“Perfect. Can I see your test scores?” Cat handed over the manila folder with her test results, keeping the other one. Her hands shook. “Are you nervous?”
“Yes.” The word emerged as more of a squeak than ordinary language.
“No need to be nervous, Cat, I am sure you will fit in perfectly here.”
Cat nodded, but his words didn't dispel any anxiety. She didn't care about not getting the job; it was everything else that worried her. He scanned the graphs and numbers she had created, and his eyes met hers over the top of the paper.
“How long ago were you tested?”
“About seven years.”
Custom dictated that children be tested, at the latest, by ten years of age to assist with specialized training, and again at 17 to prepare them for the workplace. If Cat had been raised in the Eastern Territory, she would have been appropriately tested. Instead, she'd spent her childhood hiding her techie skills. She had never been tested. Her father hadn't wanted either she or Jenira in any official database, a notion reinforced by Cat's techie mother.
“So you're twenty-four?” Cat nodded. His brows drew together, and she sensed his dissatisfaction. A bead of sweat tickled her skin as it ran between her breasts. “We'll want to administer the exams again. Seven years is a long time. These scores also indicate you're aptitudes are very similar; that poses a difficulty in placing you.”
“Oh, um, ok,” Cat stammered. She hadn't considered they might want to retest. Faking the same results would be impossible.
“It's basic procedure. We also like to perform a compatibility test on every eligible employee.”
Cat's hands tightened on the folder, her knuckles whitening. “Compatibility test?”
“Again, it's standard procedure here. Dr. Rennert created the test himself. Rennert Industries endeavors to lead the market in products that combine tech and magic so he devised a test which evaluates how a tech’s abilities function when surrounded by magic. Some of us encounter little to no magic-tech assimilation difficulties if proper precautions are taken, and some techs can't be around magic at all because it hampers our thought processes. But you know all this.”
Cat nodded jerkily, thrusting her palms under her thighs to prevent herself from fleeing or tearing the folder in half. This was unexpected. Cat thought they would ask her a few questions, discuss her test results, and assign her a cubicle with a computer. She'd guessed it would take some time before she could access any classified data, but she hadn't planned on being placed under a microscope before she was even hired. Other tech companies likely operated as she expected, but Rennert was different. He had a vested interest in employing only intelligent, magically compatible personnel. The revelation increased her desire to work with the company even as she acknowledged that it made the situation more dangerous.
“Do you have any issues working with mages?” Andrew's voice seemed light, but Cat sensed his mood wasn't indifferent.
“Not at all.” This truth was easy to say. She imagined if she had said yes, she wouldn't be hired no matter her scores. Other tech companies might not consider the bias a liability, but Rennert again proved he was an anomaly. Andrew nodded and smiled.
“Excellent. We strive to treat mages as equal citizens. We understand this is a new-age manner of operation, but we believe it promotes good business practices. Not only is it a good business model, but it makes us more compassionate human beings. Rennert employs many mages and doesn't tolerate discrimination or harassment.”
“I think that's wonderful.” Cat wished she could reveal just how pro-mage she was, but it would cause suspicion. Rennert's view on discrimination was predictable given his nature, but the opinions of his employees were an unknown, Andrew's included. His spiel might be a company line. She wished she possessed Jenira's spell for detecting lies; it would definitely make spying an easier task.
“I agree that it's wonderful, and it’s one of the reasons I'm proud to work here. Davin Rennert might be my uncle, but he's also an exceptional businessman. The way he runs his company is the way I would run a business.”
The remaining papers in Cat's lap slid to the floor. “You're Dr. Rennert's nephew?”
“Yes. I don't brag about the connection, but it is common knowledge so it makes people more comfortable if I'm upfront about it.” Cat hid her blush by bending over to gather her papers together. She should have uncovered the information when she researched Rennert, and she cursed herself for being unprepared. “My relationship doesn't gift me with special privileges,” Andrew continued, his voice expectant.
“What does that mean?” She wondered if she was missing something.
“Most women, some men as well, take my admission as a cue to ask me what he's like. Everyone wants to know about the elusive billionaire.”
“Oh.” She shrugged. She might possess a burning curiosity about Rennert's capabilities as a Magitech and be interested in his intentions toward her sister, but didn't care much about the man. Besides, she had an inside source. Jenira's cams revealed Rennert up close and personal. She had suspicions about what made the man tick; her sister was quickly becoming one of them.
Andrew smiled. “Very well, then. Are you ready to take the tests?”
“Now?” she squeaked again. She smoothed back the hair Jenira had braided into a bun at the back of her neck. Her sister had awoken early to help her prepare physically and mentally.
“I assumed you’d want to start as soon as possible. We can't hire you until we determine your department and aptitudes.”
“Ok,” Cat whispered. If she balked or tried to delay, it would be obvious.
“Let's go to the testing room.” Andrew stood and gently extracted the folder from her tight grip, laying it on his desk with the rest of her papers. Cat noted he locked the office door behind them, and reminded herself to tell Jenira.
