Interior Decorating:
For the next week the place was swarming with people: ordinary soldiers, officers, and some civilians. Equipment was brought in by the truckload: computers, desks, cots, training gear, you name it. The little team I headed was kept onsite to help with the set-up of the whole operation. I was with Lydecker most of the time -- showing him and other people around, helping things run smoothly -- no one knew the building better then I did. No one.
Lydecker. He was a tough man. Determined and powerful. He threw all his energy into getting Manticore up and running; the kind of man who's own inspirations guided others. He gave orders, they were followed. But, he was also secretive, like he always had something else in the back of his mind. Something you were never going to get to. Occasionally I'd see a glimmer of youthful excitement on his face, but a moment later he'd be back to business; black leather jacket, walkie-talkie and all. He kept it all inside that shell, the military shell all soldiers build. But with him, you could just tell the ideas were brewing.
The building began to take on an identity of its own. Sector 1 became the main control center -- offices, computers, cameras and monitors; everything Lydecker would need to remain in total control. Sector 4 became the mess hall and kitchen area, sector 6 the security area, Sector 2 the infirmary, the list went on. There were 14 sectors in total.
"Jones!" The sharp call seemed to echo threateningly down the hall.
"Yes sir?" I replied as Lydecker walked up me. We headed down the hall to Section 1. He lead me into a small, two room section just off the main part of the nerve center.
"This is where I want you. You are my new building manager. Your duties are to know absolutely everything about this building. Take care of repairs, keep track of who enters and who leaves, everything. You'll report to me." He gestured into my new space as he spoke in his usual assertive tone.
"Yes sir!" I replied sharply.
"You can set up your office in here -- and a cot and dresser in there," he indicated to the next room.
"Yes sir, thank you sir." It was good to have job security.
"Do you have any problems living on site?" He asked.
"No sir." I didn't -- no one to go home to anyway. Besides, I had a feeling this place would only get more fascinating with time.
"Very well then. Whatever you need to do your job, you let me know, we'll get you the equipment." I smiled at his back as he walked out. He hadn't asked if I wanted the job, just had known I'd take it -- he seemed to have a way with people like that.
I scanned my new quarters. This was turning out well. I had a home, a job, and a community to be a part of. For the moment, life was good.
For the next week the place was swarming with people: ordinary soldiers, officers, and some civilians. Equipment was brought in by the truckload: computers, desks, cots, training gear, you name it. The little team I headed was kept onsite to help with the set-up of the whole operation. I was with Lydecker most of the time -- showing him and other people around, helping things run smoothly -- no one knew the building better then I did. No one.
Lydecker. He was a tough man. Determined and powerful. He threw all his energy into getting Manticore up and running; the kind of man who's own inspirations guided others. He gave orders, they were followed. But, he was also secretive, like he always had something else in the back of his mind. Something you were never going to get to. Occasionally I'd see a glimmer of youthful excitement on his face, but a moment later he'd be back to business; black leather jacket, walkie-talkie and all. He kept it all inside that shell, the military shell all soldiers build. But with him, you could just tell the ideas were brewing.
The building began to take on an identity of its own. Sector 1 became the main control center -- offices, computers, cameras and monitors; everything Lydecker would need to remain in total control. Sector 4 became the mess hall and kitchen area, sector 6 the security area, Sector 2 the infirmary, the list went on. There were 14 sectors in total.
"Jones!" The sharp call seemed to echo threateningly down the hall.
"Yes sir?" I replied as Lydecker walked up me. We headed down the hall to Section 1. He lead me into a small, two room section just off the main part of the nerve center.
"This is where I want you. You are my new building manager. Your duties are to know absolutely everything about this building. Take care of repairs, keep track of who enters and who leaves, everything. You'll report to me." He gestured into my new space as he spoke in his usual assertive tone.
"Yes sir!" I replied sharply.
"You can set up your office in here -- and a cot and dresser in there," he indicated to the next room.
"Yes sir, thank you sir." It was good to have job security.
"Do you have any problems living on site?" He asked.
"No sir." I didn't -- no one to go home to anyway. Besides, I had a feeling this place would only get more fascinating with time.
"Very well then. Whatever you need to do your job, you let me know, we'll get you the equipment." I smiled at his back as he walked out. He hadn't asked if I wanted the job, just had known I'd take it -- he seemed to have a way with people like that.
I scanned my new quarters. This was turning out well. I had a home, a job, and a community to be a part of. For the moment, life was good.