Solaria - S1 (5 page)

"True. On the other hand, if he is able to strengthen his position with his people, it's going to be more difficult to control him later or get him out. What happens then?

"By then we'll have our people positioned to do whatever is necessary to make him see our point of view or..."

Lawrence let the sentence drop. It was never good to state the obvious, especially with someone like Stalling. The CEO didn't want to hear the gory specifics about necessary actions. He just wanted the job done. If something went wrong then he could claim ignorance, knowing he had enough money and power to take care of any problems through legal means or otherwise if needed.

Stalling nodded his head.

"I like your reasoning. You're a true follower, Lawrence. Make sure of it! I'm not thrilled about waiting another year for that land, but it'll be worth it if we can kill two birds with one stone. Having Tremaine under my thumb and in control of those platinum fields, we can move forward with our plans."

Lawrence chuckled at the mention of platinum. What Stalling really wanted was access to the Tantalum deposits. For years the element had been used for surgical tools because of its hardness and non-corrosive characteristics. Everyone knew the metal had great possibilities for bone implantation because of its compatibility with biomass. Science is now able to mold arms and legs from metal, then cover them with lab grown muscle and skin. Once attached to the amputee's body, it closely mimicked the missing body part. The one issue science hadn't been able to resolve was the jerky movement or slow reaction time of the replacement limb. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before the problem would be solved. What they didn't know was that Future Dynamicon had succeeded in solving it three years ago and had bigger plans for the metal than humanitarian.

"Speaking of which..." Stalling continued "How are we coming along with our pet project?"

"I'm expecting an update later today, but from what I hear, it's progressing nicely. We should be able to move the Hubot to the next stage within the month."

"Good, good. And what about Branson?"

"She'll be taken care of."

"It's a shame to lose such a talented employee."

"Yes, but she's the only one who knows the technical details of the Hubot's programming. Once our intelligence division activates the subprogram implanted in one of its secondary chips, Branson's going to notice a difference and figure it out."

"The downside of being too smart," Stalling commented, secretly pleased at the thought of ridding Future Dynamicon of the scientist. She had never hidden her dislike of the CEO, and he had bided his time waiting for the moment she became dispensable. Perhaps he would break his rule of non-involvement and attend her going away party.

"Let me know when she's ready for retirement. I'd like to pay my condolences," he said and laughed.

Lawrence grinned.

"I'll do that."

"Well, if there's nothing else, I have an appointment with our President at three. He needs a little help with one of our Middle East clients. Seems Sheik Amul Kahbrahn is threatening to cut off oil supplies to our African allies if the US doesn't back down on its threat to place sanctions on his country. That would be problematic to my plans."

"Kahbrahn... didn't he try that same thing about four years ago?"

"Yeah. The guy never learns. I guess we may need to give him another reminder that I don't like being left out of the loop."

Pushing a small button on his desk, a voice instantly answered the summons.

"Yes, Mr. Stalling."

"Cora, get me the file on Kahbrahn."

"Of course, Mr. Stalling."

Moments later, an older woman with glasses and graying hair walked in and handed him a file.

"Thank you, Cora. You may go."

Nodding, his secretary left without saying a word.

"Now, let's see. What can we do that would leave a lasting impression on our Mid-Eastern friend?"

Flipping through the pages, he halted and pulled out a photo. Smiling, he held it out to Lawrence, who took it and glanced at the picture.

"This, I believe, will do nicely."

"His daughter, Princess Reina? But she's only twenty."

"Exactly, and his pride and joy."

"And what are we supposed to do with her?" Lawrence asked, frowning. There were some things about his job he didn't like. As much as he didn't mind ridding the Company of problems, kidnapping a young, innocent girl didn't feel right.

"Now, Lawrence, I'm not asking you to do anything drastic. We're just going to give her an extended vacation at one of our local hotels for a few months. When Kahbrahn realizes we mean business, he'll be more than willing to accommodate our wishes. Pick her up during the next college break. That should give us a few weeks to decide on her future before anyone gets suspicious. After all, everyone knows how university kids like to disappear and party."

"We need to be careful and make sure she's not harmed. You know how that country feels about their women if they think they've been dishonored; especially the Sheik. He'd stop at nothing to avenge his daughter's honor," Lawrence warned.

"True, but sometimes we must sacrifice a lamb for the good of the cause. At the moment, though, I have no intention of harming the girl. In fact, since you seem so concerned about her well-being, I'm authorizing you to assign our best special ops agents to guard her. It'll be a perfect test opportunity. How does that sound?"

Lawrence knew Stalling wasn't really asking for his approval. If, however, it provided the girl a greater degree of protection, he was satisfied. The last thing the Company needed was an angry Sheik making waves. Stalling was powerful but the Arab ruler had a lot of clout.

"I think that will do."

"I'm glad you approve. I'm beginning to have a few reservations about you, though, Lawrence. Surely, you aren't having doubts now."

"No, of course not, but there are some things I just don't like."

"I understand perfectly. God's work isn't easy. Unfortunately, sacrifices are necessary."

