"You better believe it!" Hayden clearly had no doubts. "Relax Steph, they are the real deal, once they see the possibilities they'll be sold and they'll help you get it done! Believe it, I can't wait."
Stephanie warmed to the prospect. Looking again at the group she considered how they looked very much like her own team. They weren't 'yes' men or women, they would speak their minds. Yes, she thought, the prospects are good, very good. Regan will be pleased at this development, even if it was unexpected. She heard a loud clap from the entrance and turned to see her personal assistant calling for attention.
"Guys, time to move, we're heading for party central, we call this our piano welcome. The STEINway . . . do you get it?" Groans rumbled around as they all fell in, heading for the pool.
*
FBC Newsroom, New York
"Stunning developments in the USDynamics cyber terrorism saga ladies and gentlemen, and tonight we have a scoop that will blow the lid off this story so fasten your seatbelts! Greetings to you all, I'm John McCall and this is Business Focus. Tonight we have with us the Chairman of USDynamics William Thomas, if I may say so, a legend of aerospace and defense, thank you sir for finally coming."
The camera switched to Bill Thomas, looking so pale and drawn it was obvious to those in the industry someone had done an appalling makeup job preparing him for camera. Appalling or perhaps considered, he looked like a cadaver unaware it was dead.
"I wish I could say it was a pleasure to be here, John, but under the circumstances it would be fair to say this was a necessity rather than a pleasure." Bill prepared to go on the attack.
"I'm sad to hear that Sir, why do you say that?" McCall looked smug and at the same time was sickeningly respectful. He leaned back in his chair, relaxed, confident.
"I think you know why John. Misrepresentation on this program, distortion of the facts along with a considerable amount of poor follow up commentary has done tremendous harm to a great company. I'd like to reassure shareholders listening tonight that USDynamics is in great shape and always has been, no thanks . . ."
". . . 'Has been', now there's an interesting term Bill." McCall interrupted, ignoring Thomas and looking straight at the camera for a moment as if to wink, and then he turned back to again eyeball his guest, "Some would say it's the board of USDynamics that has done tremendous harm, not just to the company but to the reputation of the United States."
"Now you . . . ." Bill made to reply but McCall simply talked over him, the camera panning back to take in them both, then switching to focus on Bill as McCall went on the attack.
"Bill, as Chairman of USDynamics, we need your response. We've heard the latest forensic reports on the alleged cyber attacks on USDynamics in fact reveal the opposite. Investigators found no evidence of a Chinese attack but clear evidence that Arteis proactively penetrated China Air. The findings reportedly show that Arteis, originating from USDynamics, infected systems with a virus so virulent it's cost China Air billions! How could this happen on your watch sir!"
"Rubbish!" Bill responded, "Just more lies and deception, where do you get this trash?"
McCall dramatically flourished a file in front of the camera, before tossing it down on the desk in front of Thomas. "The White House report, Mr. Thomas. You will find everything is as I have said. Perhaps you might take the next few hours catching up. Oh and I'd contact your lawyers, I understand China Air are planning to sue, along with the Chinese Government."
He looked straight at the camera. "And Regan Stein, my bet is they will soon be coming," . . . he pointed into the lens . . . "for you!"
"We'll be back in a moment after this word from our sponsor."
As the camera panned away, William Thomas was standing, he looked ashen, and old.
*
USDynamics Boardroom, Washington
The young man sitting at the back of the room was thoughtful. Rarely noticed or acknowledged by the group he busied himself as usual, head down, taking notes.
'Non person' would be the correct description. He surveyed the board members present, all gathered for the live appearance of the great William Thomas on Business Focus and he could see from their body language the performance just witnessed had been something of a shock. He controlled a satisfied grin. As Personal Assistant to Thomas and the board he had attended many such meetings and he couldn't recall a single time anyone had addressed him directly except to order coffee or complain.
Well you don't look happy now! He thought uncharitably.
To a person they had heads in their hands, rubbing temples furiously, massaging tight scalps, covering eyes or in the case of Greg Jones rapping his forehead rhythmically on the huge oak table. The young man couldn't stifle a chuckle.
"You think this is funny Jonathan?" Joan Pritchard, the only board member he had time for, was glaring across the room.
"No ma'am, I'm sorry, I was thinking of something else . . . would anyone like coffee?" No one responded and he slipped quickly from the room.
Mary Pope finally articulated everyone's thoughts. "What an unmitigated disaster! I can't believe it. If that report says what McCall says it does we're finished, even the White House won't be able to save us. I just can't believe it, I saw the data myself! I'm no tech expert but I can't see why STEIN would do this, it's simply ridiculous."
"Is it?" Greg lifted his head, a small red mark in the centre of his forehead. "It's an old trick, create a problem for the customer then solve it. It wouldn't be the first time. Hell, we've played that game with our international politics for decades, why wouldn't a company do it?"
"For one thing," Joan countered, "We already had the problem and secondly, Regan Stein is no two faced politician!"
"Look Joan, of course we wait to see the report, but if it does confirm those facts we've got serious damage control to do. I suggest we get on to the company lawyers pronto and convene again tomorrow morning; we can't let this wait for Bill to get back. This is going to hit the markets in the morning and god knows what the share price will be by the afternoon."
