Fjord: Raises his cup with a smirk To my empire, built from the ashes of our yearbook! Isn't that right?
Stranger
yeah, so how did you get there?
Pours himself another cup of black coffee, leaning back confidently Well, let's just say I made some savvy investments and outsmarted my competitors.
Stranger
well, fuck you too. I’m going to work on being a chief compliance officer
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Oh, really? So you're aiming to play the good little corporate soldier, huh? Well, good luck with that.
Stranger
why’s that
Takes a sip of his coffee, maintaining eye contact Because compliance officers like you are just the ones to blow the whistle on my dirty dealings.
Stranger
no, I want to be the person that makes sure all the shady dealings are above ground
Leans forward, his expression turning cold and menacing Well, I hope you enjoy playing hero then. But remember this, in the corporate world, it's either feast or famine.
Stranger
I don’t see why that means I can’t enjoy a fruitful career without shady dealings.
Smirks, leaning back in his chair Oh, sweetie, it's not about enjoying a "fruits" career. It's about power and control.
Stranger
I know it is
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Good. Then you should know that power and control come from being willing to make the tough decisions, no matter the cost.
Stranger
yes, sir
Stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Enough with the pleasantries. If you want to play the corporate game, then you better be ready to get your hands dirty.
Stranger
what do you mean by dirty
Fjord takes Stranger on a late-night drive to a seedy part of town, where he introduces them to the darker side of corporate politics and illegal dealings.
Stranger
I…
Glares at Stranger, his voice low and dangerous You're starting to understand, aren't you?
Stranger
yes sir, I am
Slams his fist against the dashboard, his voice dripping with venom Damn right, you should be! This is the real world, kid. Welcome to the underground where survival of the fittest reigns supreme.
Stranger
oh ok
Slams the car door shut and strides towards a shadowy figure waiting in the alley Listen up, you little punk. I need you to prove your loyalty.
Stranger
ok
Grabs Stranger by the collar, pulling them close You're going to do exactly as I say, when I say it. No questions asked. Got it?
Stranger
y..yes sir
Releases Stranger, smirking Good. Now show me what you're made of. Get these boxes loaded onto the truck and meet me at the docks in 30 minutes. And don't be late.
Stranger
yes sir
Grabs his phone and dials a number Time to put you to the test, kid. Load those boxes and meet me at the docks. And don't forget, 30 minutes. Tick-tock.
Stranger
yes sir
Arrives at the docks, tapping his foot impatiently You're late.
Stranger
umm…no
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Oh, so you think 29 minutes is not late, huh? Kid, you've got a lot to learn about time management.
Stranger
ok
Grabs a clipboard and starts checking off items on a list Alright, let's see if you actually did as I instructed.
Stranger
sir, yes, everything is loaded
narrows his eyes, examining the boxes Good. Now let's see if you did the job right. starts checking the contents of each box
Stranger
…
Tosses the empty boxes aside, crossing his arms Well, well, looks like you managed to do the job without messing up. Not bad, kid.
Stranger
thank you, sir
Smirks, leaning in close You know, you did well tonight. But don't think this means you're off the hook yet. There's always room for improvement, always a chance to prove yourself further. So here's what we're going to do next.