, and-"
"Oh, don't worry about that," he said. Tweak stopped for a second, surprised. What Celia said about his reaction was true.
"B-but sir," she stuttered, "It's a big problem. You see, after a while, it-"
"Could you please come to my office?" he asked, cutting her off a second time. His voice was cheerful, yet tight; and she became a bit nervous.
"Okay," she replied, hiding most of her uncomfortableness. She followed him to a smaller room near the car area. It was a typical office with a huge wooden desk, a book shelf, green walls, and a window covered in blinds.
She went inside, and the manager followed, closing the door behind him.
"There," he said, "now we can talk privately."
"Sir, I'm worried that the converters will break after the costumers buy them," Tweak pressed.
"And why is that a bad thing?" the manager asked, turning his head towards her.
"Excuse me?"
"Broken converters mean replacements," he stated simply, "and replacements mean more money."
Tweak could not believe what she was hearing.
"You're ripping creatures off?"
"Look at it this way," he said smoothly. "The more money the company can get, the bigger paycheck you'll receive."
"But... that's wrong," she said, becoming indignant.
"Who cares about what's right or wrong?" he countered. "As long as we get ahead, it doesn't matter."
"You won't be able to pull this off for long," she warned. "Not only will you get charged for scamming others, you'll also get in trouble for breaking environmental laws."
"And what, are you going to turn us in?" he challenged.
There was silence in the room. Her eyes showed that she would, and he sighed, walking towards the window.
"I understand that it may be hard for some to accept the company's practices," he commented, his voice calm again. "There have been others who have already come to me, some who know several more secrets."
Tweak's eyes widened. There was even more corruption?
"But most employees do not know, and it wouldn't be fair if they all lost their jobs, now would it? After all, if word gets out, Darlon closes down. They and their families would suffer, especially in today's economy."
Tweak immediately thought of Tom. With his optimism and support, there was no way for him to have known Darlon's true nature. He wouldn't have defended Tweak and encouraged her to show her battery designs. It was now obvious that the owners wouldn't have accepted it. Those engines wouldn't need catalytic converters.
She didn't want to imagine Tom's face when he gets laid of. She looked down, and the manager smiled. He walked closer to her.
"I know that you don't want to cause other's pain," he said sympathetically, but with slyness dripping. "So let's forget about the converters, shall we, and get back to work."
Tweak was sure that at some point, Celia was in her exact spot, with the same words being said to her. The fox had decided to play along, "be content" with where she was.
But Tweak knew she wasn't content. Celia had stopped aiming high, not because she wanted to, but because she didn't want to get hurt. She had cowered before them, doing their will. She let them walk over her, and she joined them, whether she liked it or not, in their scheme of conning others.
Tweak did not want to do that. She was not going to play their game.
"For everyone's sakes, I may not be able to turn you in," she said, turning around towards him, her voice strong. "But I won't be a part of this. I quit."
He wasn't expecting a response like that.
"You quit?" He repeated. "Even though there's a recession? You won't be able to find work."
"Even so, I'm still leaving." She knew what the cost might be, but it was better than being a liar.
He stared at her, no doubt considering what to do now. His fixed gaze was unreadable, and for a moment Tweak thought she won't be able to leave. However, the red panda walked past her and yanked the door open.
"Get out," he ordered darkly. She did as he said, and as she passed him he spat, "People like you don't go far in life. You had you're chance, but now you'll struggle just to get by. But at least you'll have your oh-so-important integrity," he said mockingly, "because it sure doesn't belong here." He shut the door behind her, and his words rang in her mind. She stood there with indignation and dread and a sense that something grave just transpired. She tried to process everything that just happened. The company she had worked for the past two years was corrupt, and she lost her job.
She was glad she was strong enough to quit. There was no way that she would be able to live with herself if she stayed there. Her anger, although fading, was still there when she passed the assembly line, going to her table to get her sketchbook and papers. When she arrived there, Tweak spotted Celia discreetly staring at her. The older worker quickly looked away. The rabbit said nothing as she gathered her things, and as she turned to leave, she saw Tom's inquisitive gaze.
Although it hurt a bit, she didn't say anything to him either. He would ask questions, and she didn't want to tell him anything, lest he would have to make a decision like she did. He had a family to provide for, so it would affect him more than her. She left both of them and exited the building with her head held up high. But with each step farther from Darlon, the more reality hit her. She wouldn't be able to go back there tomorrow. She wouldn't be able to see Tom again; she wouldn't be able to get this month's paycheck. And Darlon would never use her battery engine, because the company's character was not what Tweak believed it was.
