"Master Vorn," Thomas called, "Mr Jerald Outre is here to see you."
"Enter."
Jerald was a middle-aged man, with brown eyes and unruly black hair with a small goatee. He worked in the Triparte Guilds Adventurers Oversight Department as a Departmental Mentor. That is, a member of a department designated to assist younger, less-experienced employees with clarifying details, assisting in jobs, supervising their work and providing feedback.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
Travis motioned in front of him, "Take a seat, Mr Outre. I've read your notes on Ms Darla Imni in your department regarding her work with adventurer promotions. Allow me to read an excerpt from that report."
Confused, Jerald nodded.
"Darla Imni is a young but promising individual. She possesses a strong work ethic. However, I have doubts about her ability to continue long-term in this department, specifically regarding her leadership abilities. She is rather impassive and does not seek advice from other, more capable colleagues, which has led to a few instances of tension. I fear that being promoted may lead her to take charge of the department while unprepared and encourage existing tensions to manifest themselves."
"Yes…?"
"Strange, isn't it, that you would put your own opinions on a report?"
"Well sir, as her mentor-"
"-As her mentor, you are to report on her work ethic, her standards, her strengths, weaknesses and behaviour. You are to assist in her work and provide feedback. You are not to 'fear' her being promoted or taking charge. Shall I ask Administrator Rosemary to ensure you understand your professional duties?"
Jerald flinched, and with thinned lips glared down at his lap.
"You attended the harassment and abuse seminar sessions. You know your rights and responsibilities and given your experience in your career, you know that what you were doing categorised into sexual harassment. She asked you to cease and desist multiple times. Are there any grievances against her that you wish to take to an appointed officer or myself?"
"I…" he chanced a look up at Travis. Encouraged by the lack of emotion on his face to continue, he steeled his nerves. "I've worked here for ten years, sir. The old Guild Master, Master Porak, told me I was very skilled and was looking at a promotion."
"But he left soon after."
Jerald nodded.
"How exactly does that matter relate to your role as a mentor?"
"Well, I… I was…" he controlled an exhale. "I thought I would be promoted to Departmental Administrator, sir. Not Administrator Rosemary."
"I am quite sure you did get promoted, Mr Outre. I would know; I asked Administrator Rosemary to give you an opportunity as a Departmental Mentor, to see how you would take to new responsibilities. Tell me; if you could not set aside your dislike for one person, how could I trust you to manage an entire department?"
"I am like that with all my-!"
"-I have read your report on all of your other trainees," Travis interrupted calmly. "Past and current. I find that the few female trainees you have mentored are of a noticeably lower evaluation, despite mine and several others' opinions being that they are of approximately equivalent skill, knowledge and experience."
Jerald bit his lips. "Just tell me, sir. Why did you promote Rosemary to Departmental Administrator? I applied for the position too."
Travis stared at him. There was no emotion in his gaze. No anger, no sadness, no disappointment.
"Did you know Mr Porak was a sexist and racist man?"
Jerald started. "What?"
"He created an environment of mutual support and respect, but only insofar as you were a male, well-educated, came from a middle-class background, middle-aged and human. You may notice many of your old colleagues fit into all or most of these categories."
He thought about it to himself for a second, before nodding.
"Administrator Rosemary was a female, hired during Mr Porak's tenure as Guild Master when she was young. She was denied promotions repeatedly and never rose above a senior accountant in the Financial Oversight Department. I moved her into a position more fitting for her skills. She has more experience and qualifications than you do."
Of course, that wasn't the only bit of sexism that was happening. There may not be concrete evidence at the moment, but Travis was investigating as much as he could in his spare time regarding the case of female adventurers finding their promotion applications denied unfairly.
Jerald looked down, before dragging his eyes back up to meet Travis'.
"Undoubtedly this discriminatory culture would inevitably have passed on to most of you. But I will root that culture out. It will take time, and it will take effort." Travis looked Jerald in the eye, mustering as much resolution into his glare as possible. "No matter the cost, and no matter what I must do. I will reshape this guild into an organisation fair to all. With today's revelations, I have no doubts you will support me in this endeavour, yes?"
Jerald nodded rapidly. "Yessir!"
"Excellent. Then I am sure you will be very diligent with how you handle your trainees in the future. Off you go now."
As he scampered out the door, Travis took out a piece of parchment, inked his quill, and began writing.