Following such words of wisdom it was slightly incongruous to see Greg drop his head to the table once more, he groaned.
"That bloody McCall!" Joan protested, "How did he hijack Bill like that?"
*
Wellington New Zealand: Prime Minister's Office, the Beehive
"Thanks for coming in gentlemen. I'm sorry it had to be by the back entrance and on such disappointing business."
Prime Minister Robert Jarvis looked genuinely sympathetic and conciliatory as he offered them chairs. "Would anyone like water?"
"Not for me thanks Bob, you'll understand we're a little keyed up at the moment. What about you Marcus?" Kevin turned apologetically, realizing he'd spoken for both of them.
"No thanks, I'd rather find out your concerns first, Prime Minister, I may not feel like anything after that!" Rarely nervous, Marcus sounded like he had some idea of what was to come . . . and it wasn't good.
"Call me Bob, Marcus, no need for formality here." Jarvis said it with a stunning smile. "Well, let's cut to the chase. The Chinese want Regan, they want us to extradite her on cyber terrorism charges. We won't of course. For one thing we don't have an extradition treaty with China and secondly I know from the information you've already shown me there is a lot more going on than is obvious. But I'm between a rock and a hard place here guys, and we need to find a solution. At the end of the day though, I want you to know, we don't sell out our own."
"So, what do you intend to do Bob?" Marcus looked sceptical and he could see Kevin was shocked.
"That this is a delicate situation goes without saying. China's a huge trade partner for us, and it would mean nothing to them to cut us off so we need to tread very carefully. Some of this is just posturing and I get the feeling they have another agenda, only time will tell. But there's more I'm afraid, the US is also pressing for extradition and with them we do have a treaty. Again, we won't just hand a New Zealand citizen over, for a start they ne
ed to prove they have a case and we would need to be confident they wouldn't just hand Regan to the Chinese."
"This is all rubbish Bob, you know that." Kevin didn't sound convincing, even to himself, they all knew truth had nothing to do with these games, this was Realpolitik.
"Between us Kevin, I don't believe a word of it, and I'm sure time will sort it out. But in the meantime if I were Regan, I wouldn't leave the country, the US and China have a lot of sway with a lot of nations. Where is she anyway? I would have thought she'd be commenting on this by now. She doesn't strike me as someone who avoids a fight."
Kevin and Marcus exchanged looks. "Honestly Bob, we're not sure. She took six months off just after the USDynamics purchase and didn't want to be contacted. Having said that I'm not giving anything away when I say she planned to backpack around South America. Look, when she turns up we'd appreciate any interventions you could make to get her home safely rather than, well, the alternative." Kevin was clearly concerned.
"Of course, I'll do whatever I can. If you hear from her tell her to contact our local representative or embassy if there is one - bearing in mind in some countries there we only have trade representatives. Kevin, I don't like to suggest this but there's something else you need to consider. If South America is where she went she may already be in US hands. That they contacted us at all could be just establishing a paper trail, that's the way this game is played sometimes."
Kevin stood followed by Marcus, there really was nothing more to discuss.
He looked down at the PM. "Thanks for the heads up Bob. You have the real facts, stand by us and we'll stand by you, this isn't right."
The PM stood and extended his hand. "You can be sure I'll do what I can, and in the meantime, let's keep each other in touch."
As they exited the elevator on the way to the car Marcus tried to be encouraging.
"Kev, things will work out. Regan will sort this when she gets back."
"That's just the point Marcus, when she gets back. Where is she? What if they've got her already! I need to get back and talk to Kutch about this, there must be some way we can do some forensics of our own, find out what happened, this is all bullshit."
They reached the car and Marcus paused there looking across the roof of the BMW.
"Kev, I'm not sure if this is going to help you or not, but I can tell you Regan has had me taking a position in USDynamics. With the share price tanking so badly, well, she's actually amassed a significant strategic shareholding. I don't think this was exactly her plan, but it's working out in her favor and I get the feeling she's on top of this in some way."
Kevin met his eyes, shook his head, then smiled and opened the driver's door. He looked back at Marcus.
"Nothing surprises me about that girl. This is serious stuff, but there's nothing we can do about it that we're not already doing. Let's go get a drink."
*
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington
President Sarah Allen looked sadly around the Oval Office, clearly troubled.
"I wonder how many conversations like this have been held in this office." She paused, thinking. "I feel sullied by this whole affair, it's appalling."
"Come now Sarah, you're exaggerating." The Vice President tried to be soothing using his smarmiest manner.
"Don't 'come now' me Jim, god you can be patronizing at times, this is appalling! We're being out maneuvered here and I don't like it!" Angry she stood and paced around the desk.
"I told you, this was your deal, and I said sort it!"
"And I have, Sarah. We won't be giving away any military secrets and, well, it could save a lot of jobs. Ok - there's a downside in election year. No one likes to see strategic assets fall into foreign hands, least of all to the Chinese or the Russians, but on the other hand no one wants government bailing out rich corporations anymore either. All they're asking is our guarantee that we won't oppose any legitimate takeover. China Air will drop their suit if they're allowed to go to the market. Sarah, this could save the company, save the jobs and make us look good in this brave new world."
