Resurgence: The Rise of Resurgence Book 1 (54 page)

“Please have a seat Mr. Jolston.”

When Terrence lowered himself into the chair he noticed a newspaper sitting on the desk. It was from the current day. Newspapers had become obsolete decades ago, but the rich still loved them and a limited number were produced, just for them.

“Turn to page 5. Below the fold.”

Terrence opened the paper and saw a story concerning a robbery that had gone horribly wrong. Pictured was a body on the sidewalk with a sheet over the face and a pool of blood under the body. Next to it was a headshot of the person who had been killed during the robbery. It was the Head of the Board of Directors who had been a thorn in Terrence’s side since he began working on the project.

“Last night, I couldn’t tell you when, our Head of the Board was the victim of a heinous crime. The police have concluded that he fought back instead of giving up his wallet. You can see the results yourself. The police have no suspects, no leads, and the perpetrators have gotten away Scott free.”

The President swiveled his chair around to look at Terrence and met his eyes. “Three days ago an unauthorized immersion module was implemented within Resurgence. The results have been catastrophic.” While giving this last piece of news, the President slid a slip of paper with data on it to Terrence. One quick glance showed Terrence what he needed to know.

“I was not aware of this at all sir.”

“You need not worry Mr. Jolston. This didn’t come from your department. The man lying in that picture was responsible. His demise was likely less painful than what I would have done to him.

“I now have an opening on the board. And one that needs to be filled immediately. I have reviewed the resumes of all the remaining members, and I find them lacking. I suspect some were complicit in this operation. Others were likely too dull to realize what was going on. All that matters is that none of them are suitable.”

“I have no love for the board sir, anyone can tell you that.”

“I am aware of your feelings. However, you will need to temper those emotions in your new post.”

Terrence blinked a few times before realizing what was just said.

“But sir, I’m not qualified to be Head of the Board of Directors.”

The Old Man leaned forward toward Terrence and his years came through. It was also easy to see the cold and calculating man who had built this empire.

“This project is everything. Everything I’ve worked toward. Everything I need to reach my goals. It cannot fail. I don’t need an MBA from Harvard Mr. Jolston. I need a loyal man who has the company’s and the project’s interests first and foremost. You are that man.”

He then grabbed the paper from the desk and spun it around to look at it. “This is a dangerous world we live in. Made even more so by incompetence. And I do not suffer incompetence,” he finished while throwing the paper into the waste basket.

The message came through loud and clear. He hadn’t said it outright, but Terrence had no doubts that the Old Man was responsible for the man’s timely demise.

“Go see the board. Explain to them the new reality they live in. You speak with my voice, and make sure they know that.”

“Yes sir.”

“And one last thing Mr. Jolston,” the Old Man said as he swung his chair back around so he was facing away from Terrence again, “there will be no more errors. You have my full authority to do whatever it takes to bring about compliance.”

“Yes sir.”

Terrence stood up from the chair and started backing away from the desk toward the exit. As he was turning around to walk toward the exit he heard the Old Man again.

“Mr. Jolston.”

“Sir?”

“Whatever it takes,” the Old Man said again, while looking down at the waste basket one final time.

THE END

The Rise of Resurgence – Book One

Resurgence

Alex’s story will continue in…

Restoration
The Rise of Resurgence – Book Two

Available Soon