"Understood, sir," each REDLINE replied in unison as the briefing concluded. He didn't expect them to fully understand the nuances, but they seemed to get the gist.
The door slid open and Elspeth entered, followed by Xashai. The latter looked... nervous? No, more like out of place. Her confident demeanor from the interview was gone; she seemed subdued, unsure.
Elspeth brought her to the front and formally introduced her to the squad. "Squad 1, this is your new commanding officer, Specialist Xashai."
The REDLINEs were silent, their eyes forward, giving her only passing glances. None spoke.
Xashai shifted her weight from one foot to another, trying to look as formal and proper as possible, a far cry from her earlier display of confidence. "Hello, everyone."
More silence. Xashai didn't seem to know how to respond, so Elspeth took over.
"Squad 1, I expect you to extend Specialist Xashai the same courtesy you do CEO Zark'thul and me. Do not test her patience or authority." With that, Elspeth turned to Xashai and provided her with a sleek wristband. "This is a nexus watch. It serves as a communication device and allows transportation to and from the Tower. Keep it on you at all times."
"Thank you," Xashai said, securing the device on her wrist.
"Elspeth, a word with you in private," Zark'thul said.
She nodded. "Certainly."
"Wait here," Zark'thul instructed the REDLINEs and Xashai. "We'll only be a minute."
They stepped out into the hallway, leaving the squad and their new superior behind in the nexus room.
"What's the issue, sir?" Elspeth inquired, her demeanor as serene as ever.
"Something's off with Xashai," he stated bluntly. "Did something happen?"
"It's a normal reaction after going through the full orientation," she explained. "Candidates come to realize that the role they're applying for isn't as straightforward as they initially thought. When confronted with the truth of what working for the Tower entails, it can be... overwhelming. Some adjust better than others."
"I don't recall reacting in a similar manner," he pointed out.
Elspeth shrugged. "Not everyone is like you, sir."
"That's true." A pause hung between them. "So the mortals outside the Tower are oblivious to all of this?"
"Yes. For all intents and purposes, the Tower is just an ordinary corporate building, and you're just a normal human to them. The general populace knows nothing about the Tower's inner workings, its true purpose, or the nature of its inhabitants. Some higher echelons of society might have suspicions, but these are dismissed as mere fantasies, stories for the masses. It's better this way. The less they know, the better."
"And if anyone decides to investigate us?"
"You're a registered and tax-paying company in the eyes of the city. The Tower has all the necessary licenses and permits required for conducting business here. We pay taxes, employ locals, and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. But if someone were to push their luck and try to interfere or investigate the Tower further, our contracts grant us the full rights to self-defense."
She paused, a wry smile crossing her lips. "Moreover, we have... friends in high places, shall we say."
"How convenient," Zark'thul remarked.
It seemed the Tower had woven itself seamlessly into the fabric of this world. All for the sake of his 'employee development program.' Or so he was led to believe. "There's one last thing. What happens if one of our employees decides to tell the world about their experiences here?"
Elspeth's smile remained unchanged. "We have a very strict non-disclosure agreement in place. Our contracts are airtight, covering every eventuality, and they include a formidable non-compete clause. Anyone foolish enough to breach it will face... serious repercussions. They will wish they never came into contact with the Tower. Rest assured, your secrets are safe, and no one will be the wiser."
Zark'thul rubbed the bridge of his nose. "No wonder Xashai seemed on the back foot. The full disclosure must be difficult for a mortal to comprehend. What's the usual protocol after orientation?"
"Generally, new employees are given time to process the information and settle into their new roles. However, given our tight deadlines and the Tower's operational needs, that might not be possible in Specialist Xashai's case."
He nodded. "Let's rejoin them then."
They returned to the nexus room to find the squad and Xashai waiting. Upon noticing their return, Xashai straightened, attempting to reclaim some semblance of confidence. She didn't quite succeed.
