(1908) Edward and Thomas

[Edward Heinrich]

He stiffed as a thousand alarm bells went off, never fear... someone with my skills?

With Thomas's final sentence, Edward relaxed. If that was a threat, it was veiled deeply enough to be little more than foreshadowing. He would, of course, observe Thomas and the Circle more carefully, and double-check his tracks the moment he got home.

"A pleasure to hear all is in hand." He returned the warm smile, or, more accurately, attempted a reciprocation of Thomas's warm smile. "You are too kind Mr. Boyle, I am no doubt, among far more skilled and esteemed company." His ego twitched, "But, should you find an ill-behaved computer, yours or another's, please give me a call." His gut filled with the shallow anxiety flavoured by guilt known to all slaves of validation. The urge to backpedal came next, but that never went well. Instead, a subject change was in order.

"If I do not intrude by asking, how do you ferret away your nights, Mr. Boyle? Are you engaged in a Kine occupation?"
Asking about work, always an easy out. Plus, it was rarely a secret, so the answer might even be the truth.

[White]

Wrong account, my bad

[Edward Heinrich]

He laughed pleasantly at "digital mysteries." "It may as well be magic, thinking tablets that speak at the speed of light -- all in our pockets. If you seek induction into the cult of the machine, this unworthy magi would be pleased to reveal a few spells for the enthused initiate." He gave a crooked smile, making clear the satire in his otherwise flat delivery. It came across somewhat forced.

"Thank you for the direction, no doubt I'll have the chance to talk business with the Deputy at some point."

At the description of Thomas's occupation, Edward merely remarks: "I applaud your efficiency." Which was more an "I'm paying attention to you" than it was actual commentary.

"I understand your position, I have met many ascetic computer science types, modern monks, who found the money they made almost an affront. As though it sullied their work. They spoke similar lines as you, right up until the point they needed money -- and then they found their lack of wealth far more distracting than it's acquisition ever could be." His small smile looked more tired than affronted, "but I overstep myself with such words, I apologize."

"As you might guess, I hail from a tech background. Before my... transition... I was consulting for cybersecurity. I would regale you with the esoteric tedium that fills its daily life, but sadly I am legally bound hand and foot."

[Edward Heinrich]

It was a stock image, and for those who cut their teeth in the corporate world undoubtedly true. "It's a minority to be sure, they usually work enough freelance to pay their way and spend the rest of their time creating open-source projects." Foolish half-baked heroism.

It always took a little time to find the little tells for sarcasm. Natural entertainers were expressive and bold, and therefore easy to notice, while others who dreaded the spotlight found subtler mechanisms, a tilt of the head perhaps. Thomas's sarcasm was first met with close attention, and when he broke character, Edward laughed with him. Most enjoy the idea of the truth and detest its actuality, Mr. Boyle. Not that I am any different. He had explained the concept to many young and socially inept developers who, despite it being well-known cliche, somehow still managed to bungle answering "how do I look?"

"You are, of course, correct, Mr. Boyle. I'll be sure to avoid over-mincing my words."

"Once upon a time, I dipped my toes in that pool. I'm more on the construction end of the bargain. If a White hat were to work with an organization I worked for, they would contact me with any security flaws they found in their analysis."

He happened for the topic change, he had danced around describing anything of substance in his work. "Good friends from an earlier life live out their days here, it was the human element that brought me. I hear it's a difficult thing to manage." It was around now that he missed having wine to sip or a deep breath to take. Instead, the slight pause hung strangely around his ears, "we will see what the future brings. I hope it's boring, sadly I tend to find excitement in my search for boredom. Have you retained any of your Kine relations, Mr. Boyle?"

Another presumptuous question, but an easy one to deflect.

[Edward Heinrich]

It was the progression he was looking for. The pleasant and courteous formalities of acknowledgement followed by casual, yet constrained, socializing. The friendly dance, gentle question of "can you play? Will you be a good partner?" it was the ultimate purpose of all seemingly idle socializing. Such a joy.

"Among such sharp ears, I should better watch my words." Which was answer enough.

In response to Thomas's previous life, all Edward could think of were platitudes, so he elected not to comment. Nodding and trying to communicate his understanding through body language filled his silence.

"I have not, for there are none." Education was too easy to come by for computer science, Udemy, Codeacademy, HackerRank, Project Euler, and dozens of others offered the training at zero or near-zero cost. Worse for any would-be guild founders, the cost of determining the skill of any prospective employee was almost nothing, and so any guilds stamp of approval was worth almost nothing. The guild niche was absent in the current market.

The night wore on, and there was still work to be done.

"Well, Mr. Boyle, I fear I must excuse myself. There is still one matter I must attend to tonight, and I would hate to be caught in a summer sunrise. It has been a pleasure to make your acquiescence." He offered a hand to shake in farewell.

[Edward Heinrich]

He didn’t really feel tired anymore, but regardless of the activity, sometimes you’re done. Whatever it was you needed was fulfilled.

That was how Edward felt, at least. He assumed it was universal.

He made his exit quietly. Keeping an eye out for anyone who might look his way and giving them a nod. Off to other business.

Edward exits the scene