Chapter III: Ovulation

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It's a neutral afternoon in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It's been a few days since the meeting with Herbert Brown. John finally arrives at the Cemetery; where most of who died in the unexpected sinking of the RMS Romiana were buried. John stands in front of his parents's grave; in his hand is a bouquet of beautifully scented flowers.

A moment of silence for an emotional heart-to-heart conversation with his dead parents through his mind. Suddenly tears tremble off his eyes.

No man can bare the agonzing pain of grief losing those who bore you, nourished you, and served as your guidance to facing the different routes of life.

He grabs a handkerchief and wipes the tears off his face. With a saddened and broken heart, he drops the bouquet of flowers on their grave. The death of his parents, something he will truly never move on from. But, it's time to focus on what needs to be done; the new revolutionary ships for his beloved company. He gets on his car, and off he goes.

It's the morning of May 25, 1901. John and William arrive at one of the Harland & Wolff Shipyard Company branches. They proceed to Herbert's office and enter. John and William warmly greet Herbert. "Good Morning." said by the both of them. Herbert replies, "Good afternoon to you too, fine gentlemen."

"Has the papers been processed?" asked by John. Herbert then replies, "Yes, infact here they are." John recieves the necessary papers and takes a glance over it. He then says "These are very nice." Herbert then says, "I have assigned one of our shipbuilding architects for this new project. He should be coming here in a few minutes."

The door suddenly opens, and a man enters the office. Herbert introduces him to the two. "This is George Barrlow, one of our marvelous shipbuilding architects." gladly said by Herbert. John and William warmly greets him. "Good morning." joyfully said by the two." And so, George warmly greeted them a "Good Morning" too.

"Well, it looks like you're all getting along. I will be leaving now as I have to attend an important meeting. You can call me, or George, if you two need anything. " said by Herbert. Herbert walks out of the room and leaves the three of them.

The three of them take a seat and start discussing. George starts the discussion. "So, Herbert has already told me some informations I needed. I've been working on possible designs for the past few weeks. I just needed to meet the both of you to establish these designs further." George pulls up a few design concepts and presents it to the both of them.

William comments, "Well, all these look very nice!" John suggests, "I would suggest that you take some design elements from the previous BIM Line ships that we've had; even from other shipping lanes." George replies, "Well, that's what I've been doing. I've been taking design ideas from various ships and implementing those here. I'm just seeking for new and better ideas for the design of these three new ships."

William then says, "I have actually sent Jordan, one of our staffs, to go undercover and board White Star Line's new, popular, and revolutionary ship, the apparently called "Celtic." George then replies, "Oh, that ship has been proudly designed by my good friend."

After hearing this, the two had a malicious idea. John suddenly said with a quiet voice, "Well, George, if you can get a hold of that new ship's deck plans, as well as deck plans for other previous ships built here, we'll play you a little 'something something' as an addition to your already high payment."

George suddenly felt nervous, "But sir, that is highly unethical and may get me fired." William then replies with a quiet voice, "Not if nobody finds out. We are offering you such a great deal." John then agressively threatens George. "Now, if you don't agree with this deal, we can go have a talk with the managers, ruin your beloved reputation, and get your position lowered down until you become one with pesky mole rats."

William then adds, "And, if you try to do something against us, we'll do it worse for you. Either way, there is no reason for you to do that, since by doing this, you're getting something in return." George then replies "But that's-" before being interrupted by John's threatening words, "So, Do YOU agree with our deal now?"

John and William were the masters of malicious gaslighting and manipulation. George was left with a difficult choice of wether to choose to agree with the deal or not.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Apr 02, 2023 ⏰

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