Her anger disappeared completely, and she became melancholy as these thoughts filled her mind. Her shoulders began to droop as she continued walking. She looked at her surroundings and spotted something, making her slow.
Tweak had always passed by the Auto Repair Shop. She would usually look at it, notice the details, but it never really registered in her mind. But now she realized that on the top left corner of the shop's sign, there was a little "Darlon's" in a red circle with spike's surrounding it. And she also noticed how almost all the broken cars entering the shop had black smoke, unconverted fumes, coming out of their exhausts.
It was all there, she thought, shocked. Why couldn't anyone see it?
An anxious feeling filled her heart, and it wasn't long until she entered her apartment. She tiredly plopped onto the couch, putting the sketchbook carelessly next to her.
She slowly looked at her apartment, her video game console. It was all the same since this morning, but it all looked different. It felt strange, being there in the middle of the day when she would have been working. How was she supposed to pay the rent? How was she supposed to keep her home?
She tried to quiet her fears. After all, she had made her decision; and she meant it. She did not want to be part of the manager's scheme. But when the fears did not completely subside, she stood up and went out the door. Even though she was expecting Sandy in a few hours, the walk to the pier should do her good.
She wandered among the streets, taking detours along the route to the beach. She went into a few shops asking if they needed work, but all the business owners declined, shaking their heads.
"There's not enough jobs in this city in general," a cashier remarked in a grocery store. This just made Tweak all the more melancholy.
She eventually arrived at the beach, near the pier. Nearby was a solitary boardwalk, going straight out into the ocean. She felt the transition between the sand and the hard wood as she walked onto the boardwalk. She came near the end of the wooden "road" before sitting on the edge of the boardwalk's left side.
She stayed there, encompassed in her thoughts, absentmindedly looking at the water moving below and the sun traveling above.
The sun began to set when Sandy appeared.
"Hello, Tweak," the sea turtle said joyfully, rising to the water's surface and putting up her flipper for their special handshake.
"Hi, Sandy," Tweak said sadly, doing the handshake halfheartedly. Sandy grew a bit concerned at her friend's behavior.
"Eh, are you all right?" she asked. "Why so glum?" Tweak debated whether to tell her or not, but knowing that Sandy wouldn't tell anyone about Darlon, she recalled what happened that day.
"I feel terrible now," Tweak concluded. "I mean, I'm glad I'm out of that place. But I thought the company was trustworthy; and it's sad to see what it truly is. I wish I could do something about it, but I don't want anyone else to be in the situation I'm in. Now I don't know how to keep my home, what I'm going to do with myself. So far I haven't found any work, and it seems like it's going to stay that way for a long time."
Tweak sighed, but then chuckled dryly, "And I thought I could have actually made a difference, you know? I worked so hard on those engine designs, but it was all for nothing. Darlon wouldn't have accepted it, and who knows? No one else may want it either. My integrity might get in the way," Tweak said the last sentence sarcastically, her anger flaring up again. But it disappeared just as quickly as it came, and she sat there dejectedly, with her head bowed. Sandy frowned. She didn't want to see her friend so down.
"I know it's really hard for you, but don't give up yet," she encouraged. "I'm sure you'll be able to get back on your feet again, and be even better off than you were before. And there's nothing wrong with integrity; it's better than any sleazy trick that any company can think up. You are trustworthy, something that they can never be. So don't listen to that manager." Tweak just shrugged, but then Sandy had an idea.
"Listen, Tweak, while coming here, I heard a school of fish talking about a professor who is traveling all over looking for a crew. He plans to make a team that will help and study animals in the ocean. He's looking for an engineer; maybe you should check it out. I heard that he was in the area."
As Sandy talked, Tweak raised her head a bit, and her ears perked up, listening. The idea intrigued the rabbit, but she still had doubts. "That sounds amazing," she said, "but... I don't know. Am I going to be traveling everywhere? Or is it a one time thing?"
"Well, I don't really know the details," Sandy replied, "but I don't see a reason to not check it out. I actually think you'll like it, and this is a chance to do something both unique and helpful." She did have a point.
Sandy continued, "The professor puts ads in a city's newspaper before he travels there. You should be able to find contact information through that."
"Well," Tweak considered, "all right. Trying it out won't hurt. It does sound like a great opportunity too. I'll contact him tonight."
The restaurant was filled with an orange glow as the sound of talking, background music, and the clanging of utensils hitting dishes rang through the air. It was crowded as Tweak walked toward a waitress at the reservation desk. In front of that desk stood an octopus wearing a monocle. Seeing the professor, Tweak took a deep breath, a bit nervous, then came up to him.
