THE MOMENT
"This job isn't worth my life...," Jerri reminded herself with a sigh. She stood at the entrance to the red dragon's cave to build her courage for several minutes. But, finally, with that reminder, she stepped forward. Jerri knew she was already risking her life; but, she would abandon the job the second it looked like she might be in even more danger. She was willing to work, she needed to work. But, what little money she made would be useless if the dragon decided to make a snack out of her.
She walked forward and the cave stretched deeper than she expected. It grew dimmer, then, after walking for several minutes, she saw light in the distance. The light grew brighter as she drew near and she began to hear soft, relaxing music. After walking for a few more minutes, she saw what she assumed was the dragon.
A red-skinned woman sat at a large crystalline desk. She wore a formal black and white uniform that reminded Jerri of a casino dealer. It was the crown of rubies that seemed embedded around her head, along with the red scale skin that convinced Jerri she was the dragon. It eased her mind to see it in a humanoid form; it made her less intimidating to talk to. With a deep breath, Jerri pushed past her hesitation and approached the desk.
"Hello, excuse me..., Jerri said. The woman looked up and Jerri continued. "...are you the red dragon that lives here?" she asked.
"I am...," the woman nodded with amusement. "...my name is Ruby, how may I help you?" she asked.
"My name is Jerri," she introduced herself with more courage now. Ruby seemed polite and friendly so far. "I've come to audit your finances and collect the appropriate back taxes...," she said. Ruby smiled and shook her head.
"I appreciate the offer; but, no thank you."
"Huh?" Jerri was genuinely surprised. She had been so worried about the dragon eating her, that it never occurred to her that it would flat out deny her. She would have preferred to be eaten; at least then she wouldn't have to deal with getting fired. "But... you have to pay taxes...," she said.
"I really don't," Ruby grinned. "But, I appreciate you stopping by."
"Yes," Jerri's own outburst surprised her; but, she was feeling braver thanks to Ruby's politeness. "You do have to," she said.
"Oh?" Ruby stood up from behind her desk. Jerri was surprised that Ruby wasn't much taller than her. Jerri only measured 5'1" tall and Ruby seemed slightly shorter. But, she locked eyes with Jerri and straightened her back. Two large, translucent dragon wings unfolded behind her. They stretched wide across the cave. "You do remember that I'm a dragon, right?" Ruby asked.
Jerri stood her ground. It was at that moment that she realized something. This job wasn't worth her life; but, even with the job she was barely making ends meet every other month. Whether the dragon killed her now, or starvation later, the end result was the same. If she did not get the dragon to pay, she would die.
"And I... am an agent of the State here to audit your finances...," Jerri replied with a firm voice; she had no fear left. Ruby burst into a fit of giggles and the dragon wings folded into her back again. She settled into her seat while chuckling and shaking her head.
"I guess Frank does know his people," she said. She gestured at the seat in front of her desk and encouraged Jerri to sit.
"You know my boss..?" Jerri asked. She was confused enough to want to get off her feet and sat down. Ruby nodded.
"I need someone good with numbers and Frank suggested you," she said. "Congratulations, you passed the interview; when can you start?" Ruby asked.
"Huh? Threatening me was an..interview??" Ruby shook her head.
"I didn't actually threaten you," she said. "I merely reminded you that I was a dragon. It's important that my employees maintain their calm. You'll be traveling to alternate universes and seeing strange things."
"Alternate universes.... are real?" Jerri asked. Ruby nodded.
"Chroma Corp., my mother's company, has a presence on several dozen Earths. You'll be able to choose to live on any one of them," Ruby suddenly reached forward and offered Jerri a shiny, chrome card. "Chroma Corp. will handle all your expenses." Jerri realized it was a credit card and leaned back. This wasn't what she expected at all, and it was happening too fast. Someone, somewhere was mistaken.
"Isn't there anyone else?" she asked. Her doubts bubbled up. "This opportunity is amazing... there has to be someone better suited...," she said. "I ... I don't think I deserve this." Ruby grinned and forced the card into her hand.
"There were others...," Ruby said. "But, you're still the best choice."
"Why me?" Jerri asked.
"Frank picked out six employees," Ruby then pointed at Jerri. "But, you were the only one brave enough to try and audit a dragon."