The Catalyst Chronicles
Episode 1 - A Bad Day
Jerry glared at me as I entered the service lobby of Steadmans Printing. Nothing new there. My boss existed in one of two quantum states, “pissed” and “really pissed.” The first is uncomfortable, but tolerable. The second--misery to the max. I took note of his apparent disposition and continued my routine. Something had boosted Jerry into the really pissed state and I didn't want any part of that.
I turned away from Mr Personality and gave my attention to the dispatcher seated behind a low counter. She accepted my service ticket, vehicle log, and keys with furtive glances across the room. Apparently, things weren't calming down on the Jerry front. We exchanged a a few quiet words and she nodded suggestively toward the office.
Jerry was standing in the lobby when I turned. We faced each other like gunfighters, one short and aggressive, the other tall and resolute. Jerry glowered for a few moments then summoned me with an angry jerk of his head. I picked up my messenger bag and moved cautiously in his direction.
“Why the hell didn’t you answer my calls?”
I clenched my teeth as the immaculately groomed jerk started laying into me. My plan to avoid Jerry's wrath just ended up in the crapper. I stood up a little straighter and projected an air of quiet confidence. The actions weren't overt expressions of disrespect but I knew they would piss him off. Never cower before a bully. Never.
“The librarians asked me to turn off my phone.” I told him quietly. “They said the noise and the conversations were disruptive.”
“Like I believe that!” Jerry’s face was flushed with indignation. “You’re working in a back room, not in the stacks.”
I shrugged and quashed my growing anger. “Jerry, why would I lie about something you can easily check? Call Nancy Ainsworth at the Graduate Library.” I spread my hands, raised my eyebrows, and gave him the “what do you want me to do” pose. “When the library manager tells me to turn off my phone, I turn off my phone.”
“Why aren’t you finishing the installation? I want that book machine up and running by Monday.”
“The Graduate Library closes at 7 o'clock on Friday. I was there when they opened and they chased me out when they closed. I can’t do more than that.”
“I want the installation finished by Monday morning.”
My temples were throbbing but I wasn’t going give him the satisfaction of an emotional response. “We have plenty of time," I told him. " The university doesn’t expect the book machine to be functional until next Friday.”
Jerry stepped closer, invading my personal space. The smell of cologne and hair gel were enough to gag me.
“What part of Monday morning don’t you understand?”
I stared at him for a moment then turned away before I did something really stupid. I’ve been plagued by bullies for most of my life and more than anything, I wanted to punish the little prick for the way he treated me and the other service techs. I could do it too, but stories about bullies getting their comeuppance spread quickly. Assuaging an outraged sense of fairness would only make me more visible to the slavers. Step back. Stay hidden.
I entered the Tech Office and tried to calm my Adrenalin-stoked desire to smash something or somebody. Jerry will eventually get what he deserves. I really believe that. And if there is a God, I'll be there when it happens.
I smiled at the thought and focused on my end-of-shift duties. There was no sense giving Jerry more excuses to stick it to me.
I turned away from Mr Personality and gave my attention to the dispatcher seated behind a low counter. She accepted my service ticket, vehicle log, and keys with furtive glances across the room. Apparently, things weren't calming down on the Jerry front. We exchanged a a few quiet words and she nodded suggestively toward the office.
Jerry was standing in the lobby when I turned. We faced each other like gunfighters, one short and aggressive, the other tall and resolute. Jerry glowered for a few moments then summoned me with an angry jerk of his head. I picked up my messenger bag and moved cautiously in his direction.
“Why the hell didn’t you answer my calls?”
I clenched my teeth as the immaculately groomed jerk started laying into me. My plan to avoid Jerry's wrath just ended up in the crapper. I stood up a little straighter and projected an air of quiet confidence. The actions weren't overt expressions of disrespect but I knew they would piss him off. Never cower before a bully. Never.
“The librarians asked me to turn off my phone.” I told him quietly. “They said the noise and the conversations were disruptive.”
“Like I believe that!” Jerry’s face was flushed with indignation. “You’re working in a back room, not in the stacks.”
I shrugged and quashed my growing anger. “Jerry, why would I lie about something you can easily check? Call Nancy Ainsworth at the Graduate Library.” I spread my hands, raised my eyebrows, and gave him the “what do you want me to do” pose. “When the library manager tells me to turn off my phone, I turn off my phone.”
“Why aren’t you finishing the installation? I want that book machine up and running by Monday.”
“The Graduate Library closes at 7 o'clock on Friday. I was there when they opened and they chased me out when they closed. I can’t do more than that.”
“I want the installation finished by Monday morning.”
My temples were throbbing but I wasn’t going give him the satisfaction of an emotional response. “We have plenty of time," I told him. " The university doesn’t expect the book machine to be functional until next Friday.”
Jerry stepped closer, invading my personal space. The smell of cologne and hair gel were enough to gag me.
“What part of Monday morning don’t you understand?”
I stared at him for a moment then turned away before I did something really stupid. I’ve been plagued by bullies for most of my life and more than anything, I wanted to punish the little prick for the way he treated me and the other service techs. I could do it too, but stories about bullies getting their comeuppance spread quickly. Assuaging an outraged sense of fairness would only make me more visible to the slavers. Step back. Stay hidden.
I entered the Tech Office and tried to calm my Adrenalin-stoked desire to smash something or somebody. Jerry will eventually get what he deserves. I really believe that. And if there is a God, I'll be there when it happens.
I smiled at the thought and focused on my end-of-shift duties. There was no sense giving Jerry more excuses to stick it to me.
