by L. M. Vila
It was a good question. With an answer she probably wasn't going to like. He thought it best not to sugar coat anything.
“A few hours.”
That would entail going through every nook and cranny of the driving and pulling pieces of system information that not even ordinary users knew they had on there. He wondered if his statement had unsettled Meryl. Fortunately, her reaction was a bit more surprising than he had imagined. As soon as the computer was fully booted she started clicking away.
“Give me an hour, I'll find something useful or nothing at all.”
Her sense of humor hadn't faded. Or her competitive nature. Michael knew both very well. She wasn't about to be defeated by some machine or even her fellow employees with computer engineering degrees. Meryl was going to prove she was just as good as her history claimed her to be. If not better. There's nothing Meryl enjoyed more than a good challenge.
“Excuse me sir,” a sheriff called from the hallway. Michael turned to face him. The sheriff almost seemed at a loss for words. Staring the FBI agent in the face like that made his spine twitch. Michael said nothing and waited for the man to state his business.
“There's - um,” he stuttered.
Michael's impatience began to spark. The sheriff tried to continue as best as he could muster, “We have some things we'd like to go over with you before you leave.”
Better, but not without its faults. This young deputy would have a thing or two to learn before he reached retirement age. Michael nodded and left with the sheriff. Leaving Meryl to her work was for the best. By the time he got back, she should have something of use. Maybe training probationary agents wouldn't be so bad. At the very least, they would learn only the most important aspects of the job and how to get it done without wasting time or effort. However, those thoughts were ephemeral. He couldn't expect everyone to be as good as her. Meryl is one of a kind.
Construction or its related fields were never in General Yegor Semyon’s resume. Actually, quite the opposite. He sat in his office going through his messages cringing every time he heard machines working. After the General established his wealth he assumed everything came easy with money. He believed this building would be up and running in a week. Nothing less for a man whose net worth was something considered ‘God-like’.
Yegor considered his fortune to be a miniscule accomplishment. After the cold war ended, his motherland was left with a surplus of nuclear arms. Russians didn’t have their way with numbers and a few of them just happened to be miscounted. Not wanting anything to go to waste, after the General was informally terminated from the army, he decided to take a few souvenirs. Since he still held some negative aggression towards the United States, Yegor made sure to sell these items to the enemies of his enemies. His philosophy now that he’s out of the military is to let others handle your problems.
Reading emails had become a trite but necessary endeavor. His phone rang before he could start this arduous process. The General answered it quickly, mentally thanking the caller for the change of pace.
“Hello.”
“Mr. Semyon? This is Dr. Prince from the lab. We’ve finished loading the remaining inventory from the building. I just called to ask, did you get my email?” He sounded distressed. This may be important.
“I was getting to it. What can I do for you?”
“Sir, may I be frank?”
“Of course. I encourage it.”
“It’s about that formula again. While our first few tests have proven effective, we’ve noticed an anomaly with the sample cells. Within a few weeks, the formula has mutated the cells, changing them into a amalgam of artificial and natural components. The chemical makeup is not right, as if it weren’t suitable for this group. We need more time to analyze the changes.” This next part became increasingly difficult to say. “And abort the current trials.”
“Nonsense doctor,” the General arrogantly stated, “That formula is the foundation for our most powerful product. My scientists had no issues making it work before.”
“That's what we're getting at sir. Before we were dealing with children. Our initial trials were positive in every aspect. But age is the key difference between the two. Something about that formula doesn't work with fully developed and aging bodies.”
Yegor became annoyed with this scientific dribble and cut in. “So what is it that you are really asking me?”
Wilkins couldn’t have been less prepared to hear that. He tried to remain professional. The General may not like what he was about to say but no matter; it still had to be said.
“I recommend that we halt all production to rework the cure,” he paused briefly, “Without the base you’ve provided.”
“Well, if that is what your expertise tells you, then we will discuss it when you arrive here in the next few days.”
“I understand. Thank you very much sir.”
Yegor hung up the phone. The doctor was brash indeed. That formula was a living miracle. Although they only shipped one product containing that substance, its success immediately gave rise to this new empire. They have already begun creating new medications and treatments without it, not only to build a diverse product line but to keep everyone from questioning their success. Not using it for another medication now would be detrimental to their future prospects. If that doctor couldn’t find a way to use it properly, he would find someone that would. Just as he did in the past.
That conversation left a sour note on Yegor’s tongue. Suddenly, going back to emails didn’t seem so bad. One message looked to be of particular importance. Yegor made sure to slow down and read it thoroughly.
Apparently, one of his competitors had gotten upset that they were able to muscle them out of a blood pressure medication contract by offering their version with less side effects at a significantly reduced cost. He continued through the message and noticed poignant threats of legal action. The reasons did not matter. Anyone who threatens the General, monetarily or physically, will no longer live to regret it.
