Doorways Chapter 2c

“So why me?”

“Why not? Your age, your inquisitiveness, your keen nature. That all points to an active brain that isn't being used to it's full potential. If you could have a job, any job in the whole System, what would it be?” Darius asked enthusiastically.

“One in that canteen would do me alright.” Alexandria said seriously.

“How ambitious.” Darius frowned. “So! Canteen, yes? So you'd need to be able to read the menu.”

“Why? I know what food looks like.” Alexandria shrugged. “Them's potatoes, that's rice, that's fish, that's meat. I'd hardly get it mixed up would I?”

“OK! So what if someone came into the canteen and asked you what was on the menu?”

“I'd point at it and say 'there you go mate'.” Alexandria said. Darius gritted his teeth. “What? Why you got folk in your canteen that can't read? They're in the Military aren't they?”

“I didn't mean this canteen in particular.” Darius said patiently.

“Well yes you did. I told you that when you asked me. Anyway if they couldn't read the menu, I'd send them to you. You could learn them to read too.” Alexandria nodded.

“Right! OK let's forget the menu!” Darius said testily. “How about following a written menu to prepare food?”

“They'd let me cook straight away? Don't they train them?” Alexandria said in surprise.

“Master Hawk.” Bowles' insides were aching yet again. “May I?”

“Please do.” Darius rubbed his temples.

"You get to stay here with Master Hawk while you're studying. He has the biggest apartment in the area. Two bathrooms and a fully stocked kitchen.” Bowles informed Alexandria.

“It does?” Now she looked interested. “And a bed?”

“Well it has more than one.” Darius offered quickly.

“Inside midden?”

“Lavatory. Yes. Heating and hot water too.” Darius sighed wearily and Alexandria beamed broadly. “Come on, I'll take you there.” Darius stood up and caught Sergeant Bowles smirking.

“Appeal to the immediate necessities first, Master Hawk. Basic Humanities Training, Cadet level.”

“Hmm.” Darius said dryly and left the ante-room.