Job Interview
Hey, here we are again! This chapter marks the beginning of the let's-call-it-the-"work-in-progress" arc. Just like 'Penny,' I'm keeping this one short because that there doesn't need to be a lot of repeat information.
As you likely noticed, I am taking a few creative liberties here. The differently-colored light during HDD transformation is purely for the sake of this story. I have no proof of this being an actual in-universe phenomenon. Also, see if you can spot the obvious liberty I'm taking in this chapter.
"So, are you ready?" I'm asked.
"Not really, but I can't do nothing," I answer apprehensively. I feel much better today, after finally having the chance to get some proper sleep, maybe thanks to Plutia and the bath. But today marks the end of my freeloading; I start singing for my supper, as it were. IF and Compa are with me, as moral support.
"You'll be fine, Maze!" Compa offers encouragement. "Iffy's here for you."
"Did you forget to include yourself there? Okay. I'm as steeled as I'm gonna get." With that comment, more to bolster my own nerves than anything, I walk into the Guild building in downtown Planeptune.
"Hey, IF!" a registrar calls out to our group.
"Otome, hey," IF responds. "What's going on? You don't usually work the front desk."
"Yeah, well, they're shuffling some of us around, so here I am. Who's this?" she asks, looking at me. "A new Agent?"
"Soon to be. She's here to register as a newbie today."
"Well, best of luck to you. You must be skilled if IF scouted you."
"Hardly. More like I'm a victim of circumstance."
She gives me a questioning look, but doesn't comment. "Well, follow me this way," she gestures, stepping out. "It should take only about 5-10 minutes." How long does it take to sign my name and receive a freakin' emblem, or badge, or whatever they use?
Following Otome, I'm led to a kiosk, where an electronic display appears. "Simply fill out what you can of it, and you're finished. A license will be mailed to the designated address in 3-5 days." So, a standard workweek. "If any future information changes from what you fill out now, please come in and update it."
"I was wondering about that. Okay, I'll be sure to." Leaving me to work, she goes and starts chatting with IF again. Wonder how long those two have been friends. "All right, let's get down to it."
The profile doesn't take long to fill, only 5 or 6 minutes, like she said. There were a few questions I couldn't answer, so I left them blank for now. I'll definitely have to comeback and take care of that. Finishing, I hit the "Submit" button on the display, and rejoin IF and Compa, still chatting animatedly with Otome. Is she really named after Otome games? Or is that just another coincidence with my world? "Hey, I'm back. There were a few questions I couldn't answer right now, but I should be back within the week to take care of that."
"Well, for now, as long as you took care of the basic information," Otome answers. "Just be sure to check in every now and then to update. Are you done for today?"
"I think that should do it," IF answers. "Well, see you later, Otome."
"You know where to find me. Oh, and to you, the new girl, Mavis? Usually, I work on gathering intelligence for Planeptune's Basilicom. Hope to work with you."
"Yeah, same. Thanks, Otome. So, should we go tell Neptune the good news?"
"Not yet. You should at least get in a little training with your new toy."
"We'll go with you," Compa adds encouragingly.
"Guess I don't have much choice. Sure, since we have the opportunity. Okay, time for field training!"
Short and simple; hard to beat, really. No mysteries here, though it did take 3 different tries to settle on an even half-apropos title. I use 'apropos' as an adjective here; do a search on the word; you'll find different meanings, depending on how it's used.