Zark'thul approached her and tapped her on the shoulder. "Keep that confidence from earlier. So long as you perform well, your role and payment are guaranteed. The boredom and predictability you found in life? It ends here. The thrill you seek, the excitement of the unknown? That's what we offer.
"Do your job and you'll do fine. If the agents here misbehave, I'll replace them. If you misbehave..." He let the sentence hang, his eyes boring into hers. "Understood?"
Xashai met his gaze, her own eyes unwavering. A shadow of her previous self peeked through, a spark of resolve amidst her disconcerted veneer. "Absolutely, sir. I'm ready."
"Good." He turned to the squad. "Squad 1, gather around. Your new commanding officer, Xashai, is about to lead you to the city of Ichthys. From this point forward, you're under her direct command. Any act of insubordination will not be tolerated and will be met with severe disciplinary action. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," the REDLINEs responded.
Xashai glanced at each of them, then turned her attention to Zark'thul. "Permission to depart, sir."
He nodded.
As the squad formed up behind Xashai, she activated the Nexus Watch. A pillar of light consumed them, and in an instant, they vanished. All that remained was the lingering scent of ozone and the soft hum of the Nexus platform.
Zark'thul's eyes lingered on the spot where Xashai had stood. Her fate was out of his hands. It was time for her to prove her worth.
"Is that device you gave her similar to my AetherLink?" he asked Elspeth.
"A lesser model, yes. It grants her the ability to return to the Tower and to communicate with you directly, if needed. It's a standard issue for our field personnel and specialists."
"Can she track the agents in her vicinity?"
"Correct. It's a basic feature. Each watch is networked, allowing for seamless communication and coordination among our operatives in the field."
"Good. That should suffice for now. I'm heading back to my office."
"Yes, sir. Do let me know if you require anything further."
Zark'thul departed and soon, he was once again seated in the familiar confines of his office. A simple command to the desk's consoles called forth a screen, which flickered to life displaying the squad's activities.
Xashai was conversing with the locals and asking for directions while the squad lingered behind. They kept a respectful distance, maintaining their facade of an inconspicuous escort.
Just then, a voice pierced his thoughts, "Testing, testing. CEO, can you hear me?"
It was Xashai.
"Yes, what is it, Xashai?"
"Oh good, it works. So I've been directed to a local shipping firm which operates out of the pier. Shall I proceed, or do you want to issue further commands?" she asked.
"Proceed. Just keep me abreast of the situation. You're in charge down there. I'm just your oversight."
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"Very well, sir."
Zark'thul listened in and watched the monitor. He didn't anticipate much trouble; after all, they were just making a trade deal, and Xashai seemed more than capable of handling it.
Still, sitting here and merely watching didn't sit well with him. He was the sort of being who preferred to be in the thick of action, not some overseer perched on high. Yet, Elspeth had emphasized that this was the most efficient way to accomplish the given directives—using his agents to handle tasks that were beneath him.
But he couldn't stand being an idle spectator. That wasn't the eldritch way.
Before he could ponder his options, the door to his office opened and Elspeth stepped in. She walked over to his desk and placed a sheaf of papers in front of him. "Pardon the intrusion, sir, but I've brought the budget report and expenses breakdown for your review."
"What is this for?" he asked, eyeing the document.
"As the Chief Executive Officer, part of your duties is to oversee the financial management of the organization. These reports provide a detailed overview of our financial health and allow you to monitor our performance against the predetermined budget," she explained.
He flipped through the pages, each filled with rows and columns of meticulously organized data. "Why exactly do we need to manage our budget? We haven't spent a single coin from our coffers yet. Most of our resources are provided by the Tower itself, are they not?"
"Yes, but that's only for a temporary phase. You must be prepared to manage your resources independently, sir. The Tower provides a framework for your 'employee development,' not a perpetual source of funds. Once you've unlocked the second floor and hired a personnel from the city, you'll begin paying salaries, for instance."
That was news to him. "Do we get an income, then?"
