By now, I expect Alaina to block my number. Instead, she pulls up in her sputtering hoverwagon and justlaughs. Full-body laugh, clutching the steering stick like it’s a lifeline.
“Youthrewa scammer through a window, then blew up a kiddie maze?” she says, grinning so hard I think her face might split.
“He resisted,” I mutter, sliding into the passenger seat. My knees barely fit.
“Youarethe resistance,” she cackles, slapping my arm.
“Glad my career implosion amuses you.”
She wipes a tear from her eye. “Oh, Troka. You’re a menace in retail, but at least you’re consistent.”
I frown. “That supposed to make me feel better?”
She glances over, all humor gone. “You’re trying. That’s more than most people ever do.”
Back at her place, she drags me inside. Caelix is napping. The lights are low. Her couch is too small for my bulk, but I sink into it anyway.
She types something on her datapad, then tosses it on the table.
“Sit up straight,” she commands. “We’re fixing your resume.”
“Ihavea resume.”
She makes a face. “Yeah, one that lists ‘explosives expert’ and ‘acceptable at following orders’ as your main skills.”
“Theyaremy main skills.”
She ignores me, tapping her fingers. “We’ll highlight ‘leadership,’ ‘quick problem-solving,’ and—oh—‘dedication to customer safety.’”
“Your words,” I grumble. “Not mine.”
“Exactly. Because mine don’t make people flinch.”
She’s close. Shoulder against mine. I can smell her shampoo—something like peach and ozone. The scent wraps around me, dizzying.
She reads off the screen. “What’s your biggest strength?”
I grunt. “Hitting things.”
“Nope.” She points at me. “Try again.”
I stare her down. “Loyalty.”
She softens. “That’ll do.”
The next day, she sends me to an interview. Used hovercar dealership. I hate it on sight.
The manager’s a wiry little creature with iridescent skin and half-melted eyebrows.
“You got experience?” he squawks, chewing on a stimstick.
“I’ve flown tactical cruisers in low-orbit firestorms,” I answer flatly.
The manager blinks. “So no sales experience.”
I nod. “Correct.”
“What would you say to a customer who wants a cheap hover but needs long-haul durability?”
