"Well, Asil, if we are to fix this then we will need to find someone rather young and average our ages." You tilt your head out of habit, feeling a crick in your old spine as you do so. "Ouch," you mumble, and try to focus on your thoughts. Yes, with two of you you will need someone quite young. If you are both 60, averaging with a 25 year old will only shave off 11 or 12 years -- all three of you would end up in your late forties. The averaging ring seemed much more powerful when you were just one person, but now, sharing with your brother, you realize that any changes will only be at half-strength. You fix your eyes back on Kadir, staring at his wrinkled face. "You're right. No matter who we average ages with, you and I can't get any younger than about 40 in just one change." You lean back in the chair, enjoying the relief on your old body. "Then where does that leave us? Also remember that reality will not simply change around us, Kadir, how will we remain the bosses here unless we look as we do now?" Your brother smiles broadly, a glint in his eye. "You've just given me an idea!," he says, pressing the intercom button for Toygar's desk. "Kadir Dayım, what can I do for you?" "Bring me the employee files for the whole company. Asil and I have some important business to discuss."
---
Your brother wasted no time in explaining his plan. Really, it was quite brilliant. You would both be able to collect the profits of City Zip Taxi without having to lift a finger ever again. "Send him in, please," you say to Pinar. "Kesinlikle, Asil Dayım." The door opens, and a nervous-looking teen steps into your office. The two of you sit behind your twin desks, a folding chair placed against the opposite wall. "Sit, please, Victor."
You and Kadir sorted through the files, trying to find the youngest employees. The company was not so big. Including you and your brother, there were scarcely 30 people employed by City Zip Taxi. And there were only two who were 20 or younger. Toygar, who was 20 exactly, and this Victor lad, 18 years old. He works as an intern, usually filing documents or getting coffee for the switchboard operators and accountants. He hasn't been with the company long -- he hasn't even finished his three month probationary period. The boy is only half-Turkish, speaking only the most rudimentary Turkish. Foggy memories as the boss seem to kick in, and you recall remarking on his odd mix of features during his interviews. He shared that his father immigrated from Turkey and met his mother who grew up in the area through work. The new you remembers Victor's father quite well, you and Kadir employed him when he was just around his son's age, too. With his light brown hair and dark turkish features, Victor's ethnicity would not be easy to guess, his skin an ambiguously pale light brown. The boy has rather bad skin, rough looking white and red bumps a telling sign of his youth.
"Now, this is a highly confidential matter," says Kadir to Victor, "do you understand?" The teen nods enthusiastically. "Good," you say, switching the focus, "because we would like to offer you a promotion." Victor's thin face lights up with pleasure. "Really?" You nod, continuing. "Yes. Actually, Kadir and I are thinking of retiring. And we would like you to manage this place." The boy's smile sours. Sweat glistens suddenly on his face -- no wonder his skin blemishes so easily. "But... but I'm... I can't...." Kadir holds up a palm to silence Victor. "Now I know what you're thinking," your brother says, "but don't worry. We'd like to give you the experience you need. Really, it has to be you, Victor. We want you to put some of your youthful energy into this company. Asil and I have discussed it at length and you're our man. Of course, this position comes with a significant pay raise." You nod in agreement, flashing your most genuine smile. A bead of sweat drips from Victor's chin onto his cargo pants. He smooths his graphic tee and sits up a little straighter. "When... when exactly would I start, sirs?" The boy is trying his best to look professional, but he resembles a scared child. He is one, you suppose. "Tomorrow," you say, and without waiting, you prepare the necessary paperwork. When it is all signed, you dismiss Victor, and tell him to go shopping for a few suits. You hand him the company credit card. "Get them with some extra room," says Kadir gleefully, "it's much easier that way. We will have them hemmed for you later."
You and your brother stay late to craft a careful memo to the office, drafting versions in both Turkish and English. "We must inform you of some changes here at the office. This might be sudden news to some, but those who are close to us know that we have been thinking of retirement for some time." This was not true at all, but no one would dare contradict this statement and suggest they are not in their twin bosses' good graces. "We are pleased to announce that we have finally found a worthy replacement. He will be acting manager starting tomorrow morning. We will continue to be the owners of this company, but will leave all day to day matters to our new man. Goodbyes can be tricky, and we felt it would be too painful to say all of this in person -- we are like a family, and it hurts us to leave you. On that note, Victor had his last day as our intern today. Please be sure to send him your well wishes."
Finally, you prepare a short text message for Victor. "We gave you the experience you need! It would probably be best if you chose a mature name for yourself. We want the transition to manager to be smooth for you, and would hate for there to be problems on your first day. After all, changes can still be made!" Not a trace of any real evidence, but you have the feeling that the boy (or rather, man, you think) will catch your drift. Hopefully your threat of further changes will keep him in line.
Kadir kisses his ring to activate the averaging change and you clink the two rings together, feeling the magical energy crackle through you. When you look up...