CHAPTER III
Bobby Sanderson stood at the window of his quarter floor sized corner office. He was atop his ivory tower, an imposing testament to his power and wealth, contemplating the next move of his corporation. Which direction would maintain his corporation's elevated status in the world's financial picture? More tech, more acquisitions, government contracts, private contracts, should he let his army of commodities traders loose on the next big ride to the top of some speculative bubble. He wasn't sure yet, though if his old magic came back to him he would know what to do.
"Bobby....?" said a voice.
"Bobby! " said the voice a little more firmly.
"Hey, Mike....." Bobby returned from his distant thoughts, turning away from the window.
Mike Loughlan , one of his trusted corporate officers stood with a wad of paper in hand, ready to do the ritual 'numbers' that shaped the months coming activities.
"Bobby, I know you're about to take your trip but we really need to talk about some of these numbers, they aren't so pretty" Mike said, a serious note in his voice.
Bobby nodded, he knew things weren't all entirely well, but that was partially his fault, some bad calls and failed opportunities had led his corporation astray. But it was his corporation, he had built it from nothing and he could reduce it to nothing, but that wasn't close to happening yet.
"Ok Mike..... give me the abridged version....." said Bobby as he planted himself at his desk.
"OK let's talk the blood, cash.... cash is ok, even if our income stopped tomorrow we can fund our operations for months assuming activities remain unchanged..." Started Mike, his eyes studying a page of data.
"But....." Bobby guessed.
"Look it's not all bad, the guys have stabilised some operation costs, but your little R&D outfit...you need to get that under control....it's your pet and I respect that but..." Mike started.
"Mike...look.....they've done good things....the ClearOrbit Act program.....that's good money coming online, the first mission is already landing its first golden eggs and that materials project...that's close.....do you know what it is to have your own Teflon, Nylon, Kevlar or Lycra? That's money in the bank Mike....." Bobby explained his thinking.
" I know, I just hope money starts flowing in before the money flowing out kills us" Mike said, tapping some red digits in his wad of paper.
"Well I'm going over to the LA site soon to see how it's going...see what progress they've made and shake the tree." Bobby said, trying to reassure his colleague.
"Sure, nothing dusts the clocks like a visit from the top man......ok what else.....let's see.... equities are ok.......commodities....positions aren't too bad but we are a little biased to the short side..." Mike continued.
Bobby blinked, Mikes words blending into one stream of noise as his eyes scanned the little cube glass 'trophy' cabinets. The old console system and his prize certificate... then the youth technology idea prize.... the Green Recycling Idea prize.... The lottery ticket.....his first big winning share trade....all his early financial success stories were laid out in his trophy cabinet.
"So...that oil field Bobby?" Said Mike forcefully.
Bobby blinked..."That oil play? Have you seen the numbers for that, they publish soon? That enhanced recovery tech is squeezing that field dry... when the first flow rates come out that share price is going up"
"Well something has to give if not now then you've got to at least consider something for the next review, we need to narrow down,just for a while....." Mike pleaded. Bobby had spread the spending power of the corporation over many speculative opportunities, one or two had great potential, others less so, and it was important to Mike that they get out of some before they were shown to be 'losers'.
Bobby paused a moment in thought, Mike was right, it was time to get out of dodge on some of his exposure.
"Ok. If we get out of that microprocessor work and unwind some of our commodities positions......." Bobby began.
"Well that would help...I'm just asking for room to manoeuvre Bobby.....look I know you usually have a good feel for direction but, you know , since your sister....,well you've been off your game.....I'm just trying to keep an even keel until you get back into your swing....you understand?" Mike said calmly.
Bobby looked vacant a moment as he contemplated his sister, now in an orange jumpsuit in a mega-max security facility awaiting assessments before her trial. How had his fate and hers diverged so badly he wondered?
"Ok, Bobby, I'm going to kick off some of this and perhaps we should have a mid-month review....just so you can kick my ass when we realise you were right and I was just a whiney bitch..." Mike laughed trying to raise the mood.
Bobby seemed unmoved, Mike had been talking sense, he had to clear his head and focus, the market was always talking to him, he just had to listen, he knew money was there to be made if he just paid attention. Whatever happened, Bobby knew his good luck always had helped him before....until his sister was arrested, anyway.
BZZZZZZZZ
Bobby pressed the intercom button on his phone.
"Yes Gina?"
"Your car will be here in 10 minutes to take you to the airport .....you wanted me to remind you...."
"Ah yes....thanks Gina...." Bobby said with a smile. "Ok Mike.... start that off then, and I'll let you know about the nerds when I get back..." Bobby raised a laugh.
"Ok, I'll hold the fort while you're gone" Mike said scooping up his papers.