“May as well check that job bulletin,” you remark, walking back towards the diner.

“Suppose I will too,” Tom replies as he joins you. “That way we can get two sources of income going.”

“Sounds good to me.” The diner hasn’t changed much since you left. Looking over at the far wall, you see the bulletin that Tom was talking about. Most of the postings are advertisements for goods and services, but you spot some job offers.

>Landscaping work:
A local gardening firm is looking for temporary work clearing out an invasive species of vines from public areas. You see that the pay isn’t great, but it’s easy and safe work.

>Skilled carpenter wanted:
The ad requests the help of a ‘skilled carpenter’ for repair work in the tenements of a nearby neighborhood. It is through a firm you’ve never heard of, and the pay seems a bit high for what they’re wanting. You took woodshop in high school, so you’re more than capable of doing the work though.

>Parcel delivery work:
A small shipping company is looking for freelance delivery drivers. A vehicle will be provided, and pay, which is decent, will be given on a per-job basis.

You frown. It’s mostly odd jobs, and none of them pay as well as you’d like, save for the carpenter one. You look over at Tom, who shrugs at you. “I figure if each of us take one, we’ll be able to rake in some decent cash,” he says. You nod at the suggestion. Still, which one should you choose?

>Landscaping.
>Carpentry.
>Delivery.
>Leave.

>>2659444
>>Carpentry.
Am suspicious, but also curious.

Welcome back.

>>2659444
>Carpentry.
I hope it isn't illegal building destruction to free the plots for a shady landshark.

>>2659440
>>Carpentry.

>>2659444
>carpentry
Adventure!
Tom can do the delivery boy. Although we better have comms on rest of crew in case things inevitably go wrong

>>2659444
>Leave
Fuck, we would be better off putting an ad in the personals.

>>2659440
>Landscaping.
It'll be fun to fight off space kudzu

>>2659444
>Landscaping work:

>Carpentry.

>>2659444
lets bite the bait. carp

>>2659444
>Carpentry
What?

You pull the strip of paper advertising the carpentry position from the board, shrugging. “Money’s money.”

Tom nods. “I think I’ll do the delivery job.”

The two of you part ways as you go to call the number on your paper. It rings twice and someone picks up. “Landau Construction,” a deep voice rumbles over the line.

“Yeah I’m calling about the carpentry position?” You frown, leaning against the wall.

“You got experience?”

“I’ve done my share of woodworking before, yeah.”

There is a pause on the other end of the line, along with the sound of paper rustling. “Good. Don’t worry about bringing your own tools, we supply all that shit. Do you have reliable transport?”

You look out at the truck, waving at Tom to wait up for you. “Yeah. Do I just show up at the job site listed?”

“Yeah, yeah.” The voice grunts. “Workday’s already going, but we can bring you on as soon as you arrive if you like.”

Tom drives you to the place, an old high-rise that has been abandoned since the beginning of the War. You greet a few construction workers as you pass them, making your way to the office trailer.

You knock on the door, and a large man with a Mohawk greets you. “Morning,” he says. “Name’s Clyde. I’ll be your boss.” He ushers you into the trailer and gives you a tool belt with the necessary hand tools. He then takes you to a cargo elevator, stepping inside with you and activating it. “Hope you aren’t scared of heights. You’ll be working on paneling up on the 71st Floor.” As the elevator grinds to a halt on the 65th Floor, he points to a staircase down the hall. “This elevator doesn’t go any higher right now. Take the stairs.” He hands you a hard hat. “Stop by the office when the day ends to pick up your pay.” You step out of the elevator and watch as the door closes and it descends out of sight.

The climb up to Floor 71 is easy enough. The building has been totally stripped, likely in preparation for restoration. You arrive at the place where you’re supposed to work and find several others wearing hard hats and tool belts. One of them points you to a section of paneling that needs taken down. It’s all in good enough shape that the company wants to put it back up later, hence the careful removal. You set up with your tools and begin working, carefully removing trim pieces and nails.

>Make conversation with the other carpenters.
>Just focus on getting this done.
>Write-in.

>>2678531
>>Make conversation with the other carpenters.
Might as well. My suspicions are satisfied for now.

>>2678531
>Make conversation with the other carpenters.
When in doubt, ask.

>>2678531
>Make conversation with the other carpenters.

>>2678531
>Make conversation with the other carpenters.

>>2678531
Think about how spaceships don't give you splinters.

Bumpo