Author: Wow, can you believe it? We're already up to Chapter 8!
This chapter mainly focuses on the outcome of the interview but creates a very important link to the main plot. Will Mr Carter impress or disappoint?
Thank you, everyone, for the many great reviews that you have currently left on my story. I literally feel so happy as I go through reading them.
Remember that: reviews = motivation to update :)
Chapter 8 - Hired or Fired?
Mr Carter anxiously followed the lead of the corporate woman in front of him. Eventually, they reached an elevator and after pressing a few buttons it shot up the building at an extremely high speed. His hands raised to his ears as he felt his ears pop at the increasing altitude. On the other hand, the woman seemed unfazed, she was possibly used to the drill.
As he continued to travel higher and higher, he couldn't help feel more apprehensive. From his earlier discussions with other employees, he had discovered that he was one of the lowest ranked who was applying for the position. Yes, it had been quite intimidating listening to the banter of many highly qualified individuals who claimed that due to their superior skills and experience they were already guaranteed the job. Regardless, he did not allow his confidence to be rattled by such boastful remarks. He decided that he would try for the job no matter what the outcome was.
When the elevator had reached the top floor it sounded upon their arrival. After exiting, the woman showed him to a set of large doors and bowed as if to tell him that he had reached his destination and that from now on he was on his own. She then began to walk away, the loud clicking of her heels continuing to resonate throughout the whole building. Now that she was gone, he felt conflicted about what he should do next. He was hesitant to enter, yet unsure if he should knock despite knowing that his presence was expected. He thought for a few seconds and quickly came to a decision, slowly he raised his hand in preparation to knock...
"Come in Carter!" a harsh voice instructed.
His sweaty palm clasped the door handle as he turned it in a clockwise motion, it opened. Slowly entering the room, he surveyed it cautiously. The first thing he noted was a wooden desk in the center of the room, however, to his great surprise no-one was seated there. His eyes travelled to the wide glass window situated behind it. Sighing in awe, he saw it displayed a wonderful view of Domino City. A view he deeply appreciated but knew would be much depreciated with familiarity.
His eyes then fixed on a tall figure, he had his back turned to him and seemed to be looking down at the city below. The slim brunette was well dressed, wearing a highly expensive black suit. One that would have possibly cost thousands of dollars. Mr Carter also noted the patent leather shoes that he wore on his feet. The young CEO swirled his scotch glass around before taking a swig. He didn't bother to care what anyone thought of him. Sure they'd say with him only being seventeen years of age he was too young to drink, but he thought differently. Whenever Kaiba entered his empire he saw that the transition was apparent. He was no longer a boy, but a man.
"Take a seat," Kaiba ordered, without even looking at his interviewee.
Without uttering a word, he obediently sat in the chair opposite and waited patiently to be joined by his boss. As Kaiba sat down opposite him, they made brief eye contact. He still found it hard to come to terms with how young he was, but he wouldn't dare to mention it. Seventeen years old? Hell, it was like having a job interview with his son if he had one.
Kaiba sighed heavily and straightened up the pile of papers in front of him. To be completely honest he was fed up with all these people, they were simply one disappointment after another. He was even made to wonder why he had such stupid people working for him in the first place, however unlike last time he wasn't going to fire anyone he had promised Mokuba that. Instead, he thought it was best to start with regular formalities, just as if he were the first candidate that he was interviewing.
"Mr Carter, it's a pleasure," Kaiba began, extending his arm outwards for a shake.
"Likewise," he replied, firmly gripping his hand with his opposite.
Unexpectedly, Kaiba paused for a few seconds and it seemed as if his facial expressions had turned blank. The surname mentioned began to ring inside his head over and over again. 'Carter, Carter, Carter...'
Immediately he visualized the small black-haired American, the one he couldn't seem to get out of his head. Normally he wasn't one to believe in coincidences but the timing of their arrival in Japan seemed just a bit too close... heck, it was almost identical! He carefully began to study the physical of the man that sat before him and he noticed that there were vast differences between him and Rebecca. She had jet black hair and brown eyes, whereas her assumed relative had brown hair and green eyes. Upon taking this into consideration he realized that there was no connection between the two whatsoever.
