Ch.2

A New Job

West City-Capsule Corporation

18 grinned as she walked into her office and settled herself down behind her enormous mahogany desk. She took a moment to enjoy the solitude and reflect on how happy and content she was.

Years ago, Gero had stripped her and her brother of their humanity, hope, and future. Or at least that's what she believed at the time. But they had slowly reclaimed their lives. 18 had Krillin who patiently befriended her and slowly worked his way into her heart, and 17 had his constant companion Android 16, restored to life by the dragon, who had eased 17's bitterness and loneliness over the years. 17 had settled into a life as a park ranger with 16 and they both found contentment among nature. However, 18 wanted it all and with help had gotten it. She had a husband and child and more recently she had taken over the day to day operations of the largest corporation on the planet. An unexpected benefit of being a cyborg was her ability to memorize and recall enormous amounts of information, this combined with her natural intellect made her a perfect fit for her new role as Vice President of Capsule Corporation.

"Bah, I'm getting to be as sentimental as my idiot husband."

18 turned to her computer and began pouring over reports from various department heads. Everything from legal issues, to capsule production, spaceship production, and a new patent for self sealing stem bolts. Those departments that were behind schedule or were not meeting standards got scathing messages from 18 to get their acts together. Her ability to intimidate was not wasted and most departments would go to great lengths to avoid a personal visit from her.

As 18 finished up her morning reports her boss breezed into through the door. Bulma plopped herself down into the chair in front of 18's desk and smiled.

"I know I have said it before but I sure am glad you're here now 18. After I took over running this operation from mom I barely had any time to spend in the lab with dad. But with you running the show this place runs better than ever and I have plenty of time to work on my inventions."

18 returned the smile "I enjoy the work and people here are usually pleasant, although I do have some big shoes to fill."

Bulma nodded, "I remember. I know I did okay running this place but I never could measure up to mom and her ability to scare the crap out of people. She would be all smiles and serving food in meetings and them BAM she would fire some incompetent idiot who thought she was just some ditzy airhead. She had the ultimate poker face and rival companies never underestimated her more than once. But she is enjoying her retirement though. Hah, did I ever mention that some people would call her the Smiling Piranha behind her back?"

18 shook her head. "No, that's a new one, but I'm not surprised. But I asked for this meeting for a reason. So I asked you here because our capsule production facilities are maxed out and the off planet demand for capsules seems to have almost no limit. Even with heavy use of automation in factories we are still running up against a lack of personnel. Frankly, the Earth doesn't have a large enough work force to supply an entire galaxy of beings who have all decided they really need our products. So we can simply limit the supply of capsules, which I don't recommend. We can import an alien labor force. Or we can start moving some production off world utilizing the labor forces on those worlds."

Bulma brow furrowed, "You never have been much for small talk. But wow, I didn't realize exporting capsules was already this far along. I guess it is a good thing I had already reached a decision before I got here. 18 I want you to step up as the new Chief Executive of Capsule Corp. You are way more involved in the daily operation of this place than I am and I trust that you will keep my family's business on track until hopefully, when you retire, Trunks or Bulla will be ready to take over."

For a moment 18 just blinked. "This is huge. I mean Capsule Corp is basically leading Earth into the stars singlehandedly. And if I am running the company then I am helping to shape the course of the future for this entire planet."

"So is that a yes?" Bulma asked.

"I assume I get a substantial raise and a new office?"

Bulma grinned, "So then it is a yes. The paperwork is being drawn up as we speak and we will make this official next month."

18 stepped around the desk and gave Bulma a hug. "Thanks for trusting me with something like this."

"Well I don't know anyone who could do a better job. By the way what are you going to do about this personnel shortage?"

18 looked out the window at West City and said, "People had better make some room because we will taking a page from your book and inviting aliens to stay at our home."