Lawrence stared at his boss for several seconds, wishing again that he had the man's strength of faith.

"I know. I'll get in touch with our contacts and have them make the arrangements. It should be fairly easy since she's attending a university in Massachusetts. Sheik Kahbrahn believes in our western education systems."

"Good. Now, I think we're done here. Get me the update on the Hubot as soon as it comes in, and let me know when the Kahbrahn situation is taken care of."

Nodding, Lawrence left.

Leaning back in his chair, Stalling stared into nothingness of his wood paneled walls. He was bothered by the conversation that had just taken place. Lawrence had been with the CEO for more than twenty years and rarely challenged Stalling. On those few occasions that he did, it was usually for a good reason and proved to be valuable advice. Still, Stalling knew better than to put his complete faith in the man. Occasionally, although it was rare, Lawrence revealed a few undesirable traits, such as a reluctance to perform certain duties essential to Stalling's plans. As his designated successor, Lawrence needed to be strong if he were going to take over Stalling's empire in the event something happened to the CEO. Future Dynamicon was the largest IT network in the world, he would be required to make quick, hard decisions, leaving no room for doubt.

Stalling was well suited for the job. His position also provided him with the necessary funds and power to achieve his real goal. As God's Chosen, he was destined to save humanity, even if it meant sacrificing millions to accomplish his goal.

*  *  *

Stalling was the only child of a televangelist minister and his wife, an overworked social worker who had suffered severe ‘burn-out syndrome' from her case load. The only way she could keep her sanity was to turn to her religion, hoping God would grant her some relief from her guilty conscience.

Focusing their attentions on their son, they made sure he practiced his religion faithfully. As the Reverend Jerry Stalling's ministry grew so did his wealth, his influence, and his ego. God had obviously chosen him to spread the word of his Savior. Unfortunately, diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, Reverend Stalling realized that he had been mistaken. God had chosen him to father the next Messiah. In the little time he had left, he made sure Winston's future was assured. Arrangements were made to send him to the best religious universities in the country. Against the wishes of his wife, he transferred custody to one of his most loyal followers who would carry out the Reverend's plans for his son. From that moment on Winston Stalling was shaped and molded to fulfill the ambitions of a small group of fundamentalists who believed in promoting their religion at all costs. When he became CEO of one of the most powerful companies in the world, they were ecstatic, having succeeded in their goal. Now they impatiently awaited the fruits of their labor.

It was only a matter of time before the final stages of their plans were completed and the world would tremble at the new Messiah's feet, begging for mercy and forgiveness. Of course, Winston Stalling would be merciful, but only after he punished those who doubted his position as the Chosen. Men would regain the manliness they had lost with the birth of the women's rights movement. They would again become the leaders and providers. Women would bear their children and take care of the homes and their men as God had intended. The world would once again be on track to becoming unified as all other religions would be forever banned.

Winston Stalling was the first to acknowledge that religious fanaticism spurred discontent amongst followers. The only way to insure peace and security in his newly formed world was to eliminate those who didn't believe in him. No one could argue the logic in having one universal belief. Why humanity hadn't realized this sooner only confirmed what he believed.

*  *  *

Thinking of the latest reports from several missions in Africa, Stalling smiled with satisfaction. Already he had established a strong foothold on two-thirds of the continent.

Almost three hundred villagers knelt silently before the chieftain outside of his hut. The women and children were gathered in small groups on the periphery of the assembled group, banned from getting too close to the tribal leader. The men who had converted to the new religion, were allowed to enter the sanctum as long as it was done humbly and they could prove their faith was strong. Heads bowed respectfully, they awaited their chief's instructions. Azubuike motioned two men holding a third to come forward.

"Tubuktu, you have not taken Chukwu into your heart. You do not follow the teachings of our glorious father, Reverend Talbert. He has helped our people find the one true God. Through him, we have found new hope and you will be saved. What have you to say?"

"I follow the old beliefs," the man declared proudly, "Just as our ancestors did. I will not bow to this white man's false God!"

Azubuike frowned and then clapped his hands together and signaled to the two guards to take Tubuktu away.

"Your arrogance will wither and die like the wild rice when the sun bakes the lakes dry. Reverend Talbert brings proof of his power and will use you as the vessel to help other disbelievers. Take him to clinic," he ordered.

Several groans arose from the kneeling followers but were quickly silenced by their Chief's angry expression.

"Do not dare to anger our Savior. His ears and eyes are everywhere. You have food in your bellies; your children go to school, and we have medicine to treat your ills – all of this and more. Anger him and you will return to the old ways when you had to forage for food and watch your young die from starvation or disease. Is that what you want?"

"No!" several voices yelled. "Praise be to Reverend Talbert. Praise be to our savior, Winston Stalling."

Azubuike nodded his head happily. Most of his tribe were now devoted followers. The few doubters that remained were being weeded out and converted with the treatments supplied by the medical clinic a few miles from the village. Reverend Talbert paid a good price for disbelievers and the chief didn't have to worry about troublemakers. Already, Azubuike was richer than he ever imagined, thanks to the benevolence of Winston Stalling and his followers.

*  *  *