"That is good enough, for now. Just that alone is enough for billions in your commission. That is just how much such a crystal is worth."
This single sentence was enough to send Jane's jaw to the floor, though considering her expertise and experience, she was able to save herself from the embarrassment.
'Billions in commission.'
This thought alone was a dream for most of those working in the Federation, especially for those who are as new to the Federation as the Old Earth humans like Jane.
While not enough to purchase an entire moon or planet within the Croft system, would allow her to buy a large building on any of the branch family planets. If she were to save her commission for several more years, as more crystals were excavated, she may be able to purchase a significant amount of land on even the main planet.
Her personal power and her personal influence were nearly zero, but her wealth was enough to pave her future.
"I didn't call you here simply to let you know the progress of the development of the crystal."
Jane was brought back to reality as the director spoke.
"In fact, there is someone that would like to meet you."
As he continued, a voice could be heard through his closed office door. A deep baritone.
The door to the office opened and Jane found herself nearly collapsed on the floor. If it wasn't for the director's timely help in keeping her standing, she would be neatly curled on the ground.
The man who entered was a giant. Even taller than the already tall director, with a large, bushy beard that covered his face. A scar could be seen traced across his forehead, but besides this one line, there were no blemishes on his face. Not a wrinkle could be seen. Despite looking not a day over 30, this man was Alexander Croft, an existence nearly 4,500 years old.
Alexander Croft was the current head of the Croft main family. While those who were older and more powerful than him were still around, they had long since fallen into the background, protecting the family from behind the scenes.
As quickly as his pressure came over Jane, it was washed away just as fast as a broad smile took over his face.
"My apologies, my apologies. I am not used to restraining myself, especially not on my own planet. Considering your freshness within the Eden Federation, I will practice restraint just this once."
A strained smile formed on Jane's lips as she introduced herself. "Not at all, sir. It is my own honor to even be on this planet, not to mention in your presence." To Jane, the director was someone deserving of her respect. But who was Alexander Croft? There was no level of respect that she could show that would be even remotely appropriate.
The broad smile that had already formed on the man's face spread even further. It is unknown whether the cause was an ego trip or simply due to the way that Jane had responded.
"There is no need to be so polite, little girl. You have done the entire Croft family a great service by simply finding this crystal, not to mention the steps you took to be able to excavate it."
A slight blush of pride colored the cheeks of Jane as she lowered her head to the Croft Patriarch.
"Hmmm, no need to be shy now. Is there anything that you would like the Croft family to reward you with? You can say anything, and I will do my best to match it."
"Just the commission alone is more than I would have ever hoped to earn in this lifetime, sir. I wouldn't dare to ask for anything else."
No matter who Alexander Croft asked this question to, you would be hard pressed to see anybody actually answer with something in mind. Simply having the man be grateful to you would result in seven generations worth of boasting. That was simply how far the influence of this one man stretched.
"Wouldn't ask for anything, huh?" The broad smile on the man's face seemed to shrink imperceptibly. "What about you, Director Wayne? What would you like to offer to this miss?"
A solemn look appeared on the Director's face. Not many would be able to tell the mood of the Croft Patriarch at a single glimpse, but it appeared the relationship between the two was close enough for the Director to read the man's thoughts.
"Nothing short of being inducted as a branch family member would be appropriate. Even being given the main branch's name would be barely enough, considering the weight of this achievement."
This answer prompted a thoughtful nod from the Patriarch.
"Very good, I agree. Though admission under the main branch may still not be enough..." The patriarch paused once more before looking at Jane. He seemed to have realized something before taking a look at the Director once more. "Little Wayne, how long have you been working as the director for our mining subsidiary?"
A jolt ran through the Director's body at the way the Patriarch addressed him. Still, an answer slipped from his lips.
"It has been nearly 235 years, Patriarch. I still have another 65 before I can be considered for higher family administration positions."
"Over 200 years... good, good. I can work with that. Considering all that you have done up to now, along with the discovery of the crystal, there should be no questions if you were to be given an early promotion."
A look of realization seemed to fill the face of Director Wayne. It seemed that in order to reward Jane with a promotion to his position, he, too, was going to receive a promotion. An unexpected prize, but a welcomed one, nonetheless.
Being able to work in family administration was a big step for those who were looking to enter contention for the next family Patriarch. Though such an event was still thousands of years away.
"Patriarch, could it be that you are thinking of giving Miss Jane my position of Director?"
Such a thing would not be uncommon. For those who were not of direct Croft family blood, being the head of a subsidiary was close to the highest position one could reach.
"As expected of my nephew, quite smart. Though you still got one point incorrect." The Patriarch paused, a mischievous smile replacing the broad one. "She won't just take your position as director. I think I should make her your wife."
When Jane heard this simple remark fall from the Patriarch's mouth, she took a step back. It was part in shock from the conversation that was just happening and part in fear, for the future that had just been decided for her.
Yet, what could she say? Just as no one in their right minds would willingly ask for a reward from the man, no sane individual could ever muster up the courage to reject what he is trying to give you.
"W-wait, uncle. Ah! I mean, Patriarch. Please, reconsider..." Director Wayne seemed to have forgotten this fact, however, as he tries to interject.
A frown covered the Patriarch's face as he heard Wayne Croft attempt to persuade him. "Reconsider what, exactly? Do you mean to say I should ask for Miss Jane's opinion first? You're right, allow me." He turned towards the startled Jane and proceeded to question her. "So, what do you think? Will you marry my nephew, or is he not good enough for you?" A question that was not really a question was asked.
"Not at all, sir. It is actually me who is unworthy. I would be honored to marry someone like the Director, I only fear he would not have me."
The Patriarch's face changed once more. This time shifting into a dark grin, he seemed quite pleased with the way the timid, young Jane responded to him. He turned back to Wayne Croft and spoke to him once more. "Do you hear what she thinks now? Do you really dare break this young lady's heart by refusing to her face? If so, then I think it would be you who is unworthy of her."
"P-Patriarch." Still flustered by the past few seconds, Wayne Croft barely managed to spill out this single word. Taking a second to collect his thoughts, he responded once more. "Someone who has achieved as much as Miss Jane is more than worthy to be my wife. I simply hope that I can live up to her expectations. Patriarch, it seems that you have thought up a completely appropriate award."
A low snort echoed from the Patriarch, seemingly pleased at the responses he has heard.
"That's good, then. The union of two capable individuals is a boon for our Croft family. I look forward to what you will accomplish in the future."
Then, with a flick, the Patriarch silently disappeared. Leaving the newly engaged pair alone in the office.