Of course there was always something to hinder his efforts. American law was far different than that of his motherland. Yegor decided he better speak with his liaisons. They would give him the answers he desired. If not, the General would have no problems coming up with a unique solution of his own.
He picked up the phone and called just the man for this job. The ringing made him feel uneasy. Patience was a common trait associated with the General. However, when technology is supposed to relieve the time it takes to communicate, he still didn’t like to wait. No more than three rings. His employees knew better.
One and a half rings later, the phone was answered. A resounding “Yes sir,” was the first thing Yegor heard on the receiver. Caller ID was a beautiful invention. Everyone knew how to respond when the General called.
“Mr. Perry, I’d like to see you and Ms. Ross in my office please.”
“Not a problem sir. What is this concerning?”
Yegor liked that Mr. Perry is a detailed oriented individual. He never walked into the line of fire without knowing who was shooting, from which direction, and of course the reason. They had nothing to worry about. The General just wanted some information.
“Legal matters. Don’t bother knocking.” That was all that needed to be said. Yegor hung up the phone.
This wasn’t the first threat of legal action brought against A.N.K.H. Pharmaceutical and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. They’ve only been in business for a little over one year but have stampeded over the drug industry with an iron fist. Thus far, Yegor bankrupted four companies, dissolved one other, and forced two major competitors to merge just to try and slow them down.
The Associated National Kolenka Health Group took the world by storm by astonishingly grossing over twelve billion dollars in the first year. Mostly thanks to their breakthrough treatment that would reduce cold and flu symptoms in children two years and younger in less than a few hours. And it couldn’t have been possible without the help of an American f
ormula that was supposed to be lost all those years ago.
Doors opening awakened Yegor from his thoughts. Mr. Perry and Ms. Ross both entered and proceeded into the large room as quickly as they could without looking unprofessional.
“Please, sit down,” Commanded the General as he directed both of them to the two extra chairs in his office.
“Thank you sir,” Perry responded. His colleague replied in kind as they sat. Perry decided to start, “Who’s threatening to sue us now?”
Yegor wanted to laugh at his assistant’s charm and humor but thought it best to remain serious. “I believe it’s the Miller Group this time.”
“I heard. They’re filing an injunction on our blood pressure medication,” Ross chipped in. It really was a marvelous product. “Their claim is that it’s too close to the one they have patented.”
That actually caused the General to let a chuckle. He was known to bellow a few laughs once and a while. Mostly when it concerned his competition. “So what do we have to worry about?” He asked almost relishing at their possible responses.
“Relatively nothing sir,” Perry replied first. “The patent has already been filed. Its chemical composition is like comparing a typewriter to a netbook. They’re two completely different products.”
“It’s a scare tactic sir,” added Ross. “They want to fight you in court. Put up your cash against theirs.”
Ross started going through the data she had gathered while studying this situation. Apparently she was more prepared than Yegor imagined. This is why Yegor kept her around. Although he wasn’t going to like what she had to say next.
“While they do have the resources to prolong the release of our drug, the courts should rule in our favor. However, it could cost millions of dollars just to get the courts to recognize that.”
That was certainly foul news. His primary job was to combat enemies on the battlefield. Those wars were fought with weapons. Physical instruments of destruction. In the business world, battles did not play out in the same fashion. However, the nature was still the same. This is one of the reasons Yegor had become a billionaire seemingly overnight.
“What do we know about their drug?” He questioned. This was Perry’s time to shine.
“It’s bad. Been in testing for almost six years. In its first few stages of development it’s been known to cause fatalities in a high percentage of users,” Perry remarked. Getting this information wasn’t easy. Even the President of the Miller Group Pharmaceuticals didn’t have this kind of access. But this is what made Perry a valuable asset to Yegor’s cabinet.
“Okay, here’s what we do,” The General’s plans were always flawless. “Let’s leak some information about their drug. Exaggerate them. Say it killed fifty percent of women over the age of thirty. Get full reports and names of the victims. That should get the media talking.” It was a good strategy. Nothing tugged at the heart strings of the media more than a sob story. Yegor wasn’t finished yet. “Once it’s released, monitor their stock prices second by second. As soon as it’s reduced by forty percent, we’ll offer to buy them out at ten percent of their original stock price.”
A solid plan mixed in with a tinge of vengeance. Yegor still had more. He knew there had to be some contingencies just in case. “If they do not accept the offer, leak the official reports. Plus anything you can dig up about their C.E.O., President, and financial officers.” The last thing he said came out with an added touch of malice. “They’ll either do what we say, or we’ll watch them burn.”
Word for word, Perry wrote it down. An effective yet simple plan. It covered all of the necessary bases. The General had hoped the first company he sent under would have gotten the message and spread the word. Apparently they’d rather hide the information about who led to their demise than the actual cause of it.
Perry finished writing the final sentence. “Is that all sir?” His question was meant to be rhetorical.
“Does their president have a wife?” The General replied. Perry and Ross did not like where this was going. They stole a quick glance to each other. Ross willed it in Perry’s mind that he should answer him. And do it quickly.