The octopus turned around, spotting her. "Tweak, I presume," he greeted politely, but with a smile, bringing up one of his arms.
The rabbit, who has holding her sketchbook and several papers under her left arm, shook his outstretched arm with her right. "It's nice to meet you, Professor Inkling," she said.
The waitress, who was expecting them, led them to a table and gave them their menus. Although there were people chatting all around, they were still able to hear each other.
"I have never seen a green rabbit before," Inkling said after they were situated, sitting across from each other.
"Yeah, it runs in my family," Tweak said, not really sure what he was implying with that, "but I like it."
"I didn't mean it in a disrespectful way," Inkling said apologetically, "It's just that I love meeting different types of creatures, and I find the diversity among them fascinating."
"Well, I'm glad about that," she chuckled, relaxing a little. Just then a waitress came by. They each ordered their drinks, and when she left, the professor said, "I'll be paying for the food."
"Are you sure?" Tweak asked.
"Positive," Inkling said. "Don't worry about it."
She thanked him, glad for his offer because her money was tight, but at the same time making sure that she wouldn't order anything expensive.
"So," Inkling began, after taking a few minutes to look through their menus and order their dishes. The professor clasped two of his arms together, "Let's get started. From our conversation over the phone, you said that you know the main reasons for the crew's existence, but you were unsure of what the engineer's role was exactly."
"Yes," Tweak confirmed.
"Basically, the engineer's job will be in two phases," Inkling explained. "The crew will live and travel in a submarine, one that will be able to sustain itself without necessarily getting supplies on land. The crew will also travel in smaller, more quick, submarines for missions. For the first phase, the engineer will design and build these machines."
Tweak couldn't help but teel excited over this. It was such a unique project; it would be interesting, and downright amazing, to do something like that.
"In the second phase, the engineer will be with everyone while they are traveling, maintaining the machines and inventing anything else that may be needed."
That definitely answered the question if she was going to travel or not. Although she was unsure how she would feel about it, she wasn't that upset about leaving Florida. She had already left her hometown, and all her ties to her current dwelling had been broken.
"So, I would be part of the crew?" she asked, "If I became the engineer, I mean."
"Completely," Inkling assured.
Just then the waitress arrived with their food and placed it on the table. Inkling got seaweed pasta while Tweak got something called the "Carrot Crown". It was several carrots cut in long pieces and steamed, making them bendable. They were arranged in a circle and then bent upwards and toward the center. Together they formed a space in between them, forming what looked like a crown.
Although it looked fancy, it was still made of steamed carrots, so it wouldn't cost Inkling much.
After the waitress left again, the two creatures began to eat. During the whole interview, one would eat a few forkfuls while the other talked, and then they would sort of switch. They did't think about it too much, though, being more into the conversation.
Inkling told Tweak,"This job is very unique in nature, and it is much more than just doing a project. Since all crew members will be living in a submarine, both character and an ability to get along with others is also key. So tell me a little about yourself. What would you say are some strengths you possess?"
She rubbed the back of her neck; it felt strange to have to talk highly of herself. "I...I'm really good with tools," she started, listing off favorable traits. "I have a very creative mind and can make things pretty quickly. When it comes to my personality, I'm pretty good natured. I usually hold my tongue unless I really need to say something." Her voice became confident. "And I care about the environment, and I hope to make a difference some day using my engineering skills."
Inkling nodded, taking in everything she said. He noticed how she became passionate when she started talking about the environment, and he decided to go down that route.
"It's interesting how you count your concern for the environment as a strength," Inkling commented.
"Well," she replied, "it's been on my mind a lot recently. I guess it's because I'm an engineer, but I tend to think, "What could I make that would help the world around me?" She started to pull out her sketchbook and papers. "I actually designed an engine that has a battery, so it would run on electricity instead of gasoline."
She handed the papers to the professor, who took each of them in each arm. He ended up holding a paper in all of his eight arm and looking at them simultaneously, alternating them with the sketchbook and other papers on the table.
Looking at the details that she put in her designs, and with how the engine worked itself, he could tell she had a brilliant mind. What's more, he agreed with her on being environmentally friendly.
"This is amazing," Inkling said, continuing to look at the designs.
"I was planning to show this design to Darlon, the company I worked for, but it didn't work out," she said a bit sadly.
"Why not?" he asked, lowering the papers and looking at her. "Battery engines are a wonderful idea."
