{"id":16409,"date":"2020-10-07T13:23:16","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T18:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=16409"},"modified":"2023-01-19T10:35:36","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T16:35:36","slug":"chapter-2-the-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2020\/10\/07\/chapter-2-the-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 2: The Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Thomas Fairfax, a white unicorn stallion with walnut brown mane and tail, checked the clock on the wall as he absentmindedly stroked the purring calico kitten he was holding. Sophie had that endearing quality of being the runt of the litter. Thomas\u2019 mother would have nonsensically called her <\/span>a mere kitten of a kitten,<\/span><\/i> a phrase of unknown origin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sophie had been in Thomas\u2019 care for the past week, since the local animal shelter had sent her over for special care. She was on her way to recovery now, and had taken up residence in Thomas\u2019 office; he didn’t really care to part with her now, and the thought had crossed his mind that he should adopt her himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sophie yawned and stretched.<\/span><\/p>\n

This little furball was a good reminder of why Thomas had been drawn to the field of veterinary medicine in the first place. The naive idealism he had possessed as a youth had since been clouded by the murky waters of adult responsibilities\u2026 and relationships. Animals were comfortable, loyal, and safe, with considerably less drama than ponies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas\u2019 recent move had been an adjustment, from the bustling metropolis of New Pony to here, Misty Hollow, a town on the largely rural western coast of the continent. Maybe it had been a bit impetuous and out-of-character for him to jump at this opportunity like he had–but he had needed a change from fast-paced life in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

The clinic was in its soft opening phase. A media blitz, courtesy of his benefactors, would begin next week, and the grand opening the following Monday. For the moment, Thomas was just dealing with a hoof-full of walk-ins as he finalized some business-related loose ends\u2026. like hiring an assistant.<\/span><\/p>\n

If only he could find one he was happy with. The candidates so far were mostly recent graduates from the Hayton college (Hayton being the nearest<\/span> large<\/span><\/i> city, by local standards). The mares were pretty, charming, complimentary, and entirely too easy to flirt with–Thomas had gone down that path too many times as it was. The male candidates were insufferably self-assured; they reminded him of himself at that age, and it grated on his nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be honest, Thomas wasn\u2019t sure what he <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> looking for, but it had not been anyone he\u2019d talked to yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

His phone rang. It was Strawberry, the receptionist, the one employee he <\/span>had<\/span><\/i> hired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby is here for the interview,\u201d she relayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSend her in,\u201d Thomas said briskly.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the last interview lined-up–an unorthodox candidate, but highly recommended by Strawberry. She had tried to explain how Tabby\u2019s last job had been assisting a hermit in the woods, providing medical care to wood sprites, or some-such nonsense. It sounded ridiculous, but Strawberry had pleaded her friend’s case eloquently. And Thomas was looking for something different, wasn\u2019t he?<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

The doorknob turned, the door opened a crack, and a pink unicorn peered in cautiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, have a seat,\u201d Thomas invited, and studied her surreptitiously as she crept into the room. Her appearance was eclectic–wisps of bright red hair escaped from under a worn newsboy cap that was knocked askew; a bronze alicorn fit neatly through a hole in the hat brim; bold rectangular frame glasses accentuated wide amethyst eyes; and a heavy chain necklace with oversize pendant hung around her neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This was definitely <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> the kind of put-together career mare Thomas usually kept company with. Workplace romance was something he had fervently pledged to avoid as he made this new start in life. Best to avoid temptation\u2026 and that worked in her favor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I\u2019m late,\u201d she said, stopping at the desk to slide a paper across to him before taking her seat in the available chair. \u201cI just got into a bit of a <\/span>situation<\/span><\/i> in my kitchen and I needed to stick around long enough to make sure I hadn\u2019t summoned a demon again. I mean, it was just brownies this time; it\u2019s not like it was a <\/span>sauce<\/span><\/i>; but since the last incident\u2026\u201d She shook her head vehemently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas blinked rapidly, not really prepared with a response to that outlandish excuse. \u201cDoes that happen often?\u201d he asked at long last.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know, I only attempt brownies once or twice a year,\u201d she said demurely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI <\/span>meant<\/span><\/i>,\u201d he said, raising an eyebrow, \u201csummoning a demon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d She stopped to consider. \u201cWell, it doesn\u2019t happen as often as brownies,\u201d she said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Thomas murmured, skimming her resume. \u201cUm\u2026 this is a letter to Chief Kekithar apologizing for unprofessional conduct.\u201d He looked at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOops! Sorry, wrong one.\u201d She appeared unphased at the slip-up, and pulled another sheet from a folder she had at hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

