The Industrialist

Chapter 109 Employment Offerings

He felt safe from his monstrous pursuers momentarily, but he felt wary about where would this happenstance tread. He would become a puppet of his great enemies. Then he realized a famous quote, 'Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.'

Lance hoped that what would happen with the Head of CBD leverage his rise to fame and control and would oust the Government and Corporation. He could not yet imagine that it was achievable however, he convinced himself to take baby steps first to achieve a greater goal.

The SHF officer escorted him to the 29th level of the SkyCorp building and into Leric's office. It appeared that SkyCorp held not only residential units for the high echelons of society but also their offices.

As they went in, they were greeted by aromatic cigar smoke wafting in the air of a wide office that comprised a living room and an office desk on the other side. Elegance mantled the office, concrete and metallic fixtures had intricate designs that emulated that of a wood. All furniture that comprised the office was cushioned, wrapped in leather, and a carpet made of rare material.

The absence of trees made every furniture so luxurious, especially the ones that were made of fine cloth and wood.

Chester Leric had his corporate suit on, facing a wide transparent glass window that revealed the expanse of the northern sectors. An orange hue of city lights refracted against his windows, sheepishly illuminating Leric's office. Leric puffed a cigar while his eyes traversed outside the glass, probably sunk in his own deep thoughts.

"Have a seat, Mister Berkley," Leric said while distinguishing his cigar against his glass ashtray. He was the kind of man who did not want to waste time and something had told Lance that Chester Leric also was a tactician of long-term mitigation plans.

Lance was seated on a cushioned chair across Leric's desk, the SHF office stood behind him.

"Thank you for sending your officers, they saved me Mister Leric," Lance said. His gratitude should lighten the mood of the seemingly gloomy demeanor of the Head of CBD.

"There's an attack in Precinct 13," Leric sat down on his swivel chair with a serious voice, neglecting Lance's gratitude. "Killing thirty police officers a few hours ago. So, I assumed that these killings were connected with the attack two days ago in Steelpoint. With that assumption, Mister Berkley, the killers are hunting you. The only motive that I came up with is your poison bombs.

Probably, the monsters or the rebels. Each one of them posed a different level of danger. But what's common between them is that the two groups are dangerous for public safety."

"Have you mobilized the hunting party for those two suspects?" Leric shifted his sharp stare and asked the SHF officer behind Lance. Those stares could haunt one's dreams. Leric was a guy that could intimidate everybody.

"Yes, Mister Leric. They are hunting them down as we speak." The officer responded with military precision.

"Why me, Mister Leric? I mean, we have a lot of able scientists that can fill that role."

"Well, you are in for luck, kid. My daughter, Jaqi, had high hopes for you. She said that you are the smartest kid she knew. You even impressed my wife with your project, the in-vitro propagation. So, what say you?"

"Thanks for the offer, Mister Leric. But I have to think about it. I mean, I am earning more than 3000 units now with my scrapping and my inventions. If I am going to dedicate my time to the weapons division, it would greatly affect my lifestyle."

In Lance's computation, he had an average of more or less 5000 units per month, his Zelkian and Tyllrium trades would give him almost 2000 per month net profits, while his inventions had given him bulk compensations every after a successful production. Therefore, a salary would restrict his movements and would defeat his grand scheme of things.

"Really? You are earning more than 3000 per month." A deep sigh was released from Chester. He leaned back in his swivel chair and crossed his legs. "How about I increase the salary, would you accept it for 5000 units per month?"

Now, Mister Leric was talking sense. Hearing about the 5000 units per month was a salary more than the earnings of Electrical Tier Scientists who managed manufacturing industries. On the other hand, it concluded his suspicion that there were no budget constraints under CBD management.

"What about my rank? Is there a probability that I can increase it?" Lance asked.

"Yes, of course. Every successful production of your inventions would still be under the scrutiny of the Corporation under GLD-executed laws for rankings. You still have to defend your weapon inventions to them and receive respective commissions out of it."

"What about the budget for my inventions? My equipment? I need my fabrication table to do new prototype construction."

"Don't worry about budget, Mister Berkley. You will have your equipment, your fabrication table, and all the resources you will need to mass-produce everything. You will be TOR on your own, of course with the blessing of Doctor Zee or Doctor Menks. They are my close friends,"

Hearing the name of Doctor Levi Menks had raised his skin hairs, gooseflesh crawled all over his body. It was probably excitement that he was nearing his goal or maybe it was fear that Menks could have the power to take him down in one second. He could not fathom momentarily the grasp of Levi Menks among the leaders of the City, and the leverage he had with Chester Leric.

"Where will I sleep, Mister Leric? My home is already ransacked by those monsters."

"You will be relocating, Mister Berkley. SHF officers will guard you at all times for your safety of course. I want you to expedite everything without regard to budget constraints. Do what you must!"