Regan sat silently as the chatter slowly died and one by one the eyes turned to her.
"Well, I guess you all have some idea why you're here . . ."
"Not really," Kutch interrupted, "I hope this isn't bad news."
"No bad news!" Regan said, putting her hands up in mock surrender, "No way! I guess things couldn't be better really. But there have been developments as you know, good things, and yes, I do have new news.
First we need to talk about the sale announced yesterday, the proceeds of the sale and what my plans are for the immediate future. Then I want to talk about our roles and what we're doing and I'd like to fill you in on the break you know I've got coming.
So, let's start with the business. We've all been celebrating and rightly so. It seems unbelievable how quickly this sale has happened and I'm sure many in your teams will be wondering, why USDynamics? All I can say at the moment is that apart from being a major Arteis customer, USD offers a manufacturing capability that is of interest to me. You know Kev and I are pilots and we've always loved flying. Well, I'm seeing all these private investors, Branson, Musk, Ellison and others, all jumping into orbit and I admire them for their vision. Simply, I want to get there too and beyond. I want to reach for the system, the wider solar system. Orbit for rich tourists is commonplace now and shit I've even done it myself. Now I want to make it even more accessible to everyone. That's what got me interested in connecting with a major aerospace player in that field. I'm looking at doing some development of our own and after all why stop at orbit?
Having said that, I want you to know that any personal plans I have won't take away from our core business. I'll be investing and risking my own money in this, not the company’s so everyone's jobs are secure and if the rumor mill gets going make sure people know it. The USD sale is important. I see them as a strategic partner for Arteis with some possible spin offs for STEIN. Frankly, it’s gut feeling that had me commit to this sale however there are some pretty obvious benefits too."
Slowly and deliberately Regan spoke the magic words, "Four . . . hundred . . . million . . . dollars!"
Hoots and cheers broke out and order was abandoned, the room filling with laughter.
She continued, "So, what do we do with that much cash?" Regan paused and then scanned the group lingering particularly on Mitch. "First, I'm not going to forget that Arteis wouldn't be here without the financial platform Ezas gave us. All divisions, including Special Projects, are part of STEIN and all contributed to this sale. I want you to know that I'm grateful for everything this team has personally invested to get us here.
So, I'm sharing the four hundred million. First, I'm leaving two hundred million dollars in the company for reinvestment and ongoing development. That means we're well cashed up and very secure.
Second I want one hundred million to be invested in and for our staff." Regan paused here as she let them consider the implications of the statement. Three hundred staff, one hundred million dollars! She knew their minds would be ticking over the numbers.
Regan continued, "Mary, Marcus and I have been working out how best to do this. We simply can't afford for everyone to suddenly become rich and retire at twenty five!" They all laughed.
"So, I've authorized forty million dollars to be placed in trust for an employee fund. It'll provide one hundred percent free comprehensive health and life insurance cover for all employees and their families for as long as they stay with us. It will also provide scholarships for children of employees or anyone on staff wanting to continue education while working here.
Ten million dollars will go directly to staff in the form of bonuses this year. That's going to make a healthy midyear bonus for everyone." Cheers and high fives broke out and Regan couldn't help smiling. She knew more was to come.
She continued. "Steph, Kutch, Mitchell - Kev and Mary will work with you over the next few weeks to help allocate bonuses in the fairest way possible among all your teams."
"So . . . that leaves fifty million dollars of the total staff one hundred million." Regan paused, smiled, opened her arms wide and laughed.
"Guys, it's early, but who cares - Merry Christmas!"
Stunned silence greeted the words. They looked at each other as if trying to gain confirmation about what had been said; disbelief paralyzing them for a moment. The silence drew out as the reality set in and then the room exploded with splutters and screams. Regan thought she had never seen such shocked faces.
Before anyone could speak Regan pressed on. "The fifty million dollars will be split in five equal ways between all of you and I truly, truly hope this won't see anyone jump ship. Honestly, I'm having so much fun I don't want the party to end but I love you all too much to put conditions on this. That's ten million dollars each, unconditional. You deserve it."
Any semblance of control finally disappeared and the room erupted with cheers, hugs and tears. None of them came from wealth. The windfall was far and away beyond their expectations or comprehension. This was winning the lottery!
"My god, thank you so, so much Regan," Steph spoke for them all through tears. "I can't believe you've done this. It's unbelievable."
"And you don't need to worry! I'm not going anywhere babe!" said Mitchell.
"Nor me!" the group chorused.
Mary couldn't hold back any longer, she was still bubbling with excitement, like a child who knows about a hidden present. "But wait . . . there's more!" she said, the eyes of the group turning to her, and then back to Regan.
"That's right," Regan said smiling. "Each of you, including Marcus, is getting a one percent share of STEIN. I want you all with me into the future and I want Marcus to have skin in the game too. USDynamics paid four hundred million dollars for ten percent of Arteis alone. As of today you each now have one percent of the whole company. Do the math guys, and get excited. There are conditions of course which Marcus will explain. For example, in the short term I'm not going to let you just sell outright or sell to just anyone, but the dividends I'm sure will more than make you happy.”