This paper looked more in the style of a resume. In this region of mononymous ponies, this mare claimed the unexpected name of <\/span>Tabitha E. Fershund<\/span><\/i>, as spelled out in the resume header. \u201cSo you\u2019re interviewing for the position of veterinary assistant, Ms. Fershund.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s Tabby. Just Tabby,\u201d she was quick to correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou <\/span>just <\/span><\/i>handed me a paper saying your name is Tabitha E. Fershund,\u201d Thomas said in consternation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well,\u201d <\/span>Tabby<\/span><\/i> conceded, \u201cI suppose that\u2019s true.\u201d She did not elaborate, but concentrated on darting looks around the room, assiduously avoiding eye contact. She was continually nudging her glasses up on her face, as if she were unaccustomed to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sophie ambled over to the newcomer and jumped up on her lap, interested in batting at her necklace. \u201cAwww,\u201d said Tabby appreciatively. The kitten had discerning tastes, and though all applicants had fawned over her, this was the first one that the feline had deigned to acknowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn any case\u2026\u201d Thomas drew his attention away from the kitten. \u201c…the main responsibilities of the position are assisting me in exams and surgeries, caring for the animals on-site, maintaining files, ordering supplies\u2026 Strawberry says you have some experience in the field, though you don’t have any accreditation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Tabby stated confidently without providing additional details.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas was silent a moment as he perused her resume. It was hard to see any kind of cohesive plan to her life history as presented on this double-sided sheet of paper. \u201cYour last job was assistant to…. Dr\u2026 uhh… \u201d He squinted at the line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Tini\u2019kili\u2019knit\u2019nik,\u201d Tabby rattled off quickly, \u201cbut everyone just calls him Tiny. He\u2019s a Sasquatch medicine man and he’s been training me. He has a clinic in the Dark Forest and travels all around to non-pony settlements that don’t have access to proper medical care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That <\/span>did<\/span><\/i> sound interesting. \u201cYou\u2019ve worked with a variety of species, then,\u201d Thomas stated, intrigued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure. Dakytins, Jellicles, Bushwoolies, hodags, humans, raccoons, all the usual,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Dr\u2026 Tiny–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust Tiny. You only use the title with his proper name,\u201d Tabby explained.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c–is he licensed by the Ponyland Medical Association?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said curtly. \u201cNot since last year\u2019s sanctions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he can\u2019t legally diagnose conditions, perform surgery, or dispense medicine in this region\u2026 right?\u201d Thomas looked at her inquiringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know the medical board certification is weighed heavily against non-equines,\u201d Tabby spat. \u201cAnd there aren\u2019t enough pony doctors willing to check on the welfare of isolated tribes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I know it\u2019s an imperfect system,\u201d Thomas admitted. \u201cI\u2019m not looking to get anyone in trouble. But, for understanding your qualifications, I would like to hear more about his methods,\u201d he said, leaning forward and steepling his hooves on the desktop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Tabby hesitated, then leaned forward conspiratorially. \u201cHis bread-and-butter cure is magic injections that he makes himself from sphinx mushrooms and black blood of the earth and krulototite and all that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas decided not to pursue exactly what was included in <\/span>and all that<\/span><\/i>. \u201cIs that\u2026 effective?\u201d He tried not to sound incredulous, but it was ludicrous-sounding folk medicine at best and outright poison at worst–and largely the reason behind legislation limiting the practice of non-pony medical personnel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Tabby said stiffly. \u201cIn the Sasquatch medical circle, he is highly regarded with numerous journal articles to his credit\u2026 not that those are admitted in <\/span>this<\/span><\/i> world.\u201d She tilted her chin up and glared at him challengingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh… I’m not really up on Sasquatch medicine,\u201d Thomas hedged. \u201cWhy are you no longer with Tiny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still work with him. I\u2019m just doing this interview to humor him. I told him I wouldn\u2019t get the job, but he thinks it\u2019s important for my personal development or whatever.\u201d Tabby crossed her forelegs and stared at him, daring him to take her to task.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would Tiny say are your strengths?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he would say that there\u2019s no flies on me, definitely,\u201d Tabby said without hesitation. She must have noted some confusion on his face, and quickly clarified, \u201cThat’s a Sasquatch expression–a compliment, really–because if you sit still, flies will settle on you, but if you’re moving around a lot, they won\u2019t stay, so\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Thomas said, allowing himself a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe would also say that I\u2019m the best flea picker he’s ever worked with,\u201d she said with great pride. \u201c<\/span>That<\/span><\/i> he meant literally\u2026 I think.\u201d Her forehead wrinkled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm–well–that certainly is\u2026 something,\u201d Thomas acknowledged, processing that information. \u201cLet\u2019s talk about your education. I see you went to New Pony\u2026 majoring in genetics for… one semester?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I didn’t really adapt to city life,\u201d Tabby explained. \u201cBut you will note that, during that semester, I worked at the molecular biology lab.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were your responsibilities?\u201d he asked, interest piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPutting invoices in numerical order, taking cardboard to the dumpster, putting away shipments, that sort of thing. <\/span>Once<\/span><\/i>–\u201d She paused for emphasis. \u201c–I assisted with defrosting the freezer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting\u2026\u201d Thomas murmured. It wasn\u2019t the kind of specialized lab experience that would make her stand out. \u201cThen you have an associate\u2019s degree from Pony Pride University–\u201d He forged through the rest of the education section, furrowing his brow. \u201c–and then a culinary certificate from Greener Pastures Tech, and last year you graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree from Neoshokoro.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, in Organizational Administration,\u201d Tabby added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Thomas\u2019 impression so far was that she had very little grasp on organization. \u201cUmm\u2026 and your other work experience\u2026\u201d He moved to the next header on the resume. \u201cAt Pony-mart you have been a deli clerk, bakery manager, cashier, customer service specialist, and inventory management; and aside from your work with–Tiny–you are currently \u2018self-employed\u2019…. May I ask what you do?\u201d He looked at her inquiringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sell collectibles on eCove!\u201d she said enthusiastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that lucrative?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be,\u201d Tabby said vaguely. \u201cThough, I must say\u2026 that\u2019s a fine-looking mid-century modern atomic starburst clock you have over there, if you are ever interested in selling\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a keepsake from my parents,\u201d Thomas said quickly. \u201cI think I\u2019ll hang on to it.\u201d He tapped his hoof, reflecting on what he had learned. Her chaotic path was so different from his well-ordered road map through life. Always precocious, he had started college at sixteen, earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in three years, then gone through veterinary school and residency at a top clinic, all with high honors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMs. Fershund\u2026 Tabby… \u201c Thomas stood and came around to the front of the desk. \u201cYou\u2019re not really interested in this job, are you?\u201d he challenged. \u201cYou would find this a very different environment from what you\u2019re used to. This is modern medicine, not magical folk cures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, because science and magic can\u2019t possibly co-exist,\u201d she said scathingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must admit, the area of magic is overrun with quacks,\u201d he pointed out, \u201cand there is a distinct lack of quality research. I\u2019m not saying it\u2019s all bad, but it <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> difficult to screen for safe applications.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve given up on magic, completely sold-out your heritage,\u201d Tabby accused harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course she would notice that about him–magic users could sense that sort of thing. Thomas had come to terms with the events that had led to his losing his magic, but to be judged by this mare–well, it was uncomfortable. \u201cThere\u2019s more to life than magic,\u201d he said defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny unicorn worth the name ought to be prepared with at least the most basic skills to act in an emergency,\u201d Tabby continued scathingly. \u201c<\/span>Especially<\/span><\/i> one in the medical field.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost magic healing is just superficial repair and wouldn\u2019t change the balance between life and death, anyway,\u201d Thomas quickly pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, is <\/span>that<\/span><\/i> all that can be done?\u201d she said, smirking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are highly-trained professionals that can perform magic surgery, yes, but there <\/span>are<\/span><\/i> strict sanctions governing magic healing, and it doesn\u2019t appear that you hold those credentials,\u201d Thomas said, trying to divert the focus from his own abilities\u2026 or lack thereof.<\/span><\/p>\n

