The Abacus Equation

by Peter Stremus

  * * *

  Ian disconnected and looked at Karum who had joined him in the suite.

  “I suggest that you pick them up. The pilots are already aware and the jet is waiting for you, all fuelled up. In your personal team room you will find the full briefing. You can study it on the plane.”

  Karum knew that when Ian started with “I suggest” that it was his way of giving an order. Friendly but without the possibility to argue.

  “Sorry that your plans change for tonight, but this takes priority. I'll debrief you tomorrow.”

  Understandingly Karum nodded and left Ian's room while the latter was already dialling a new number on his mobile. Karum had an enormous respect for Ian's ability to deal with a huge work volume at an inhumanly pace. He closed the door silently behind him, just in time to hear Ian say: “hello Jonathan.”