"Of course. You're registered as an operating corporate entity and taxes have been paid on your behalf, but the moment you start managing your organization's resources yourself, your income is entirely dependent on your actions and decisions."
Elspeth leaned over the desk, her finger gliding across the console's holographic display to pull up a series of graphs and visualizations. "Your directives are just one way to generate revenue, but the more traditional methods, like offering paid services and selling resources, can be more lucrative in the long run.
"But for that, you'll need to start generating an income stream, which means setting up operations outside the Tower, creating products or services that people need, and then selling them. This is where your budget management comes in."
Zark'thul's eyes roved over the figures that danced across the screen. "So, I am expected to build a business from scratch."
"Yes," she confirmed. "Once you've set up your income stream, your earnings will be available in your personal AetherLink under the financial tab. Currently, this feature is disabled since you don't have any active income or assets, apart from the resources provided by the Tower. You'll first need to choose a department to activate for production."
"What kind of departments are there?"
She pointed at the screen, scrolling through a list of department categories.
Artifact Appraisal & Valuation: Responsible for evaluating and pricing rare artifacts gathered in Directives. This department determines an artifact’s worth and manages its sale.
Marketing and Merchandising: Oversees the creation and distribution of Tower-themed merchandise and promotional items, boosting the Tower’s brand in the city and generating additional income.
Legal Affairs and Compliance: Ensures the Tower operates within the laws of the city and inter-dimensional regulations, handling any legal disputes or regulatory requirements.
Public Safety and Crisis Management: Coordinates responses to emergencies, natural disasters, or other large-scale crises affecting the Tower or nearby areas in the city. This department is essential for protecting personnel, assets, and resources during emergencies.
Logistics & Transport: Manages the transportation and distribution of resources across realms and to the city. Handles routing, warehousing, and supply chain stability.
Public Relations (PR): Builds public image, manages reputation with city factions, and organizes promotional events to bolster goodwill and trust.
Trade Negotiations: Facilitates business relationships with other realms, guilds, and city merchants, specializing in securing favorable deals and exclusive trade agreements.
Research & Development (R&D): Focuses on studying ancient artifacts, developing new technologies, and improving Agent capabilities with enhanced equipment or skills.
Market Analysis & Trend Forecasting: Monitors the interdimensional economy, providing real-time updates on resource values and forecasting demand shifts in the city and beyond.
Humanoid Resources & Recruitment: Recruits and manages non-combat employees, coordinating training, morale, and performance tracking.
Legal Affairs & Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherance to city laws and interdimensional regulations, managing disputes, permits, and intellectual property rights.
"The list goes on," Elspeth explained. "Each department is classified according to its primary functions, such as 'Core Functionality,' 'Resource Management,' 'Infrastructure & Facilities,' or 'Specialized Operations'. Unlocking these departments will expand the capabilities of the Tower and provide new avenues for growth and advancement."
"But we're still bound by the budget, is that correct?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "Expenses will deplete your financial reserves, so it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance. Avoid overspending. Losing all your funds will incur severe penalties."
"I see."
The more he learned about the inner workings of the Tower, the more intricate and convoluted it seemed. Everything hinged on this idea of 'employee development', yet the Tower itself seemed more eager to entangle him in a web of corporate bureaucracy than let him grow as an entity. Were the two inextricably linked? Or was there something more the Tower was hiding from him?
Before he could muse on it further, Xashai's voice crackled through the communication channel, breaking his train of thought. "We've arrived at the trading company's office."
He was back in observer mode. The screen showed a view of a modest yet neat office, furnished with a blend of utilitarian and nautical aesthetics.
"Mr. Haklang," Xashai greeted a stout, well-groomed human male at the desk.
The man's attire, an ensemble of fine, navy-blue fabrics adorned with golden trimmings, set him apart. The fabric of his attire seemed to shimmer under the light, almost as if it was imbued with a touch of magic.
"Ah, Lady...?" The man trailed off, his voice thick with a strange accent.
