Derrin rubbed his chin. “Where’s your Junior Agent lance? It’s much more effective than a chair, you know?”
“Yeah,” Jioni said. She fidgeted with her hands. “It must be the good life, being an Agent. I wish I were one now so I could earn some GeoCreds. It beats scavenging around the city like a raccoon or having your stuff stolen.”
Derrin said nothing as he put his hands on his hips. His posture stooped as he listened to her.
“I’d rather pay with GeoCreds than my brochure,” Jioni said. “My parents didn’t give me nearly enough money for how long they’ve been gone.”
“You’re almost there, kid. You’re a Junior Agent. You have five more years,” Derrin said.
“I’m not a Junior Agent,” Jioni scoffed at herself. She didn’t look Derrin in the eyes but instead out into the wasteland, she leaned miserably against the wall. “Made it to Level Three, and I fumbled the bag. I failed the test at the very last second like the joke I am.”
“You’re not a joke, and don’t beat yourself up about it. You practically passed,” Derrin reassured. “You still have time. I think the next trials are in July or wait. No, August, right?”
“It’s July. But it’s too late,” Jioni said. “My life is over.”
