Machinist of Mana

After the mad morning dash my boarding the train was peaceful. This was a trip I'd made many, many times, and even if I found it rather boring it wasn't like it was difficult. Soon enough the train was speeding along the countryside, with fields and trees passing me by one by one.

I thought back to what mother had said about there being a gate, and how there wasn't one. It was a sad state of affairs, but a true one. All over the country there were gates, some kind of connective portal, but one I'd never had to use nor seen. They connected places with instant, or very near instant travel. Unfortunately it wasn't something that everyone had, nor everywhere. There was certainly one in Exion, even if I'd never had cause to use it, but not near the summer house.

In theory I could have traveled inland to another large city and hopped into a gate, through the nexus I was told was in the capital and then out into the city I was going to, but there was little point. The journey would still take well over a day and it would be hideously expensive. There were of course rumors that there were a lot more military only gates, but it wasn't like I could get access to one of those.

At any rate the train was pleasant, the hum of the engine and the wheels upon the tracks, the comfortable seats and good service. It was like something of old from Earth. Here there wasn't the tiny airline seats that nobody liked, or anything even resembling the useless security theatre that was put on at every major airport. No, it was lovely, almost a home away from home.

Hours into my journey I decided I wanted something to eat. Sadly I was no longer welcome in the ladies' cars, being that I was clearly well on my way to manhood. I didn't really feel at home in the family cars either though, alone as I was. For a moment I waffled, and then turned, keeping my head high and eyes straight as I headed to the cars reserved for men. I'd never been in them before, so why not?

As I opened the door eyes turned towards me and there was a billowing cloud of cigar smoke. I didn't hesitate though, and stepped through like I owned the place. In my first life I'd well figured out that if you looked like you belonged somewhere you were far more likely to remain unquestioned about your presence, so I faked it.

Several gray-haired men sat at a table nearby, each sipping an amber liquid from a tumbler. While the others here seemed to accept me, one of these did not, turning as I came near.

“A bit young aren't you lad?” he inquired.

I gave him a thorough look. His hair was white, tightly trimmed over a matching beard. The suit he wore indicated he was a member of a higher class, formal and tailored and accented with a pair of spectacles. Hands were worn but well maintained, perhaps military or something similar. He and the others had books out, and a brief scanning of titles told me they were some of the more popular treatises on economics, something I was only a bit versed in.

“With all due respect sir, I'm quite old enough.” I stared him down without blinking, moving, raising my voice or any else, if I either backed down or showed the slightest hint of concern I would forfeit.

“Very well,” he said after an extended stare-off. “Don't suppose you've any thoughts on Renou?”

“I'll admit ignorance on the majority of the subject, but from what I've seen he focuses quite heavily on commanded production, probably too much. With proper incentive people with make what's needed, you don't need to tell them to by law.” The economist in question liked the idea of top-down structures, a little too much for my taste.

“That's... not a terrible point, care to join us young man?”

With nothing better to do I did. The man in question introduced himself with a title meaning something like Doctor or Professor Killic, the translation wasn't exactly perfect. Speaking to him though was enjoyable. There was much I didn't know, but I'd never felt shame in not knowing something, and he and his friends were happy to have someone else to speak to. The fact that I was more well read on the current scientific and mechanical journals than they were also surprised the gentlemen something fierce, their faces were amazing.

Professor Killic was also heading to Exion, meaning that we had days of time to get to know each other. Making someone rather like a friend was an unexpected boon for this. While a number of people confused me for his son or grandson over the following few days it did keep anyone else from bothering me about where I wanted to be.

Before I knew it I saw the approaching city from the lounge windows. The smell was thankfully blocked by a mix of nobody being foolish enough to open said windows and the haze of cigar smoke. The latter I could have done without, but it did keep the inevitable stink of the city away.

“It looks like our time may soon be at an end professor. That is at least until I make it to the school,” I said over my coffee, it was an excellent brew.

“You knew?” he chuckled.

“I suspected, the books you loaned me look an awful lot like the reading list.” Over the past few days he'd taken to sending me back to my cabin in the evenings with one or more tomes to look over some of the subjects we'd been speaking on. It had been a good way to pass the twilight hours and keep up with a few topics I really didn't have much to say on.

“Ah, so they did. Yes, I suspect we will be meeting in classes.”

“What do you teach at any rate?” I inquired.

“Civics of course, a subject I daresay you should do fine in,” he mused. “It's not often I meet a young man so interested in discussion as yourself. Normally it's all dueling and seeing who can be the biggest fool.”

“You wound me; I love a good fencing match, and I assure you that I'm more than capable of extreme foolishness. It's just that I feel that there is a time for everything.” Regardless of that I did guess that his classes would be enjoyable.

“Pah, youthful nonsense.”

“Nonsense is important sometimes sir, it provides a good outlet and sometimes wisdom,” I observed.

“And words like that are why I've come to enjoy our discussions Mister Shadestone,” he said with a shake of his head.

“I have as well. Sadly it looks as if I must prepare to disembark; until next we meet.” I rose and offered my hand, shaking his hand before I headed back to my cabin.

Soon I arrived at the house. It was odd, being here without my parents, without them by my side. Of course the staff had lined up as they always did when one of the family came to visit, even if I felt it was a bit unnecessary.

“Greetings Lord Shadestone,” the chorused as I entered. “Welcome home.”

I let my eyes fall over all of them, not bothering to hide the smile on my face. I wasn't my mother, and didn't feel the need to play the stern disciplinarian right now, so I gave them a smile.

“Thank you, it's good to have returned,” I offered, finally letting my eyes pass over one maid in particular.

Kaylee was there, in her maid outfit prim and proper. The smile on her face seemed genuine, posture perfect. While I was here I could make some inquiries with Mrs. Rider, and see what I could, make sure she was doing well. If she wasn't what would I do? I didn't really know, but woe betide any fool who caused my little sister grief, because while I might not yet know how to have her part of the family proper I'd be showing not a speck of mercy to any threat. After all, isn't that what big brothers were for?