The Boardroom

Saul grimaced as he pushed the plexi-glass door open in front of him, but he wiped his face clean as he entered the climate-controlled environment of the Senior Management Board Room. Eleven chairs were placed around a solid oak table, and each chair was filled. Saul reflected on the oddity of being disappointed in a parent for showing up, but there it was; Angus Saul was not fit to direct a company, and that was an indisputable fact. He sat timidly in his oversized chair, and Saul could see that the last three years had not treated him well. Why, he wasn't so overwhelming after all. A husk of a man, even. That shack where he lives must be weathering him early. So much the better, in Saul's opinion. He flashed a quick grin to his father as he took the chair opposite, and Angus deigned him with a smile. They were going to be civil this time, it seemed.

The meeting opened, but Saul heard none of it. His eyes were on Angus, who appeared to be nodding off. Old habits died hard, though, and despite the old man's reticence, Saul knew his kin well enough to see through the ruse. His honed corporate instincts were screaming at him, and as Angus opened his eyes and coughed delicately, Saul shot to his feet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I really must protest."

A general stirring and murmuring as the black-suited envoys of the upper echelons turned to face him. Some were on his side, he knew, and some would hold their peace, but he couldn't just sit there this time. Why couldn't he have stayed out in the country? Why couldn't he rot away in peace? Angus Saul was a relic of the past. The fact that he was given voice here was unthinkable.

"This man is present today to overturn the policy that I have pushed for these past few months. I can think of no other reason for him to be present, and I doubt that he'll deny it if I say it right out." Indeed, no sign of denial. Angus was smiling calmly. He looked tired around the eyes.

"Since I came of age, I have been instrumental in this company's success. This man may have been a founder, but he disappeared, ladies and gentleman. He's not in contact for months, years at a time. We allow him to attend the board meetings of his pleasure and sabotage plans that were years in the preparation, and for what? He simply returns to his shack in the woods with god only knows what to keep him amused, and leaves us to pick up the pieces!"

Anger. Too much. There were a few nods, but not enough. And now came the thunder...

"Sit down, son."

Saul sat. It was coming now, and there wasn't much point in denying it.

"The board is in agreement that my continued absence from the day to day affairs of this company allows this company to function better as a whole. My long sabbaticals are intended to keep my moral compass. I don't intend for a lot of corporate drones to drive my good name into the ground."

Corporate drones. Lovely. So that's what he thinks of you.

"I am using my status as director of this company to veto your suggestion for expansion. You know why I'm doing that, son. The short-term yield is great, but the long-term damage to this company's reputation would be...catastrophic. I cannot allow you to move this company in that direction. There are enough evil empires out there."

Look at him. That smug, withered bastard. He's ruined everything.

"However, since my son has raised the issue, I would like to request that the Board approve some staff for my personal use. I've spent my sabbatical drawing up some plans that I think will satisfy the company's short-term demands for the next several months, and pending the changes my son will undoubtedly require, I think we'll all find it agreeable."

Nods all around. Saul was stunned. What the hell was this? He usually swept in with a plan and enacted it! He wanted his son to look it over? Was this a sign that Angus wanted his approval? His opinion? Why did this matter so much to him? The bastard was fucking with him, that was it. He should have known.

"Thank you, gentlemen, ladies. I won't be back for thirteen months, at least. Keep a tight ship until I check in."

They all rose. He's off again, Saul thought. Father was a good imitation of Houdini after meetings. Round of handshakes, head for the doors, lighting a cigarette as soon as he's clear. Saul watched him go. He could have ambushed his father and asked, but he was fairly sure the answer would be unhelpful.

He had been pretty angry, after all.