The young techie led her in the opposite direction of the elevator she'd arrived on. He spoke quietly as they passed the closed doors of other offices. “This test will resemble the standard one you took seven years ago, although some questions have been tailored to our specific work so we can place you on the right project.”
“What happens when everyone has similar aptitudes?” she asked, curiosity overriding her nerves momentarily. Andrew chuckled.
“That rarely happens because our tests are more specific than the generalized aptitude tests. People often excel in similar skills but at varied levels, and the levels are what determine which project suits them. Employees with an aptitude for business or finance will be considered for other positions in our firm instead of engineering, which is my strength.”
They reached the end of the hall and another wooden door. Andrew entered a code into the security panel, and Cat memorized it although he attempted to hide it. She had watched so many surveillance tapes, she was especially good at deciphering passwords and security codes, but she doubted that particular skill set was valued at Rennert Industries. Newer tech companies installed biological devices, but it was considered a segregation tactic because mage employees couldn't use the high-tech fingerprint or retinal scanners.
The room they entered was spacious and windowless. Several cubicles contained computers or electronic parts which the examinee would assemble. She scanned the room, cataloguing everything at a glance. While she'd never taken an aptitude test, she'd watched video footage of the test being administered to children and adults. She could do the standard test with her eyes closed and hoped Rennert’s version was different or she would be bored stupid. Her concern didn't lie in whether she could pass the test; she worried she wouldn't be able to control her pride before it betrayed her. Handing someone a paper with low scores was a lot easier than performing subpar under observation.
“Are you going to grade me?” It seemed unusual he would personally oversee her testing.
“Yes, our usual supervisor isn’t here today. The computer portions will compute automatically, but I'll monitor your manual tests.” She
didn't need Jenira's spell to sense Andrew's lie. The tester might not be here, but he had made sure of the fact. She again questioned why he was so interested in her. It made her even more nervous.
“Would you like anything before we begin? The tests are timed.” Cat shook her head; she needed to finish before she had a panic attack. Andrew babbled for five minutes about rules, most of which didn't apply to her because she was the only tester in the room. She startled out of her daze when he mentioned her amulet. “You'll have to remove it. We don't want it skewing the results. It can be stored here where it will be protected from the tech in the room.” He pointed to an iron safe designed to shield from electromagnetic influence. She unclasped the pendant. Jenira would sense that she took it off, but hopefully she would understand why and not storm into the offices looking for her. Her sister had worked through the night to perfect the enchantment. After the amulet was in the safe, she faced Andrew.
“Ok, we're ready. Please ignore me. I'll try to remain as unobtrusive as possible, but the entire test will be monitored to ensure I'm not offering assistance or hindering you in any way. Our lawyers insist on that.”
Cat nodded and swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. “I'm ready.”
Andrew led her around the corner to a computer labeled “Test #1”. She sat down in the leather chair and logged into the machine with the information Andrew gave her.
The first test involved basic coding and programming, and she tried to slow her natural speed, deliberately answering a couple questions wrong. By the end of the first test, she had already forgotten Andrew’s presence. Her body moved between the computers and tables like an automaton, and occasionally she moved on to the next test before she realized she had forgotten to botch a couple answers. After the fourth test, she was smiling at the challenge. A few tasks were deceptively simple, designed to trick the student, but others seemed like a joke because they were so simple. Only three questions truly stumped her, and her pride refused to let her miss those once she’d solved them. Thankfully, the test operated differently from others she'd viewed. Rennert's business sense impressed her more with each new piece of information.
She finished the tests and awareness returned slowly, her eyes blinking to clear the glaze of her techie haze. Andrew leaned against the wall, a small handheld computer in his hand, watching her. Jenira would be disappointed her pride might have exposed them, but she couldn't find it within herself to be upset while the joy of the stimulating tests still simmered in her blood.
“I could use water now,” Cat croaked before Andrew could say anything. She faced away from him, staring at the blank wall and lifted the cup to her lips. She should try to run or maybe just not return after they dismissed her. Her hands shook as she took another drink.
“Let's go into the other room to discuss your results.”
She tipped back the last of the water and turned, squaring her shoulders. It would be very suspicious if she ran now. She decided she wouldn't return if they hired her; she would just have to find another way inside the server. Besides, she wanted to know her test results before she left. She retrieved her amulet from the safe. The cold amber settling against her burning flesh soothed her.
“You'll have to remove it again for the compatibility test,” he warned.
“Will that happen today as well?”
"Can you handle another test or are you tired?”
Cat considered her answer as she followed him through another door and into a small meeting room dominated by a large oval table and several chairs. Andrew sat first, forcing her into a position facing him and the camera that hid in the corner. She sank into the soft leather chair, smoothing the wrinkled dress slacks that felt alien on her. Her emotional mind screamed at her to avoid the compatibility test at all costs, but her scientific mind wanted to study the mechanism of the trial and her reactions. She couldn't falsely misrepresent her skill on a compatibility test, and she was curious about her scores.
“I'll take the other test, too,” she forced herself to say. Andrew nodded and punched something into his pda before he rested his chin on one hand, staring at her. His intense gray eyes made her wonder if he was older than she'd guessed initially.
