Vienna Blues (I)
In the Tower, the city of New Vienna is not the largest in size or population, nor is it the oldest, nor is it the richest, nor is it the most advanced. But when people think of culture in the Tower, of art and music, and of politics, New Vienna is second only to the olden city of Espanola. Both are centers of thought in the Tower; where the spires of Espanola are known for hosting thinkers of the Old World, the domes of New Vienna house the new-fangled ideas that have exploded onto the scene since the 19th century.
Much like its namesake in old Europe proper, New Vienna has had a long history as a cultural center. This is where maestros of music gathered, where the artists and scholars were oft one and the same. This is the city where the Congress which brought about a new order in the Tower was convened, where the various Orders have their offices, competing and bickering for influence. This is also the home of various academic and philosophical Societies, each and every one of them with their own fields of study, own expertises, and goals hushed in secrecy.
It is in such a city where you find yourself, five months after leaving Scotsfield, four months since you arrived in New Vienna along with the Baythers, who had temporarily taken up your offer to work as household help so that they could devote their time to taking care of Elizabeth. The Baythers were merchants, but they were not that rich that they would balk at saving some money by having you instead of a city maid. Ralph and Elaine Bayther had already sacrificed a good part of their wealth in moving to New Vienna and engaging the best physicians they could afford.
You knock on the door to Elizabeth's room, a bowl of liver soup in one hand and an envelope in the other. You wait for a while until you hear her weak, frail "Come in," before you open the door. Elizabeth has continued being bedridden for the past two months - whatever treatment the physicians were giving her, it does not seem like the effects will be seen that quickly. Elizabeth looks up as you enter, a wan, thin smile on her lips. Her condition hasn't improved any. You silently hand her the envelope, placing the bowl of soup on the nightstand.
"Another letter from Sophie?" she asks.
You nod. Sophie has been corresponding with Elizabeth every month or so. Before you left, she had told you that she would let Tlalli know where you were should the old Hunter ever pass by Scotsfield again.
While Elizabeth reads the letter, you busy yourself making sure her room is clean. You have had little time to yourself ever since you arrived in the city, being busy with both taking care of Rain and handling the housework for the Baythers. Your housework ability is probably at the highest it has ever been, but you are not sure if it is something you should be proud of.
"By the way, have you decided?"
"Yes?"
"About what Daddy said." Elizabeth sets the letter down and frowns at you. "You can't waste your time away in this place."
Ralph had offered you some time off to pursue your own studies. In his own words, "Young people should be striving for something more", and though he and his wife were grateful for the help, they were now looking at other options so that your workload was reduced. Speaking to some people he knew, Ralph had suggested several institutes of learning that you could work at during the day, and hopefully learn a thing or two.
"I haven't decided yet," you say, and that is the truth.
"Well, you should decide soon," sighs Elizabeth, flopping back onto the bed and staring at the ceiling lifelessly. "If you just stay here until I die I'll get really mad and haunt you for the rest of our life, you know."
"There's still Rain to think of."
"My mother can help look after her in the daytime now that she can work as a clerk from home. Besides, weren't there some places that would let you bring her in, as long as she behaved?"
You recall Ralph's list of places, thinking carefully.
There was the Institute of Karl Marx, founded after some philosopher who was apparently rather influential in politics and economics. They were looking for someone to catalogue and organize writings of their fellows, and were willing to hire anyone cheap enough. This institute was one of those which would allow you to bring a child to work.
Another was the Center for Astral Study, a gathering of astrologians and other astral researchers. They were looking for a test subject for some project or another to do with the nature of astral affinity.
There was also the New Vienna Center for Art and the Viennese Trade Guild, both of which did not allow children. Those places were looking for janitorial labour, someone to clean and tidy up the place.
***
You have decided to work at:
A. The Institute of Karl Marx
B. The Center for Astral Study
C. The New Vienna Center for Art
D. The Viennese Trade Guild
E. None of these places; you will continue as you have so far