"Is everything alright?" Mr Carter questioned, observing that Kaiba as still clutching his hand tightly. From his reluctance to let go he could tell that his mind was somewhere else.
"Yes, fine!" Kaiba replied hastily pulling his hand away, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Let's begin!"
Mr Carter reached downwards for the black briefcase at his feet. Inside it, he had many important papers, articles and supporting documents in which he would use to persuade Kaiba that he was the most suitable person for the job. Quickly sliding the lock combination into place, the briefcase clicked open. He then removed a set of documents and politely handed them to Kaiba.
After briefly skimming the documents, Kaiba rapidly shook his head. "These won't be necessary,'' he said curtly handing the papers back to him. " I've done my research. I know everything from your highest educational qualifications to your latest job experience."
He took back the documents with the slight element of surprise on his face. If Kaiba had already known everything about him, then why would he even both interviewing him in the first place.
"How about you tell me why you want this job?" Kaiba suggested.
'Alright too easy! I can do that.'
Mr Carter inhaled some air in anticipation to say something...
"Actually no," Kaiba corrected himself. "Tell me what you can do for me as my holographic programmer." He then intertwined his fingers and leaned forward in preparation to listen to what he had to say.
"Sir, I am aware that the virtual holographic software malfunctioned before due to both visual and auditory errors." He began. "I believe that with my new highly developed software, I hold the solution to your problems. "
"Explain yourself," Kaiba urged.
"It's a personal project that I had been working on back in the US" He continued. "Within a few years of hard work and sleepless nights I was able to create a software that created holograms that were more than 3D images. I first began working on it when Universal studios opened their Jurassic Park exhibit. Not only were people able to see life like images of the prehistoric creatures but the dinosaurs themselves realistically breathed and snarled. With the advanced technology, we were even able to simulate their odor. I was thinking we could do the same with the game of Duel monsters. I think it would make the monsters in the game feel more alive."
'Hmmm, interesting...'
Kaiba perked up and his eyes widened attentively. Did he just say that he had developed his own type of holograms and for one of the biggest theme parks in the world? This was too perfect! With the development of Kaiba land underway, it would be of great importance to have an employee that could assist them with the development of theme park attractions and of course his original plot to finish his duel disk prototype. As much as he found it hard to admit it, he was perfect for the job.
Usually, he wasn't one to make impulsive decisions, however, he was running out of time. Kaiba was highly curious to see if this man could back up his claims, but he knew the best way to do that was to give him the job. He seemed genuine enough...
"Given that everything you're saying is true," Kaiba said slowly. "I'd be glad to offer you a position."
"Thank you, sir!" Mr Carter replied with much gratitude in his voice. "You don't know how much this means to me."
"You'll commence the project on Monday. We'll have to relocate your office since you'll be working with me directly and there will be deadlines to meet so you will be expected to stay longer than your usual business hours."
"Yes I understand." he nodded.
"Oh, and of course you'll have a salary increase," Kaiba added. "In fact, it will be double of what you earn now."
He paused for a few seconds, he was mentally trying to convert yen into dollars. Even though he had been living in Japan for a while, it still wasn't a task easily done.
"$200,000 American dollars," Kaiba stated, having already read his mind.
'Holy shit, that's a lot of money!'
Mr Carter was lost for words, never did anyone offer him such a large amount of money in his entire life. His mind spun, he was finding it difficult to come to terms with what was happening. Unfortunately for him Kaiba found his silence to be quite insulting.
"What is not enough for you?" Kaiba growled, as his eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared in anger.
"No its more than enough," he reassured.
"Don't worry, I can assure you that you will be working for every cent. I'm running a company, not a charity!" Kaiba sneered.
"Yes, I know."
"Make no mistake Carter," Kaiba continued. "You fail to fulfill your responsibilities and you'll find yourself out of a job. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal!" he gulped.
"Good!" Kaiba concluded, a smug smile forming on his face. "I'll see you on Monday."
Mr Carter then stood up from his seat, bowed and left. He felt so torn, part of him feeling ecstatic and the other part wondering what had he gotten himself into. He knew only time would tell...
So what did you guys think of the chapter? I would love to know!
What to look forward to in Chapter 9:
- Rebecca meets Mokuba
- The mention of a GX character (I won't say who)
*See you next chapter! :)
