Being established long into an industry fosters a sense of calm. But with recent rumbles both in the company and out of it, the calm had begun to morph into a sort of sea shake. Leon Gold found himself and many others shuffled onto a courtyard. Before them was a grandstand where a singular podium stood, the seal of the company emblazoned against the wood, a crowned Solitan eagle clutching a sword and a ancient scroll.
He was a line worker like many others in the courtyard, still clad in their overalls and gloves. Despite the warm protective clothing however, it did not dissuade the icy chill coursing through his spine. They weren't alone though. Members of the media had shown up with cameras to record the upcoming speech.
Rumors had been flying left and right about potential layoffs to save the company. Despite the encouraging words their foremen would tell them, talk was difficult to stifle when the factory floor saw less and less items leaving and the foremen themselves were discussing about problems above. Now with the SDC announcing a increase in Dust prices, Atlesian society was going to feel the pinch.
He thought of his family at home, his daugther and his wife. While Sheila worked a job and Louisa wasn't exactly a baby anymore, losing his job would surely mean that his family would feel a strain.
That was if he was actually going to get laid off.
Noel was certainly keen about that. The lowering of pay for the past months was a sign of that, he had argued. And now, the fat cats were going to announce their departure from the company with nothing more than thanks and a hand pointing out the door.
Leon didn't get taken by his depressing talk. He had worked in the company far longer than Noel was and while he didn't know the Waylands directly, he had encounter Mister Wayland once and the blue-blood afforded him a pat on the back and decent conversation. From their track record, the Waylands were very protective of their talent and labourers. But that was during times of plenty. Now was a time of tight belts.
The mettle of the Waylands and of the company was going to be tested soon enough as a hush settled in the courtyard. On the grandstand, a tall pale youngster ascended the podium. He looked a veritable copy of Mister Gerard except dialled back in time. If Leon didn't know better, he would have thought that one of the gallery paintings in the factory entrance hall had come to life for young Alexander had donned the Blue Tunic of his ancestors, a military-style uniform with a red sash around his waist, shining black boots that would have blinded anyone if it reflected against the light, and a cap planted on his short-cropped white hair.
If anything, he did look fashionable.
"Gentlemen and ladies of the company, I have asked all of us to gather here to discuss the latest events happening in Atlas," he began, his voice smooth and comfortable. Leon glanced around and found that the calm tone had sucked them in. Well, if he had a buttery voice like that then he surely would be speaking more. Leon dropped his musings aside and leaned in to listen to the youngster's speech.
"Unlike other companies who will lie to you, I shall not. You all have worked for Royal and Imperial well. With your hands, sweat, and tears, you made sure that this company produced nothing but quality. We wouldn't have had such a long and storied history if it weren't for you all," Alexander spoke with utmost sincerity, as if he was pouring out the emotions straight from his heart. Leon felt alarm at his phrasing. Usually, this was the tone companies would use before laying down the clincher, the hammer.
He bit his lip, awaiting the inevitable coup de grace.
"This company is undergoing a massive shift. We have been in the red for awhile. You have all noticed that we are making less arms than before. That is because contracts have dried up. Now with the SDC raising Dust prices, this will make the cost of operating everything much more expensive. The standard procedure would be to announce a massive layoff, to preserve the finances of the company."
His fists tightened. The men and women around him watched with bated breath as their fates hung by a thread. The next words that left Alexander's mouth left him agape and confused.
"It is with pride that I announce that Royal and Imperial will not do that," Alexander said, his eyes twinkling.
Murmurs left the crowd of workers as they all glanced another. Alexander continued to speak, regaining control of the audience. "The success of a company is through the men and women comes with leadership, yes. But that leadership can only function thanks to the men and women that labour under them. You all are valued members of this institution, so much so, that my father will announce to the board that he will undertake a 100% percent paycut and instead inject that cash into your wages. I too will also take a pay cut and have my money instead go to you all. If you yourself are undergoing issues financially, please organize a letter and have it sent to me and I shall see about assisting you. I wish to give my all to this company that I will halt my education at Atlas Academy, to fulfil my duties here."
If the crowd wasn't captured fully then, they were now. This was unprecedented. A CEO and his second going without salaries? And furthermore, halting his education at the Academy? That was unthinkable in Atlas, a kingdom that loved making money as much as it loved its military. The question was, why?
Why would they do this?
Alexander would quickly explain. "Royal and Imperial doesn't do half-measures. We will not offer you platitudes and emptiness. We will take care of you especially at this time of financial stringency. Through this relationship, it has fostered a company culture unlike any other. Through this, we have come through difficult times in the past and came out stronger. Each one of you are an important piece of this company; your talent and hardwork so valuable that others will resort to force to which they cannot claim by right." the youngster ended with all to visible sneer.
