Agent047
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855 - CONNECT Board meeting
🕑 Added 2025-03-01 00:19:45 +0000 UTC[A/N: I encountered some immigration issues, which made it difficult to write during that period. My apologies for the delay.]
A few days later…
The board meeting of Connect Enterprise, the parent company overseeing eight powerful subsidiaries, was about to commence. The subsidiaries presidents of —GAIA Technologies, Inc.; Helios Energy & Utility, Inc.; Hephaestus Industries and Manufacturing, Inc.; Hermes, Inc.; Plutus Ventures, Inc.; Icarus Airlines, Inc.; Asclepius Biotechnology, Inc.; and Coeus Foundation—had all gathered for this crucial discussion.
Before the formation of the empire, ARES Security Solutions, Inc. would have been included in such a meeting. However, since its integration into the imperial government as one of the three major ministries under direct imperial oversight, it had fully transitioned from a private security firm to the official Imperial Army. Now operating under the governmental structure, its reporting lines followed those of ministries and agencies, reinforcing its position as the empire’s primary military force unless the emperor decreed otherwise.
Due to the geographical dispersion of its presidents—each currently at different locations—the meeting was being conducted within the Universal Simulation to ensure full attendance without requiring representatives.
One by one, the presidents materialized in the virtual boardroom, exchanging brief conversations with those who had arrived before them. The seamless digital environment replicated the grandeur of an executive meeting space, down to the finest details.
Within ten minutes, all company presidents and the foundation's head were present, leaving only Aron and Nova yet to arrive—an unspoken signal that the official proceedings had yet to begin.
The presidents of these companies hadn’t changed since the day they were selected and offered their positions. Retirement had never even crossed their minds, despite the fact that their salaries alone could sustain them for the rest of their extended lifespans without financial concerns. The primary reason was their deep sense of loyalty—when Aron had recruited them, he had also helped them overcome the greatest challenges of their careers. Even after more than a decade, they still considered themselves indebted to him.
But beyond that, each of them was working in the field they were most passionate about, at the highest level possible. There was simply no better place for them. Even if they left to start their own ventures, they knew they could never truly compete within the same industries. Here, they were at the peak of their respective domains, pushing boundaries in ways that would be impossible elsewhere.
The atmosphere in the boardroom was lively yet relaxed. There was no awkwardness between them—over the years, their relationships had grown beyond simple business partnerships. Their constant collaboration across industries, the integration of their technologies, and countless joint meetings and celebrations had made them more than just colleagues. They were friends.
“Hi, how is everyone doing?”
At the sound of Aron’s voice, all conversation came to a halt. The executives instinctively turned toward where he would be seated, just as his presence fully materialized in the room. His voice had preceded him by a fraction of a second, but the timing was perfect—almost as if they had synchronized their movements to greet him.
Alongside him, Nova appeared and took her seat, positioned among the other CEOs. Although she was an AI, she was also the official representative of Plutus Investments, making her presence at the table as natural as any of the other board members.
"If I complain, I’d be ungrateful," Rachael Richardson, CEO of Hermes, said with a satisfied smile.
Hermes had long since dethroned Amazon as the largest delivery company, and at this moment, she had no complaints about her life. For the past decade, she had been living in what she considered heaven—a stark contrast to the hell she had endured before Aron rescued her from an abusive husband.
She had already completed her "therapy"—a personal reckoning in which she repaid her ex-husband for everything he had put her through. Thankfully, she had finished before the empire's formation; she knew Aron would never have allowed her to continue once he became emperor. (A/N check chapter 286 for the start of her and the rest of their back story for those who forgot about them)
"I could say the same," Robert added, gently squeezing her hand under the table. The gesture made them both smile.
They had found each other after escaping deeply traumatic marriages—Rachael from an abusive husband and Robert from a wife who had tried to strip him of everything he owned. Their shared past had brought them closer, and over the years, that closeness had blossomed into a relationship that remained strong to this day. Knowing that the other had endured similar pain fostered an unshakable trust between them; they understood, without a doubt, that neither would ever inflict the same kind of suffering on the other.
The rest of the CEOs responded in similar ways—some with words, others with simple nods. A majority of them have all been given second chances, and none of them took that for granted.
"Since everyone is here, let's start. We can save the small talk and celebrations for after we're done," Aron said, shifting the atmosphere in the room back to a more serious tone.
{This meeting is now in session. All CEOs are present. We will proceed immediately,} Nova announced, taking over as the meeting’s secretary.
{This summit has been convened to provide Chairman Aron Michael with a comprehensive update on the operations, financial performance, and strategic initiatives of all subsidiaries under his ownership. Each CEO is expected to deliver a concise report, highlighting key developments, challenges, and opportunities. After each report, the chairman will have the opportunity to ask questions or provide directives.}
She made a deliberate effort to refer to Aron as "Chairman" rather than "Emperor" to emphasize his role in this capacity. It was a small but significant distinction—one that ensured clear boundaries between his imperial authority and his corporate oversight.
{We will begin with Sarah of GAIA Technologies. You may proceed.}
As soon as Nova gave Sarah the go-ahead, a large holographic display appeared on the empty side of the long, oval-shaped meeting room. It would serve as the primary visual aid, displaying real-time data and projections relevant to Sarah’s report.
Sarah took a deep breath, ready to deliver her update.
Comments
Jade
He does tell me haha
Jade
Oops typo, but see?
Jade
FIRST!! TYFTC;;
