Zurich Meet Tomorrow by Alastair Reynolds - Book - Page 13
Sometimes all it takes is a friendly conversation to bring
Amaka’s misgivings into focus. She considers speaking to
her mother again, but only for a moment. Instead, she calls for
Mitsu. Dear, loyal Mitsu, who knows her better than anyone.
Mitsu arrives. She has co-opted a surplus android working
on the island, taking it over temporarily, morphing its face into
hers, so that she provides the impression of physical presence.
‘I have the feeling they’re all set,’ Amaka comments, as
they sit next to each other, knees up on the shoreline. ‘My
involvement is almost a formality, something that’s already
been costed-in.’
‘They’re paying as well as you expected?’
‘Oh, yes. That and more, just to lock in my name. Design by
Amaka. I can see it on the brochures.’
‘It’s a useful selling point.’
Her name is indeed a brand. Amaka has come a long way
from that first commission for a new boutique diner in Abuja.
The restaurant did well, though, expanding globally, and her
name came along for the ride. Always, though, she has held to
one core principle: she will never set her brand to anything if
her clients show any inclination to compromise on quality.
‘It’s going to be miserable, Mitsu. Even Zhang knows it.
Some nice Zebrawood veneering isn’t going to make much
difference.’ It spills out of her now. ‘I can’t sign off on it.’
‘Lipstick on a pig,’ Mitsu says.
‘What?’
‘It’s what they’ve brought you in to do. Put lipstick on a pig.’
‘You’re right.’ Amaka smiles despite herself. ‘That’s it, exactly.
Who taught you that?’
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