33
I had mother troubles of my own.
“We expected more from you, Herr Schroeder,” Halli’s mother was saying to a head that hovered above her tablet. The head was bald, with crooked teeth, and it looked worried. “Are you aware of your competition?”
“Ja, Doktor Markham, but as I explained—”
“No more excuses,” Halli’s mother said. “You either have it for us by the end of the day, or your contract is cancelled.”
“But it will not be ready—”
“Then consider it cancelled now. You’re relieved of your duties, Herr Schroeder. We won’t be using you again.”
Halli’s mother punched her finger against the side of her tablet and disconnected the call. Herr Schroeder’s head disappeared. I still wasn’t used to the 3-D effect of those comm calls. I was staring at the air when Halli’s mother looked over