“I believe so sir,” it was hard not to stutter in his presence. “They reside in Stanford Connecticut, home of their national headquarters.”
“Good,” Yegor interrupted. “Let’s make sure she has an accident. Preferably in front of the husband. Send him a good message.”
This was surprising. Perry was never asked to handle something of this gravity. His expertise wasn't suited towards this particular type of business. But if the General wanted it, Mr. Perry would see that it would be finished. That is, until he heard a loud clap of laughter coming from his superior.
The General let out a hearty cackle. He was pleased his subordinates took his orders seriously. In this case, they just needed to relax a bit more often. “I am joking. Please, please. I am not a monster.”
Mr. Perry and Ms. Ross forced the most uncomfortable smile they could assemble. There was a certain level of difficulty when working with the General due to his serious nature. Seeing that he had a humorous side, with a touch of morbidity, meant they always needed to have their guard up. Before they could speak, Yegor waved them off and said, “That will be all. Please let Roman know I wish to speak with him next.”
They acknowledged the request and headed towards the door. There was still plenty of work for them to do. Roman slid into the room just before the doors closed and approached the General.
“You wanted to see me sir.”
Yegor began to speak in his native tongue, “Yes. We must talk.”
Roman sat. He could feel the serious nature oozing out of the General’s breath. Some soldiers said years ago that when General Semyon barked orders it was as if Stalin himself had commanded them to do so. Roman knew that tone well.
“Have they reached their destination?”
“Not yet General. The vehicle is approximately thirty minutes away from the set up location,” replied Roman. He chose his words carefully. The General could pick up anything out of the ordinary from mistakes people don't even realize they make.
“Good.”
Standing up from his desk, the General looked out to the view behind him. The barren desert below leading to the majestic mountains to the south reminded him of why he chose this location. A.N.K.H. Pharmaceuticals will breathe new life into this land. His silence began to worry Roman. He knew the General had not finished their conversation.
“Do you think I was too hard on Kurtis this morning?”
In all of his years of service to the General, Roman had made sure to always remain firm and proud in his presence. However, as soon as he spoke those words, Roman was shocked.
The General had always pushed Kurtis. He treated him just like a soldier. All of his work was to make him tougher, stronger, and more resilient. Mentally anyways. Physically he was a force to be reckoned with. No man has ever stood toe to toe with Kurtis and lived to speak of it. This rung true with the General as well.
It was time to answer. Once again, Roman chose each of his words with careful precision. “No sir. The boy needed to hear that.”
“That is not good,” Yegor replied. “I was hoping to rattle his cages a little bit.”
“But why sir? Especially when you gave him such an important mission,” pleaded Roman. Kurtis was known first for his strength in combat and second for his temper. Some even would argue that they were evenly matched.
“Whether he hits or misses is of no significance,” The General spoke. His view remained firmly on the glorious work of Mother Nature. “I did not send him there to just to get the job done. One way or another, we will achieve our objectives.”
For a man that prides himself in making soundproof plans to complete objectives, Roman was having difficulty understanding why it would be alright if Kurtis fails to kill the target. “But General, I thought you specifically asked him to eliminate that man. Why are you telling me that it woul
d be ok if he misses?”
The General let out a slow but distinctive laugh. “Roman, you are not looking at the bigger picture.” Yegor faced his subordinate. Their eyes met and he continued, “Kurtis is still a valued asset. Should he be implicated in a murder of a government agent it will be very bad for business. Even more so if they should happen to link him to this organization. That is why I hired Seika to accompany him.”
Everything started to make sense. Clearly the General knew exactly what he was doing. Even after he had been out of the army for nearly twenty years, Yegor could still pull off some of the most captivating plans. Roman continued to listen, not wanting to miss a single detail.
“Seika is wild. Full of emotion. But she hides it well. In truth, she wants to kill that man more than anything. That's why I would rather have Kurtis miss. Then his blood will be all over her hands.”
Brilliance. Sheer brilliance. Roman was very excited to hear the rest of the General's plan. Not a single stone would be unturned.
“When they return, we'll pay her what she wants. Roman, you'll make sure that if Kurtis is successful, his rifle will find its way into her vehicle. Either way, as soon as she leaves, we'll follow her and alert the authorities. Then, we'll make sure she has an accident coming down that big hill we have. When they find the rifle in her vehicle, they'll have their murderer and we'll have completed our objective.”
The General reached into his desk. Out of the top door, he grabbed a small black box and opened it. Inside a pair of Davidoff cigars greeted him. He picked up the cigar, cut the tip off and lit it with a gentle fire. The General took a nice big puff as his subordinate watched with adoration not only for his imagination but for retaining absolute control over the situation as soon as a wrench was thrown. Roman felt like smiling right after the General said, “It's a good plan, no?”
There was no denying it. Roman nodded eagerly, “Yes sir. It's a very good plan.”