Regan's Reach

by Mark G Brewer

  In addition, their other clients already include major corporations worldwide, all good links for us. They have the US Government on board and other governments are going to be knocking on the door big time to license the technology. The reality is no major business or government will chance being without it soon."

  "On that subject," Bill asked "has anyone heard anything regarding the last Chinese cyber attack? It all seems very quiet. What do your contacts say Mary?"

  Mary gave a wry grin. "That's a perfect example. Arteis was outstanding. It identified, intercepted and corralled the attack then successfully returned a special packet to the hackers." She laughed. "We haven't heard anything official but I understand aircraft manufacture in China has been shut down for three months now. Naturally we're not asking and they're not talking. If they did complain they'd be effectively admitting they were the source of the attack."

  She continued, "On top of that ongoing protection this deal was a bargain if for no other reason that we, not some other company, are now riding with Regan Stein and that's a ride I believe is worth taking. I'm not sure what her thoughts are for the future but she clearly wants to work with us more closely. I for one believe shareholders who stay on board will reap the benefits."

  Mary paused, "Gentleman, having said all that, I still need to ask something. You know I'm a convert and you don't need to resell STEIN to me, however, McCall raised this young woman's obvious attractions and we can't deny she is very good. Are we all being charmed beyond value here?"

  Hayden spoke first. "I'll tell you this; with Regan and STEIN you know you are talking about something special, there is no question of that. McCall's a sleaze and I was disgusted at his inferences. Also, I doubt he's even a shareholder as he claimed. Ok, she is young, attractive and a charmer for sure. But it's the quality of her thinking and ideas that's important here. She's sharp, visionary, has unusual empathy and an ability to connect like nothing I've come across before. Her ability to grasp the most complex customer needs quickly is disconcerting. But she doesn't seem to focus on personal advantage from her insights. She's a problem solver who isn't intimidated no matter how big the problem is. Problem solving seems to be a default mechanism with her and she has the smarts and interest to find solutions."

  Mary seemed to bypass all this. "So . . . are we being charmed?"

  Hayden laughed. "Do I find her attractive? Sure - but so does my wife; she figures that makes us all square." They all laughed. "I'll tell you something else," he continued.

  "Our trips to New Zealand doing due diligence have been very impressive. This is no one woman band. She's surrounded herself with some of the smartest people I've come across. All ages and all devoted to both her and STEIN. And, they're honest. She went out of her way to tell me upfront, before we even concluded agreement, that she was taking a break for six months once the negotiations are over. She didn't want to finalize anything if that was going to be a problem for us. I can tell you that it doesn't worry me a bit, her leadership group is outstanding. I'm embarrassed to admit I couldn't resist trying to poach her financial controller and got rebuffed pretty quickly. They all know they're in on something big there and they don't want to miss out."

  "What are your impressions Joan?" Bill asked. Bill could work the room like no one else, drawing on collective experience as he came to his own conclusions. Joan Pritchard was a favorite for him and her opinion carried weight. She had been a valued board member for 15 years following her successful career as a military pilot and later as an airline owner. In a difficult industry the family business in the Midwest had thrived under her leadership. With her engineering qualifications and practical piloting experience Joan was an invaluable member of this board.

  She quickly added her support. "I agree with Hayden. Honestly we were only there a week and I wanted to stay! If I were 20 years younger I swear I would have dropped everything in a heartbeat and begged for a job to work in that environment. Not that age is a factor there. A senior project manager I met in their Wairarapa facility had ten years on me. I tell you he had the enthusiasm of a thirty year old! Bill, I'm glad USD is taking this financial interest in Arteis. It stopped me from giving the idea of jumping ship more thought - I'm kidding of course, but seriously, just being there energized me." She paused, thoughtful for a moment.

  "Bill, at least with this association we can get on with our core business safer from threat than we've ever been. At the same time we buy an opportunity to work with them and see what develops from the inside. Some of their developments in defense systems could be groundbreaking and right up our alley"

  Bill nodded agreement. "What are they doing up there in the Waira . . whata?"

  "The Wairarapa," Joan corrected. "We don't know what their plans are as it's not directly related to Arteis, not at this stage anyway, but they're sure buying land. The talk up that way, not from the STEIN people but from locals, is Regan's building a private runway! Maybe it's a private airport?"

  "Are you serious?" chipped in Greg Jones. "Reminds me of that old joke, want to know how to become a millionaire? Become a billionaire then buy an airline!"

  "Well," Joan continued, "you might be on to something there, but it's a personal Regan project from what I understand. Her money, her risk, whatever it is."

  "Another thing," she carried on earnestly, "they generate a supply of young talent over there that is unbelievable! They have a program called 'hothouse' running that produces results better than anything I've come across around the world. It's run after school hours and STEIN supply all the latest computer hardware and mentors. Young people stay and participate in their own time playing games, creating games, doing programming, and they work on real business problems while STEIN covers all costs. The STEIN specialists watch, identify and coach, ultimately talent spotting the cream. As a result they have this amazing flow of talent coming through and I hear families are moving near the programs just to get their children involved. There may only be one genius in ten thousand but they'll find them. Regan told me they even support a program now in South Korea. All the kids know they can have a future at the cutting edge of technology if they want it and if they are prepared to work hard. It's amazing the freedom they're given and the results . . . fantastic already, not just for STEIN but for industry generally. Of course, if you're already a creative IT genius with a family, it's a pretty attractive prospect to go and work there too."