She hated him, didn\u2019t even want the job, and it was crazy that he was still even considering her, but\u2026. Sophie liked her, and there was just something about her that Thomas couldn\u2019t shake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI assume we\u2019re done here,\u201d Tabby said stiffly after a moment of silence, rising from her chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Thomas stalled her. All this talk was one thing, but there was really only one way to find out if she had the right qualities. \u201cI have an Abyssinian waiting on surgery for a luxating patella. Are you familiar with that type of operation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell–yes,\u201d Tabby said, pausing for just a moment. \u201cIt was a gytrash. Is this soft tissue alteration or just a trochleoplasty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a grade four case that will require a block recession,\u201d Thomas said briskly. \u201cGet prepped for surgery. You can consider it a try-out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cThe patient hadn’t regained consciousness as soon as expected,\u201d Tabby was explaining details of the gytrash case, apparently bearing no grudge against Thomas despite their earlier heated words. \u201cThe villagers had decided to burn me and Tiny at the stake.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas waited for her to continue, but she simply hummed cheerfully, washing her hooves and putting on gloves. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he finally asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh\u2026 well, I teleported into the woods,\u201d Tabby said absentmindedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Tiny?\u201d Thomas asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was working on rescuing him, of course!\u201d Tabby bristled, beginning to get into the story. \u201cBut as I approached the area, the village mystic came out, and she was all <\/span>whoosh!<\/span><\/i> And I was all, <\/span>bam<\/span><\/i>, take that!\u201d This came with expansive hoof gestures that were nonetheless not effective at conveying details. \u201cBut she put up an energy shield and the wave came back at me and I was knocked unconscious,\u201d she said complacently. \u201cWhen I came to, Tiny was there with restorative smelling salts. He\u2019d broken out of his bonds on his own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he saved you,\u201d Thomas observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said without shame. \u201cAnd by then the gytrash was awake, so they were like \u2018okay, I guess we won\u2019t burn you\u2019 and we were like, \u2018cool.\u2019 \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m afraid this job may be a bit tame for your liking,\u201d Thomas commented, adjusting a light over the operating table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby laughed. \u201cYou haven’t lived here long, have you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then they got down to business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby performed with aplomb, catching on quickly, carrying out orders with minimal instruction, and keeping conversation to a minimum once the procedure began. If there was one thing that rattled Thomas\u2019 composure, it was a chatty assistant. He performed the tissue incisions and bone shaping procedures, and Tabby ably handled the surgical scalpels, saws, and chisels.<\/span><\/p>\n

