Bonus Short Story: The Two Mechanics

“You done there?”

“I only have to link the Ether Line.”

“Then I’ll go tune the Knight Baron.”

“Understood.”

When our master acquired the Hangar of Babylon, I started to work on Frame Gears again. To me, terminal of the workshop, High Rosetta, it felt like both heaven and hell at the same time. After all, there were only two mechanics. Myself and the hangar’s terminal, Fredmonica. Then again, people who knew nothing about this job would only get in the way.

However, this problem didn’t last long, as our master had sent us the mini-robots that were positioned at the rampart when he found it along with the tower. They were equipped with mechanical knowledge and great utility tools, making them the most excellent helpers, yessir. The workshop had also received a reactor from the tower, greatly increasing its power and allowing us to build the Frame Gears with maximum efficiency.

“Gotta say, I never thought we’d be mass-producing these.”

“I share the sentiment. Did Doctor Babylon perhaps foresee the second arrival of the Phrase?”

“Well, she had an Artifact that let her see the future, so it’s likely.”

Doctor Regina Babylon, user of all elements and the doctor of engineering responsible for developing the Frame Gears. Though she had some problems with her personality, she was undoubtedly a genius.

“Man, this makes me want to get my hands on the new product blueprints in the storehouse.”

“I couldn’t agree more. We can only hope that the storehouse and its terminal are in a favorable state.”

The terminal gynoid of the storehouse was one of the most, if not the most careless of us Babylon Numbers, and it was a question whether she could keep the warehouse afloat for a whole 5000 years.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s fine. That girl is really lucky when it counts.”

“I would like to hope so.”

From what I’d heard from Master, several Artifacts had already fallen out of the storehouse, and I could only hope that the warehouse itself wasn’t on the ground, as well. It would be great if he finds the storehouse, library, and research laboratory soon. I’d love to know how the girls there are doing.

“Anyway, the master is bringing us some treats this afternoon. Let’s finish up before then!”

“Yeah! Let’s go!”

Our new master was very kind and thoughtful. Sure, he made us work hard, but he made up for it by giving us treats and generally being very considerate.

I love him lots, yessir I do. That’s why I’m gonna work as hard as I can!

Bonus Essay: Writing Environment

I think I haven’t... or rather, I’m sure I haven’t seen another writer in the midst of their job, so I can’t say for sure, but I have the feeling that everyone has... a unique environment they prefer to write in. The position of their laptops, how they make their coffee, whether they listen to classical music... some might even prefer writing with a fountain pen while smoking in the silence of a library. The environment of work and the personal touches are important to each writer, and some might be unable to work without them.

I write this story on a smartphone, so I don’t really have place of work. I can focus anywhere, be it usual places like a cafe or a park, or uncommon ones like the city hall or the tax office.

Oh, but don’t worry, I don’t write while walking. I know it’s dangerous.

I tend to write in my room even if there’s noise, although there are times when I won’t be able to concentrate. If I really want to focus, I turn off my room’s lights at midnight and put on earplugs. That’s when I progress the story the most, as noise can’t interrupt my train of thought.

I don’t listen to music when I write, as I find that I tend to focus on singing along. I thought of trying classical music due to its frequent lack of lyrics, but my focus just drifted from the writing too. Although that’s happening right now, I suppose.

The disadvantages of writing on a smartphone are that I’m startled when I receive calls and emails, and I don’t notice if I have visitors. This has caused me to miss several packages. After I’m done writing, when I go to the hall I might find a ‘sorry we missed you’ letter because I didn’t hear the doorbell ringing. It doesn’t matter if I miss newspapers or religious solicitation, but I feel bad for making people stand and wait only to get no answer.

I want to make the best out of being able to write anywhere and write when I’m feeling great, just like today.