  Greg, the perennial devil's advocate cut in. "It all sounds a bit socialist for my liking."

  Exasperated, Mary shot back, "Greg, would it surprise you to know that apart from the manager, the team who developed Regan's ideas for Arteis came from the hothouse program and their average age is only eighteen?"

  "She's no Socialist." added Hayden. "Nor a straight out capitalist. Regan's splitting the four hundred million dollars she picked up in this sale. One hundred million is for her staff I heard and two hundred million is going straight back into the business. I'm not sure about the rest but whatever, she definitely deserves it. Think about it, those eighteen year olds are going to do really well and Regan's ensuring everyone gets a share."

  Greg held up an article on Regan Stein his assistant had found in Rolling Stone. "Have you seen this article? It says she was in the Olympics . . . come on . . . really?"

  Hayden laughed. "She was embarrassed about that when I raised it, proud, but embarrassed for sure. Women's Heptathlon. She was nineteen when she competed, didn't get near the medals, and she's had no time for anything since. Honestly, most people would recognize that just getting there is fantastic but ask her and she'll tell you she's just good at a lot of things, master of none."

  Mary pitched in too since they were on a roll. "Regan is mentally and physically strong with stubborn determination to get the job done. She told me inspiration for Arteis came from a form of mixed martial arts she practices. It's all about using force pitted against you and finding ways to turn it on itself."

  The Board Chairman had been lis
tening and hadn't missed the growing enthusiasm. He was reflecting quietly. "You know, I have a thought about our share price. . . . if it's falling . . . perhaps we should be buying?"

  Greg perked up. "A buy back - now there's an idea!"

  Bill stood. "Well, I'm comfortable with what we've done. Four hundred million sounds a lot to mom and dad investors sure, but the big institutions know it's just a small position taken in a company with potential. In the scheme of things this is tiny. I'd like to know what McCall's game is. Someone's pushing his buttons, I'm sure of it."

  Feeling the meeting was over, several moved to stand.

  "Before we wind up," Mary interrupted, "you have all got to see this!"

  She hit play again and eyes turned back to the screen as the program picked up where it left off. A short promo from the Business Focus sponsor played through then the studio suddenly appeared back on screen . . . with McCall stumbling backwards, over his chair and onto the floor, blood pouring from a nose that looked sickeningly flat.

  Mary paused the recording.

  "Word is, during the break he asked to see her tits."

  *

  The War Room, Stein Riverside, Hutt Valley, New Zealand

  Mention 'The War Room' at STEIN and anyone would direct you to the lounge of Regan Stein's apartment, top floor western side of the Riverside complex.

  A large sprawling building, Riverside was built in the seventies by New Zealand's Ministry of Works. That it was described as utilitarian said it all. Thankfully back then someone did have vision and the rectangular building of three stories with office space to burn had several redeeming features.

  First was location as far as Regan was concerned. She loved that it was close to where she'd grown up and had a great central valley position. Overlooking a golf course on one side and a park on the other, Riverside was also situated close to the Hutt River. For Regan location was the clincher as it offered close access to the running and cycle trails so much a part of her regular fitness routine.

  The second positive feature of Riverside was the central pool and garden complex, ideal for a young company peopled by youthful fun lovers who liked to party. Completely enclosed, the pool was private and made a perfect area for the central cafe.

  Third, it was ideally suited to the business. Along with the abundant office space, small theatres extended out from the sides of the buildings like fungal growths. They were ideal for group planning with teams of programmers often working together focused on large front screens, debating and experimenting to come up with truly new ideas.

  On the eastern side, connected to the main offices by a glassed walkway, the Film Unit had long ago constructed a huge three story concrete building with no windows, sound proofed for filming. Mostly a large empty space it was perfect for special projects. They now called it The Fortress.

  Riverside was Regan's first big cash splurge. Since STEIN took possession the complex had responded well to attentive owners unconcerned by expense and devoted to making work fun. The large pool in the central garden was now covered and heated. It was much appreciated for the staff's legendary parties in all weathers.

  The complex now housed the Ezas team, Arteis development, Special Projects and Marketing. It also included her personal apartment and guest accommodation on the top floor western side. The apartment unsurprisingly was a young person's dream space.

  Lying back in the lounge Regan found herself reflecting on all this. So much had been accomplished in five hectic years from nothing. Babe, you . . . are . . . good.

  Instantly she felt both proud and guilty in equal measure. She hadn't done it on her own and the team members that would soon meet in the room were outstanding. Regan knew full well how much their support meant to the realization of her dreams.

  They were more than stars in their own fields; to her they were family now.

  And what would I have done without Kevin? She thought, He's more than a brother, he's a friend; and in the company he's the glue, the guy who holds the pieces together.