A sneer that many of them picked up on. Leon himself found his lips frowning. Of course, the SDC and their new CEO, Jacques Schnee. To think that the bastards would resort to predatory tactics simply because the Waylands would not sell. Well if they thought they were going to get him and his skills, they were dead wrong. Not when their Heir himself was risking societal ridicule.
"The road ahead is going to be long, the company will undergo decisions that will be new and challenging. However, the company motto is Iron and Blood. With Iron, we will persevere. And with our Blood, we will win. The question is, will we find you with us at the frontlines? Will you help us in this challenge? Will you be with us at the breach?"
At first, there was silence. Not a single worker knew what to say.
Leon Gold had no idea what to do at this moment, not when the courtyard was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. His mind went into a frenzy of thought. He had expected to be laid off but no, the Waylands were literally going without a salary and Alexander himself was halting a career in the army for them and the company. Because of them, he was still going to have a job. Because of them, his family wouldn't feel the pinch of a tightening economy. Because of Gerard and Alexander Wayland, his daughter could live in peace.
He felt some doubt in the back part of his mind. What was he, a line worker, capable of that warranted such sacrifice? He didn't know what hidden talent he had but he was going to reply the Heir with a answer he deserved.
Loyalty.
"I am!" he cried out. But he was not the only one to do so for a wave of cries and affirmations roared throughout. The Waylands had done their part for the workers. And now, the workers were going to do their part for them. Loyalty for loyalty, justice for justice.
Alexander smiled from behind the podium. "Then let's get to it pell-mell. If not together to heaven, then hand in hand to hell!"
+++
"....And so comes with the latest reports from the Royal and Imperial Arms Factory. Alexander Wayland has announced a financial stringency period for the top executives starting with himself and his father to retain their workers. Already, CCT users and labour groups are praising this move for its wisdom. Many particularly hail the R&I Heir's speech."
The screen shifted to that of a young man on a podium. "...Then let's get to it pell-mell. If not together to heaven, then hand in hand to hell!"
There was a click and soon, the television turned black.
Winter stood at attention as her father lowered the remote on his table first before swivelling his chair to fully face her. He leaned in, hands crossed on his desk.
"And what do you have to say regarding this announcement, Winter?" Jacques Schnee asked, curiosity behind ice-cold eyes.
Winter offered him an answer after a moment's thought. "This move will most likely foster strong loyalty among their employees. With strong loyalty, they will return the favour to the Waylands and will not be favourable in moving to the SDC."
Her answer was concise and to the point, the sort of language that her father spoke the most. Time was currency after all and the time spent talking could be spent in making money. Hell, she figured that talking to her at this moment was reward enough for her as he was taking minutes of his precious time to be with her.
And just as expected, Jacques Schnee nodded. "You are correct. The chaff of the Waylands will stick to them like glue. This sacrifice, this act of compassion..."
The professional and business-like demeanour of Jacques twisted quickly into a sneer. "How frivolous. The Waylands are desperate, reduced to lowering themselves just to avoid going bust." He shook his head, chuckling darkly. "It was infuriating that Gerard refused my offer and his son insulting the Schnee name. This humiliation for the benefit of the chaff is far better than any bankruptcy I have forced onto others. Let them bask in their bread and circuses for the proles. It will only be a matter of time until they cannot sustain themselves anymore and are forced to sell. When that time comes...I shall by them for a pittance."
Jacques Schnee nodded to himself, approving of his own plan. Winter said nothing, not even when her father placed more importance on the SDC than the fact that someone had insulted her. She stood still and waited to be spoken to, just as true Heiress should act.
Or so her father thought.
"The boy is interesting though," Jacques voice continued. He leaned back on his chair, looking up at Winter. "He might be Gerard's spawn but he at least knows filial piety. Ironic that a company going bust has a good heir while the SDC rises to the top but my own refuses to come take her place at my side."
It took all of Winter's willpower not to frown then and there.
Taking a breath, she looked at her father straight. "Father, surely you know that I cannot leave the Academy? Us Schnees must maintain a level of decorum that the Wayland's have forgotten. To return to his father's side is surely admirable but at the expense of Atlas? Our Kingdom?" WInter shook her head, smiling at Jacques. "Us Schnee's, we would never leave Atlas."
Jacques listened and hummed. "That is something I could use, yes. Even in here, you have proven your worth. Well, as long as you return to my side to continue your training under me then I can afford to wait."
