The sun rose up over Baer’s Landing, light filtering in through Micky’s window to reflect in the glossy surface of the Vaixell. Micky found himself awakened by one of these errant beams of light. Stretching out with an audible groan, he began the process of getting ready for the day.

A brief shower, and a fresh set of clothes later he felt prepared to face the day. Heading towards the stairs he whistled a jaunty tune.

“You’re looking cheerful boy” Ma Duke greeted him as he entered the kitchen. “What’s got you bouncing down my stairs?”

“The sun is shining, birds are singing, and I have the day. What’s not to like?” He answered with a broad wave of his hands.

“Oh ho, so this mood has got nothing to do with your lunch plans then?

“Huh. You heard that part then?”

“I’m old boy, not deaf or blind. I’ve seen herds of ten-foot sp’ilo rampaging down a highway with more subtlety than you.”

“That bad huh?” Micky asked, one hand scratching the bad of his head. “I mean, it’s not a date date right?. Just lunch with a friend.”

“And I’m the governor of Baer’s Landing,” said Ma Duke with a flat look directly at Micky.

“Then it is an honor to eat at your table Governor Duke” Micky replied, nodding his head dearly in her direction.

Ducking his head quickly to avoid the bread roll she tossed at him, Micky smiled widely.

“That hardly seems like the behavior of a woman seeking re-election Madam Governor” he chuckled.

“Bah, be off with you boy. And don’t forget the flowers. She’s always bringing forget-me-nots home from work, I’d start there.”

“Thanks, Ma,” Micky said with honest gratitude. “I’ve got to head off now. I need to swing past the TRC and run a couple of errands before lunch.”

“Good luck, Micky” Ma Duke replied with a wave of her hand as he stood from the table and walked out the door.

I wonder if I have time to get some more clothes made Micky wondered as he walked through the heaving bazaar towards the government district. Dodging the porters and criers hawking their wares had become almost second nature to him at this point, so the journey proceeded smoothly.

Arriving at the plaza before the TRC, Micky ran through his to-do list for the day. I’ve got to collect the cash from Fredrickson, order some more clothes, and find a florist before lunch. No worries.

Fredrickson was hunched over a workbench working when Micky walked in. His huge hands made the clockwork device he was working on seem frail and far too fragile.

He stood up as Micky approached turning his calm gaze in Micky’s direction. “Ah, Micky. Positively splendid to see you again old bean. To whatever do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good to see you too mate, how are you doing?” Micky asked as he shook the troll’s coarse hand slowly.

“Positively excellent Micky, work has been as rewarding as I could possibly ask for. How can the supplies division of the TRC help you today?

“I’m actually here to make a withdrawal. I’ve got a job with a salvaging firm and I need to sort out some gear.”

“I would be happy to help, give me just one moment.” Fredrickson took off his brown leather work apron and hung it on the rack before turning back to Micky. “Salvaging sounds like terribly glamorous work, always something new over the horizon. I suppose it’s best left to you young fellows though, my old bones don’t like the sound of sleeping in a forest or a cave one little bit. Come with me down to the storage area and we’ll get you sorted out as right as rain.”

Micky followed Fredrickson down a series of corridors, deeper into the basement of the TRC. They found themselves before a grated iron door.

“I’ll just pop in and make the withdrawal for you Micky. Shan’t be more than a few minutes. How much would you like to receive?”

“I’m planning on emptying the account mate. There should be nineteen gold left in it I think?”

“That must be some rather expensive salvage gear, Micky. As a part of the TRC I need to ask, are you being taken advantage of? What is it that you intend to purchase?”

“The logistics guy with my team is sorting out the purchase. I’m going to get an energy spear and some armor-weave clothes.”

“I see” rumbled Fredrickson. “And how much did he suggest these items would cost you? Skepticism was thick in the troll’s voice now.

“Between 12-15 gold mate. Apparently, he gets stuff cheaper if he orders it through the company’s suppliers”

“That is a most reasonable price Micky, I was concerned that you someone was looking to benefit from your agreeable nature”

“Ah, good looking out mate. No, the rest of the money is to pay my landlady the next couple of months in advance and make sure I’ve got some money in my pocket for the next little while.”

“I understand completely. I’m most glad you have found employment with a firm will to look after its employees so well. Wait here one moment.” Fredrickson turned and unlocked the door with a wave of one massive hand, before disappearing into the gloom beyond it.

