1669: A Strange Occupation?

A Strange Occupation?

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap~2

Julia couldn't stop tapping her very low-heeled boots as she and many others crowded within a massive waiting room.

The grand clock on the wall was no help in calming anyone's nerves. 

What exactly was this new job all about? Julia felt uncertain, recalling the strange questions asked during the interview.

She was just a fresh 15-year-old graduate who was a little confused about what she wanted to be despite having so many tours done by the school.

While she felt all those jobs were great, she still felt something was missing in her heart.

Well, not all jobs felt that way. Working as a crew member of a cruise ship was the only thing she hastily wanted to apply for. Sadly, after graduation she didn't go job hunting immediately and missed the opportunity to apply for the position she wanted.

What she wanted was a job that took her to new places. She had a love for adventure and a yearning to see what the other UN nations looked like.

Hey. Did you know most of Romain had the worst winters ever? Did you know there were areas in the sea with different mysterious currents traveling their own place? Did you know that Zohl had the most unique land terrains, making the people have stronger hind legs? Did you know there was a UN nation in it called the Land of Hills?

What she wanted was a job that lets her visit these territories even if it's just for a day, just like cruise ship members do when the ship docks on sight.

After docking, the ships don't leave immediately, and spend a few days before leaving.

Her older sister works as a cruise staff and gets 2 days to visit their docking city whenever they arrive. 

Of course, that's only when she and her group have completely stripped down the beds, changed the sheets and cleaned up after the leaving guests.

When a ship docks, it doesn't leave immediately. It might sit on the waters for 4~7 more days before leaving.

It all depended on the ship's size and how much cargo they had to take out and keep for people at their destination. 

Don't forget that with Baymard using the dock port buildings as a mail center, many people who ordered shipment from Baymard, also had their goods kept for them until someone on their side came over to receive it. 

Again, letters and items from loved ones also circulated as such. 

Some people wrote letters in Romain and had them delivered in Zohl just like that.

There was so much that went behind the scenes in running the ship. 

All in all, by the time the ship leaves on schedule, every new guest won't even know the hassle the crew members went through to keep things this way.

Julia's yearning for adventure came from her elder sister's many adventurous trips. Her sister who was now 19 years old, single-handedly raised her after her parents passed away 8 years ago. 

Julia yearned more and more for such a life, seeing the perks her sister got as a cruise member. Paid vacations once a year for her and her family, hefty end-of-year bonuses, and so much more. 

Add the fact that she was seeing new territories every trip and that was a steal.

. 

"Hey... the name's Eleanor." A bubbly girl who just entered the room said while taking a seat beside Julia.

(^_^)

"I thank the ancestors it hasn't started yet. But do you have any idea why we are here in a new academy? Could it be that our job is to become students?"

The girl didn't know it, but she hit the nail on the head hard.

"I'm not sure either. I'm Julia by the way." Julia introduced, as Eleanor soothed her anxiousness away. 

"Do you remember that during the interview they asked if we feared heights, or if we got motion sick? They even had us placed in strange devices that spun wildly, wanting to see how long we would last." Julia paused. "I think our job has to do with some new vehicle his majesty has created. Maybe it's a wickedly fast one that will make one dizzy."

The bubbly Eleanor with bangs nodded her head vigorously. "I think so too! Or else why would they ask us so many bizarre questions and also put us through such physical tests?"

"Hey! Are you guys talking about the job?" One of the guys nearby asked, having unintentionally eavesdropped. 

He and his body were also confused too.

Soon, the group joined heads, coming up with all sorts of possibilities. And before they knew it, the massive double lesided door on the other end opened.

--Silence--

The loud waiting room turned into a silent zone, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. 

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.~

Footsteps echoed steadily, as a group of people wearing black pants and unique white shirts with eye-catching black and yellow zebra-crossing strips on their shoulders, calmly stepped in. 

They had a black tie, and unique hats too.

Some wore suits that also had black and yellow zebra strips along the sleeve area. And their hats also had golden designs that made them stand out even more.

Seeing their attire, Julia couldn't help questioning what it is that they would be doing here to dress so dashingly.

Well, she was promised the opportunity to see the world with this new job. So would be an on-the-move vehicle driver, stationed in various empires from season to season?

.

"Welcome recruits." One of the men in attire spoke. "You have been chosen because you possess particular sets of skills we look highly on. We also know you are all confused by the many tests we put you through during the interview. And now that you've all succeeded, congratulations on being Pilots in training!"

Pilots? Like those controlling the hot air balloons in the amusement park and during festivities? 

Sensing their thoughts, the man, as well as the others in uniform smiled mischievously. 

"Congratulations! You are Baymard's first batch of First years in the Academy! Now, follow us to get a glimpse of your future."

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