"Xashai," she introduced herself. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Haklang. We received an invitation to your establishment from the Northmen Traders' Guild."
Mr. Haklang rose from his seat. "Yes, yes, of course! Please, come in." He gestured for her to sit. As Xashai settled into a chair, his gaze wandered behind her to the REDLINEs. "Is there a problem, madam?"
"Not at all," Xashai replied smoothly. "They're my bodyguards."
Mr. Haklang seemed somewhat uneasy at the presence of the armed individuals. "Well, you are safe here. If you want, my guards can keep yours company outside. These are troubled times and safety is a priority, but this neighborhood is one of the most secure in the city. It's under our watch, and I can assure you, there's no cause for concern." He punctuated his words with a series of quick, high-pitched laughs.
Zark'thul scrutinized the man through the monitor. Something about his mannerisms and speech didn't sit right. There was an odd cadence to his voice, a peculiar inflection that seemed out of place, and his eyes were a tad too wide, an unsettling glassiness to them that bordered on manic.
However, he couldn't detect any immediate threat.
"I'm certain we are, Mr. Haklang," Xashai replied. "But my company's policy is clear: the guards stay with me." Her voice was firm, yet polite. "Shall we proceed with the negotiations?"
"Very well," Mr. Haklang conceded, settling back into his chair. "I presume you're interested in the sathonic crystals?"
"Among other things, yes. We would like to inquire about your capacity and range of shipping services as well," Xashai said, crossing her legs. "Our operation requires a large number of high-quality crystals on a regular basis."
The human nodded. "That should not be a problem. We can provide the required quantity, and our transport capabilities are robust. Tell me, how exactly do you plan to use the crystals? We could tailor our delivery schedules to suit your operational needs."
The meeting between Xashai and Haklang stretched on, delving into the minutiae of logistics, prices, and future prospects.
While Zark'thul kept half an ear on the discussion, his thoughts drifted back to the Tower's increasing emphasis on budget management and profit. Was this truly the path to his ascension?
Zark'thul's pondering was interrupted by another announcement from Xashai. She'd managed to negotiate favorable terms with the Kaldeck Company, securing a substantial initial shipment of sathonic crystals. Once again, her proficiency impressed him. He knew how to break beings and bend wills, but negotiating profitable trades wasn't his forte.
"The transaction went well?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes, sir," she replied. "Shall we head back to the Tower?"
"Not yet. Spend the rest of the day in Ichthys and get acquainted with the city. After all, you'll be returning there frequently in the coming days and weeks. Scout for any places where the Tower might need to set up shop or could benefit from establishing a presence."
A pause. "I understand."
"Excellent."
With that task given, Zark'thul disconnected from the communications channel. His gaze was drawn back to the budget reports and graphs on the screen.
The irony did not escape him; here he was, a cosmic entity, tasked with mundane clerical work.
Elspeth remained silent, a shadow at his side, ready to assist.
"Are you ready to proceed, sir?"
"How do I create a new department?" he asked.
Elspeth pointed at the command console. "Simply navigate to the 'New Department' tab on the console's holographic interface, select the desired department, and confirm your choice. The Tower will allocate the necessary space and resources, and you'll receive an immediate notification of the department's creation."
His eyes flicked to the appropriate icon, and he initiated the process. "We're going to create the logistics and transport department."
It was the only logical first choice. The department would ensure a steady flow of resources from various realms into the Tower and facilitate the transfer of goods and artifacts to the city for sale and distribution. With a few taps, it was done, a message informing him that the department was being prepared.
[Floor 2 Department: Logistics & Transport Department, is ready.]
Elspeth confirmed the creation with a nod. "Now, you'll need to select the appropriate personnel for the newly established department. As before, I've already prepared a dossier of suitable candidates based on their skills and expertise."
More hiring?
Just what he wanted to deal with. But Zark'thul swallowed his weariness, accepting the inevitable. "Alright, let's proceed."