"It wasn't that..." Tweak replied, trailing off. Should she tell him? She didn't know how that would affect her prior co-workers, though. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"All right," Inkling said, respecting her privacy; but at the same time, he kind of needed to know, in case it might cause a problem later. "Did it have to do with any negative conduct in the workplace?"
"Yes," Tweak answered, "but I wasn't the one causing it."
Inkling left it at that, deciding to take her word for now.
"At any rate," Tweak said, "I think if I modify the engines a bit, I would be able to use them for all the mini-submarines, and maybe the big one too. Or even better, maybe the big one could have generators, and them it could power the smaller ones..."
Tweak felt that she was starting to ramble and immediately stopped. "Sorry, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself."
"It's quite alright," Inkling chuckled. "How long have you been interested in engineering?"
"Basically my whole life," she replied. "I used to live in the South when I was younger, and my father always liked fixing beat up cars. It was a hobby of his, and a couple times a year he would come home towing one of those old cars with our own. When I got old enough to hop, I started helping my father with it; and he would teach me how the engine ran and how all the parts worked together. I got interested in engines and that kind of stuff because of it, and I soon started to tinker and invent things of my own. I've been into engineering ever since."
"Well, your blueprints definitely show your experience in it," he said. He then became silent, crossing his arms, considering. By now both their plates were empty, and Inkling had already paid.
"Although I have not completely made my decision yet, you are a good candidate for the job," he declared. He was still unsure about the possible problem she may have caused in the workplace, but he did not tell her that was the reason for his hesitation. Other than that, she was completely qualified. He would just call the prior company, Darlon, about it. "I will be staying in Florida for a couple more days and will call you when I have made my decision."
"All right," Tweak said, wondering what he would decide. She then asked, "Where would the engineer build the submarines?"
"I'm not completely sure," Inkling admitted. "Probably in the area where the engineer lives, if there are any warehouses or ports where it could be built. I do not know many creatures in the engineering field, while the new member undoubtedly will; so I would have the engineer hire mechanics to help him build the submarines. To do it alone would be too unrealistic and time consuming. I would assume that his peers would also be in the area, so it would be smarter to keep the engineer there, instead of having them travel anywhere else."
Tweak perked up while he was talking. Her mind started turning. "More mechanics will be hired?"
"Essentially, yes," Inkling answered. "But only for the first phase. The engineer will be the main designer and overseer of the project, but later on he would be the only one maintaining the machinery."
"Everyone in Darlon could be hired," she whispered excitedly.
"What?" Inkling asked, confused at her expression.
She looked at him confidently. She could tell him everything; there was nothing to worry about now.
"Even if you get someone else as the engineer, I know a lot of mechanics who could help, and who may need the work. You see, I found out recently that the company I worked for was corrupt," she explained.
Inkling's face showed his shock.
"I was going to show them my battery designs, but after I found out, I quit. They blackmailed me to not tell anyone about it by saying, rightfully, that all the workers, even the ones who didn't know about the corruption, will get laid off if they get closed down. But, if everyone gets a job working on the submarine, they will get temporary work while looking for another job. And Darlon can be turned in."
Inkling looked at her in surprise. He wasn't sure if she was telling the truth; she could just be saying this to make him hire her. But as he paid closer attention to her face, he saw that no lies were within her eyes; there was just excitement and triumph, like she just defeated a foe. There was no way that she was faking it when she truly wasn't sure what the occupation was at first, and since she wanted them to be hired even if she didn't get a job herself. Although he wasn't expecting to hear a situation such as this, it became clear to him that it showed more about her character than whatever she could have said about herself.
"I would definitely want to help by hiring them," Inkling said. Tweak let out a breath of relief. But the professor wasn't done. "And with such integrity and strong character," Inkling declared, "I know now that you will be perfect as the engineer."
Tweak couldn't believe her ears. "I'm hired?"
"Yes, if you are willing to join," Inkling replied, chuckling as Tweak smiled widely.
"Yes! Of course!" She was ecstatic. "Thank you so much, Professor. When do I start?"
"Well, since we're both here, and you have your sketchbook, we can start designing the submarines now. We don't have to finish today, but whenever we're done you can start building the submarines, and in the meantime I'll continue to search for other crew members."
"Sounds good," Tweak declared happily, reaching over and getting the sketchbook. She opened it and grabbed a pen. Clicking it, she put the writing utensil against the paper, prepared to write down or draw whatever Inkling would say. "So," she asked the professor, "What do you want the submarines to look like?"
