- Where was your last place of employment? What experience do you have?
Excuse my verbosity, but I think to understand the unique experience I've had, this story needs to be told.
Having been orphaned early in life, left to fend for my sister and myself at the age of 12, I've always been a survivor. Mum and Da weren't much of anybody, and when they died in a transport attack, only my sister and I cared. At first we survived on the streets. After a time, we were surviving in a little motel room. One day we were surviving by selling odds and ends we had found that we thought might have some value. A tall, handsome man stopped a few meters away, and leaned against the wall. He seemed to be watching me, hawking my wares. I decided to put on a bit of a show. When I was done showing off, I looked to see if the stranger was still there. He was, and I noticed he seemed very out of place, with his large stylish coat and expensive looking hat and shoes. Everyone on the sidewalk was giving him a wide berth. Being the child that I was, I was thinking how fortunate it was that no one else had picked his pocket yet, when the man approached. He stopped and said a few soft words to my sister, handing her a sweet from his pocket. He then marched over to me.
"You're a most remarkable salesman, young man. Where is your father, so that I may congratulate him?"
I was immediately wary. It wasn't unusual for street orphans to go missing in the slums, and him asking about my father put my back up.
"He's down the block. Eating lunch."
The man eyed the street carefully, then leaned towards me. In a conspiratorial voice he said "Young man, my name is Lord Thomas McKinnis. I tell you this quietly because if the wrong ears heard it, I may well be killed."
He stood back up again, and considered me for a long moment. "Now, since I've shared something secret and important with you, why don't you do the same for me?"
There was a terrible moment of indecision. Street orphans don't trust easily or often. Looking into Lord McKinnis' face, I felt somehow comforted, and I made the best decision of my entire life just then. "We don't have a father, m'Lord."
"Oh?"
"He died, when we was younger. With my mum."
Lord McKinnis stood there for a moment more. Seemingly coming to a decision, he swept my sister and I along the street, saying "come now, children. You'll be wanting a good meal and a bath."
From that moment on, we were Lord McKinnis' children. The Lord had never been married, and he had no siblings with whom he could share the joy of children, so I think he very much enjoyed our company. In less than a year, we were officially adopted. He taught me many things, over the next several years. Negotiation, tactics, management. The most important thing he taught me was how to trust.
Lord McKinnis died last year, and it's time I start my own story. I have chosen not to inherit my father's title or estate. I've let that all go to my dear sister, who deserves that much and more. Instead I will forge my own path through the stars, and into the history books.
I was a bit vague in my explanation of my concrete skills my father taught me. Here is a brief, relevant list. Feel free to inquire further, if needed: Negotiation (Settled small border dispute on New London), Haggling (Reduced our fuel price and lost/wasted inventory by signing with a newly formed competitor of our previous provider. Father knew it was risky, but it payed off at a nearly 43% savings.) We were also taught proper manners and I've rubbed elbows with the powerful and wealthy for a good portion of my life. I can be an asset in the boardroom, the ballroom, and the battlefield.
- To what division are you applying?
Shipping.
- Why are you interested in working for Border World Exports?
I tend to be verbose, so allow me to be brief in this instance: Border World Exports casts too large a shadow over our market for any competitor to hope to thrive. I'd be willing to scratch a living on the edges of happiness, but why do that when you can go to the source?
- You happen across a Gateway convoy that is under attack by Red Hessians. What do you do and why?
It depends on the exact situation. Assuming I am alone and in a freighter or transport ship, I head for the nearest Trade Lane and get to safety. However, were we in a convoy under my command, I would dispatch our fighters to assist the Gateway convoy. The order would be at the lead fighter's discretion to stay or simply to add to the distraction as we made it to a Trade Lane. Under no circumstances would he be allowed to endanger Bowex property, and should only stay for clean up.
- You encounter a corporate trader of Gallic origin. It croaks mockingly at you. What do you do and why?
I don't concern myself with silly buggers. He can stand on the launch pad and make jokes, I'll be making profits.
- Do you already own a ship? If so, what kind?
I currently own only the most basic of freighters - A CSV class ship. I very recently had an... unpleasant encounter with a pirate, who alleviated me of the problem of owning my Clydesdale.
- If you are applying for the Shipping division, what would you name your ship? Why?
The Daisy. This is both my dear sister and my departed paternal grandmother's name.
