"I'm not sure about the Dinochrome job it sounds like a scam of some sort. I mean that's a lot of money being offered for a company I've never heard of. Not to mention the fact that they want you to apply in person at a location that's out in the middle of a forest." Leo said before taking a bite of his dell stake. "Why are you interested in it?"
Catalina was busy pushing her eggs around on the plate. They may have been good for her fur but that didn't mean she was thrilled with them. "I've met Dinochrome's owner, he seems like a decent person," She said.
"Well, at least you know who your dealing with. But I've still never heard of them what do they make? And, how do you plan on getting out there? You can't take the racer every day."
"He makes that link game Hope's Final Hours. As far as I know I'd just be promoting the game. But I'm not sure how I'd get out there without the racer, but I can ask. Besides I'd probably spend most of my time in the city."
"I'm still not sold on the idea," Camille said from across the breakfast table. "Are you sure you don't want to apply for that receptionist job down the street?"
"No mom I don't want to sit at a desk and handle peoples complaints all day. Besides last night you both seemed to think the Dinochrome job was a great idea."
"We know. It's just that there are a lot of details that would need to be worked out for you to be able to work for them. I'm just not sure how long you'd be able to last without them making some accommodations for you. Most employers aren't willing to do that if they can help it," Camille replied.
Catalina pushed her chair back and took her plate to the washing machine. "If I talk to Alexei and get the details hammered would you guys be ok with it?"
Leo looked at his daughter for a moment, then at his mate, then his cup of roca, "If the two of you can figure some thing out than yes. But I also want you to look over the others again and apply to a few of them incase things fall through with Dinochrome."
Catalina grabbed her bag off its perch and headed towards the hatchway. "Great I'll give him a call and see what we can work out."
"Hey make sure to get a new power cell for the racer while your out." Her father called as she left the house.
The ride to 'The Data-Net-Link-Network shop went quickly, the air traffic between the morning and lunch fly times was light and she was able to find an unoccupied pad close to her friends shop. It was located in a large strip-mall just outside the city center. It was impossible to miss the shops bright orange and lime green paint job. For those who needed the extra hint, the shop's name was spelled out with lasers and reflector units.
Inside the shop Catalina found Glouster sitting behind the desk reading from his data pad. "Hey the number four mister is out of action again," She said. She waited for her friend to look up from the pad before continuing. "Hey I need to talk to Alexei. Think you could hook me up?
"It's nice to see you to. You know I can't play games on the link while I'm at work." Glouster smiled at her
"Yeah , I know that. I also know you do anyway. Come on I know you've got a terminal set up for the game. I need to talk to him about something he said the other day."
"I think you need to buy a copy of the game. Would you like a demo first?" Glouster pointed to an ad before getting up and leading her to the back room.
"I see how it works. Ok yeah I'd love a demo." She grabbed the ad and started searching for a coupon.
"Good, now I'm not sure if Alexei will be on, but as far as I can tell he never sleeps. So we'll probably get lucky." They walked to a terminal tucked away in a far corner. The room was darker in this area, with the only real light coming from the terminal's monitor. Glouster logged into the game and searched for Alexei's screen name. After finding it he entered the battle field and handed the controls over to Catalina "Try not to die he said before heading back out the counter."
Before Catalina could begin typing a line of text scrolled across the screen. "RTComet what are you doing on? You should be working." Alexei wrote.
"It's Catalina, Glouster's back at his desk. I needed to talk with you about the job. I'm thinking of accepting but my parents have their doubts."
"You are thinking about accepting my offer."
"Yes, but my parents have concerns. For a while there they thought the job was a scam. Frankly I'm just wondering what all I'll be doing for you. They also don't want me using their vehicle for work. I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea either, even if I did use it I'd spend the better part of the day traveling. What do you think?" Catalina hit the send key. In the game a near by explosion caused the screen to shake violently. She worked the controls trying to figure out how to move the camera to look in the direction of the blast. When she finally managed to see were the blast had come from, she saw Alexei's LCWP rolling towards her.
"I agree you will need a faster vehicle. I also predict 93.654% chance that learning how to use this program will make you a better spokesperson for it." Catalina was about to reply when a second line of text made it's way across the screen. "I've filed the proper documents with the Renan government. Your first task is to purchase the deluxe version of the game from your friend Gloutser. I've sent additional instructions to your racer. Thank you for representing me."
Catalina stared at the monitor. She had just become gainfully employed in a matter of minutes. She still had no idea what she had gotten herself into. On screen an explosion ripped across her vision. Red letters blinked at her for a moment.
"Hey, you still alive in there?" Glouster said before coming through the door. "Oh man, I told you not to die."
Catalina turned to her friend "I wouldn't worry about it. Anyway I need to by the deluxe version." She handed him the ad, her claw pointing to the coupon.
"Really you're buying it. You know you don't have too," Glouster said as they walked back into the light of the store.
"I now but I still need to buy a copy."
"No problem just remember you owe me a mission when you get on." Glouster ran her credit chip and gave her a receipt and a slip of paper with a pass code on it. "I didn't think you where into link games."
"Well I decided to give it a try," Catalina replied. "After all you said it was a completely new genre. Thanks for helping me, but I need to get going.
The coms unit in the racer blinked at her when she entered the cockpit. "Ok Alexei what's the first order of business?" She muttered under her breath, before tapping on the console.
Catalina Teff,
Thank you for accepting my offer I'm sure you will do well. I've conducted a study of the available air cars, you are currently driving the second fastest model available. The fastest model your people make is restricted to emergency personnel only. As a result I've decided to provide you with a terrain model. Your first order of business is to head to the coordinates provided. There you will find a selection of vehicles suitable to our needs. I have attached a maintenance manual and detailed instructions for assessing and jump-starting the vehicles when you have found a working craft contact me and a lift truck will be sent to you.
The message was followed by a set of coordinates, a coms call number and a file titled "Maintenance of the A-236 Talon Attack fighter". Catalina entered the coordinates, before calling her parents and letting them know she would probably be late for dinner.