"Bullshit! It should never have gone this far. We've been worked into a corner and you've virtually encouraged it. Shit Jim, was this your plan all along? How could you think this was a good idea?"
He looked mortally offended. "I reject any suggestion I encouraged this, this is just business. You know they've already been quietly buying; it's a freely traded share after all, what is there to worry about?" Jim couldn't help himself, still selling.
"Jim, I'm really starting to wonder about you, I thought we were on the same page. The President glared at him incredulously, "Of course they're buying! The shares are so damn cheap because of all this and now they're getting a US technology bargain because of a problem they started. This whole episode has set them up for the buy of the century, and do you know what galls me Jim? At the end of this when we find they own our family silver, we'll probably owe them even more money! Shit!" She thumped her fist into the table.
The meeting had hit an impasse. President Allen dismissed them with a wave, "Let me sleep on this, my head hurts."
Secretary of State Marshall remained in her seat while Jim Walker stood and quickly made for the door.
"Sarah, I know you're tired but could I have a moment, there are some other issues I need to discuss."
"Uh, yeah," She looked distracted, "of course Anne. Oh . . . Jim," She called out to him. "We'll meet again in the morning and don't make this worse!" Sarah sat back down, utterly deflated and looked at Hilary. "Please tell me this is good news. "
"I wish." Hilary replied sadly. "Look Sarah, it may be too late but there might be something we can do, it's about those USDynamics shares. Are you familiar with the term, 'squeeze out'? "
*
New Zealand: Hutt Valley, Wellington
Kevin lay back on Mary's couch looking out over the lights of the Hutt Valley. He liked the dark of the room, only the moonlight throwing a warm glow over them as they talked. Mary sat facing him, half turned with one leg tucked under her, a glass of Pinot cupped warming in her hands.
"How serious does Marcus think it is?" She asked, gently teasing out the information as she could see Kevin was clearly stressed.
"It's about as serious as it can get but New Zealand isn't going to just give up Regan to anyone. Having said that, we're a responsible minnow in the international community and at least we operate by the rule of law. If they follow the right procedures they might just establish enough of a case to have her extradited." Kevin took another generous sip from his glass.
"And then you're worried the US will pass her to the Chinese?"
"You know Mary; I'm not worried about that. I honestly don't think the PM will let her be extradited in the first place; although how he will intervene I don't know. I'm more concerned that they may already have Regan."
"I don't think so Kev. Can you really see them having her and not trumpeting it, they're desperate to get some positive spin out there. No, they don't have her and that means they won't, Regan's too resourceful for that. She's probably already on her way back here as we speak, on a slow boat from Timbuktu." Mary carefully put her glass down on the table.
Kevin smiled. "In my heart I think you're right. Regan said six months and she's not one to dance to anyone else's tune. She won't be back a day earlier."
"Now," Mary slapped her hands down on her thighs, punctuating the moment. "Would you like some good news?"
"Is there any?"
"Sure there is, you're getting too pessimistic. Ezas has added thirty five thousand new SME clients in the States in just the last two months, can you believe that? Mitch told me this afternoon. Now that's worth celebrating! I think it's time to look at listing the company. Based on comparisons with others Ezas could be worth seven or eight billion!" She bounced on the seat.
Not for the first time Kevin marveled at this woman's boundless enthusiasm. You can't keep her down, he thought.
"Mary, you're pro
bably right but the timing isn't the best. Association with the Arteis thing could count against us, particularly if the press or McCall makes the link. But, I'll speak to Marcus about getting all the backroom stuff underway, that way we can move when we're ready. Regan always planned a partial float anyway. After she gets back and we get the story back in our favor, well, it might just be the right time."
Mary slid one hand up his inner thigh. "Arteis . . . we know we're in the right, right?"
He smiled and shifted, encouraging her, "Right."
"Well then," and she smiled coyly, "things will come right, right?"
Mary fumbled with his belt and zipper, carefully extracting him and he quickly hardened in her hands. She roughly pulled his trousers down leaving them bunched around his feet like cuffs. Then she climbed astride him while reaching down under her skirt to simply pull the underwear to the side. With her other hand positioning him she eased onto him and then settled with a satisfied sigh.
As she began to move at her own pace, one hand on his shoulder, the other reaching down to massage herself, Kevin regarded the groaning silhouette and reached up to steady her ample curves. My God, she just takes whatever she wants, I love it! He began to gently thrust in time with her movements.
*
Gliese 667 System - The Hare and Hounds
"Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run . . ."
The sound of quiet singing reverberated eerily around the empty ship, ShipHam filling in the time; planning, scheming and examining the responses of his systems to data. As the two Coran warships edged closer by the hour he began to realize the growing frequency of internal warning signals was indicative of something he had only observed previously in others. It was fear. The sure knowledge a version of himself remained with Regan did nothing to allay this versions’ very real nervousness as the chasers drew nearer. Me! He thought, in a fight!
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