Several minutes later, with a small leather pouch held between two fingers, Fredrickson returned.

“Here you are, Micky. Nineteen gold, just as advertised”

“Ah, you’re a star, Fredrickson. Thanks for all the help, I love the Vaixell. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

“Not a problem Micky, do feel free to stop by any time. I do so enjoy the company.

“I’ll drop in next time I’m back in town, mate. Maybe we can grab lunch in the city somewhere if you get the day off.”

“A grand suggestion Micky. How do you feel about Narasimhaan cuisine?”

Micky couldn’t suppress a shudder. “Maybe something a little less spicy, the last time I tried it I felt like I could breathe fire.

Fredrickson’s booming chuckle echoed down the corridor. “Perhaps we can find something more to your tastes then. I really must return to work, but it was most excellent to see you.”

“You too Fredrickson” Micky replied with a smile. “Catch you next time.”

Walking back into the reception area Micky pondered his next move. Seeing a familiar face behind the reception desk, he wandered over with a grin.

“Hey Clarita, long time no see,” he said with a wave.

“Ah, Mr. Taylor. Good to see you too. How can I help you today?”

“This might not be your actual job per se, but I’m looking for a florist. Any chance you know of one in the area?

Clarita thought for a second at this. “Well, that’s not a question I am asked terribly often, Mr. Taylor. I think there are several in the government district though. Are you looking for something in particular?”

“I’ve got lunch with a friend, and I’d like to bring her something nice. Actually maybe instead of a florist, a garden center would be better. That way I can get something alive.”

Clarita brightened at this, showing a smile for the first time in the conversation.

“In that case, I have just the thing, Mr. Taylor. My cousin runs a terrarium on the edge of the government district. I’m sure he’ll be able to help you with whatever you need.”

“Score another point for the TRC, you guys have been on fire today” Micky smiled. “Whereabouts is this place?”

“I am glad to hear we have been of service, wait just one moment and I will write some directions down for you.”

Clarita ducked down behind her desk for a moment, before emerging with a silver fountain and a scrap of paper. After writing furiously for a few moments she handed the paper to Micky.

“You are rapidly becoming my favorite TRC employee Clarita,” he said with a grin as he took the directions.

“That is kind of you to say, Mr. Taylor, but all of us at the TRC do our best to help.”

“And you all do an outstanding job, I’d have been well and truly BLEEPED without you guys helping me out.”

Micky followed Clarita’s directions through the government district with a spring in his step, keep an eye out for the terrarium, which he figured would be a swanky version of a plant shop. He was absolutely not prepared for the translucent sphere he found as he turned the last corner. Made from enormous hexagons of some clear material, the sphere rose three stories into the air and seemed to contain an entire forest in miniature.

Walking down the sidewalk towards the structure, Micky wondered if Clarita had sent him to the right place. As he got closer he noticed a young man standing by the edge with a mop and bucket cleaning the floor.

“Hey, I’m looking for Matias Forrester, his cousin Clarita said I might be able to get some plants here?”

The youth looked up with a start. ”Oh, hey. I didn’t notice you there. You’re looking for Dr. Forrester? He should be in the fern section. Head right in.” Turning towards the structure he withdrew a crystalline rod and tapped one of the hexagons at ground level, which shimmered brightly before disappearing.

The air inside the terrarium was hot and sticky. As he walked down the crushed gravel path Micky thought he heard small scurrying footsteps coming from the thick underbrush. Approaching what looked like a section of ferns he called out a greeting.

There was a long pause before an older man in dark brown overalls emerged from the bushes.

“How can I help you?” He asked looking at Micky while wiping the rich, brown soil from his hands.

“Are you Dr. Forrester? Clarita said you might be able to help me find some flowers for a friend.”

“I would be happy to help, the terrarium is the premier plant research facility. Are you looking for something in particular?”

“Yeah, a mutual friend told me she loved forget-me-nots. I’d like to get her something in a pot that would stay alive, rather than cut flowers.”

“A man after my own heart I see. I believe we have several forget-me-nots potted up and ready for sale in the gift shop. Follow me right this way.”

Twenty minutes later and five silver poorer Micky left the terrarium, a small forget-me-not in a green glazed pot under one arm. Ecstatic with his choice Micky walked down the road towards the Royal Mile. It was time for lunch with Opal.