This was too much; everyone was overwhelmed by their new status and they collapsed back into their seats.
Through everything Kevin had listened silently, occasionally shaking his head. Now he stood, walked to Regan and embraced her. "Sis, I am so incredibly proud of you. You're amazing!"
Mary joined him. "I was stunned too Kev and I don't know how I didn't give something away to you. It was unbearable hiding it while Marcus, Regan and I were working on this, you usually read me like a book."
"Sorry bro," said Regan. "I wanted this to be a surprise for you too, and I really wanted to enjoy the moment.
And boys, don't buy any fast cars that you know I wouldn't buy." They all hooted knowing that left the field wide open.
"Seriously, this is a lot of money. Please talk to Marcus. He'll be the best lawyer and advisor you'll find . . . and now you can afford him."
Marcus chipped in. "I've got to be honest, of course I'm envious, ten million each, wow! But you five have done amazing work." He paused. "I'm going to say it, someone needs to; Regan's been truly generous here, she didn't have to do this. That she did however is a big part of the reason I'm sure this company is going to be a world changer."
He raised his coffee, "To Regan," he toasted. "We need champagne!"
Regan raised her hands, calling for attention. "Thank you guys, but before we get too far into the celebrations there are other things we need to cover, my last bit of news." Regan paused.
Perhaps it was the way she said it but silence settled quickly and looks became apprehensive.
She waved away their concerns. "Hey, hey, everybody, it's all good. I just need a break and I'm nervous about it. I've lived and breathed this dream since I was sixteen and you all know it. It's been my passion and sure, that can make it easier. But this last three years huge changes have happened, and in particular over the last three months with the USDynamics deal and everything, well, I feel like it's sapped everything.
I need a good break to recharge. You, this team, give me the confidence to do that and I am one hundred percent confident in all of you."
She continued. "I've never done a big OE and I'll be twenty five soon so, my plan is to take six months out. I'm going to disappear, get away from the press and especially pricks like McCall. I want to get into a completely different mind space. Plus I've put on a few kilos the last few months and I've missed too much sleep so, I'm going to do something physical, go bush, and freshen up.
Here's the thing. While I'm away I won't be available at all. Kev and I have prepared for this and while I'm gone he'll be in charge, as acting CEO. Guys, Kev will now be your point of contact. He'll run the company with your support. In other words" she laughed, "you won't notice anything - and we're only talking six months. Kutch, Mitch, Steph, you keep doing what you're doing in your divisions. Kev and Mary will back you up all the way." She stopped and shrugged. "That's it really." She looked to her brother. "Kevin?"
Kevin smoothly took over. "I'm pleased for you Sis, and we will be fine. You go with our blessings," He looked back at her, "So, it looks like you've finalized your plans then? When will this finally happen?"
Regan smiled, "We party tonight, and I leave tomorrow."
*
The Fortress, Riverside Complex
Regan led Stephanie and Kutch through into the old sound stage area, now the Special Projects Fortress. All three looked under the weather after the late night party they'd all enjoyed. Encouraged by Regan to stay over in the apartment they hadn't held back. This meeting was part of her agenda in inviting them.
"Sorry to drag you out so early guys. I'm leaving this afternoon and I really wanted to take a look before I left."
Steph looked so excited she was buzzing. "No problem, I'd have been disappointed if you missed seeing the first scaled up prototype, we brought it down and assembled it especially for you."
Two more doors, codes and checks and they moved through into the large open area, still pitch black.
"Lady and gentleman," Stephanie said with mock formality, "The ADF . . . Arteis Defense Fighter!" She hit the lights.
Before them was a beautiful delta wing, drone sized, about ten meters wide, six meters long, like a stealth fighter.
Regan paused, breathless for a moment. "I love it . . . I love it, do we know how it flies?"
"Regan . . ." Steph looked at her, one hand nervously over her mouth, "It's scary good, there are no excuses now, it's time to work on the payload and see how far we go from there."
"And what does computer modeling say about up scaling to a two seater?"
Steph put her hands up. "No promise but it looks good. We've pressed ahead with the drone as that fits with our Arteis defense plans . . ."
"It does?" Kutch had been listening dumbstruck. Another surprise! How do you people keep secrets so well?
Regan looked at him and smiled. "Yeah, it does Kutch." She turned back to Stephanie and hugged her. "Thanks Steph, I had to see it and I'm not disappointed. So, what do you think Kutch?"
Kutch was stroking the beast. "I don't know what this is all about he said, but I'm in!"
"It's like this, Milo my friend, you and Steph are going to be working together on this one. Sorry, but there's no time to explain everything now. Steph will bring you up to speed." She turned back to the ADF, a huge smile breaking out. "What can I say? This makes my day, I'm going away really happy."
*
Home
Standing by the ranch slider, Jean Stein gazed into the distance, one hand nervously stroking the alpine hiking pack, stuffed to capacity.
Regan reached out, wrapped one arm around her mother's shoulders and drew her close. "I'm going to be fine Mom, please don't worry."
