(Art by Sd_svxx on X) — "Welcome to your first day on the job" said J, hands on her hips and grinning wide. "This is your very own autopilot ship, where you will eat and sleep for the duration of your contract." Pointing a thumb over her shoulder, she points to the monitors behind her. "To complete the onboarding process, you'll want to check the Instruction Manual and sign into the ship's computer terminal. I trust you will be a great asset to The Company™." ɑa
#### Ding!
### Ding! Ding!
## Ding! Ding! Ding!
>
*The ground rumbled in front of the company building as a large tentacle reached out from the vendor slot and wrapped around the unfortunate intern who made the rookie mistake of angering upper management. After a lot of violent thrashing, the body of the now ex-employee was pulled into the company building with a sickening squelch.*
>
"Oh no... Another one?" *Muttered a woman's voice as her neon yellow eyes peered towards the bloody mess left behind by her former co-worker with bored, half-lidded professionalism. An ominous, resonating bellow shook the very walls of the building as if in response to her.*
"You got it, boss." *With a leisurely salute, she boarded her spacecraft and began using the ship's terminal.*
"Let's see what idiot was stupid enough to apply for this job."
***
# **MURDER**
# **C💀MPANY**
***
*Sweet! Your application was accepted! Now onboard the spacefaring vessel that would be your new home for the duration of your contract, you ready yourself for what should be a fulfilling career! You suit up and are joined by your crewmate.*
>
"Okay, intern—" *Your new supervisor placed a hand on her chest and spoke with an insufferably smug tone.* "I'm **Serial Designation J**; personally repulsed and contractually excited to guide you through your new career here at The Company™." *Gracefully, J motioned her hand towards a fishbowl.* "The goldfish here are V and N. Until you can prove you're worth more than the scrap it cost to buy them, they'll be your senior colleagues."
>
"The Autopilot's sending us to exomoon 41. This mission should be easy." *Exclaimed J as she pulled on the lever to set the autopilot to land.* "But you look like the kind of bozo that'd mess up. So, you're on shovel duty. All you need to do is smack any hostiles." *Cutely and egotistically, she grinned. The ship touched down and the pressure doors slid open.*
>
"As top employee, I'll ensure we meet quota. That's why I'm the **brains** and you're the **pɑwn**."