The executive conference room at TAE was abuzz with discontent, as the gathered executives grumbled under their breaths. First the CEO didn't show up for the meeting as planned and now, they were ripped from their busy schedules to attend an impromptu, on-site meeting.
"I swear, business is going to be the death of me." Someone muttered sparking a chorus of murmured agreements.
The dimly lit room was buzz with muffled conversations flying in the air, heads swiveling here and there.
"When do you think the stocks will be opened for buying?" Mark Burr asked, reclining in his seat. "I'd liquidate all my assets to get in on that action."
Mister Seth, seated opposite Mark, raised an eyebrow. "Do you think it's wise to invest that heavily?" His tone measured.
"Are you kidding me?" Victor Lee, seat at a far end on the table shot back. "Your 2% stake in the company is worth a fortune. You should be glad you're sitting on this table."
At that moment, Truce Avidon walked in, with bodyguards surrounding him. His face hard as steel, and immediately silence rang in the room.
As he took his seat, he announced his mission in a calm, collected tone and everyone gasped, their mouths hanging agape and murmurs grew loud. "How can he do that? What'll happen to my shares?"
"A restructuring? God help us all."
A black folder was placed before him, and Ace beamwood, a tall man with Hispanic features, and a stern unyielding expression, rose and called for silence in the room.
Names were being called and checked off, one by one, as minutes were recorded.
Red-rimmed eyes kept staring at the CEO, hoping he would smile and tell them it was an elaborate prank. But it didn't happen. When had the man ever smiled, let alone in a meeting? The tension in the room was palpable.
"Any questions?" Truce's voice cut through the silence, and his gaze swept across the room. Everyone was quiet, as they shared nervous glances from one person to another. The oppressive silence was punctuated by soft rustling of papers and creaking of leather chairs.
"Consider this a formal, legally binding announcement. Following a thorough investigation into the security breeches at the lower levels of our organization
We were left with no choice than to do this. Further information will be communicated as soon as the investigation is concluded. Until then, I advise you all... To sit tight." He stood up, smothening his black suit and then left the room, with black suited bodyguards, flanked on both sides.
As soon as Truce left, Mr Lucian raged on top of his hoarsy voice. "A threat? Which one of you would risk your lives plotting behind TAE?" They voiced their options in a chorus.
Ten minutes later, Truce sat on a brown leather chair, in another room for a meeting with his heads of departments with him. Two on each side.
This meeting was top priority as they discussed and concluded on their next line of action for the lower levels.
Michelle Davis, head of VIGILIA, was responsible for the cutting edge cyber security solutions for corporations and individuals. Her departments operations had set a new standard in the industry.
Sean Horde, head of VITALIS, which was responsible for revolutionizing transportation with it's team's advanced designs for aircraft and vehicles. Along with their subscription based transportation devices, providing personalized guided travel experiences.
Derrek Cranby, head of LUMINA, responsible for the creation of high speed, secure communication networks that empowers billions of users globally. His team's data analytics platforms, deliver real-time insights and predictive analysis, giving his clients a competitive edge.
Dr. Emily Wilson, head of NEXUS, pioneers sustainable, high performance nutrient and supplement solutions. Her laboratory redefined groundbreaking work in recycling and upcycling.
Truce Avidon, CEO of these departments for years, pretty sure had his fingers in everyone's pies.
"What are we dealing with?" Truce asked, resting his head on his knuckles.
Michelle Davis, impeccably dressed in every inch of prim and proper, with big eyes, alert for the slightest misstep spoke up.
"Our sources pointed to Omnicron Incorporated," she announced as a sleek, serpent-like logo popped on the the white board from the smart projector.
"Run by a man named Kaelin Darkfire. After digging deeper, we uncovered a vast, multilevel underground complex, a place called 'the circuit,' in the middle of town."
"Our guy's hiding in plain sight." Sean Horde said, staring intently at the projected logo, with his hands on his beards.
"Our research also discovered multiple companies with discreet names, linked to this man. Must be some sort of master mind behind them."
Truce smiled, as he leaned back in his chair. Amused at Anoma's impressive audacity– disguising with a cute name, and lauching an open attack on him. This just got very interesting.
"But why now?" Emily Wilson asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Our company has been running for years, with no connection to Darkfire. What could be the motive behind this?"
The room fell silent, as they thought about it. It wasn't a typical business threat to TAE, as there were a dozens of competitive companies vying for market shares. Could it be beyond business?
"What do we have on him, that we can use as a little housewarming present?" Truce asked, and everyone turned confused glances at the boss.
"Well, we do know, he's into illict oil activities, and using various subsidiaries to mask his involvements." Michelle ventured.
"Excellent. Leak that information to the press, get the military on his case. Derrek, monitor all their communication channels and gather Intel within their organizations discreetly. I want reports by next Friday." He said leaving the room.
Dear brother, game on!