Ver 5.2 | Video

[liverletdie]

You know, we have a lot of really talented people here. Not that we didn't before -- us imports have always been pretty on top of things, but I think it goes without saying that without the talent and skill of everyone, there'd probably be a few of us that would be dead right about now. Or at least we'd have died. So, I don't think anyone's said it yet, but thanks, to everyone who helped get us out of there.

[ And there's a pause there, he's trying to be nice, and his ego is suffering. ]

I'd like to say we could have done it ourselves, but... well, you can't always predict for unpredictability, and getting us quickly could have been what saved our lives.

But, that's not the only reason I'm here. It's been a busy couple of weeks, not just from our unfortunate attempt to go to space, but for me personally. [ He indicates behind him, it's obviously an office, more strewn with metal and wires and parts than anything else. It's, frankly, an absolute mess. ] I got the loan a few weeks ago, but other than a few people I've gotten in on the ground floor, we haven't had much opportunity for hiring. Startups are always complicated.

But I'm happy to say, that if you want to work in tech and R&D, you should probably come talk to me. I can't promise high wages -- yet -- but I take care of my people, and with a few choice inventions, we'll be able to hit the ground running, and I'd like to see anyone with talent come talk to me. I promise, you won't regret it.

At least, you won't if you don't mind working for me.

Comments

[performance]

I'm good with the hardware side, but programming's my passion. All kinds of things — but I'm best at security and encryption.

[liverletdie]

Programming, huh? [ A pause. ]

How good are you?

[performance]

Good enough to help you get off the ground.

[ Nothing but confidence in this kid's voice. ]

[liverletdie]

You sound pretty confident about that. [ But wouldn't it be nice to NOT have to program everything himself? ]

Why don't we try a little test, and see? You're good with encryption, right?

Encrypt this, and impress me.

[performance]

Sit back and be amazed.

[ It doesn't take long before there's a notice: access denied.

It's badass encryption, probably next to impossible to hack for anyone who isn't a fellow techno-genius, routing the info through secret back doors and setting up security codes that would take millions of attempts to break. He really is good. After all, this is the kid who helped write the security system for the Batcave. ]

[liverletdie]

[ A low whistle. ]

Not bad, how old are you again?

[ And in that length of time, it's broken -- it's not that he's showing off, but...well. It's a puzzle, he needs to fix it, and being a living computer has its perks. ]

That's a pretty impressive encryption.

[performance]

Thanks. That was pretty impressive decryption.

[ The grin in his voice is audible. ]

No "again." I never said. I'm 14.

[liverletdie]

Fourteen, huh?

Wow, that is pretty impressive. When would you want to start?

[performance]

—for real? Anytime! I mean, I guess two weeks' notice is polite, but they basically have me selling HDMI cables and phone chargers down here, so I don't think it'll be a problem if you want me early!

... If that was an offer, I mean.

[ Shoot, was that too eager? Should he be playing hard to get? ]

[liverletdie]

It may have been. I'm sure they would understand that you've had a better opportunity.

It's better than electronics sales, isn't it? So yes, I think we could take you in early.

[performance]

You got that right.

So when would you want me to start? Assuming I can duck out of retail early.

[liverletdie]

Well, that's up to you. How about next week?

[performance]

Next week's perfect.

[liverletdie]

Sounds fantastic. We'll make sure you have a workstation soon enough.