ManBeast - Book 1: A Kingdom of Predators

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

"I just sent you the list of recent employment applications, sir; I also forwarded the applications to talent management to begin making initial assessments. In-house counsel also forwarded me a copy of contractual terms and conditions to be submitted with the contract bid, including a suggested payment schedule for the city's Parks and Recreations Board. Looks like there will be a lot of potential hires for the upcoming project!" a young woman spoke enthusiastically out of the intercom speaker.

"Excellent, Lori. Send them a memo as well: all general hires, including those for the project should be vetted according to standard procedure by management. The artistic design subcontractor and his particulars for hire I will handle myself," a rich, deep, and gravelly voice answered back. "No problem sir. Oh! were you able to find the old partnership contracts in the shared office drive? I know you were curious about whether they were still accessible electronically," Lori inquired. "I did, Lori; appreciate your help as always," the voice answered back.

"Anytime Mr. Mack! I know today is the anniversary of Amendment Zero, and that it means a lot to you, so I sent you a fun celebratory email, with some interesting fun facts while you were out earlier! Oh, last thing: did you still want me to C.C. the other partners about you handling the Art and Design subcontract provisions as well?" Lori asked. "No, there's no need to bother them; hiring Julius P. Jones in this capacity is a necessary unilateral action, factored into the reconstruction bid itself. And Lori... thank you truly, but you know "Mr. Mack" is far too formal for my taste. Please, do call me Frankie...everyone else does."

"Aw shit, first day jitters"; the first thought of the day. Well aware every new venture has its anxious moments, one would think these jitters would be normal, anticipated even. Maybe it was the sense of urgency in hire. Perhaps it was the air of mystery as to the project he was hired for. Or maybe, the notoriety of the firm that had hired him. No matter what it could be, Jules' preparation for his first day of work still had to have a sense of "style"; a beat, a rhythm, something to set the tempo to.

Jules wiped his eyes and rolled out of bed; without looking, he grabbed his phone, turning off the ambient sounds of quiet whale calls, and ocean waves. "Need something a bit more...robust," he thought groggily to himself. Flicking through an extensive playlist, he stumbled across a excellent old-standby: "Old-School Wu-Tang...why not". Jules was not one to overlook the effect of "36 Chambers" on repeat; a proper mindset was half the battle to shaking the morning grog. As he begun to move through his apartment to gather his things, pictures of friends and family from the past, along with colorful yet abstract urban artwork subtlety compliment the monotone and modern layout of his dwelling. Illuminated by the increasing sunlight though the shades, somewhat surprisingly, Jules stretched out and started his day in the ample space within both the living area and the bedroom. One could guess that either Jules has a decent financial backing, or is a "minimalist" in design of his living space; either way, neither guess probably would not be inaccurate.

"Cold shower, dress, waffles, bacon, toast." Simple enough, the usual morning gamut. While engaging in habits he has done some many times before, Jules' run through of his morning routine were impeded by the incessant thoughts about how to present himself. What to say, what to wear, how much pressure to put into a handshake...first day of work thoughts amplified by thrills and anticipation: "No coffee today. Those morning shits can be serious and this training sesh might be long." Indisputably, first day of work thoughts.

Despite this, each step and move through his routine had the flair of a "bop" to it; no movement wasted and on key with each passing song. It was as if Jules attempted to dance away the anxiety, or to turn his concerns into physical expression. Notwithstanding this possibility, "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" provided enough morning gusto for any rap purist. "...Gotta get up and BEEEEE SOMEBODAAYYYY!!" ...perhaps more than enough gusto. The lyrics of ODB caused Jules to chuckle while trimming his sideburns, occasionally stopping to pose in the mirror and flash imaginary hand-signs of fictious urban symbols. Then, fully washed, dressed, and armed with his essentials for the day, he came across a hand written note on the kitchen counter leading to the door. Still half encased in its envelope, a moments glance caused him to smile slightly; the writing is scribbled in a fashionably messy style, but was clearly punctuated on the signature line with a "LOVE YA ALWAYS, NERD! BIG SIS". Jules took the note, placed it on his fridge, and headed out of the apartment, grabbing his headphones in one smooth swipe. "Protect Ya Neck" turned off in sync with his departure. The usual morning routine, first day of work edition.