Chapter 9: Duties
I made a deal with the doctors. I could go to school two days a week to work on practical lab assignments. Otherwise I'd stay home and do my work there. Winter Break was coming up soon. Before the first snow-storm, Beetee was able to order a new bed for me as the doctors determined I wouldn't need the hospital bed.
On a Saturday, I was in the living room sketching in my notebook when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it, Grandma." I said as Grandma began arranging the quilt-in-progress that was draped over her legs on the other couch. I opened the door and supressed a gasp. Two men in suits who were clearly Capital officials stood on the doorstep.
"We're looking for Beetee." One of them said.
"I'll - I'll get him." I said quickly, tearing my gaze away from their multi-colored blazers and ties.
"If you gentlemen would be so kind as to remove your shoes, I'll get tea going." Grandma said. I chuckled to myself. When I lived with her, she would welcome anyone in who was at the door to our one bedroom apartment whether it was a starving youth or a visiting Peacekeeper. She was going on about her quilt and how she was using some of Beetee's old clothes for squares when Beetee and I came down. Beetee broke his grasp on my hand seconds before we walked down the stairs. "Here's your young man." She said. "I'll leave you two to your chit-chat. Come on, Wiress, we can work in your room."
"Actually - we need to speak to Wiress too. You may - continue with your blanket." One of the men who had a mostly green suit said. "I'm sure they can show us around the dining room or kitchen if we need something. Thank you Mrs. Carpenter."
Beetee and I sat at the table. I was nervous, but I willed myself to take deep breaths. I needed to be calm so I could concentrate on what they were saying easier. The other man who had a mostly blue suit had real diamonds on the buttons on his suit. They glinted in the light, and I knew I was staring at them while tuning everything else out. Beetee discretely squeezed my hand to bring my focus back. "We need to discuss Wiress' contribution to the Capital and your continuing contributions to the Capital, Mr. Tesla."
"I was thinking I could invent along with Beetee." I said quickly.
"Hm." Green suit said. He had an odd smirk on his face. "Wiress, stand up." I stood up shakily. "Come to the end of the table." I stood so I was at the end of the table and looked at our guests. "Turn around." I turned around slowly. I was in a simple light brown dress and long stockings as I had recently come back from the store with Grandma. "You think so?" He asked his colleague. "I could make her useful in - my capacity too." He grinned. "Part time engineer part time - guest of the Capital?"
"No!" Beetee said forcefully. I jumped as his chair clattered loudly to the floor. He stood up and his fists were on the table clenched. "You do that and I swear on the nation of Panem that I will stop making your pretty gadgets."
"You are mighty protective of Three's newest Victor, Mr. Tesla." Blue suit said, his eyebrows raised.
"She's - she's just recovered from pneumonia, and she was bedridden for a month after the Games!" Beetee said furiously. "I don't want you -" He pointed at Green Suit. "To jeopardize her health any further. I promise you - if you try to make her do anything else than her projects - her death of illness will be on your hands!"
"Very well." Green suit said. "Beetee - my offer still stands - perhaps your extra income could go for an addition on your house so your - guests can stay permanently."
"No." Beetee said. "I am willing to step up my production efforts - and with Wiress by my side, I think that's possible. That's my only offer."
"Very well - Both of you shall meet us at the train station in an hour. We're going to finalize your contracts for the next year." Blue suit said. I cringed as they shut the front door loudly.
"Beetee -" I gasped. His arms were around me. He was shaking. I wrapped my arms around his waist.
"I'll tell your grandmother we'll be away until tomorrow. She'll be ok here, don't worry." Beetee said before kissing me on the top of my head.
"Ok." I whispered. I gave him a hug and ran my fingers down his arms until we were holding hands while standing an arm length apart. "Beetee - I - I want to help you - with whatever this is."
"I have a plan. Don't worry." Beetee said smiling. "I'll make sure your duties are appropriate to your skills and talents."
"What about - my -" I paused. I still had sensory issues and lingering health issues.
"They'll have to accommodate you. Don't worry."
"I - I don't know how -" I paused. Beetee stared at me curiously. "Thank you." I let go of Beetee's hands and then gave him a hug. Tentatively, I kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you - for - everything."
"Our duties in the Capital are waiting." Beetee said smiling. "But before that, we have one thing to take care of." I nodded.