Then, there was a ringing sound. Father and daughter glanced at it with Jacques speaking first. "Looks like time has run out. Out of my office now, Winter. I have spent enough time with you."
"Of course. Thank you for spending time with me, Father," Winter said with a bow. Jacques replied with a non-committal grunt as he returned to looking at the files on his desk. Winter turned on her heels and left his cold office. Out into the equally cold hallways of the Schnee Manor.
Once, it was filled with warmth and laughter. Now, just a quiet expanse.
She glanced outside the windows, towards the gardens where a lone woman say on a stone chair, a glass of red liquid in her hand.
Winter sighed. There was no use in complaining what cannot be changed. Instead, her mind went astray to thoughts that wasn't her family.
Her mind went adrift to someone else.
So, he was going to make a decision for himself, defying the world.
Despite her harsh words towards the Wayland heir, Winter did not actually hold hostile feelings towards him. It was the opposite in fact. Unlike the other pretentious hacks she had the displeasure of calling classmates, Alexander wasn't a stuck-up charlatan who fancied themselves leaders but were worth less than dirt. Unlike them, Alexander could actually back up his nobility, what with the tight belt sacrifice he and his father pulled.
How could her father not recognize the nobility, the noblesse oblige in that?
Could she make a decision like that too when the time came?
With admiration in her heart, Winter walked off into the hallways of the Schnee manor. As she walked, her mind would drift into ideas of chivalry, true nobility.
And the Waylands that seemed to embody those ideals.
"...Then let's get to it pell-mell. If not together to heaven, then hand in hand to hell!" Alexander roared with the passion that would light up the sun.
Winter smiled at that image.
+++
I groaned, my muscles straining from work. Erstwhile, father sat across me. As he did so, he pushed a glass of cold water towards me.
It was a long day. Interviews, assurances. I placed my best smile and most sincere smile I could as I toured the foundry, speaking to anyone and everyone. It was important to look like everything was normal and that we were confident in some plan to save the company. My social battery was drained and scraped by the barrel but it did to work to induce calm in our ranks. I leaned forward and took the glass water father deposited and drank it all in one go.
"Welcome to my world," Gerard chuckled as he leaned back on the couch.
"I am going to work hard so that I will never have to do this again and retire with a model laying on my lap," I groaned again. My father laughed some more as he lounged.
"I wouldn't recommend a model, my boy. They look pretty but only so few of them have brains to meet the needs of the company," Gerard advised me. His tone indicated experience.
"Sounds like you have experience with that, dad," I pointed out, looking up at him.
"As I said, your grand-father was a womanizer. You best believe that some decisions he made during his time was because some socialite whispered it into his ears," Gerard sighed as he rubbed his forehead. I smiled thinly.
"I shall have to find a good partner who is not only beautiful but wise too, then." I offered. At that, Gerard nodded.
"How was the board?" I asked him.
At that, my father frowned before he answered. "Good news; many have agreed to sell back their stake in the company. This means we have a little bit more control now. Bad news; they've sold. I will have to pull some bullshit in paper-pushing and the stock market to not start a panic. Thankfully, your little speech has netted us some good publicity and our workers will be telling stories on how we still have control."
"The important thing is, we have control back to Royal and Imperial now. I assume some have remained on the board?" I asked, latching on to what my father said earlier. He nodded.
"Oh yes. A couple. They've stayed because they have confidence that we could bounce back. It seems that your speech has reached them, Alexander," father said, failing to hide the pride in his voice.
"I thought they'd disapprove of our cost-cutting measures," I said, failing to hide the fact I was pleased at my father approving of me.
"They suggested downsizing but I presented our belt tightening as a way to retain skilled workers and as a fait accompli. They accepted that. Now, we are convening again tomorrow and they expect a plan for the future."
I hummed. "I have some ideas for that."
+++
"It had been some fifty years since the Great War between the Kingdoms of Vacuo and Vale versus Mantle and Mistral. On paper, Mistral and Mantle lost but in reality, it didn't even feel like we lost a war. No restrictions were ever placed on the Solitan continent, no reparations were ever forced on its people and successor government. No, the people merely shrugged their shoulders and made a dash to enjoy the peace. Now, Atlas is the dominant force on the planet. The biggest fleet, the best equipped army, a flourishing economy and patents were being issued as fast as people could spit them out," I spoke succinctly and clearly, eyes upon me. The board room in the Foundry was expansive and decorated with fineries. It was large and spacious too, the flag of the Royal and Imperial hanging proudly in a adjacent wall. However, it felt smaller, many of its seats empty save a few. As father had said, the rats were abandoning ship. He hated these motherless whores for who they were, interlopers to our family's legacy.