"You know that's too much to ask, it's a mother's prerogative to worry and it’s part of my job description."
They faced each other and embraced, long and hard.
Jean faltered, "Your father . . . he. . ."
"I know what you're thinking Mom but please don't worry, that was a long time ago. I miss him too but I'm much better prepared, I have GPS, an Emergency Beacon, even the latest SatPhone." She held up the tiny unit then realized it was far too small to be reassuring.
"But really, why do you have to go on your own? It's foolish, I'd be much happier if you had company . . . Stephanie, or Kevin maybe?"
"Mom . . . please leave it, I'm going to be fine and as much as I love them both I need the space to think. I'm so looking forward to it and this track is a highway in tramping terms."
"Yes but then you're just going to head off to South America without even coming home!"
"Mom, you must keep that quiet, I mean it! I want to be anonymous like anybody else and enjoy the same overseas experience every other young person gets to enjoy. I don't want people chasing me like some celebrity. Keeping quiet is what I want. I'll come back the better for it, you'll see."
"You won't convince me." Jean protested, but not with much conviction.
"I know Mom, that's part of your job too. I love you for it and it does keep me on my toes. It makes me extra careful!"
A car horn sounded from the driveway. "Mom, this is it, the taxi is ready. I love you and I'll be back again before you know it."
Jean took Regan's face in her hands tenderly. "I know sweetheart, I love you too, more than you know. Be careful and call if you need anything and . . . just . . . enjoy!"
Even as the taxi drove away Jean was already calling Kevin. She felt lonelier than she had for a long, long, time.
Chapter Two: The Journey is the Reward
Day One: Collingwood below Farewell Spit, South Island, New Zealand
Regan lay back on the bed mentally dictating as if beginning a review of the day; perhaps for a journal. The helicopter trip in had been over the top but the story about being a journalist seemed to have gone down well and flying in had saved time too. This part of the break was to blow out cobwebs, to walk hard and fast. Yes, she wanted to enjoy the surroundings, but she also wanted to stretch herself, to test her limits again and come out the other side. It was also about unfinished business, hence her plans to divert off the Heaphy Track onto one of the side routes where markers were few and people rarely seen. In some places she knew it would be more animal trail than hiking track. Taking one of the old side routes meant using all her skills and maybe sleeping rough depending on the weather. She was fine with that, well prepared and capable. The weather forecast was also good although it had been wet for the last fortnight. Still, the next five days looked clear and warm; perfect.
Now, lying on a comfortable bed in the old Collingwood police station sleep swiftly overcame her. It felt already as if weight was lifting and she slipped into dreams for the first time in months.
A new day and she couldn't help feeling annoyed as the land cruiser carrying them to the beginning of the track arrived. Yes, you heard right she thought, continuing the internal narrative, them!
Two others arrived with the Cruiser; excited Israelis on holiday and eager to do the Heaphy. Both seemed very nice people but she didn't want company. Regan was determined to head off quickly on arrival and leave them to themselves, hoping they wouldn't be offended. They look like new lovers so perhaps they might even be relieved.
Frustratingly the journey took a couple of hours taking them well inland with the driver giving a running commentary of the area history, gold diggings, caves, springs . . .
She heard little, trying instead to ignore thoughts of business. STEIN had consumed her mind for . . . forever! Or so it seemed. How could something I love have become such a burden?
On arrival and eager to get moving Regan impatiently dragged her pack from the vehicle, quickly strapping up. She could tell some offence had been taken but as she pounded along the track building distance from the others, her concern about people and their feelings quickly dissipated. Instead she found herself reveling in the sheer joy of movement, effort and sweat.
Ahead
lay a solid six hour climb past Aorere Shelter to Perry Saddle Hut. Six hours to sort through her thoughts and mentally clean house. She laughed out loud. The track felt like a highway and climbing steadily she made good time. Happy, even surprised with her fitness, she used the time to review plans for the next few days.
Perry Hut would be shelter tonight. She knew that sleeping inside would be unlikely even though she'd booked. It would probably be occupied and although bunks would be available, company was not something she wanted this early in her travels. No bother, she thought, I have my Bivvy sack and the weather looks likely to be fine. The idea of sleeping under stars was attractive anyway and she hoped for a clear night. Views of the night sky out here away from the city were spectacular.
Tomorrow she would begin her diversion south, away from the track, traversing to the Gouland Range via Kaka saddle. From there she'd cross over to scrabble up Mt Inaccessible. At fourteen hundred and ninety meters it wasn't particularly remarkable; except it was there that her father had fallen. Her father had come from the other side, from Lake Aorere via Centre Mountain and Mt Dommett but she had no desire to retrace his exact steps; this was no pilgrimage. She simply hoped to exorcise the demons long carried, ghosts of denial, disappointment and avoidance. Finally, near where he died, she hoped she might find her own peace.
Regan again continued her mental dictation.
It was a hard, hard night though it had started well. Lying back, reaching to the stars, drawing patterns and remembering a wonderful childhood. This followed by hard ground, little sleep, but steely resolve undaunted!
Regan's Reach Page 3