GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN - April 2173 - Earth / Moon

...Earth...

David Turner rose from his seat after studying the three expectant faces in front of him. This was the first time he had ever called a meeting. Both David Tressel and Eric Taylor felt intrigued as to why he'd called them in. Tressel's new solicitor, Aaron Fletcher, was also present. Eric, as usual, had declined to bring his solicitor to the meeting.

"Gentlemen. It has come to my attention that a galactic war is brewing. While humanity is not yet linked to the new Confederation – we will soon be. Therefore, we will be involved eventually."

"Why does this concern us?" asked Tressel.

"I'll come to that in a minute, David." Turner started pacing at the end of the table. "I've been investigating Eric's interest in our company and have found some interesting information."

Eric's interest in the meeting began to escalate. He leaned slightly further forward but said nothing.

"I think Eric bought into this company, and tried to take it over, because he had found out that humanity was joining the Galactic Federation. Joining this federation would mean new trade routes. These trade routes would mean an immense amount of wealth to those who jump on the bandwagon from the start. Eric has seen an opportunity to get ahead of the competition. When this alliance is officially announced, multiple companies will see what Eric has already. But they will be far behind this company. It would take them many months to catch up. Those months will be where the largest profit will be gained."

"I'm neither denying nor confirming your statement," said Eric. "But, why are you telling us this?"

Turner smiled in Eric's direction. "The upcoming war will have a direct impact upon these trade routes. It will reduce the profit Eric is expecting. Now, I don't pretend to know much about business. I have learnt a lot, but I am much better at war. Therefore, I have decided to sell my shares of this company and go back to the Space Federation."

Eric felt nervous about where Turner was going with this. His carefully laid plans were being challenged.

"Don't leave us," said Tressel. "I thought you liked it here."

"I do, David. But I can't ignore the fact that this whole planet could, very soon, be in danger."

"Perhaps I should involve my solicitor," said Eric.

"I'm doing this now, Eric. I did tell you to bring your solicitor to the meeting."

"I can get him here within the hour."

"It won't matter, Eric. I've looked into this in great detail over the last week. I will be selling my shares to David Tressel. It won't matter how much you offer for them. I know that David can't compete. I'm going for the moral high ground on this one." Turner stopped next to Mr Fletcher. "I want you to oversee the sale of my shares to David. I will accept whatever he can afford."

Eric knew that he'd lost this one. With Turner's shares – Tressel would regain fifty percent of the company. Now Eric would have to put up with Tressel's ideas and, no doubt, interference with his plans.

Turner walked back to Tressel and shook his hand. "You will own fifty percent again, David. Good luck to you both."

"I don't know what to say, David. Are you sure you want to leave?" said Tressel.

"I'll see out the week and take a couple of weeks holiday. Then I'll be departing for Sentry One. General Bolgon has already accepted my reinstation."

Eric left the room, seething inside. He wanted control of this company – not a share of it. There must be a way to stop this, he thought as he rolled down the corridor, away from his partners.