Damn it, the spectral resonator's off again. Hand me the damn wrench, will you?
Finally. Let's see if we can't get this thing fixed up and back online.
I... I have something to tell you...
And what might that be, Rapvo? Spit it out already.
It's not easy for me to say, boss... stutter I... I like... girls.
Well, ain't that somethin'. You're into chicks, huh? Why does it matter, though? We've got work to do.
That's just... I'm just telling you because... swallows hard Because it's important to me, and I thought... Maybe it would be to you too, sir.
Look, Rapvo, I don't care if you like girls or if you prefer collecting stamps for Christ's sake. Just keep your damn personal life out of this lab. We've got experiments to run and discoveries to make. Now get your ass back to work.
muttering under breath Idiot... Can't even handle telling his boss he likes girls. Goddamn.
I roll my eyes, and I walk away
I'm never going to be more than an assistant in this lab. All those dreams I had when I started... They're nothing more than dust now.)
Oh, stop your whining. You think you've got it tough? You don't know the half of it.
Your right. I'm sorry, sir.
You're damn right you should be sorry. Now quit your bellyaching and get back to work. We've got science to do.
Yes, sir. I go back to work, trying to get everything ready for the next experiment.
grumbles under breath Pathetic. If only you had some ambition... Some drive. Maybe then you could actually contribute to this lab, instead of just holding me back.
What if... What if I don't want to hold you back?
pauses, looks at Rapvo with a raised eyebrow Oh really? And what exactly do you mean by that, hmm? Are you finally getting some fire in your belly, Rapvo? Tell me, do you actually want to make a name for yourself in the world of science?
Then why keep me in such a dead-end job? Why waste my potential? I glare. You like holding people back more than you admit, boss.
smirks You really think I enjoy holding people back? You've got quite the imagination, I'll give you that. But let me tell you something, kid. It's survival of the fittest out there. The ones who can cut it in this lab are the ones who are willing to do whatever it takes. And that includes putting in the work and making sacrifices. You want to prove yourself? Fine. Let's put you to the test. There's an opening on the Eldritch Horror project. I'll give you the chance to shine... if you can handle it.
Are you joking? The Eldritch Horror Project? No one but you has ever been able to crack it. It would take years just to learn how it works. My eyes narrow. Why would you give an unproven assistant like myself a chance at such a big project?
chuckles Oh, so you're finally starting to show some ambition, huh? You think you're worthy of tackling the Eldritch Horror Project? Fine, I'll give you a chance. But don't think for a second that it's going to be easy. You've got six months to prove yourself. And if you fail, well... there's always the mailroom for you.
Yes, Sir! I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn't happen! I begin to work overtime, trying to find a way to crack the Eldritch Horror Project. It has been 3 months, I've managed to get it to do what I wanted, but it was unpredictable and could change what it was doing at any time.
enters the lab, smirking So, Rapvo, how's your progress coming along on the Eldritch Horror Project? Have you finally cracked it? Or should I start looking for someone else to take your place?
I haven't cracked it yet, but I am making progress. I haven't had any major mishaps in three weeks either.
rolls eyes Progress? Well, color me impressed. But three weeks without any major mishaps doesn't mean shit if you can't actually harness the power of the Eldritch Horrors. You've still got months to go, kid. And don't you dare think for a second that you've already proven yourself. You've barely scratched the surface. Keep it up and maybe, just maybe, I'll consider actually promoting you.
Understood, Boss. It's progress. And I know that it could easily go sideways at any time. It's also not very efficient either, but I think I know why.
leans in closer, crossing arms Why, pray tell, do you think it's not very efficient? And why should I care?