"By why? Why is it that Royal and Imperial failed to profit in a time when the Atlesian Army is seemingly buying anything and everything from duct tape to advanced combat robots? That is because, members of the board, for two reasons I can think of. Atlas needs to trailblaze, look good and because of strategic demands." I then pressed a button and an image of an Atlesian soldier appeared. He was clad in shiny armor, his weapon sleek and futuristic.
"The new Atlesian soldier; futuristic, shiny, and impressive. His armor has bright colors to make him stand out, his weapon cutting-edge and innovative. Compare that to a soldier of old Mantle," I said, shifting the image to that of a Mantlese soldier. He was gritty, with a long rifle, and a huge contrast to the Atlesian one. "Atlas is taking upon itself a leader of the future and everything it has must reflect on it. And thus, it must reflect that. Things of the past have to be set aside, discarded, while new innovations taken. We unfortunately are a product of the past. The name of our company is that because we were the old Empire's source of weapons."
"So you are saying, Mister Wayland, we aren't raking in new contracts because of political reasons?" A board member asked. His hair was gray, lines adorned his face.
I turned to face him and nodded. "Yes, sir. The SDC rifle for example fires concentrated laser blasts from dust crystals. The effect changes depending on what type of dust is used. From what we see however, they commonly use fire dust to shoot superheated lances at enemy targets. And this leads us to the next reason why our weapons haven't sold, the strategy Atlas has committed itself to doing."
A map of the world appeared. Places were marked with white lines and images of soldiers, Atlesian ones. The remaining board members and my father glanced down at their scrolls as numbers began to flood in. "The Atlesian military has shifted itself from being a military made to fight other Kingdoms to that of an expeditionary force. Sent to your scrolls is a compiled list of the military budget. As you can see, the navy and marine forces are getting a huge slice of the pie. It is designed to arrive at any location, at any time. The navy provides heavy cover, the marines secure an area. Usually, these expeditionary forces are usually sent abroad to secure areas of strategic interest namely Dust fields."
And for who I had left unsaid. But everyone in the room knew who I was talking about. My father grit his teeth, no doubt cursing Jacques hijacking Atlas to print money for himself.
"To conclude, Royal and Imperial cannot expect to profit from our previous employer. Current Atlesian military priority is to cede strategic control over vital resources and holding said territory." I concluded to silence from the board.
After a moment's silence, the same board member from earlier spoke up. "...I assume your father and you have a plan, Mister Wayland?"
"We are fortunate that our age of peace has opportunities even for us Relics," I said, inwardly smiling at that bit of knowledge. "I propose that instead of selling to the Army, we make a new line of products, one for the frontier market. And these products will reflect the frontier life and requirements."
I had spent the entire night trying to convince my father of my pitch. Essentially, sell shit to the fearless and frankly suicidal folks ekeing a living out in the boonies. He agreed to support my pitch provided the board members supported it too. And they looked interested enough to listen.
"In your scrolls, I have also sent data regarding the amount of settlements popping up outside the safety of the kingdoms including towns, villages, settlements, and even outposts. Presently, their interest is defending their homes. From this demand, I suggest the creation of weapons that will see to this need. A standard pistol, shotgun, battle rifles, heavy weapons, and perimeter defense utilities." I proposed.
The board members all nodded. Then, they leaned in as they read more and more from their scrolls.
"By standardizing everything, we cut costs significantly by making sure that each weapon can have similar parts. With that, there's no need to worry about specialization and more. It also makes maintenance easier, so much so that these settlements don't have to constantly worry about relying on the big cities for help. And the best part and the one which I believe will be its selling point is that the weapons will rely on little to no Dust at all. Listed in my data packet are designs for these weapons. I shall have for you a working prototype by the end of the month."
A month, that was all I really needed to come up with prototypes for rifles I envisioned for the frontier market. But I couldn't do it alone.
"In this plan of mine, it will require expansion and innovation. For example, one of the necessary requirements for it is an expansion of our Research and Development division particularly for chemistry. The re-tooling too would require more skilled and talented workers to fit the new designs. Our factory floor too would have to be expanded. The bottom-line is, Members of the Board, is that our company will inject growth with the acquisition of new sources to fit our needs."
"It sounds impressive, Mister Wayland, but the fact remains this will need money. Money that we are in the red in," another board member pointed out.
"I have made a more comprehensive list in the data packet but to summarize, we can still continue the production of certain products the company already makes. People are still buying our bullets and other small products after all. The most obvious way to secure funding however is through loans. I have already listed the required numbers and it comes up to a small loan of a million lien.