The Hiring

**aramis** · #1 January 20th, 2014, 03:25 AM

The advert text:

Needed soonest: Survey team members for contract survey on Venus. Survey to be in wilds. Send CV, photograph, and letter of endorsement from a member of the RE to James Fellows, Maj., RE, Ordinance Survey Director's House, The Avenue, Southamption. Specified positions available include Geologist, Biologist, Surveyor, Wildlife Defense, and Airship Crewman. Individuals with airships may apply; airship to be hired at 200£ in addition to crew pay. Pay upon survey completion 150£ per ea plus bonus for quality of survey. All basic needs to be provided for duration of employment. No armaments provided; individuals may be advanced ammunition from RE stocks. Full crew leaders applying may receive a finding fee upon completion. Certain individuals may receive an advance for supplies at the discretion of the OS. Serious inquiries only. Interviews January 9-13 Hiring to be completed by January 14. Departure date est. Jan 18.

Was posted in The Cornishman issue for Thursday, 7th October, 1886, and in the London Daily News and Western Mail for Friday, 8th October, 1886.

Hiring date is a friday, BTW.

Separately, same papers:

Reporters needed to accompany Contract Expeditions to assorted planets. Guaranteed first story rights, total access to mission, plus expedition pay if earned. Contact Major General Sir Charles Wilson, Ordinance Survey Director's House, The Avenue, Southamption. Reference from and permission of supervising editor of employing periodical required, as well as CV. Apply in person 7 January 1887.

Your notice of selection for interview specified that you should plan on a 1.5 year absence, and 4 months aboard.

Jame · #2 January 20th, 2014, 07:43 PM

David Lawton, a reporter for The Cornishman, is in his flat reading the news as he has supper. He spies the advert and thinks it seems interesting.

The next morning, he goes to his supervisor and says, "Pardon, sir, but I think this survey might need a reporter to publicise its findings. I would like to put in for the task. It might even be a coup for the paper - get the scoop on everyone else."

**aramis** · #3 January 20th, 2014, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jame

David Lawton, a reporter for The Cornishman, is in his flat reading the news as he has supper. He spies the advert and thinks it seems interesting.

The next morning, he goes to his supervisor and says, "Pardon, sir, but I think this survey might need a reporter to publicise its findings. I would like to put in for the task. It might even be a coup for the paper - get the scoop on everyone else."

He pulls out a typewritten letter, signs it, blots the ink, hands it to you. It's a letter of recommendation and assignment. A pair of purchase orders are with it, and he fills out a couple details, then hands it over, too, ink still wet.

"Jolly. Thought you might. Give your curriculum as well, and get it to Southampton. Here, get a ticket to Southampton, take the weekend. Be in Tuesday with a couple new photos of the director's house for stock."

"And have fun, Davey."

The PO's cover a ticket, and a fleabag flophouse near the director's house.

McPerth · #4 January 21st, 2014, 06:51 AM

While in London, where he has taken his ship to test it and to patent his last invention, Rory McBean reads the advertisement in the Daily News.

A good opportunity to test the Highlands Pride, he thinks, wondering if his old contact in the RE (OOC: I guess that means Royal Engineers) will endorse him.

After seeing him and obtaining the endorsement, he readies his CV and asks for an appointment with Major Fellows...

**aramis** · #5 January 21st, 2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McPerth

While in London, where he has taken his ship to test it and to patent his last invention, Rory McBean reads the advertisement in the Daily News.

A good opportunity to test the Highlands Pride, he thinks, wondering if his old contact in the RE (OOC: I guess that means Royal Engineers) will endorse him.

After seeing him and obtaining the endorsement, he readies his CV and asks for an appointment with Major Fellows...

Submitting in person or via mail?

McPerth · #6 January 21st, 2014, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis

Submitting in person or via mail?

Given McBean's charisma, he'd better submit it by mail, but ready if he's asked an interview...

Jame · #7 January 21st, 2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis

He pulls out a typewritten letter, signs it, blots the ink, hands it to you. It's a letter of recommendation and assignment. A pair of purchase orders are with it, and he fills out a couple details, then hands it over, too, ink still wet.

"Jolly. Thought you might. Give your curriculum as well, and get it to Southampton. Here, get a ticket to Southampton, take the weekend. Be in Tuesday with a couple new photos of the director's house for stock."

"And have fun, Davey."

The PO's cover a ticket, and a fleabag flophouse near the director's house.

"Will do, boss. You want me to get photos of the director's house before we lift for Venus, right?"

After this little question's cleared up, Davey gets on the train and does some research to locate the director's house. He goes to the flophouse and has some sleep - can't photograph without a good night's sleep, or rather, since it's the evening and the light is bad, doesn't want to.
The next morning he goes over to have his interview, and asks to take several photos of the house and Major Fellows for The Cornishman.

**aramis** · #8 January 21st, 2014, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jame

"Will do, boss. You want me to get photos of the director's house before we lift for Venus, right?"

After this little question's cleared up, Davey gets on the train and does some research to locate the director's house. He goes to the flophouse and has some sleep - can't photograph without a good night's sleep, or rather, since it's the evening and the light is bad, doesn't want to.
The next morning he goes over to have his interview, and asks to take several photos of the house and Major Fellows for The Cornishman.

"I want you to get your paperwork in now, get some stock photos so the Chief can't complain about the trip, and so you're top of the queue. We need something to boost circulation in the long term, and an exclusive can't be bad!"

Jame · #9 January 22nd, 2014, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis

"I want you to get your paperwork in now, get some stock photos so the Chief can't complain about the trip, and so you're top of the queue. We need something to boost circulation in the long term, and an exclusive can't be bad!"

"Will do. I'll get the photos and interview done soonest and get them right back to you."

When he arrives he presents himself to Major Fellows.
"David Lawton, from The Cornishman. I'd like to join your expedition as a reporter - here are my credentials. I think you'd be served by having someone to publicize your findings."

"If possible I'd also like to take some photos and an interview for publication on Tuesday's issue."