Big Corp Inc. (G/T)

Part 14: The Giant's Lair

Normally, Mr. Hardon would be dying of boredom by the end of the day from all his meetings. The CEO made them more tolerable by allowing all the big bosses to smoke cigars and ordering catering for an extended lunch break, but even so it was a long day. Plus, the day was just as much of a social event as a business one, meaning Mr. Hardon had to be on his best behavior and suck up to the CEO as well as those higher on the executive ladder the whole time. He was as suave and unctuous as any other successful Giant in the company, but such an act could become exhausting over an extended period of time.

However, today was different. Mr. Hardon had learned something very interesting. In these meetings, the CEO typically reviewed updates on future investments and undertakings for the company. Big Corp Inc. was an industrial supplier, a middleman of sorts, that sold a wide variety of goods in bulk to other large companies. The company didn't necessarily manufacture these goods, but rather brokered deals with wholesale suppliers to facilitate large-scale distribution to customers, and assumed responsibility for branding, marketing, and sales.

The CEO revealed that Big Corp Inc. was investing in a new product, a type of pill for the pharmaceutical industry. While this pill had been available on the black market for a long time, it had finally been approved by the government for medical and commercial use. It was a pill designed primarily for human use, that enabled humans to withstand oxygen deprivation, heat, and acid damage for a few hours.

"This product has a very wide range of industrial uses, allowing humans to work under dangerous conditions in confined spaces for long periods of time without harm," the CEO explained. He was a very tall, broad Giant with a thick salt-and-pepper beard, an aquiline nose, a receding hairline, and cold, hard eyes. "However, it has been exceedingly popular in the black market among Giants for its 'off-label' use. The pill enables a Giant to eat a human without killing it. This approved version is superior to the black-market version as well. Older versions required the Giant to take a pill too, an antacid, but with this product that is no longer necessary. The potential for revenue is massive here, gentleman."

Mr. Hardon perked up at this news. He hadn't been aware that such a pill existed, but he was fascinated. It was exactly what he was looking for. With a pill like that, he could live out his fantasy and eat Candy without killing her. He had to restrain himself from drooling at the thought.

The CEO continued, "Our supplier will be providing us with free samples soon to try out. Those of you who have successfully managed to lure in and hire a human employee... You have my permission to do as you please." A murmur ran through the room and several of the Giant managers looked at Mr. Hardon jealously. He basked in his accomplishment with a smug grin, enjoying the status it conferred to him.

"In fact, there's talk of a new restaurant opening up in town that would be a big customer for us. Of course, they'd have to find enough humans to work there. I'm not holding my breath on that one," the CEO remarked with a chuckle. "With that note, we'll conclude today's meeting." The managers collected their laptops and papers and began to shuffle out, chatting amongst themselves. Mr. Hardon gathered up his belongings and followed, but the CEO put his hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Hold up one sec, Richard," he commanded. "I want to discuss something with you."

Mr. Hardon turned around and tried his best to be genial, even though he wanted nothing more than to get out of that stuffy conference room. "What can I do for you, sir?"

The CEO leaned in. "I wanted to congratulate you. So far, you're the only manager who has succeeded in hiring a human. In order for us to get all those government subsidies, we needed at least one human employee. You've netted us some good money." His dramatic eyebrows folded down. "You need to do everything you can to keep her employed here. I know how you are with the women in your office. Keep yourself in check. Understood?" Mr. Hardon's mouth went dry but he nodded. "Ok then. My appreciation for your efforts will be generously displayed in your next quarterly bonus. Be on your way now."