I have to remind myself that not all Halflings are corporate management, it is just my family.
I’m an Ashroot. Our family joined the church of Abadar, and therefore Abadarcorp, generations ago.
My cousins are all management, fast track to management or priests. Many are both. My father is a front-line manager, in charge of the logistics team that handles trade with the Veskarium. My mother a director of a unit specialized in investing in emerging economies. My grandfather retired years ago, and mostly gardens these days, but my grandmother… yes, that Ashfoot is my grandmother.
Me? I was happy with my research job in the Xeno-Marketing division. I loved learning about newly discovered markets and the challenges in interplanetary trade. I had carved out a niche in trading with cultures that do not use currency as we generally do in the pact worlds. Cultures that barter, or do not have the concept of property can be a challenge for Abadar Corp to work with.
My parents were scandalized that I wanted to make this a career, and one day I was reading about the cultures that use seashells as currency and the next thing I knew I was put on a special assignment. I am supposed to “field” research for Abadar Corp.
My job is now to get out of Absalom station and look for new opportunities. New markets to sell in, new good to purchase. New locations to open factories. Real estate deals. Temple locations on remote worlds still developing civilization. Anything that increases the prestige of Abadar Corporation.
I loved my job, but I was not really interested in going to these other worlds. I was happy reading economic reports and writing summaries, providing analysis. I could learn everything I needed from them! No, my parents thought it was scandalous that I was headed for a long research career.
They think this will jump start my career and, after a job well done, I’ll be on the fast track for management.
Also my mom has been asking "that question" a lot recently. "Is there someone special in your life?" How can there be if I'm working past 9 pm most nights?
Mom and Dad met on one of these field assignments. Is there another reason they got me this job?