  Reclining on the couch Regan cursed the headache that had plagued her all day. She mentally reviewed the events of the past three months, all complex, risky and emotionally draining. I'm tapped out she thought; the business is sorted, no worries there. Sales are going up. We've even got Governments with Arteis protection now.

  She continued churning things over in her mind. So why am I flat? We've done it! STEIN's a player, we're shaping the future! We've made huge advances with big investment and sure, big risk. . . . Is that my problem, risk? I'd risk everything again to keep making progress, maybe even lose the lot. She sighed sadly.

  Shit, it seemed so easy when it was only my risk, everything mine to lose . . . maybe I was even reckless. Now . . . three hundred people! Real people with real families! And we can't just do it on our own anymore. People don't realize how much we need the new partners and the production capability. We need the expertise of corporations like USDynamics, that's if we're going to take ideas to the next level. This isn't cheap - God I hope USD hang in there.

  Her hands went to her forehead and she massaged furiously, while continuing the internal debate. Shit I've never had to think about share price, share drops or how wankers like McCall can affect peoples’ investments. Regan sighed again, rubbed her eyes and stood to go through stretches before the meeting.

  What was it that entrepreneur said recently? She twisted from side to side, touched her toes, searching her mind for the quote. . . . "Do it while you're young if you can, because when you've got nothing, you've got nothing to lose." She moved to the chin up bar.

  "Pour everything into your dreams while you can because with every year you get older, responsibilities increase. You'll have relationships, dependants, debt, and a mortgage. As the years go by you collect more and more to lose. Taking risks gets harder and harder to do."

  Regan drew in a big breath and let it out with an even longer sigh, visualizing the tension draining away.

  Twelve weeks of flights, hotels, and taxis and she knew she desperately needed a break, needed to be stretched with something outside the business, needed to get the blood pumping, and refresh her thinking.

  Well girl, she thought, the business will go on without you. No one is indispensable. You need this break so don't back out of it.

  Settling back on the couch Regan looked distantly out over the golf course. She could hear the guys as they chatted and laughed, organizing lattés, macchiato, mochaccino, whatever else took their fancy in the gourmet kitchen.

  She loved the kitchen but she rarely cooked, even though the area was usually the social hub of the apartment. It was a geek pleasure to have all the kitchen gadgets imaginable and she definitely had them. Every visitor here, especially her team, was usually a geek and they loved doing their own thing in there.

  The converted apartment was state of the art. It had all the gizmos, little luxuries and high tech appliances along with fiber connection to all divisions. It was her office, her gym, her home, and however much she loved it, its close connection with everything happening at work was a major reason she needed to get away.

  She picked out the team as they chattered in the background.

  Mary Coleman, thirty seven, shortish, plump, presently unattached and happy with it. Loud with a raucous laugh and a bawdy sense of humor she was fantastic as STEIN’s CFO. Well qualified in accounts and economics Regan knew Mary had the company's financials at her fingertips. With her maneuverings she made almost as much for the company on Forex as some key products in STEIN's range produced in profits. It was pure cream.

  Kevin Stein, brother and champion all her life. Six years her senior, Kevin had a B.com, MBA and was a great General Manager. Kev has his finger on the pulse of the business; not much goes wrong on his watch and anything that does he'll handle it.

  Mitchell Davies, twenty seven, Mitch to his friends. A true geek, gamer and accounts software wizard - in the role of Technical Director for Ezas he was perfect; a focus
ed problem solver with great creative instincts. But he'll need Kev and Mary's support for sure and with luck they'll keep him profitable!

  Milo Kutcher, twenty five, nearest to me in age. The ideal Tech Director for Arteis, he was an accountant, hobby hacker and games wizard. Is it me or is it Kutch producing the results with his team? I give him an idea and he just makes it happen. He's unbelievable! Regan paused, distracted for a moment thinking about Arteis and the USDynamics deal. It was still sinking in.

  WOW! Four hundred million dollars! She lingered on every syllable and smiled, thinking of them all but Kutch in particular; he deserves all he's going to get.

  Stephanie Howard, twenty seven. She's like me, a ground breaker more than a farmer. Steph loves a challenge and she's a great friend. At the thought a wave of melancholy swept over her. I'll miss our nights out. If there's anyone I'd like to get away with for fun, it would be her. Regan sighed yet again. No, I need to get away from all business for a bit, not take it with me. I can't do that with Steph. Anyway with the plans we have in mind for Special Projects I couldn't drag her away if I tried.

  At thirty eight Marcus Jackson was the oldest in the group and not strictly part of the company. Lawyer, confidant and friend since the first days of STEIN, no one had worked harder to protect both her and the company. He's been a rock through the last six months. A keeper, she thought, and paused, considering the group. These are the people I trust most and have confidence in. I love them all. STEIN couldn't be in better hands.

  With new determination Regan stood. "Guys!" she called, "time to get started, let's get on with it . . . before I chicken out" she added quietly.

  She crossed the room and sprawled in her favorite spot on the big leather chair with her back to the central pool complex and Boulcott Farm Golf Course to the left. Today however views were the least of things on her mind. Her team drifted in slowly with coffees in hand and juggling various unhealthy food options scavenged from the pantry and fridge.