Free The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel

end up filling their universe with all kinds of extra star systems. The standard toast at builder retirement parties was, ‘May you never build a galaxy.’
    “I’m done, sir,” Bernie said, abruptly ending Ezrah’s reverie.
    “Oh, thanks, Bernie. I’ll take that. We’ll use this to get your personnel file started. Then we’ll fill your file with performance reviews, transfer requests, and all that other stuff. Before we get started, do you know about our pilot program for new employees?”
    “No, sir. We didn’t study much about The Business,” said Bernie as two buttons on his shirt quietly unbuttoned themselves. “They just taught us what we needed to get a job.”
    Ezrah was about to say something, but before he could, the buttons re-buttoned themselves.
    “Umm…” Ezrah collected his thoughts. “The pilot program started a few hundred years ago. It was designed to give new employees a chance to show us what they can do. You’ll be given complete freedom to create a universe of your own. Anything you want—anything at all. No one will tell you what to do or how to do it. And you’ll have whatever supplies and materials you need.
    “I can see from your expression this is all new to you. Let me tell you why we started this program. The Board of Directors thought we might be missing out on the creativity of new employees because they end up in one of the specialized divisions before we ever see what they are capable of doing. This is your chance to shine, Bernie. We want you to wow us. Knock our socks off. Show us what you’re really capable of.
    “You’ll have six months to complete your project. Then we’ll take a look at what you’ve done. When we see your work, we’ll make decisions about your skills and decide what division to put you in.
    “While you’re working on your universe, you’ll be assigned to one of the regular divisions. That division’s head will be your supervisor, and he’ll review your performance on whether you follow the work rules, get along with coworkers, and things like that.
    “Even though you’re in the pilot program, you’re still a probationary employee. And if your boss decides you don’t measure up, he can terminate your employment, regardless of how you’re doing on your universe. Have you got all that?”
    “Yes, sir. Follow the rules, and build a great universe.”
    “Yep. That’s about right. Well, let’s go meet your new boss.” Ezrah glanced away, unable to look at Bernie.
    The poor kid , he thought. His enthusiasm is about to get dashed. Shemal is the toughest manager in The Business. He demands high performance, and if he doesn’t get it, he has no problem terminating someone before their probationary period is up.
    Ezrah felt badly about assigning Bernie to Shemal, but he thought it would be more merciful for everyone if things ended quickly.
     

 
    Meeting the Boss
     
    Bernie followed Ezrah up three flights of stairs, down long corridors, and up another flight of stairs as they moved through the strange ‘inner space’ the gods used to make their buildings. Buildings in town were invariably larger on the inside than the outside. Thinking of the building in three dimensions would invariably lead to getting lost, which is why Bernie paid attention to the twists and turns and ups and downs as he memorized the route.
    All the major divisions had their own skylights; some said you could tell the power of a division by counting their skylights. This bore some truth. Divisions were always being reorganized, restructured, and renamed in an attempt to improve their efficiency, although some argued it was more about power struggles that raged among the corporate officers.
    Today was no field trip where Bernie and fellow students had come for a tour. Today he started work as a builder. So far, everything was going perfectly. Ezrah seemed nice. He spoke to him like an adult instead of a student. Bernie wasn’t sure anyone had ever done that