Stark Industries, Monday

[endsthegame]

It was just another day of work for Ender. Between flower deliveries and dances his weekend had been unusually full, and on Sunday he'd been happy to retreat into the relative calm of his room.

But now he was at work, the mouse-droid running around his feet. He play-tested the little mock-up he'd created: just a couple of things, like cooling systems and measuring equipment, just to start small.

It was pretty comfortable.

[ open! ]

Comments

[momslilassassin]

As had become habit, Ben popped his head into the store. "Ho, Ender."

[endsthegame]

"Ho, Ben," he answered, without looking up. "Grab a chair."

[momslilassassin]

Ben pulled up a chair, smiling down at the mouse droid. "I brought the hyperdrive specs," he said. "What are you working on today?"

[endsthegame]

"Just testing what I've already got," Ender said, looking up. "Can I see the specs?"

[momslilassassin]

"I translated them into English," Ben said, sliding a small hand-held computer over. "I figured making you read Basic was kind of mean."

[endsthegame]

"It might've given me something to do for a few weeks," he noted, and took it. Ender weighed the computer in his hand at first before he looked at the file.

[momslilassassin]

"I can certainly put them back," Ben said, "if you're looking for another challenge."

Ben had provided more than just specs on making a hyperdrive. He'd also included a couple hundred years of scientific discover that had led to the invention and the tweaks that streamlined the process.

[endsthegame]

"Maybe later," Ender said. A faint hint of approval might have fallen over his face as he processed exactly how much Ben had given him. "Thanks," he said, finally.

It was a very simple word said at a mostly normal tone, but still.

[momslilassassin]

"It's ancient history for us," Ben said, waving it off. He'd noted the approval, though.

[endsthegame]

"Possibly future for me," Ender pointed out, putting the computer away for now. He'd get to it when Ben had left. "So you made it through the dance."

[momslilassassin]

"Is it wrong I was kind of disappointed that we weren't invaded during it?" he asked.

[endsthegame]

"You're still young," Ender said, seriously, "We'll beat that wrongness out of you just yet."

[momslilassassin]

"I'm certain I can learn without the beatings," Ben said. "And dancing was fun, too. Even if the music is terrible."

[endsthegame]

"The music might also beat the wrongness out of you," Ender continued, "I think they use it as a torture instrument somewhere right now."

[momslilassassin]

He smiled. "I wouldn't be surprised. What's music like where you're from? When you're from? Whichever applies."

[endsthegame]

"I don't really know," Ender confessed, shrugging a little.

[momslilassassin]

"Not a lot of music up in Battle School?" Ben guessed.

[endsthegame]

"Not unless you like military marches on propaganda vids."

[momslilassassin]

Ben wrinkled up his nose. "Lots of drums and brass?"

[endsthegame]

"And stomping their feet," he said, with a brief smirk.

[momslilassassin]

"Well, it's certainly rhythmic," Ben said, chuckling, "but it's not exactly dancing. Granddad says being a good dancer and being good with a lightsaber are linked."

[endsthegame]

"That might've made the dance a little more interesting."

[momslilassassin]

"You're on the council," Ben teased. "Make sure there's something to fight at the next dance."

[endsthegame]

"It's prom then graduation next, I think," Ender pointed out. "If the stories I've heard are right, I don't think we have to arrange anything for you to hack up."

[momslilassassin]

Ben should really not look so excited about getting to fight something. "Really?"