Near Galatica Point, Thursday Morning

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

Joanna was there overseeing all the finial details before tomorrow's grand opening of the Wonders of the World miniature golf course and go-kart track. 

Construction and cleanup crews were running around like mad trying to finish everything on time.

There was a sign posted that read:

Grand Opening this Friday
Wonders of the World Miniature Golf Course
And Go Karts
Now Accepting Applications for Employment
Generous Pay ~ Amazing Benefits

Joanna was prepared to conduct interviews on the spot.

Comments

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

John wandered around the island before his class, and happened to spot a go-kart facility. Fascinating. He went in to investigate.

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

Joanna noticed the man and went to investigate why he was hanging about the work site.

"Are you supposed to be working for me? I'm not paying people to just stand around."

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"You're not paying me anything at the moment," he said. "This is your project? Sign says Friday. Is that tomorrow Friday or next week Friday?"

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

Joanna looked around at all the workers scrambling to finish up the site. "We open tomorrow," she replied confidently.

She looked at the man again. "Are you looking for employment? We have several openings."

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"Tempting offer. I just taught a class up at the school on how to design and build a go-cart, from blueprints to engine work to chassis. Looks like it's almost ready. Big gala event for kickoff?" He surveyed the course. Not bad. And he didn't exactly answer her question, really.

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"So you have experience with the little car things? That's more than I could probably hope for from most of my employees."

Joanna pointed to where several men were removing shiny new go-karts from their crates. "As you can see, the little cars we purchases are top of the line. I understand they can go terribly fast. I would expect them to peel the hair right off your head for what I paid for them."

She turned back to the man, "And what is your name? You teach a class you say? I'm sure they can't be paying you all that much."

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

John's eyes gleamed at the sight of shiny go-karts. And of the prospect of getting scalped from speed.

"I'm finishing up the last class of Practical Applications this afternoon. I wonder... would it be possible for my students to use the track for their final exam? After it's been properly tested by your machines, of course," he said, gesturing to them. "It'd be a better test of their skills on a quality track such as yours as well as on the beach."

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

Joanna thought about his proposition. It would be, after all, free publicity and a way to get the kids talking about the track.

"Of course. I see no reason why you couldn't use the track. I assume they would be running their own little go-karts then? No chance of them exploding and ruining my new facility?"

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"There would be very little chance. I'm going over their work today, making sure everything is safe as well as fun. It'll give 'em a chance to open 'em up safely, as well. You've done publicity? Invited the mayor out for a sneak peek event?"

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"We haven't done much publicity. Honestly, we've never really seen much of a need. It's apparently fun enough to attract the people out."

Though, the idea of inviting the mayor wasn't bad. She did make quite the impression on him when they last met.

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"There's few enough places to go on this island," he agreed. "Word of mouth should be bringing them here in flocks and groves."

He put his hand over his eyes to check out the view of Joanna the place.

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"You know," Joanna started, turning the full force of her cleavage towards the man, "I could use a man with mechanical skills on staff. The pay is very competitive. There would be an annual staff party on my yacht. And, of course, there a numerous advantages to working for a Stayton."

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"That definitely sounds more advantageous than working at the school. Benefits? Health? Dental? 401(k)?" He takes in her full measure. "And some of those advantages?"

Really, it might not be a bad gig. Off the radar, near his friends, and at the only place he'd been at long enough to call home since...never.

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

Joanna thought it over. "If you're willing to take on a bit of a managerial role around the place, I'll even throw in vision care and a seasonal bonus." Joanna hated dealing with the details.

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"It does sound like an excellent package. I'll have to call my accountant on the mainland, see if he can shift some funds around for me so I can make lodging arrangements here for a bit longer, until winter at least." He did have an errand or three on the mainland before he accepted...but he was not turning it down. "How is the mini-golf course?"

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"If lodging is an issue, I'm sure I can work out an arrangement at the Arms. Mary seems quite amicable when it comes to those types of things."

Though she was glad to no longer be staying there herself, of course.

"The miniature golf is top of the line. Eighteen holes. Each one revolving around one of the wonders of the world, both natural and man-made. They have been quite successful elsewhere. I'm sure it will be just as, here."

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"Mary's good people. That's where I currently am, and my arrangement was due to expire sometime soon." It wasn't so formal, but anything can be used as a bargaining chip.

"I'm certain of it. Bringing the World to Fandom, is it?"

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"Something like that," Joanna replied. She had just noticed that the back half of the concessions stand hadn't been painted and was trying to figure out who she needed to yell at.

"Well, you talk to your people. Let me know how it works out. If I haven't heard back from you by the end of next week, I'll assume you're not interested in the position. Does that sound like an adequate arrangement?"

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

"I'll do you one better. I will formally declare conflict of interest if I am unable to accept the position, and at the least let you know."

Oh, that guy shouldn't be sleeping behind the concession stand like that. He's liable to get in very bad trouble. By whoever these Stayton people are.

[joanna-stayton.livejournal.com]

"That works. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a business to finish putting in order." Joanna began to walk away. She hadn't yet noticed anyone sleeping, but rest assured, when she did, they would no longer be under her employment.

[apocalypsesoon.livejournal.com]

John gave her a head nod of respect, as he felt saluting might not have been received in the manner given, and thought about the good news for the class.