A moment later, a large, blue holograph streamed out of the communicator, only instead of being the holograph of a person, as was usually the case, it was the holograph of a large screen. Words began to appear on the screen—a holograph within a holograph. It was a nifty trick. Albert, however, was feeling far from impressed; he’d begun shouting almost before the letters began to form.

LISTEN TO ME, ALBERT—

‘No, you listen to me! What have you got me into? You know what’s—’

THERE IS NO TIME FOR THIS. YOU MUST—

‘No, I’m going to say what I want to, and now!’ shouted Albert, flinching slightly as his voice echoed around the room. He hadn’t intended to be that loud. For a fleeting moment he wondered if the neighbours could have heard. He glanced at Theo. She was watching him, frowning. Lowering his voice, he went on. ‘You know who called me today? The Head of the Department!’

I AM AWARE. I AM AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAT TRANSPIRES AT THE EMPLOYMENT DEP—

‘Oh yeah? Then I’m sure you’re aware of what he wanted to talk about, too! That’s right, your stupid petition, and now I have to tell them whether I’m dropping it! So much for your protection and promises!’

Vaguely, through the red mist of anger, he could feel a dull thought at the back of his mind, something bothering him. He reached for it, and then let it go as another one struck him.

‘Tell me, do you even intend to keep your end of the bargain? Or are you just stringing me along?’

The holograph screen buzzed angrily. Words burst into sight, appearing in such rapid succession that they almost ran into each other. I AM NOT A HUMAN. I DO NOT LIE. NOW LISTEN TO—

‘I don’t care what you have to say! I don’t!’

‘Chill, Mac,’ said Theo. ‘Yer goin’ red. I’m sure it ain’t healthy.’

‘Keep quiet, Theo! And as for you,’ and here he swung on the screen again, ‘As for you, I’ve done everything you—’

Crack!

The sound filled the room, bouncing off the walls. Startled, Albert broke off mid-sentence. A single word stretched across the holograph.

SILENCE!

He swallowed, rocking back on his heels slightly, staring defiantly at the screen.

WE DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR YOUR TANTRUMS, ALBERT! AS WE SPEAK, I AM TRYING TO PROTECT YOU, BUT YOUR EMOTIONS STAND IN THE WAY!

‘Huh, what do you mean? How are you—’

EARLIER TODAY, THE EMPLOYMENT HEAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE KEEPER. THE SUBJECT OF THE CALL WAS THE PETITION.