I’m well into the guts of The Box, my YA SciFi adventure, and I’m discovering that money is great motivator. I know, I know…it took me this long to figure *that* out?

 

Money is a motivator for me, certainly, but also for my characters.  My fictional world in The Box is parallel to Earth. Only special people can move between worlds and the population of my fictional world is pretty small. I need a wealthy ruling class so that pretty much limits  the economy of my fictional world. No vast powerhouse of productive workers. Nope, I need a clever economy that leverages the advantage of a small, intelligent, and technically advanced people…..

 

Q: What economic system is stable for a small, isolated population and can support a high standard of living?

Cue Jeopardy music

 

 

Hmm, what we want is an economy that allows much of the population to live in comfort, if not outright wealth. Most should not have to work too hard and have plenty of time to make trouble. LOL. It should also play into their sense of entitlement and fundamental superiority. Oh, and they are also right next to a  large, fat, cash cow (the Earth).

 

Ding, ding, ding…out of time! And the answer is…..

An offshore banking (aka money laundering) economy!

 

Oh snap! This will work nicely! Lightly-regulated, offshore accounts can be found in countries like Switzerland, Lichtenstine or the Cayman Islands. If my fictional world can entice  wealthy Earth people to deposit funds into its high interest, private, off-world banks then my fictional aliens are both dependant on Earth and maintain some control over some very powerful Earth people. Hmm, lots of inherent conflict in that one! I like it.  It gives me a range of careers to play with and instantly creates a potential caste system. All excellent motivators. I can take the economy into the shadier parts of  offworld banking or keep it on the ethical side. I can also pit the ethics supporters against the off-worlders with, shall we say, more flexible ethics. ROFL.

 

 

 

To quote Adam Smith:

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.

You gotta love him for providing some excellent motivation!
Hmm, now all I need is a map!  Maybe, I can even add some crystal waters and white sand beaches….mmmmm