Authors: Mark G Brewer
Stephanie Howard, twenty seven.
She's
like me, a ground breaker more than a farmer. Steph loves a challenge and she's
a great friend.
At the thought a wave of melancholy swept over her
. I'll
miss our nights out. If there's anyone I'd like to get away with for fun, it
would be her.
Regan sighed yet again.
No, I need to get away from all
business for a bit, not take it with me. I can't do that with Steph. Anyway
with the plans we have in mind for Special Projects I couldn't drag her away if
I tried.
At thirty eight Marcus Jackson was the
oldest in the group and not strictly part of the company. Lawyer, confidant and
friend since the first days of STEIN, no one had worked harder to protect both
her and the company.
He's been a rock through the last six months. A keeper,
she thought, and paused, considering the group.
These are the people I trust
most and have confidence in. I love them all. STEIN couldn't be in better
hands.
With new determination Regan stood. "Guys!"
she called, "time to get started, let's get on with it . . .
before I
chicken out
" she added quietly.
She crossed the room and sprawled in her favorite
spot on the big leather chair with her back to the central pool complex and
Boulcott Farm Golf Course to the left. Today however views were the least of
things on her mind. Her team drifted in slowly with coffees in hand and
juggling various unhealthy food options scavenged from the pantry and fridge.
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?"