51 An Opportunity (1/2)
Michael looked around, dumbfounded.
”Is this... all your collection?”, he stammered out.
Mr. Maddox snorted before turning around and looking seriously at the young man. ”You are incorrect in two ways. First of all, it would take several lifetimes just to amass the collection you see before you. Look at me, do you think I've had that kind of time?”
Michael grinned sheepishly. Even though he still had a bit of the failing of the young of being unable to accurately gauge how old exactly adults were, he knew that Mr. Maddox was only a graduate student. He must have acquired the collection through his family or purchasing other collections in bulk.
”Your second mistake is that this isn't all of the books - just the ones for sale. Now, let's discuss the project.”
A stunned look quickly replaced his grin once again, before he shook his head and followed the librarian into a small brightly-lit office. He could see a brand new computer that still needed assembly on top of one side of a wraparound desk, with several filing cabinets labeled with a series of letters on the remaining wall.
”You can use this computer, though you'll have to do the assembly yourself. I've read a few books on them, but they're not really my cup of tea.”
Michael nodded absentmindedly. He looked at the various components laid out on the work surface. Top of the line graphics card, memory, processor... from myriad sources. Totally overkill for an office computer. The best way he could describe it was as if someone with more money than sense had walked into a store and said 'give me the top of the line, I don't care about anything else.' Michael decided to keep his mouth firmly shut.
”Speaking of, I'm going to make some tea. Would you like some?”, the librarian asked, not even waiting for a response as he stepped out of the room and headed deeper into the building. Michael was left alone in the office with the computer.
He was a bit perplexed. The entire ”job” was still rather vague. Still, a combination of reflex and respect for his teacher had him starting to put together the computer in short order. Soon he was engrossed in that work, and his concerns about the oddity of the situation faded to the back of his mind.
Without him noticing, Mr. Maddox had returned with a tray and tea set. He quietly observed Michael as he assembled the various components and nodded. He set the tray down on one of the unoccupied desk surfaces, then walked back to the office door before reaching outside just out of potential view of his young student. He quickly retracted his hand, bring a small table back and setting it down in an open area beyond the desk. He repeated the motion twice more, bringing two two chairs into the room as well.
When Michael had finished assembling the components, he plugged everything in and turned on the machine. He monitored the boot sequence and stood up, satisfied, before turning around and jumping a bit as he realized he was no longer alone. Mr. Maddox was sitting in one of the chairs, enjoying a cup of tea as he watched his assistant work.
”Sit,” the Librarian stated in a casual but imperious manner.
It sounded like he didn't care whether Michael listened one way or another, but at the same time as though he couldn't imagine anyone ever ignoring his directions. Michael went over and sat down in the remaining chair. There was an empty cup sitting next to the pot, but he didn't know the etiquette so he just... sat there.
Today's experience with Mr. Maddox was very different from their interactions at school. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about his demeanor that made Michael incredibly nervous.
”If you want tea, you can have some,” the Librarian said in an amused tone.
”...ah, yes!”, Michael hurriedly replied, his hands shaking as he picked up the teapot and went to pour.
”... don't spill.”
---
The tea was very fragrant, herbal and floral without being grassy or bitter. Despite the attempts of his mother to convince him otherwise, Michael had always been indifferent to tea, but he found this one quite refreshing. After a few minutes of silence while Michael sipped his tea, unconsciously matching his movements to the other man, Mr. Maddox finally set his cup down and spoke.
”From now on, come here on Sundays. You can choose a cataloguing system that you think is best. If I don't approve, I'll let you know. I want all of these books entered by the end of the year. If you need any other resources, let me know. In return, you can read anything you want. I can also see about getting you additional credit for school, depending on your performance.”
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