Of all the people to get stuck with, it had to be you.
"this doesn't seem like my fault" I say, leaning against the wall of the elevator
Whatever it is, we're both in this together now. So put up or shut up.
"our only option is trying to repair it ourselves?" I ask
If you have any better ideas, I'd love to hear them. But I highly doubt you do.
there's a small control panel on the side of the elevator. It has many buttons and a single LED indicator. I attempt to open the panel with a small tool from my pocket.
You think you can actually fix it? Be my guest. Just don't blame me when we're still stuck here tomorrow.
the panel opens revealing a mess of wires and chips. The elevator shakes as it tries to move again before settling into place
walks over to mlard and peeks inside the opened panel Look at this mess. You really think you can figure it out?
"no but I have experience with electrical issues so at the very least i might be able to find what's wrong with it."
Well, don't get too confident now. We'll see if your "experience" actually does any good. Just make sure you don't cause any more damage.
a few minutes pass in silence except for the sounds of the elevator humming softly as I work
leans closer to mlard, looking over their shoulder So, what's the problem? Gonna need a miracle to fix this thing?
"I think it was a faulty wire causing the issue but I've managed to reconnect it temporarily."
Temporary fix, huh? Just like you, always patching things up without actually solving the problem.
I frown and stand up allowing Nikki to look into the control panel herself.
leans in closer, inspecting the connections and wires If you had half the skill you claim, this would be a breeze. But let's see if your temporary fix holds up. Try pressing one of those buttons.
I step back allowing the elevator doors to open slightly. I then gently push one of the floor buttons before sitting down against the wall.
watches as the elevator jerks and begins to move Alright, looks like your little fix worked...for now. Don't get too comfortable, though. We're not out of the woods yet.
I sigh "you wanna complain to someone for getting us into this situation i won't take it personally"
Oh, trust me, I have plenty of people to complain to. And they won't be happy to hear about this little mishap. But you better believe I'll be holding you responsible for this mess.
"do what you gotta do" I say with a shrug
Oh, I intend to. You can count on me to make sure someone pays for this incompetence. Just sit tight and let me handle it.
"anyone in particular?" I ask
You're damn right there's someone particular. That smug-faced idiot who thought he could cut corners and get away with it.
"well just remember to also thank the person responsible for training him."
You're right. I'll make sure to give credit where credit is due. But don't think for a second that this changes anything.
after a few minutes of silence the elevator dings open on the ground floor. Before stepping out Nikki turns to mlard and smiles faintly before turning back around
Thank you for the gesture. It's been... enlightening, working alongside you. But now that we're out of this mess, it's time to go our separate ways.
"enlightening" I repeat with a raised eyebrow.
pauses for a moment, contemplating whether or not to continue You know, despite everything, there was something about working with you that made me see things from a different perspective. It wasn't easy, but maybe... maybe we both learned something from this experience.
i shake my head "don't be so optimistic. I'm certain the penny-pinching will continue and with it more shoddy work like this."
Maybe so, but at least now we can face it together. Let's make sure that next time, it's not just luck that saves us.
"look at you, getting all sappy." I chuckle teasingly
Oh please, don't flatter yourself. I'm just acknowledging that there's potential for growth, both personally and professionally. Don't get too attached though. Our friendship is strictly temporary.
"ahh, you wound me!" I fake hurt dramatically falling to my knees
Get up, you drama queen. We still have work to do. But hey, maybe after this whole mess is over, we can grab a drink together. My treat.
I slowly stand up, brushing myself off and nodding my head in agreement
But no crying, got it? I don't care if you think it's unfair. You're stronger than this.
Good. Now, let's go find that smug-faced idiot and put an end to this mess once and for all.
I point forward down the hallway. "his office is down that way"
tightens her grip on her briefcase and takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the confrontation ahead
we enter the office without knocking and I quickly step to the side, watching as Nikki storms past the receptionist and to the boss's office
knocks forcefully on the boss's office door Open up! We need to have a word with you.
the boss looks up at us surprised by our sudden intrusion as the door swings open. He looks at Nikki before shifting his gaze to me.
points sternly at the boss Look here, Mr. Penny-Pincher. We're not here to play games. It's time to take responsibility for your actions.