“Good morning,” said Mike as Starcrowe stepped into the base. “Glad you could make it.” He waved a hand to the offerings on the table. “Bagel?”
“No thanks,” said Starcrowe. “What did you want?”
“Down to business, I like that,” Mike said. “You blew off a contact last week.”
“Yeah. I had something more important to do.”
“Like what?”
Starcrowe glared at Mike. He looked like he was going to say, “None of your business,” but then a slow smile creeped over his face. “A job interview.”
“Oh, really? Where?”
“None of your business.”
“I think I should know,” said Mike. “In case of a conflict of interest.”
“There won’t be a conflict of interest, because if I get this job, I’m going to quit.”
Mike turned and buttered a bagel. “I know you’re not happy here. Do you want to know why I haven’t promoted you?”
“You don’t like that I want your job.”
Mike waved a hand. “I’d give it to you, but the reason why I don’t is that you don’t care about anyone but yourself.”
“That’s not true!”
“Scott has worked with you to control your powers, right? When you go with Power Shift, who leads?”
“I do.”
“Because?”
“Because I’m better than he is. He’s got a new suit so he’s not as good.”
“And how’s that working out for you?”
“We get the job done.”
Mike sighed. “You and I should go work toget–”
“It doesn’t matter,” said Starcrowe, heading to the door. “I’m going to get this job and leave here.”
“What kind of job is it?”
“Field work. Head of field work.”
Mike looked at him directly. “If it’s for that Technomancer, Damon, you’ll regret it.”
Starcrowe shrugged.
“You’re old enough to make your own decisions,” said Mike. “I just hope you don’t jump into the fire.”
“If I do,” said Starcrowe, heading to the door, “I have magic.”