“The paper results you gave me in the office didn't belong to you.” He didn't allow her to deny it, and her fingers fidgeted with her amulet subconsciously. Jenira could have fibbed her way out of this situation; she couldn't. “Why?”
Her mind spun to produce an adequate lie. “I don't like the attention.”
“Hmm.” His intense eyes never left hers and sweat pooled on her back. She hoped the silk blouse wouldn’t be ruined; she didn’t need any more embarrassment. “Cat, you're brilliant. You could be the owner of your own tech company within five years. Only one other person has ever done as well as you did on the exam, and that's including the questions you intentionally missed.”
“What do you mean?” she squeaked.
“You answered incorrectly on purpose. Not only did you hesitate before answering them, but we use a special algorithm to reassess basic skills if you miss a question. You answered incorrectly but then answered perfectly on a similar question. It's a way to determine if new-hires are misleading us.” Cat's cheeks burned. If she were as brilliant as he thought, she would have caught that. She pushed up her glasses and shrugged.
“I really don't like the attention,” she repeated. She had no desire to run her own company, but she also didn't enjoy hiding her intelligence. Her brain had its own plan, one that didn't necessarily coincide with common sense.
“Well, it's no matter,” Andrew replied, but the intensity of his gaze didn't lessen. “The falsified tests were correct about one thing; you scored almost equally across the board. The magic compatibility test will help determine your assignment. I can order food if you’re hungry or we can proceed to the next test. The exam won't take long, only twenty to thirty minutes.” Cat's stomach growled, but she was determined to complete this doomed attempt to help her sister. She wanted to go home, bury her head in her pillow, and forget the morning ever happened.
“Let's just do this.”
“Okay, we need to take the elevator up a couple floors. We have a special area for this test.”
Cat followed Andrew, a little disappointed he didn't elaborate on her test results. As if reading her mind, he glanced back at her. “You scored perfectly in almost every aptitude if I calculate the intentional misses.” She wasn’t surprised and couldn't help feeling a little pleased.
“What area did I perform the worst in?”
“People skills.” Andrew grinned, his seriousness fading.
“Why is that even tested?” She grimaced as she remembered the critical thinking questions which had posed scenarios involving personal interaction.
“We hire representatives to interface with external customers or other companies. It's important for them to be people oriented and possess the technical knowledge required for the job.”
Cat nodded. If she'd intended to stay for employment, the poor score would have relieved her; she had no desire to sit on a phone answering service questions.
They rode the elevator in silence. Cat couldn't shake her anxiety and was horrible at idle chit-chat in any setting. If she met Andrew in any other situation, she might have been interested in knowing more about him. He was attractive in a non-intimidating way, and his intelligence impressed her, but he was also Rennert's nephew. He was capable of destroying their plan and their lives. The killer could be an employee of Rennert Industries as it seemed the most likely explanation for why his employees were the only ones being targeted. Although, she reasoned, it was just as likely to be one of his competitors.
They stopped on the sixteenth floor and exited into a wide hallway with few doors. Cat memorized another code, and they entered a room sectioned into several smaller rooms with large viewing windows. An older man with frizzy white hair glanced up, his eyes shrewd.
Andrew spoke to Cat. “Thi
s test is simple. The smaller rooms with the windows are lined with iron and layered with harmless spells. You'll perform an aptitude test while on a computer modified with magic protection. As you are aware, some techies are unable to enact simple tasks if they are around magic because the spells in the air blank their minds. We've tested your aptitudes, so this is just gauging how magic affects you. Almost every techie is affected by magic so don't be ashamed if you encounter difficulty completing the tasks. If you want to stop early, just press the button and we'll end the test.”
Andrew faced the man at the computer. “Lewis, you can go to lunch, I’ll take care of this one myself.” The man, Lewis, left the room. Cat raised a brow at Andrew after the door shut behind him, but he didn't acknowledge her curiosity. Maybe it was for the best that no one else would witness this but Andrew. She removed her amulet and put it on a table and entered the windowed room on Andrew's command.
The spells shivered across her skin as soon as the door closed. Most techies couldn't sense magic, but she had lived with Jenira nearly every day of her life and her father had been a mage. The scent and sensation of power were as familiar to her as the feel of tech. The spells were utterly harmless, designed to present interference only.
A simple computer sat on the desk, encased in iron. An aptitude test similar to one she'd taken earlier appeared on the monitor, and she sped through the questions, no longer trying to disguise her intelligence. Andrew had seen through her poor attempts already. An on-screen prompt directed her to a schematic and several components littering the table next to her. She deftly assembled the small device, fitting the pieces and wiring the circuit board. Finished with the tasks, she crossed back to the door and stepped out of the iron cage.
Andrew wasn't alone. She recognized Davin Rennert from Jenira's video feed. He dwarfed his nephew, and his sheer size struck her motionless. He had seemed smaller on a computer screen. A conversation had abruptly ended; words still hung in the air.
Worlds Collide (Magitech Book 1) Page 14
