The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 101 : Conceptualising

Dusk stood up, highly embarrassed. While she had not called the meeting, she could not just throw Catherine under the bus. How was she to know that the kid had not even taken approval? It was her uncle's palace, not her own.

"Uncle! I thought you were going out for a party with Aunty, so I did not bother to call you..." Catherine started.

Dusk realised that it was a wrong thing to say. Even if Lord Sunjune was going out, Catherine could not use his office without approval. She addressed him, "Lord Sunjune, I am sorry, I did not realise that you were not aware of the meeting. It was very wrong of us to use your office like this without approval. If you need the room, we will be more than happy to vacate it!"

Sunjune laughed, "Relax Dusk. I do not need the office. My niece has the full permission to use my facilities. It is better she is doing something constructive instead of moping on the earlier incident. And as long as you are here as my guest, you also have full freedom to use any facility you need. Just tell my ADC and he will reserve a room for you."

Dusk thanked the Minister and sat down again. Dusk did not realise it, but Susco noted that Lord Sunjune had entered at a perfect time, when the General was questioning Dusk on her authority and rationality. It was as if he was listening to the conversation... And by his words and actions, he had very effectively communicated to everyone in the room that Dusk had his full support.

General Ruxati also got the message pretty loud and clear. He immediately tried to withdraw his question. However, Dusk decided to clarify the matter anyway.

"General, your question and scepticism are understandable. I understand each Sub-Factory will cost us about $7 million, in some cases $10 million. We are talking of committing to an expenditure of $150 million. If you are worried about the finances, we are ready with the money sitting in our bank. My concern is more on the Team headed by Mr. Onasis, being able to implement the plans.

"But in the least, if we can set up a single sub-plant, we will start delivering 6 vehicles a day from it. If we can run it 24 hours like the Princess suggested, we will give you 16 vehicles a day. We have other customers, of course who would be unhappy if you are to hog all of our production, but as the Princess has promised, you get priority."

"But if it takes the assembly robot 1 hour and 20 min to make a vehicle, we should get 18 vehicles a day, not 16!" Catherine, ever ready with her mathematics, commented.

"Catherine, downtime, maintenance, buffer..."

Catherine opened her mouth to counter, then shut it. She had a list of vehicles and times to be taken by each. The time varied from 30 minutes to 100 minutes. So actually, the number of vehicles the Factory could generate, would depend on the type of vehicle. That meant, without the final production schedule, it was any way impossible to say how many vehicles would be built. She finally understood. These were estimates and not committed numbers, so it did not matter.

"Onasis, I need two robotic assembly plants to be set up alongside your existing plant, so at least we will be able to make 3 times the vehicles right away while the decision on location of the Sub-Factories can continue." Dusk ordered.

"Actually, we are falling behind on our schedule for fighter jets and EPACs. Some critical parts are made by your company. So please see what you can do to prioritise that also. I believe the two Executive Directors of Patricina are here..." the General put in.

"That's hers... She did not give me a share. So not valid question in my meeting." Catherine said with a scowl. She was still angry that Dusk took 100% holding in Patricina and refused to share it with her and Rosemary. She would be able to pick up only a small stake later when Dusk decided to invite fresh common stock. But with Luke giving her $500 million, she may not even issue more common stock.