But even when Tabby was serious and silent, there was a suggestion of an amused smile on her face, and it was anyone’s guess what her internal observations were. Thomas was somewhat curious and a little afraid of the thoughts she kept to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the operation was complete and the feline patient was settled into a kennel, Thomas looked at the applicant thoughtfully as she hummed to herself, tucking a blanket closer around the cat. Tabby came from a very different background than the others; but she knew what she was doing, and that real-world experience was an asset.<\/span><\/p>\n

As clean-up procedures were taken care of, Thomas said not a word about Tabby\u2019s performance, and she didn\u2019t ask. Afterwards, he invited her back into his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/h2>\n

They stood face-to-face in front of his desk. \u201cI\u2019m offering you the job,\u201d Thomas said, getting straight to the point, and watched her face carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes widened. \u201cWhy?\u201d she asked bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you have a lot of potential and deserve a chance,\u201d he said, trying not to sound condescending.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn spite of being woefully under-qualified, you mean?\u201d Tabby said, laughing. \u201cYou\u2019re crazy.\u201d But then, quietly, almost to herself, she added, \u201cOr maybe I\u2019m the crazier one for considering it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas just looked at her expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I\u2019ll do it,\u201d Tabby said at length. \u201cBut only because I know Tiny will take me back once you come to your senses and kick me out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you here at eight o\u2019clock tomorrow,\u201d Thomas instructed, accompanying her to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here by eight-thirty,\u201d she countered, just before ducking outside, not giving him a chance to reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas watched her go, shaking his head. Would she be completely unmanageable? Did he know what he was doing? Just what was he in for in the coming days?<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dr. Thomas Fairfax, a white unicorn stallion with walnut brown mane and tail, checked the clock on the wall as he absentmindedly stroked…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[1075,1077,1072,1076,1073],"class_list":["post-16409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing","tag-story","tag-sugarberry","tag-tabby","tag-thomas","tag-tiny"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16409"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31379,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16409\/revisions\/31379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}