Chapter 2 - First impressions

The book was indeed fascinating. Its illustrations and scientific descriptions were the first thing in this world that brought a true smile to her face. She had never been very interested in biology or geology, but she wasn't going to be picky after years without any mental stimulation in the grey orphanage and the grey world beyond.

A problem only arose when the child who had found this literary wonder wasn't going to share it. It always kept it close and let Tanya only look at it under strict supervision. Not that she would have done it differently. At least this little pest understood the value of knowledge unlike the rest of the bunch.

With only an hour or so per day to read she still managed to completely absorb the thick tome in a couple of weeks thanks to her skills acquired as a salaryman. Good concentration and the ability to grasp connections and complicated concepts quickly was all it took really.

Her perusal of the texts gave her nonetheless many headaches. Was this actually real? Could such fantastical creatures and plants really exist? And these artefacts... They were the most unbelievable part of the whole story. An egg that spread constant warmth; how was that even possible? Wouldn´t that violate the laws of thermodynamics? Or what about that crystal that could freeze any moment it depicted in time? That sounded remarkably like a smartphone on second thought.

Maybe it wasn't magic as some presumed, but just extremely advanced technology that appeared incomprehensible to any unknowing spectators? Her own reincarnation was also something that could not be understood by conventional means at the moment, nonetheless had there to be a logical explanation for it. The universe was rational place after all. As long as she knew the rules that kept everything running than she would prevail. She was sure of it.

Aside from these musings and constant rereads of the book (there wasn't anything else interesting around) she tried to build up her training routine. Not an uncomplicated thing to do when you had the body of a five year old girl, but the pain was worth it. Society ultimately didn't need weak workers and it was important to be in the best condition and show one´s maximum potential in case any potential employers showed up.

And her efforts were being rewarded! One day the sisters herded them into the common room and made effort to clean them up. It would have warmed a lesser person´s heart to see how much care they took to make their dirty rags and faces look presentable, but Tanya was above such useless emotions. When she played her cards right she we soon be out here, so she hoped. She was the most promising worker out of the bunch after all; and then she would never see her caretakers or the rest of these brats again.

What a surprise it was when the impressively well-mannered man that came to visit them introduced himself as a white-whistle delver from the Abyss. Her accumulated knowledge was going to be put to use so soon! How wonderful. From his initial presentation she immediately had to commend his fine clothing and impeccable posture. His voice was smooth and he articulated himself very eloquently. All in all signs that showed his values of control and dignity. Both of which she very much could get behind.

The only strange thing was the mask he wore, but she could understand that. As a man in his position she also wouldn't want to be seen in the presence of so many unwashed orphans. Now that he had showed himself to her, it was Tanya´s turn to impress him.

She smoothed out her shirt, stepped forward, straightened her back and clasped her hands behind her back while she looked up into the violet slit of mask with all the intensity she could muster.

"Mr. Bondrewd Sir, I would be overjoyed to accompany you back home, if you would have me."

Now she to appeal to what she guessed his main desire was.

"It has been my dream for a long time to study the wonders of the Abyss and I am more than willing to aid you in your great quest of scientific discovery."

To finish it off she just need to prove her specific worth for his business.

"I may be young, but I can read fluently, am able to calculate numbers in the millions with the use of multiplication, division, addition and subtraction and have already acquired a certain understanding of the inner working of the Abyss from a book we found. If you were to ask my caretakers they could certainly assure you that I am one of the brightest individuals in this whole institution. I would be happy to undergo an appropriate test on the matter to verify these claims, if you so wish."

Last but not least came a thinly veiled plea to show her motivation to get the job done. As reinforcement of her message she bowed deeply while she spoke her next words.

"Please believe me Sir, when I say that I could not imagine a more exciting and fitting occupation than to learn under an esteemed white-whistle like you."

Oh, she could imagine a thousand more comfortable jobs than that. Most of them behind a comfortable desk and with a cup of coffee never out of reach. Sadly this was the only one that would get her out of this hellhole of an orphanage.

"Hard work and harsh climates are no stranger to me and with your help I hope to achieve even greater potential."

She stood straight again and tried to look relaxed and confident. A task which grew increasingly harder as she felt all looks in the room directed at her without a word being spoken. Had she said something wrong? Had she insulted the man by being too forward? Should she speak up again or continue the silence? What was happening?

Finally he picked up the conversation again.

"What is your name little one?"

Damn it! She had forgotten her name in the beginning! How amateurish! Now he would never take her in after such a stupid mistake.

"Tanya Sir. Tanya Degurechaff."

Maybe she could regain some of his respect with the test she suggested.

"Tanya, I would be delighted to take you with me. You indeed are something very special."

What? After this disaster would he still... She could not believe it.

"And this offer extends to everyone one of you. If you choose to come with me to my workplace I can promise you that I will take good care of you and that you will take part in events that will reshape our understanding of the Abyss as we know it."

That sounded great! Finally a worthwhile career opportunity. Even the dumber kids seemed to get that.