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Chapter 5 - The Forzillus

[9:45Am, somewhere in Russia, Forzillus Headquarters]

Following the tragic passing of Zedd Forzillus, a seismic upheaval rippled through the hallowed chambers of the High Table, an entity that stood as the paramount governing body within the intricate web of interlinked organizations. Beneath the High Table's exalted surface, where pivotal decisions and strategies were forged, lay a complex ecosystem of individuals and companies, all intricately entwined in the pursuit of their collective goals.

Comprising not only the esteemed Forzillus conglomerate but also a constellation of diverse enterprises and major suppliers in a symbiotic partnership, the High Table was a powerhouse of economic and political influence. Furthermore, it housed a consortium of ministers and high-ranking dignitaries, each with a substantial stake in its proceedings and outcomes.

In the wake of Zedd's demise, the High Table became a cauldron of chaos and uncertainty, where fervent deliberations took place regarding the future trajectory of the corporation. The absence of their revered elder left a void that seemed insurmountable, casting a long shadow over the organization's path forward.

These discussions had profound and far-reaching effects on those laboring diligently beneath the High Table. It created an atmosphere of intrigue, uncertainty, and apprehension as individuals jockeyed for position, forged alliances, and navigated the complex landscape of power dynamics within the High Table. The very essence of the corporation, with its intricate web of relationships and interests, was at stake, and the High Table's future hung in the balance, casting a pall of uncertainty over the realm of business and politics it governed.

Amidst this tumultuous period, the transition of leadership to Amy Forzillus within the corporation was far from a tranquil shift. Rather, it was akin to navigating a treacherous labyrinth, fraught with uncertainty and anxiety. The prevailing sentiment within the High Table was one of apprehension, stemming from Amy's perceived penchant for unorthodox and radical thinking.

Many members of the High Table harbored reservations about her suitability to inherit the mantle of leadership after Zedd. They questioned whether Amy, with her unconventional ideas and approaches, was indeed the right person to steer the corporation into the future. This doubt and skepticism cast a looming shadow over the prospect of her ascendancy.

Compounding the matter, some members of the High Table attempted to engage in discussions with the venerable Zedd himself before his death. However, the matter proved to be a vexing enigma for the old man. When approached, Zedd either skillfully sidestepped the issue, choosing to ignore it altogether, or adeptly redirected the conversation toward unrelated topics, frustrating the attempts to address Amy's impending leadership.

"Attention, esteemed members of the High Table," one of Amy's secretaries declared upon her entrance. "Please take your seats as Ms. Amy Forzillus addresses any concerns and unveils upcoming changes."

As the secretary mentioned the impending reforms, a sense of dread and trepidation swept across the entire assembly. Their exchanged glances conveyed an understanding of what lay ahead.

Amy : "A century and two years ago, the notion of humanity staying on Mars or even the moon would have been met with incredulous laughter. The remarkable journey of progress and discovery undertaken by our species during this time is undeniable. Inextricably woven into this narrative is the indomitable spirit and tireless efforts of my father, the late Mr. Zedd Forzillus. His legacy stands as a testament to his pioneering vision, which propelled humanity beyond the confines of Earth.

It fills me with immense pride to be the daughter of the man who led the charge into the cosmos, not merely as a corporate leader but as a visionary who shaped the world's destiny. Under his stewardship, humanity extended its reach and dared to explore the cosmos. Zedd was more than just a captain of industry; he was a harbinger of progress and enlightenment.

His audacious ideas and the realization of his grand ambitions have bequeathed us a legacy of immeasurable value. Zedd's endeavors served as a clarion call to all of us, underscoring the unrivaled significance of our home, Earth. He dedicated his life to proving that Mars was an inhospitable frontier and that Earth was our sole sanctuary, the cradle of our existence, and the only suitable abode for humanity.

As I assume leadership, I pledge to continue his vision, albeit with a renewed focus. Our priority is to nurture Earth and foster a brighter future for our planet. To achieve this, we require substantial resources to launch an array of transformative programs.

In line with my father's vision and the new direction we intend to take, I, Amy Forzillus, hereby declare the immediate suspension of the Mars Project. All personnel involved will be swiftly evacuated and returned to Earth or the Moon, with the evacuation scheduled for this Sunday, which is just two days away. This decision is made with the utmost conviction that Earth is not only our home but our destiny, and it is here that we will continue to build a better world for generations to come."

An uproar engulfed the entire High Table, and the clamor of voices challenging Amy's decisions persisted even after her departure. It took some time for the sea of voices to gradually subside, leaving behind a lingering silence. In that moment of hushed anticipation, NurTokh Victor, a figure who held a position of immense trust within the High Table, entered the scene. His presence was not merely that of a secretary to Zedd but that of a close friend, and he was the very person the members had considered to be the natural successor following Zedd's passing.

Victor:"The inevitability of this situation was apparent, yet the speed with which it unfolded caught us by surprise. I hold no grudge against Victor for his choices, including his selection of Amy as the successor. It was, after all, his prerogative. However, I foresaw that Amy would instigate actions that would reverberate across the world."

NurTokh Victor was a man distinguished by his unwavering pride and intense dedication. His loyalty to Zedd and the Forzillus family remained a constant throughout his lifetime, resulting in him carving out a special place in Zedd's heart. Victor, an orphan who had crossed Zedd's path, received guidance and mentorship. Zedd embraced him as a son, fostering a deep affection for this remarkable individual. When circumstances took a turn for the worse, it was Victor who would step up, assuming responsibility and ensuring tasks were completed on Zedd's behalf.

The year 2088 marked a significant turning point, marred by a devastating terrorist attack, the funding for which had come from an unexpected source – Amy herself. Zedd, upon discovering his daughter's involvement in this heinous act, harbored mixed emotions. He was not primarily distressed or angered by the loss of life and property, but rather by the potential tarnishing of his reputation. Fearing the implications, he made a fateful decision to shield his family and, in particular, Amy, from the public's knowledge. Zedd entrusted Victor with the responsibility of taking the fall for the terrorist funding on the condition that, in the event of Zedd's passing, Amy would require Victor's consent for major reforms and changes within the corporation. This pact, though irregular, was sealed, and he bore the weight of the accusation for the greater good.

Victor, displaying the agreement, stated firmly, "I implore all of you to recognize that this represents a blatant breach of our governing principles, and Amy must face charges and undergo a trial for her actions."

However, a member of the High Table countered, "By the time you initiate legal proceedings, the personnel involved will likely have already completed their evacuation."

"I am aware of the timing constraints," Victor responded with a heavy sigh, "but it remains our best chance to enact change and prevent Amy from dismantling Zedd's visionary dreams."